As they began to go through the presents, their eyes beamed. Even Elibariki’s young sister came over to check out the new things! We asked Sofia if she already had many things for little Elijah. She said no. Even used baby things are very expensive at the market, beginning at 2000 Tanzanian shillings per piece. (That’s about $1.30 US, but I guess when you figure that the average Tanzanian makes only a dollar a day, we can see the problem.)
Everything we brought was extremely well received. Sofia was most grateful for the clothes and the diapers. She said, “Now I won’t have to go to the market for a long time!”
Of course, she had never seen a pacifier before. They don’t have such things here. When Susan explained its use, Sofia’s eyes lit up. She was relieved to know that, from time to time, she may have a bit of a break.
Believe it or not, Elibariki’s favorite is the pairs of shoes! Even though these shoes will not fit properly for about a year, he laughed openly with excitement and placed the oversized shoes on Elijah’s feet, and stood him up on them!
Elibariki is one proud Papa! He has tender love for his son, even carrying him around, changing him, and playing with him (not at all typical here.)
