On the way to Mwanenaka we stopped at the Mwanza market to purchase some gift items for the villages, including a live chicken to be prepared that evening. Though I have no problem with butchering, I think this is the first time I got to see my dinner run around before I ate it! We arrived at the village in time to see the drilling crew flush the well. I got some great pictures of the well and the people that I look forward to sharing with you when I get back home. To celebrate, they prepared the most elaborate meal that we have received in a village - rich, the corn/casaba blend, two kinds of meat stews, sliced cucumbers, cooked spinach, and some cooked bananas in sauce. I had heard that there were different kinds of bananas for cooking here, and it was great to give it a try. It is more starchy, firm, and less sweet, which makes it end up taking more like a baked potato - really delicious!
While we were waiting for the drillers to pack up, Val and I went with about 6 of the women to one of the existing water holes. While we were there, one of the ladies pointed to my bag and rubbed her face and hands. I realized yesterday that they had seen me putting my sunscreen on. I pulled it out of my back and gave them each some for their face and hands, they really liked it. Previously, I had wondered if lotion might make a good gift, so I had actually brought a large new tube of body lotion with me that day. So, I was able to present them with a tube to keep.
When it came time to leave, we were walking down to the vehicles when all of a sudden one of the women broke out into a beautiful song. Soon, all of the others had joined in and then began singing and dancing down the road with us. Our interpreter, Juma, said that they were singing a traditional song of thanks. Once we reached the cars, they continued to sing and dance for a few minutes - it was a remarkable experience that I hope I will remember my whole life. It also confirmed to me that I have absolutely no rhythm or groove, the way that they can dance is amazing.
From Mwanenaka we traveled to Welamasonga, the fifth village on our list. The drilling began in the afternoon and proceeded very quickly in soft ground. Unfortunately, the soft ground continued and though they drilled beyond the projected depth, the drilling came up dry. While the geography was known to be challenging in Nayamahanga, this was a surprise in Welamasonga. During this time, both the head manager and owner of the drilling company were there. The good news is that they are very disappointed with the dry holes as well and are willing to bear some of the cost of drilling further. This, as well the favorable exchange rate that we are currently enjoying, give me hope that we may yet strike water. We were also encouraged to hear today (Sunday) that they had conducted new surveys in both villages. The quick follow through is very encouraging, particularly given how some timetables can be iffy here. If the surveys are favorable, I may have news about more drilling to report tomorrow.
--Merideth
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