The Homestay begins

This past Saturday I moved into my homestay, which I will be living in for the next three weeks! My family is: Baba Koko, Mama Koko, kaka Hamza, kaka Simba and dada Koko. If you didn't notice in Tanzania the parents name change when they have their first child, KoKo in my parents case. It has been one awesome experience! My family only speaks kiswahili so the level of communication is limited, but it also has forced me to learn the language more quickly! We are in a village called Bangata that is completely off the map. It is on the slopes of Mt. Meru and is absolutely beautiful! It is green and lush everywere. There are rivers, waterfalls and great people. Oh and I can't forget about the food, it is awesome! I thought for sure that I was going to loose weight coming to Tanzania, man was I wrong. We get breakfast, tea, lunch, tea, dinner and then tea. It is amazing! Yesterday I was sitting outside my house picking ticks off my leg, hearing my mama scream at Simba in Kiswahili and listening to the Muslim Mosk go off. I thought to myself, "Only in Tanzania!" haha. Swahili class is of course awesome, but actually really tough too. Languages just don't come easy to me, but the fact that my family only speaks kiswahili is an encouragement to learn faster! I miss all of you and please continue to keep me in your prayers!