We awoke very early today to take Amy and Mary Anne to the airport for their departure. We arrived at the Bukoba airport at 6 AM for their 7 AM flight and it was not yet open! They opened the doors at 6:30 AM and we went through the small security line. They waited in line for their hand written ticket to board the plane. I think the little plane held about 15-20 people. One passenger even sat in the front seat right next to the pilot! I can't imagine if they asked me to sit in that seat, I would be nervous!

Amy and Mary Anne flew over Lake Victoria and transferred planes in Mwanza. From there, they flew back to Dar es Salaam. Our friend Felix picked them up and I heard they later went for manicures and pedicures with Digna. I am jealous because I have a layer of beautiful red Bukoba dirt covering my entire body. Ha ha! They are planning to crash a wedding tonight in Dar with Digna and Evans! Maybe Mary Anne can update us on the details of that adventure later.

As for Mutta, Abella and I, we went to church this morning at the Lutheran Cathedral in downtown Bukoba. It was a beautiful service with the most joyous choir singing. There was even a small part in English so Abella and I could understand something. The lady talked about feeling satisfied with what we have. She said we should feel content with what we have and look at the blessings we have instead of looking at others who have much more. So true, and something that I have really been thinking about since my arrival here. The people here use their resources wisely. They don't waste anything really. I see things being used every day that I would probably have thrown away at home. And they are happy. They take care of each other. Every day, about 20-25 kids hang out around the Lubago House. They know they will enjoy their time here and that they will be loved and cared for. It is a beautiful thing to see. I hope to take a little piece of this love home to share with you all!

After church, we went to Mutta's sister Georgina's house for lunch. We had fish, matoke (bananas and beans) and rice. We also had tea. Most people here drink tea several times a day. At least with breakfast and a couple hours before dinner. While I have been enjoying the tea very much, I miss my coffee. Abella told the girls at home that I like coffee and when we arrived back at Mutta's parents house tonight, they were busy preparing coffee for me. And by "preparing coffee" I don't mean putting it into the coffee maker. I mean this:

Step 1: Picking and drying the coffee from the tree

Step 2: Hand grinding the coffee in a large piece of hollowed out wood with a thick stick (called a Kinu). This is the remove the beans from the shells.

Step 3: Roasting the beans on the fire

Step 4: Putting the roasted beans back into the Kinu to grind the coffee until it is very fine. This is a long process because you have to sift it to ensure there are no large pieces.

Step 5: No coffee maker, so you then boil the finely ground coffee in water

Step 6: Finally enjoy!

This made my day that they took the time to show me the whole process and make fresh coffee for me! Yum! It was the best coffee I have ever tasted by far!

One more thing for today, as we made the coffee, all the neighborhood kids came to watch me. They even made up a song about me. I asked why and Light (my sister-in-law) said that they were awaiting my arrival because I am the bride. Oh my!