Russ's Adventures in Tanzania

Hi everyone. Well, after 27 months, we're almost done.

This past week was our last at site and the news got out pretty quick that we were leaving for good. There were lots of goodbyes to say: I had an official going away party at the Teacher's College where I was given a nice purple shirt and matching outfit for Lisa. We also went to town and the market where we took pictures with people and said goodbyes (I think Lisa is posting most of the pics online). We also went to several teachers' houses and had dinner with our close friends.

Oh, and of course, we had a party with the fellow volunteers in the area. Two Saturdays ago, we went to Dodoma to stock up on supplies (cheese, wine) and I fired up the pizza oven. It was a great time with good food and better people. We'll really miss the company of the mentals around us - best of luck to you all!

Last Wednesday and Thursday, we were busy getting our stuff together - one pile to give away, one pile to burn, one pile to take with us on our trip, and one pile to give to the next volunteer that will replace me at the Teacher's College. It took two full days to get everything sorted out, but we did it. Then some light cleaning at the house and we turned in our keys. We stayed the last night with Angus then boarded the bus to arrive in Dar where we're at now.

So, now we are at the PC office doing our Close of Service. Basically medical checkups and lots of forms to fill out. Then, off to our big trip - Ethiopia, Uganda, and Egypt.