Church retreat, brain dissection and the booty pose

Church retreat:
I have said many times before how much I love being part of this church - it really is my community and something I look forward to each week.  Last weekend we had our church retreat at Maua.  I've been here 3 times now but it is so beautiful.  It was forecast to rain the whole time and it did rain - but only when we were in teaching sessions so it didn't really matter at all.

Moshi is green at the moment, but Maua still wins!

Moo!

Eucalyptus trees a long way from home

A German, Italian and Australian hanging out in Tanzania :)

There can never be too many photos of Kili

Brain dissection:
Last year we dissected a heart as part of Science, so this year it was time for a brain (or in fact, three goat brains)!  So many times the students think they will be grossed out by it, but are more often than not just fascinated and feel quite proud at having dissected something.  As someone who would have totally fainted a few years ago, it helps me explain what to do if one feels queasy and that there is no shame in needing to sit out for a bit.   A couple of kids felt a bit sick, but pushed through!  I usually spend the first few minutes dissecting whilst they watch, asking them to identify the main parts, then they are free to touch, cut and examine how ever they want.

skewered brain on thumb

sloppy brain mush

The booty pose:
Having quite a few local gals as friends on Facebook, I have noticed there is a particular way they like to pose for photos - which we have named The Booty Pose.  Essentially, it is a way of posing to show off ones best or most sought after assets - chest and booty - in one pic.  Two of the local girls are helping me perfect mine:

I still have some learning to do!

This dress is one I got made here.  There are stores that sell the kitenge (fabric) and then fundis who sew it to fit.  I just took in a dress picture off the internet and she did an amazing job!  Total cost: about $20.

Flora and Linda - I love these gals :)

Looking all African with Mr Francis

That's all for now.  More randomness to come later!