One Year of Solitude

Today as I was walking in to town, I passed some convict laborers. They were wearing the same, easily identifiable, bright orange jumpsuits that you all know (and love?). I passed them at work around a police guest house a bit outside of town. I don't know what a police guest house is, but its not important. What was ironic to me was the work these convicts were engaged in. Every one of them had a little hand-held sickle and was crouched over some grass around the guest house, slashing away. A policeman stood over them, supervising their work. I couldn't help but picture in my head those convicts wearing the school uniforms of Ihungo, and the policeman being dressed like a teacher. It would be an easy switch- swap out his club for a cane and the transformation is complete. Otherwise, it was exactly the same. To be honest, seeing such an easy comparison between the way the law treats criminals and the way school administrations treat students saddens me. What to do, what to do..? My grant to provide them with push-mowers is completed and awaiting review, but that's not going to changes any attitudes. I'm not trying to be a whiner here, just wondering what more I can do...

Anyway, to lighten up a little bit, I've got some good news. Yesterday was my training groups one year anniversary in Tanzania. My dad talked to me last week, and said something like, "Doesn't seem like a whole year has passed, does it?" My response: "No, it feels like more." Its nice to feel like I'm starting a new year. Now that I have a comfortable grip of the language, I can get more involved. I'll keep you all up to date. Happy anniversary!