Valentine's Day

This past week was a short one in Arusha, but we managed to pack it full.

On Sunday morning, Scottie and I went on a hike with a few of the people from the house. The hike was just outside Arusha, and we took a guide with us to help us navigate our way. Most of the hike was through small villages, and it was really dusty. I've never seen such dust here, even on safari. I think the lack of rain is to blame. Either way, we had an enjoyable morning hiking up the side of Mount Meru. We stopped in a beautiful grassy area to have a picnic and take a break before making our way down. Although the hike was not spectacularly difficult, it was nice to get outside of the city and do something physical.

A pretty view from our mid-hike picnic.

Monday and Tuesday Scottie and I were alone at school because the other volunteers were on vacation. Inspired by our housemates (and excited to not have to worry about American public school rules), we decided to plan a Valentine's Day celebration for the kids. On Monday, we brought in supplies for making "mailboxes," which were really just envelopes. We showed the children how to cut out a folded heart, which proved to be way more difficult than we thought it would be. Even though the big class has pretty old children in it, most of them did not know how to cut. We had to help each of the children cut out their hearts, and show them how to decorate their envelopes. They got really into it and did a wonderful job writing "Love" and xs and os. We also showed them how to make a valentine--we wrote their names on hearts and had them draw pictures of animals on each of them. I then took them individually and had them deliver their valentines to whichever friends they chose. Scottie and I also made valentines for each of the kids, so everyone had a lot in their envelope on the actual day. By the end of the day, the classroom was covered in pink, white, and red scraps--just like Valentine's Day as a kid!

On Tuesday, we had the kids make flowers by folding crepe paper and attaching it to a pipe cleaner. When you unfold and fluff the paper it makes a flower. We then handed out the children's valentine envelopes. Some of the kids seemed a bit confused, even though we explained that Valentine's Day is a day when you remind your family and friends you love them by giving them small gifts. I also think some of the children were a bit embarrassed, because many of them are teenagers and probably felt shy about talking about love. Either way, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves or at least receiving lollipops :)

Paolo showing off his flower and valentines.

On Tuesday night we went to a "fancy" French dinner with a few friends to have crepes and wine. It was nice to share yummy food and good company for our Valentine's Day in Africa.