Hard Work Pays Off

June 16th

So, another week of frustration and excitement! I have come to realize that it’s just the nature of starting anything new. There are your challenges and your successes. Well this week has brought both.

Our biggest concern going into this week was finding a lab to culture the probiotic strains. Without the probiotic our product is really nothing special. After a long discussion with Dr. Mhando on the weekend and a referral to another possible lab facility we ventured to the hospital to see if we could speak with anyone about the project and potential support. Surprisingly we were able to meet rather quickly on our arrival with one of the head doctors of the hospital. We sat in his office and described the project, the health benefits of the yogurt and the need for a lab and a lab technician. He listened patiently and enthusiastically, however was unable to give us the answers we wanted. The lab at the hospital was just not going to work. A little disappointed, we left and decided it is best to stick with Dr. Mhando. Although for now he is unable to provide us with what we need, he does understand and support the program and he is willing to help moving forward. Back to Dr. Mhando it is!

After another long trek to Ngaramtoni to meet with the future yogurt Mamas to finalize a physical location we were greeted with six empty chairs. No one showed up. We stuck around for a bit and were happy to see two of the women eventually show up bearing ideas for locations. They had taken the assignment to find a location to heart and had produced some very valuable options. We accompanied them into town and took a look at potential kitchen spaces. I am excited to say we officially have a location! YAY! It was very rewarding to see the women participate and even more exciting to see results. Now we must wait on funding.

With a time set up to window shop for equipment and compare prices, things were shaping up.