Soooooo, the swings and now a monkey bar set are officially part of the Moivaro School grounds. It was…let me just say…a very time-consuming and slightly expensive (in Tanzanian standards) project to put through. But I’m very happy to see the children swinging, laughing and even fighting for a seat to play. Only in Africa will it take a welder TWO HOURS to weld three 12 inch long metal pieces to the swing set. Because the steel is not of the best quality, Pat and I had to march our way through Arusha to find a sober-enough welder who would attach the poles on decently. I’m just going to say it: Tanzanian men are a bit sexist (I know, we’re in a male dominated world, but the response between Male: Pat and Female: Karin was astounding) Without Pat, most of the men didn’t even look at me unless they were drunk…then they would say, “This wonderful woman…this wonderful lady, Karin.” (SIGH). But after spending two full days (25 hours total) sitting and watching the welding being completed, the monkey bars and swings are a go.

Surprising, none of the children have seen monkey bars before, so when we put them up, a huge crowd of children kept asking “hii ni nini” <what is this?> After careful explanation and a sad attempt of being a monkey, I decided it best that the kids just figure it out on their own.

What I’ve learned from this experience is the following: 1) the careful step-by-step process of drying concrete 2) Being patient 3) Being ignored.or perhaps more losing patience with a loss of translation 4) Enjoying the children swinging and climbing 5) Remembering playing on my first playground at Acacia park.

As the sun was setting yesterday evening, I watched a group of 20 children playing soccer with an avocado. I thought twice whether this playground would make any sort of difference if these kids can have as much joy and fun playing with an unripened fruit. But I’m very happy that it’s completed and my hope is that it will last. Thanks to everyone again for all their help, support and love in getting three simple playground equipment UP! Am talking with an architect to see if a roof is possible for some of the unfinished classrooms. I have to say that with only two weeks left that I will TRULY TRULY miss this place. I cannot wait to return.