Zawadi

I feel so bad that I have missed so much school. A lot of people ask me if there are substitute teachers in Tanzania. There are not any substitute teachers. There's a shortage of actual full time teachers, so they certainly do not have people filling in for Jon or I.  I am sure my students are just sitting in their class doing nothing when they should be having English or math class. Maybe some of the most dedicated students are studying, but I doubt it. I don't quite know how I am going to make up all this lost time.  I might add an additional English class per week to try to make up the time. I feel so guilty even though it's beyond my control as to what happened with my health. I got some pocket sized dictionaries to give to the teachers as zawadi, "gifts" for missing so much school.  They were given to me by the US embassy here (thanks Flavia!). I know the teachers will not expect anything from us, but it makes me feel a little less guilty. I need to think of something to give to the student and family who have been watching over Lia and my house. Maybe I'll buy them a week's worth of groceries. I don't know how to ever repay them. I also need to think of something to get for the host family I've been staying with, though I am thinking they'll be pleased with a few bottles of wine.  There's so many people who have helped and supported me during this time of need, I don't know how to thank everyone!  Pay it forward.