One step at a time

Overall the project is moving quite well, but on a day-to-day basis we are regularly reminded that it is one step at a time.  Sometimes, those steps can take longer than anticipated.  In general, our challenge as former corporate-Americans has been adapting to the Tanzanian timeline.  "Pole Pole" (pronounced pole-ay) is a Swahili phrase which means "slowly slowly," and the culture here is rarely in a rush.

Shelves!

We are happy to report that the shelves are now complete.  The shelves are sturdy, wood structures custom crafted by the Tanzanian carpenter.  The shelves are large, more than enough to accommodate the donated books and text books which will also be kept in the library for the time being.  For now, the shelves will remain unfinished.

School Manager.  Headmaster.  Leigh.

Our next step is placing all of the cataloged books onto the shelves. Unfortunately, we couldn't complete this today as anticipated due to the lack of wire mesh over the library windows.  The Maramboso manager wants to make sure the library is secure before we populate the shelves.  We are hoping to have this work completed by Friday.

The official opening of the library is January 13 and there is much to do...  At the school, you can feel the excitement of the students and staff -- not to mention Leigh and me.