pole pole

Yesterday morning we went to Bugando Hospital which sits high up on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria. Morning means the end of visiting hours, so hundreds of people were pouring out of the building when we arrived.

We sat through a very brief morning report for the pediatrics ward, met some important Bugando Hospital people and joined some of the doctors for "tea" at 10:30 AM. My heart was pierced at the sight of a sick little Tanzanian girl leading her grandmother by hand slowly down the stairs. "Pole pole", said grandma, and the little girl waved shyly to us.

Emmanuel our taxi driver taught us that "pole pole" (po-lay po-lay) means slowly but surely. And pole pole we are learning--learning to get used to the pace of life here, and to be patient (definitely not my strong suit) as plans take shape and change constantly.

There are things that will take some getting used to: the smell of burning garbage, the 5:30 AM call to prayer at the nearby mosque and all the attention we get as "mzungus" (white person) or "China! China!" (we're told it's not meant to be unfriendly or rude, but can feel that way sometimes).

Pole pole!