January 6th - Welcome to Ilula!

We spent a long day on the bus today from Dar es Salaam to Ilula – almost 10 hours – and it was quite grueling.  It did, however, allow our group to start to get to know one another better - through chatting, shared crossword puzzle completion and a near-death experience on the two-lane road with another bus heading straight toward us (ACK!).  We also had the pleasure of seeing many animals at the mikumi game park as we drove through.  Nothing says “you’ve arrived in Africa” like seeing giraffes, elephants, impalas and warthogs all along the highway! 

On arrival at Ilula, we were warmly greeted by friends old and new with lots of hugs, smiles and “karibu!” greetings.  Dr. Gary Moody was here to meet us and it was great to connect with an old friend and colleague.  Anna prepared a delicious welcome meal topped off with a cake for dessert.  Randy says he thinks it was only the second time in over 16 years that he has had cake at Ilula!  

Since I was last here (six years ago) some amazing changes have happened. Then, the ground was just being broken for the nursing student dormitory.  Now, a second dormitory has been built and both dorms are full of energetic students.  Then, there was a beaten down old ambulance (that reminded me of a hearse!) and now, in its place, a beautiful new Land Rover ambulance.  But just being here for a few hours is also enough to remind me that many things have not changed.  The staff and students are warm, friendly and welcoming.  They are also grateful to have us here and are excited to share their knowledge and skills with us.  I look forward to tomorrow, slightly more rested and slightly more used to our new time zone.  Here’s hoping I am not awake again at 2:00 AM.