New Friends

The more we are here, the more we are meeting new people and feeling more like a part of this community. There are lots of different people in Moshi. Of course the locals are here. Then you have ex-pats (international workers) here for work, either for NGOs or for-profit businesses. Then there are the missionaries. At first we felt isolated and alone. Now, we have friends in each group. We have friends who are Tanzanian, friends who are from Kenya here to work, friends who are missionaries and friends who are here from many other countries for work.

One such group I have been introduced to is a group of moms who have a baby club. Once a week they meet at a different mom's home for two hours for a chance to talk and let their kids play together. I first went when Eli was eight months old, but wasn't able to go again for many months because it took place during Eli's morning nap. Now that Eli is taking one nap later in the day, I have been able to go a few more times. It's great to see Eli interact with other kids. Plus it's fun to go to other people's houses where there are more toys for him to play with. His toys at our house are mostly spoons and bowls! Last week, baby club was at Pearl's house. She lives here with her family because her husband works for TPC, a huge sugar plantation. It's privately owned and ran by ex-pats from all over the world. The land goes back to the colonial days and has a very different feel from Moshi. It's only 30 minutes away, but feels like another world. In the midst of sugar cane are clumps of houses. Nice ones too! Here is a picture of the group on that day. Doesn't it look like a tropical paradise!? The ladies there that day were from France, US, Mauritius, Sweden and UK. It's a very international group



Making friends has been an answer to prayer. It helps with the loneliness and homesickness. Of course it doesn't replace home, but it is a big blessing.