Friday and Saturday

Friday was a day of waiting as Mpeli and Neema helped with a funeral arrangements of a neighbor. In the afternoon, we left for Mbeya. Mpeli was not feeling well so I (Floyd) drove halfway until he was feeling better. Actually, I think it was because my driving was a concern for him.

Saturday our schedule was once again rearranged. We picked up Mpeli's father and headed for Neema's parents. Some of you know Harry Massanjala. We left Mpeli's father at his shamba. Also, on the shamba is where Mpeli's younger brother is buried.

The Harry Massanjala family. We always enjoy visiting Harry and have been accepted into the family.

This area is Tukuyu. A very green and productive area. The elevation is high and has tea fields. The growing season is year round with rich soil, plenty of rain, and ideal climate. The area is near the Malawi border at the Lake Malawi.

A local oil press that uses sap from what appears to be a palm type tree to produce cooking oil. This shows how everything is locally produced using a great deal of invention.

The next three pictures are of the cocoa plant (chocolate). The prices are high now and its a excellent source of income for the farmers in the Kyela area. The first picture is of the tree, then the cocoa pod that holds the seeds or beans, and the final picture of the beans drying on sheets. Also, Kyela is well known for its rice.