Here is an email from the fourth group in Matumbo - Lauren, Michele, Adrian, Ocean, Sandra and Russell, left over from last group! Russell did a grand job showing us the ropes! He says we have leant well!

?The last two weeks have been amazing. We have seen the tin roof go on the dispensary, and helping with bricks which will build the staff housing. We have all been enchanted by the scenery and sunsets, the wind, however is rather strong and the nights still quite cold but youwill soon become accustomed to it. (although earplugs & jumpers are good at night)

?Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. The children play football outside the camp, and villagers have called in to sell local produce. We had a great reception at the school in Matumbo and have shown Samuel, the head-fundi (builder) and Mr Stevie the headmaster how to play 'Snap'. It was great.

We also had the chance to try the local brew 'Pombe' - the general consensus amongst our group was that it was 'like drinking ash mixed with dishwashing liquid' but it was indeed potent!

The work has been quite varied and has included fetching water, mixing mortar, carrying pans of mortar to the brick moulds, breaking larger rocks with a hammer into small ones, levelling floors with hardcore and making the bricks themselves.

We have been shown how to make Ugali by our askari(quard) and how to make Chapatis by Flora from Matumbo village. A short walk around the area can become lengthened somewhat by the exchange of greetings with the local people which can go on for a few minutes sometimes - all part of the Tanzanian culture!

Good luck to the next Matumbo group. I'm sure you will all love it here as much as we do and all enjoy the amazing experience.

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Best Wishes

Adrian