The River

     I am almost embarrassed to post this because I have been complaining about a water issue and the little irrigation channel behind my house that is often dry.  But today I found out there is a river behind my school.  It is behind the dormitories and completely hidden from view.  This discovery made me so happy!  I have been looking for a quiet place to read or journal and have finally found one!  I had wondered where students were getting enough water for bathing, washing clothes, etc. but assumed they were using the same little stream I was.  Clearly I was wrong.  To get to this river you have to walk down a steep hill and I am amazed that students are able to walk back up with buckets of water on their heads.  The school is set up to have running water in places, so often they get water from the faucet.  One student told me that if the water at the school is not working, they will all go bathe together in the river.  The boys and girls go to different areas and are unable to see each other.    I have learned that Tanzanians are not quite as modest as Americans and homosexuality is not acknowledged in this country, so this is completely normal.  One thing that I have not adapted to is the idea of bathing with freezing cold water.  Mbeya is a cold place (especially June through August) and I have no desire to pour ice cold water all over my body.   I really don’t know how the students can bear it…