Missionaries and Rich People

Right now Conner and I are in the middle of New York City or London. Well, not really, but it sure feels like it. We decided to go downtown to get some real coffee and free internet at the fancy hotel. It is called the Kilamanjaro Hotel and it is where George Bush stayed when he came here. It is at least as nice as a Four Seasons -- shopping, casino, expensive food, 2 restaurants, etc. etc. The strangest thing about Tanzania is the freedom and legitimacy we can get just because we are white. We walked into the hotel (the nicest hotel I have ever seen) with our backpacks and all and the security guard literally shook out hands. Similar stuff happens when we ask to use bathrooms at offices, etc. We can often get privileges that other people would NEVER get here. On one hand, it is extremely convenient. As we are slightly picky about our bathrooms, etc, we can often find nice ones easily. Similarly, we are able to escape crowds by going into fancy restaurants or hotels where security would question a Tanzanian, but not us. Its also strange and a constant reminder that we will never be able to be Tanzanian for reals. So, as I sit here, I am wildly curious to know why all of these people are here in TZ. So, I have subsequently created an imaginary research project investigating "American Social Presence in Tanzania" to give me an excuse to ask people why they are here. Goodness, I really have no fear of embarrassment or awkwardness. So, we are sitting with a nice couple who are missionaries for the Evangelical Church of America. I don't know how I feel about missionaries. They are nice enough-- actually extremely nice. They are doing great development work and really living in TZ for real, with the people. Plus, so many Tanzanians are Christian anyway, its not like they are converting them from indigenous religions. Plus, Christian Tanzanians, since they are very religious now, basically consider Missionaries to be historical heros. But, of course they are always going to have a holier-than-thou element since they are bringing the "correct" religion to the people. All is well, because missionary Mama Carol is going to help me get knitting needles.

Oh my, I haven't had real coffee in 2 months and I am soooo wired.

Love,

Rachel