More research

I've had lots of pre-departure Tanzanian cultural exposure today! This morning I watched a documentary called A Panther in Africa. It's about a couple who were members of The Black Panther Party in Kansas City but have been living in self-imposed exile in Tanzania for about 35 years now. They run an NGO in Arusha called United African Alliance Community Center that does all kinds of community development in their local village. It was a good documentary and also gave me a visual glimpse into some of the conditions I've only heard about, such as the really rocky and dusty roads, the clothes people wear, the markets, etc. I emailed the folks at UAACC to see if I will be able to visit them when in the area.

Then I had coffee with a friend who lived in Tanzania for 9 months - she had so many insights and stories to tell. Although she was in a different area of the country, she did visit where I will be living and working. Her experience sounded really amazing and it was nice to talk with a young female from the U.S. who has taken a similar trip. Other than not knowing enough Swahili, I feel much better prepared and a bit more confident after today!