I know, I know it's been a while. But I've been travelling and well, going around places. I spent a few relaxing days in Zanzibar and now in Cape Town! Mmmm, just got some time and bad weather to keep me glued to a seat in an internet cafe and continue my school story.....
One day I caught sight of a man in his late forties walking about the house. Wasn't sure who he was and guessed him to be another curious onlooker. But Sada quickly explained to me that he was Paul, our (well, the school's) next door neighbour. She further explained that he had kindly offered us to source electricity from his house' main supply and is so doing he saved us TZS200,000. I was flattered. Barosi (the electrician) already knew about this and was busily working out connections and things. I obviously, endeavoured to do my best in being courteous and grateful.
On another day, he came around to check up on things at about five in the afternoon. I asked him whether he could tell Musa that I wanted to leave for home and whether he could call it a day. He expression changed to a worried one and asked me whether I had been there all day. I nodded. Well, miss, he said I hope you had some lunch. Oh yes, of course, I replied. He spoke to Musa then in his most gentle and but firm way told me not to worry and to go home. He told me we can trust Musa to work till later and take the key. In any case, I know where he lives, he assured me. So, I left for home appeased.
Paul is an accountant and unfortunately his wife is an AiDS victim, deceased only about four months ago. I would describe him as a gentle giant with his soft-spoken voice, gentleman manners and eloquent English. I can't emphasise his generous nature enough. He wanted to give me a gift, a new-neighbour type of gift; a dozen eggs from his own pen! Now, how's sweet was that. I felt obliged to reciprocate and in any case had decided to buy something nice as in a thank-you type of gift. But what? I had two days to think and buy something as he told me he'd give me the eggs on Saturday. Great! what? what? what? Then Moses enlightened me (for once !!!). He told me that he had two boys, aged about nine and fourteen and it wouldn't be a bad idea to give them something like books to further their education - a subject matter very attuned to such a parent.
Saturday morning I dashed to town, picked up two books; a picture dictionary and an encyclopedia and also tucked in a rugby ball, an Australian volunteering couple had given me. Pleased with that went back to the house to meet the Mamas. Paul invited us in for some sodas. Sada (and later I) were chaffed when he told us he was also willing to lend us his water, as in let us connect to his main supply, once again. Oh yes, both mamas were pleasantly relieved!!! He gave me the eggs, of course, which I later gave to the Doc to cook them for the children on Monday during school. When I then gave him the books he never expected them and told me that whatever he'd done was out of kindness. Still, he couldn't resist flipping through the pages. I wished his boys were there so I'd see them and their faces especially seeing that white ball. Back at the house work was progressing at a slow but steady pace. The two men setting up the ceiling were running out of boards. At the same time I noticed that cement was running low again, even though Musa didn't comment a thing. I can't afford this work to stop especially with 2 days before my 'project days' are over, I thought. Seems like we're heading for another shopping spree, I told Sada. She had sensed the need too and so we agreed to meet at nine on Sunday morning for yet another shopping spree.
So, off to get the 'mago' ready again...............
ta
Nic
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