It was back to the CCT grounds to meet with the big group today (n = 39). We were supposed to take daladalas but PC took pity on us and sent a van that ended up making 2 trips so everyone in Kihonda could get there on time. It was good to see everyone again and share how our homestays are. There are many similarities but a wide range of socio-economic statuses of the families. Of course, most of us are living with families that are pretty well off and have more amenities than expected.

Most of our day was taken up by long talks on syllabi (aka curriculum) and lesson plans and getting still more books/materials. We wish the lecture had been much shorter and the practice part longer but at least the last activity was good. A couple of PCVs and one of our PCMOs introduced us to the PSDN (Peer Support and Diversity Network). It is set up for PCTs and PCVs so they have people to turn to when they need to talk or advice. They had us do an activity in which we wrote down ways that we are similar (in our CBT group) in the middle and each of us was a petal to make a flower. It was not easy for us to come up with ways that we are different and, as usual, I thought of a few things afterward but had trouble when filling in the flower. Since we shared our flowers, we got to learn more about everyone in the big group. It was a great way for us to quickly see where we can make connections with others in the group.

Although the sun was low when we returned to Kihonda, I joined some others for a beer. I actually know of liked the beer (Kilimanjaro) but could not drink more than half. We ended up meeting the younger sister of Ezra’s mama (Tz – mama mdogo). By the time we headed home, it was dark. We are supposed to be home by dark. And dark is very dark here. Most of the way I walked with others but there was a block I was alone after Vero went down her street. Luckily I didn’t have an uncomfortable situation (*found out next day that Vero was approached by a guy in the short distance she walked alone and just kept trying to say she was at home – next time the guys are required to walk to the door as an escort). When I walked through the door, my mama immediately made a phone call so I think she was worried about me and trying to figure out where I was. I gave her my phone # so I think that made her feel better; I just need to get some $ on the phone (ie voucher).

I discovered tonight that cockroaches are a problem I need to deal with. Luckily, PC gave us a big aerosol can of insect spray (that we all initially thought was bug spray for our bodies). I sprayed under the cabinet they ran under and they came scurrying out – I don’t think they’ll last long. Tomorrow I need to spray the room more thoroughly.