Dolls and Drummers and the Bishop

Our day began with the bright smiles of the students at the chapel service at the Usa River Rehabilitation  compound.  What beautiful music their voices make and we were privileged to greet them.
Then we were off to meet Bishop Paulo of the Meru Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania.  Tea was served and we enjoyed our third type of banana dish-this time banana soup!  Really delicious!
We made 2 home visits- to the homes of Zianabu, a 45 y/o diagnosed with head and neck cancer 6 years ago and has been a palliative care patient for 2 weeks.  Zianabu faces many challenges with the typical symptoms of this type of metastatic cancer.  Her sister and niece accompanied us in the vehicle to her house and we gave the baby one of our GHC dolls.

Our next stop was to visit Veronica a  67 y/o women with metastatic breast cancer.  She was diagnosed 2 years ago and only the biopsy and diagnosis was available to her which is typical as no surgical interventions are usually offered.  She is managing with some homeopathic medications.  The palliative team was able to offer her some nutritional education and support.  Her neighbor children in the village of Jua-Coli (Too Much Sun) also received a GHC doll.

After we arrived back at the Usa River guest house, we heard some interesting drum beats outside our windows.  We found 3 drummer boys having the time of their lives beating a happy tune with sugar cane and empty boxes.

Of course we had to award them with some prizes from the United States s for their entertaining concert and they seemed quite happy with their awards from the funny speaking strangers (us).

All in all, it was a very good day!  Marilyn
PS- FYI We have no phone service and spotty (at best) internet service :)