Sundays

Sundays are my favorite days here, at Mavuno. After breakfast, we walk to church with the people from family house three. It's 30 minutes walk over absolutely stunning terrain. 

Still on Mavuno property

Isn't it gorgeous!

Some of the houses we pass on our way

Church is filled with music and singing and children, and I love it. Bethany translates the sermons for me which I so appreciate! 

After lunch, is Mavuno's chapel, led by the kids. We sing and pray together before one of the older kids shares a message from the Bible. My favorite part is the singing, because I can often join in (especially if I have a Swahili hymnal). 

Then everyone cleans up and the moms talk while the children play. During the week, the kids are usually busy with school or chores, so Sundays are special. Watching them run and play brings me so much joy! 

                                

Sunday Afternoon

Bare feet, sunshine, roller skates

Singing, laughing, playing ball

Dancing, climbing, raw mangoes

Sunset, goodnight, till next time

Tree of Life School

Most of my time here is spent helping at Tree of Life School. It's just a 15 minute walk from my home and I've grown to love all the kids who attend. 

In the mornings, I get to hang out in the Kindergarten, which is the biggest class in the school. I'm learning my Swahili numbers and days of the week right along side the kids ;) 

The Kindergarteners are always full of smiles

The afternoons are filled with different clubs including, Science, Reading, English, Computer, and Art club. So while the Kindergarten naps, I tag along with the other kids and help out wherever I can be used. 

All the grade levels gathered for the closing time

I'm learning so much from all the teachers and students at this school, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them. 

Mavuno Intro

Hello! I've been in Tanzania for about a month now, and my time at Mavuno Village has been wonderful!

Mavuno is a children's home based on the family model. There are 5 family homes here and each one has house parents. This couple then takes in kids who need families for different reasons. So, in the end you are left with something less like an orphanage and more like a tight-knit neighborhood bursting with kids. Each one of the families have been so kind and welcoming, and I'm so grateful to for the privilege of getting to know them. 

The families of Mavuno