A Big Bug!

Mwanza is a pretty warm part of the world, so at home we always leave the windows open (though they are covered with mesh and have security bars), and during the day we leave the doors open to help keep the house cool.  Inevitably some of the local insect population come in to inspect the property from time to time.  Here's an example of one such bug, which can give you a painful sting.  Normally they just leave us alone, but can get a bit stressed when trapped in the house.

This one was fortunately quite amenable to being caught and released shortly afterwards.  Isaac in particular enjoys inspecting the bugs that come to visit.

KVCC Church

Here are a few pictures of the church that we attend here in Mwanza.  It's called KVCC - Kirumba Valley Christian Centre and is an active, growing community church.  We want to be involved in an African church community where we are not treated as the 'white missionaries' who are expected to do everything.  At KVCC we can be part of the body and celebrate the diversity of God's kingdom along with our brothers and sisters.

Car Theft!?

In any city, in any country of the world, theft is commonplace.  I know people who've had cars stolen, I've witnessed someone breaking a window and stealing a radio from a car.  I've even come across car tyres being removed and stolen.  Never before have I seen someone steal part of the standard trim of a vehicle.
The piece removed from both sides of our car is a black strip of rubber, about 3 metres long, which helps to waterproof the join between two panels.  At least it's the dry season now, but we're going to have to look into getting a couple of new rubber strips before the rains come....and glueing them to the car!

Hannah the Fundi?

Fundi's (skilled workers) are an integral part of day to day life in Tanzania and provide a vital service.  In fact if you need a job doing, the usual method is to ask friends if they know a 'fundi' that they would recommend who will do the work for you at a fair price.

For example, you want a new set of clothes?  Then go to the material part of the market, buy some kitambaa (material), take it to your tailor fundi who'll measure you up for the required clothes and a few days later you pick them up.

Have a water pipe leak? Then call a plumbing fundi to come to fix the problem.

Need a broken down pig pen fixed?  Call a building fundi who'll come to recement the floor and replace the rotten termite infested wood.

Need some furniture?  Then photograph or draw the item you want and find a furniture fundi who'll make it for you from wood, metal, foam or whatever other raw material is to hand!

It seems that Hannah has aspirations to become a fundi, in particular in situations where a screwdriver is the required tool.  She was quite excited when the breadmaker packed in a few days ago and quickly set to work helping mummy and Isaac in trying to take the breadmaker apart.  Unfortunately the job proved to be a little too complex for our 15 month old.  Fortunately, we asked a friend who recommended a fundi who is able to fix random electrical appliances (depending on whether he can fabricate a spare part), even ones that aren't readily available here in Mwanza.  So the breakdmaker is currently off receiving some TLC and hopefully will be returning to us again soon.