Honors Proposal
August 9, 2014 Day # 1 Journal Entry
After a grueling 18 hours of flying, then catching up on sleep after getting through customs and being transported to our hotel/the hostel in Nairobi last night, I woke up the first day in Africa, both excited and nervous about being in a foreign country so far from home. I was eager to begin the adventure of experiencing a new culture and doing my part to help provide the basic need of fresh water to an African village. But I was somewhat anxious about the unknown and about remembering the advice of my doctor and trip leader, Mark, about not drinking the water, applying enough bug spray, etc.
Some of the literature I read while preparing for the trip recommended bringing candy or other small gifts for children in the villages. However, that first day I was told by Mark that passing out candy to the natives was not a good idea because the wrappers would add to the serious pollution problem that many third world countries like Africa face. That was something that never entered my mind. Our driver, George, further explained that pollution, crime due to illegal gun ownership, lack of water, and lack of food were all big problems in the country. And while driving through Kenya, I did see massive amounts of trash piled up on the sides of the roads. I also witnessed attempts to thwart theft, as barbed wire was wrapped around power poles to stop people from splicing power for their personal use.
However, even with these problems, it is impossible not to admire the beauty of Africa. Much of the land is unspoiled, and it’s not uncommon to see wildlife up close, even when driving down the roads in a car. Some of the scenery reminded me of photos I had seen in National Geographic magazine, picture perfect and very different than the mostly urban environment in which I live.
The roads today (Sunday) are also empty as we drive towards Otho Abwao, our first stop. I am told by our driver that most people are in church, so religion appears to be a very important part of the culture. I think learning about the lifestyle of the natives and the extent that religion plays a role in their lives will allow me to relate to many people in Africa and become a more knowledgeable global citizen.
We arrived in Otho in the afternoon and were greeted with generous hospitality and a wonderful lunch from the village leader Hazel. Hazel was a proponent of the effort to fix the water pump that stopped working a few years back, and consequently is a key reason why we are on this trip. I found it both surprising and interesting that Africa is not totally a male dominated society.
Some of the literature I read while preparing for the trip recommended bringing candy or other small gifts for children in the villages. However, that first day I was told by Mark that passing out candy to the natives was not a good idea because the wrappers would add to the serious pollution problem that many third world countries like Africa face. That was something that never entered my mind. Our driver, George, further explained that pollution, crime due to illegal gun ownership, lack of water, and lack of food were all big problems in the country. And while driving through Kenya, I did see massive amounts of trash piled up on the sides of the roads. I also witnessed attempts to thwart theft, as barbed wire was wrapped around power poles to stop people from splicing power for their personal use.
However, even with these problems, it is impossible not to admire the beauty of Africa. Much of the land is unspoiled, and it’s not uncommon to see wildlife up close, even when driving down the roads in a car. Some of the scenery reminded me of photos I had seen in National Geographic magazine, picture perfect and very different than the mostly urban environment in which I live.
The roads today (Sunday) are also empty as we drive towards Otho Abwao, our first stop. I am told by our driver that most people are in church, so religion appears to be a very important part of the culture. I think learning about the lifestyle of the natives and the extent that religion plays a role in their lives will allow me to relate to many people in Africa and become a more knowledgeable global citizen.
We arrived in Otho in the afternoon and were greeted with generous hospitality and a wonderful lunch from the village leader Hazel. Hazel was a proponent of the effort to fix the water pump that stopped working a few years back, and consequently is a key reason why we are on this trip. I found it both surprising and interesting that Africa is not totally a male dominated society.
August 10, 2014 Day # 2 Journal Entry
Today was the first full day I spent in Tanzania. I was determined to really try to overcome the language barrier. While in Kenya the natives only spoke one foreign language, Swahili, in Tanzania, since the country is full of tribes that speak different languages, I have to learn to partially communicate in Swahili and also in the tribal tongues. My interactions with shop owners was positive, as they were more than willing to help educate me on how to pronounce items in their stores. And the villagers are friendly and patient, as I try to ask them about the locations and condition of their sources of water.
Our group also took a hike up a mountain today and at one point, we got lost. The natives we met were very kind and helpful in leading us back down the mountain, and spent a significant amount of time making sure that we got back safe. I am really impressed, humbled and grateful by their kindness and their open and positive attitude towards strangers. I have also come to realize what it is like to be someone who looks different and consequently stands out from the majority. I initially felt self-conscious about my light skin, hair and eyes, but I am made to feel so welcome, that the feeling of discomfort quickly passes. I want to remember that uncomfortable feeling, however, as it will make me more compassionate and empathetic towards minorities that I encounter when I get back home.
I had another shock today when I realized the large number of schools that are in Tanzania. The school buildings are much nicer and built better than most of the other buildings and homes in the area. And while a majority of the adults in Tanzania speak little to no English, most of the children can speak some amount of English and are learning the language in school. It was obvious that education is becoming a priority, and I believe that this will result in long-term economic growth of the country.
Our group also took a hike up a mountain today and at one point, we got lost. The natives we met were very kind and helpful in leading us back down the mountain, and spent a significant amount of time making sure that we got back safe. I am really impressed, humbled and grateful by their kindness and their open and positive attitude towards strangers. I have also come to realize what it is like to be someone who looks different and consequently stands out from the majority. I initially felt self-conscious about my light skin, hair and eyes, but I am made to feel so welcome, that the feeling of discomfort quickly passes. I want to remember that uncomfortable feeling, however, as it will make me more compassionate and empathetic towards minorities that I encounter when I get back home.
I had another shock today when I realized the large number of schools that are in Tanzania. The school buildings are much nicer and built better than most of the other buildings and homes in the area. And while a majority of the adults in Tanzania speak little to no English, most of the children can speak some amount of English and are learning the language in school. It was obvious that education is becoming a priority, and I believe that this will result in long-term economic growth of the country.
August 11, 2014 Day # 3 Journal Entry
Today was a huge day for everyone in my group because the Majitech Engineering well drilling team arrived at Nyambogo. Our first day in Nyambogo was exciting, as we were beginning the important work of actually providing fresh water for the village. Interacting with dozens of natives was an exciting experience for me, and my Swahili vocabulary increased immensely. I also learned firsthand about differences that exist between the various tribes in Nyambogo, which was fascinating and an education in how the different groups get along. I am beginning to understand their culture more and how I can make a difference in their lives as a global citizen. Understanding the language aspect of the natives culture is important so that the natives and me can effectively learn to interact and communicate our ideas and goals to one another.
I not only interacted with the villagers but also with their dogs. One part of Africa that is truly upsetting to me is the condition of most pets. The dogs in Nyambogo were thin and looked as if they were starving. I am a lover of animals, and so I found myself feeding many of them and giving them attention and affection. One thing that I have learned is that animals are not considered to be members of the family like they are in the United States, and are looked at as much less important. While I don’t agree with this cultural belief, it is not something that I can currently change. The dogs in Nyambogo are God's creatures and should be treated humanely and cared for as well.
I not only interacted with the villagers but also with their dogs. One part of Africa that is truly upsetting to me is the condition of most pets. The dogs in Nyambogo were thin and looked as if they were starving. I am a lover of animals, and so I found myself feeding many of them and giving them attention and affection. One thing that I have learned is that animals are not considered to be members of the family like they are in the United States, and are looked at as much less important. While I don’t agree with this cultural belief, it is not something that I can currently change. The dogs in Nyambogo are God's creatures and should be treated humanely and cared for as well.
August 12, 2014 Day # 4 Journal Entry
The Majitech well drilling team began drilling the well today. They were able to drill 10 meters into the earth before they ran into rock. They then changed the drill bit to one that would pound at and break the rock into dust. A 30 meter hole was drilled by the end of the day. I truly enjoyed watching the drilling because I was able to learn about the complexity of the machine. While the drill bit was spinning and digging into the earth, a pump was sending pressurized air through the hollow metal rods in order to force the drilling debris out of the hole. There were many gauges, including a pm engine temperature, oil temperature, and PSI gauges, that the machine was utterly confusing. After the Majitech workers explained the machine to me, the logical, engineering side of my brain kicked in and I immediately began trying to come up with ways to improve it. While observing, I toyed with the idea of having two halves of the drill bit spinning in opposite directions to push through dirt faster instead of the having a bit made of a single piece of metal spinning in a single direction. Overall, drilling went well.
It was interesting that when the drilling machine arrived yesterday, the natives were very curious and excited about a well being drilled to provide them fresh water. Then after the drilling began, the natives were thrilled that they were going to get fresh water again, and they made their happiness clear by thanking us over and over again. It was humbling to see the appreciation for something that I take for granted every day, namely clear water. It is a real eye opener to see firsthand that, while I want for nothing and have much more than I need, many people across the world don’t even have the basic necessities. You know this fact and read about it, but until you actually see it for yourself, you cannot fully comprehend what that really means.
I also came to another unexpected conclusion today during the drilling as I watched the villagers go about their daily life. While they do not have the abundance of material comforts that we have and often struggle in their lives, they appear to be joyful and contented people. They live simply, do the best with what is available, yet they are also smiling and enjoying each other and their community. This is in stark contrast to many Americans, who have so many luxuries yet are not still not content and happy, but instead are always striving for more, while not really taking time to enjoy the blessings they already have.
It was interesting that when the drilling machine arrived yesterday, the natives were very curious and excited about a well being drilled to provide them fresh water. Then after the drilling began, the natives were thrilled that they were going to get fresh water again, and they made their happiness clear by thanking us over and over again. It was humbling to see the appreciation for something that I take for granted every day, namely clear water. It is a real eye opener to see firsthand that, while I want for nothing and have much more than I need, many people across the world don’t even have the basic necessities. You know this fact and read about it, but until you actually see it for yourself, you cannot fully comprehend what that really means.
I also came to another unexpected conclusion today during the drilling as I watched the villagers go about their daily life. While they do not have the abundance of material comforts that we have and often struggle in their lives, they appear to be joyful and contented people. They live simply, do the best with what is available, yet they are also smiling and enjoying each other and their community. This is in stark contrast to many Americans, who have so many luxuries yet are not still not content and happy, but instead are always striving for more, while not really taking time to enjoy the blessings they already have.
August 13, 2014 Day # 5 Journal Entry
This morning after drilling began, the piston inside the drill bit used to crush rocks broke. The end of the piston cracked off and it led me to think about how the piston could have been engineered better. The drill bit itself was highly technical and advanced, but the piston was poorly designed. It was a single cast of metal that was not created properly. There were holes in the metal which most likely led to the piston cracking. When working in the field I have found that curiosity leads me to try to come up with potential ways to improve the technology that is used to perform a specific task.
My interaction with the Nyambogo Water Committee today illustrated some key differences between American and African business culture. In America promptness is valued and expected, while in Tanzania, the phrase "Tanzanian time" is often verbalized when people are late as an indication to foreigners that timeliness is not as critical. Another difference is that Tanzanians do not openly express their differing or negative opinions, but instead become silent. They do not want to upset anyone, and believe that no news/words are better than bad news/words. In America, the First Amendment protects our freedom of speech and therefore, we welcome differing ideas and believe that dialog and feedback from many can lead to making the best decisions. Understanding these differences in business culture allows me to better understand African business culture and more effectively interact with the leaders. This is key to being a global citizen.
My interaction with the Nyambogo Water Committee today illustrated some key differences between American and African business culture. In America promptness is valued and expected, while in Tanzania, the phrase "Tanzanian time" is often verbalized when people are late as an indication to foreigners that timeliness is not as critical. Another difference is that Tanzanians do not openly express their differing or negative opinions, but instead become silent. They do not want to upset anyone, and believe that no news/words are better than bad news/words. In America, the First Amendment protects our freedom of speech and therefore, we welcome differing ideas and believe that dialog and feedback from many can lead to making the best decisions. Understanding these differences in business culture allows me to better understand African business culture and more effectively interact with the leaders. This is key to being a global citizen.
August 14, 2014 Day # 6 Journal Entry
The replacement part for the drill bit that broke was transported via bus today by the Majitech Engineering company and was to be picked up tonight by the workers drilling the well. With progress stopped on drilling the well, we decided to relax and spend half of the day as tourists. The two hours John, Michael, and I spent climbing Mount Abochi again was stress free and excellent bonding time. We all took time to get to know one another and we talked about the differences between being a tourist and a volunteer doing service work in Africa. Although we have not been true tourists yet, we all agreed that doing volunteer work really allowed us to immerse ourselves in the Tanzanian culture. While touring Tanzania, you may get some opportunities to interact with the natives, but you are not dependent on them like we have been. While volunteering, you need to constantly interact with the natives, learn about their culture, and work to understand their native tongue in order to effectively communicate. When creating future plans for the Nyambogo Water Project, we conversed with the Water Committee to learn about what they wanted to accomplish in the future and to get their input on the project. I can honestly say that I would never have learned as much about Tanzania and its inhabitants as a tourist.
When meeting with Esther, a doctor in Shirati, to discuss water-borne illnesses, I learned that there is a close relationship between engineering, water distribution, and biology. The Nyambogo Water Project focuses on establishing a source of clean water for the villagers. In order to successfully accomplish this goal, we must understand the diseases, such as E. coli, that are causing the current water sources in Nyambogo to be unhealthy to use. By understanding these illnesses, we can engineer a better water distribution system that will better serve the needs of the inhabitants of Nyambogo. The realization for me was that, in order for me to be a successful engineer in the future, I must have knowledge about more than just engineering. A mixture of experience, knowledge of related areas, and communication skills are all necessary for success.
When meeting with Esther, a doctor in Shirati, to discuss water-borne illnesses, I learned that there is a close relationship between engineering, water distribution, and biology. The Nyambogo Water Project focuses on establishing a source of clean water for the villagers. In order to successfully accomplish this goal, we must understand the diseases, such as E. coli, that are causing the current water sources in Nyambogo to be unhealthy to use. By understanding these illnesses, we can engineer a better water distribution system that will better serve the needs of the inhabitants of Nyambogo. The realization for me was that, in order for me to be a successful engineer in the future, I must have knowledge about more than just engineering. A mixture of experience, knowledge of related areas, and communication skills are all necessary for success.
August 15, 2014 Day # 7 Journal Entry
Drilling of the well resumed this morning. After drilling approximately 10 meters deeper, the Majitech drilling machine ran into another issue. The hose, which contains 200 PSI of compressed air used to blow the rock and dirt out of the well hole when drilling, had a leak. Mark, John, Michael, and I worked with the Majitech drilling team to come up with a way to put pressure on the hose where it broke to minimize the leak. We used a few pieces of scrap metal and placed then between a metal clamp. The clamp was situated around the hose and tightened using two screws and nuts. The clamp worked and allowed drilling to continue. This is an example of my group and me using critical thinking skills, resourcefulness, physics concepts, and engineering principals to help solve a problem in the field.
Around 95 meters of drilling, we hit water. Eureka! It began gushing out of the hole and flew 10 feet into the air. As the Majitech drilling team continued to drill deeper and deeper, more and more water was exploding out of the well. The natives began chanting, singing, and screaming with joy immediately after we hit water. Water is a resource which most Americans, including myself, take for granted. To the people of Nyambogo, however, water coming from the well was like liquid gold. I was surprised that I was so excited as well because before this trip, I would have thought “it’s just water”. Additionally, since I have been drinking water from sealed 1.5 liter bottles and placing duct tape over my mouth when showering every morning to prevent me from ingesting the contaminated water, finding clean water had become a miracle in my eyes.
Around 95 meters of drilling, we hit water. Eureka! It began gushing out of the hole and flew 10 feet into the air. As the Majitech drilling team continued to drill deeper and deeper, more and more water was exploding out of the well. The natives began chanting, singing, and screaming with joy immediately after we hit water. Water is a resource which most Americans, including myself, take for granted. To the people of Nyambogo, however, water coming from the well was like liquid gold. I was surprised that I was so excited as well because before this trip, I would have thought “it’s just water”. Additionally, since I have been drinking water from sealed 1.5 liter bottles and placing duct tape over my mouth when showering every morning to prevent me from ingesting the contaminated water, finding clean water had become a miracle in my eyes.
August 16, 2014 Day # 8 Journal Entry
This morning we departed from Shirati around 7:00 AM We spent most of the day traveling to Nairobi, Kenya and stopped a few times to buy souvenirs. These stops were both interesting and very different from purchasing items in America. When we entered the stores, we were asked to pick out whatever items we wanted and then to negotiate the price. This is the culture of shopping in Kenya, and one that was foreign to me. Initially I worried that asking to pay a lower price for an item might insult a shop owner, but I soon realized that negotiating the price was not personal, but rather the way to end up with a cost that was acceptable and “fair” to both parties.