The Tree Seed Project

 Friday morning was our last morning in the Udzungwa mountains. We were out of the resort before 9 AM and headed back to the seminary. Along the way, we made a short stop at the Mikumi Snake Park. They have many different snakes, some poisonous and others not, along with turtles and a few crocodiles. We got to watch as the crocodile was poked with a long stick to get a reaction out of him. For not being fed for a week (they get fed once a week), he was able to move pretty quickly to defend himself against the stick. Before we left, Pastor Hafermann, Michael, Paige and Bwana Shawn opted to hold one of the pythons they have, while others were content to watch the crocodiles or turtles.

Working to fill the dirt tubes

After lunch at the seminary, we went back  into Morogoro to the Tanzania Tree Seed Agency (TTSA) to learn about their work and pick up supplies  for tomorrow s project.  Their main focus is combating deforestation by providing tree seeds and seedlings for public and private groups. We get to participate by planting some trees at the seminary, which will be most of the action tomorrow.

Planting the memorial avocado tree

Half of the group went over to Emmy s home just before supper to meet the family and say hello. Emmy is a 25 year old widowed mother of two and takes care of six other children of extended family members who have died of AIDS. Her late husband, Luka, was a very integral part of Pastor Hafermann s ministry and did a lot for the seminary, so it was nice to meet the family that we had heard so much about.

Saturday morning was reserved for the tree seed project at the seminary. We planted two of the three seedlings from the TTSA at the seminary, one mango tree and one avocado tree. The avocado tree was especially important as it serves as a memorial for Solomon, the man who planted most of the trees surrounding the seminary. We also dug up three types of seedlings from the seminary grounds to plant in small tubes of dirt so they can be used later down the road. There was a lot of tube packing, over 200 for sure, in order for us to plant all the seedlings needed for the project. Later that day, the other half of the group went over to Emmy's and planted the third seedling for her and her family. The rest of the night was free for packing, since we will be leaving in less than a week! It's hard to believe the trip is almost over, but not before heading to Zanzibar for a few days.