Dar es Salaam, Dec. 27 -- Dear Aunt Sophia,

I greet you with deep respect and warmth in the sacred name of our Nyamwezi ancestors, led by the great and fearless Chief Mirambo, whose wisdom and courage still echo in our blood, and in the name of Limatunda, the guardian spirit of our people, who watches over our land, our cattle, and our children. May their blessings rest upon you, your household and all who share your roof.

It is with a full heart and joyful spirit that I sit down to write this long letter to you, for my recent journey to our beloved village of Ukumbisiganga stirred many memories, emotions and stories that I feel compelled to share with you in detail.

We began our journey in Dar es Salaam, that restless giant of a city ...