Today was our last time to worship with the Christians at HPCC. Bob Wallace from North Carolina preached, and he was accompanied by a team from his church. They moved the service time up slightly to accommodate the baptisms, and in so doing we missed the Muslim call to prayer which usually interrupts the services. (A small mosque is just a few yards from the church.)
Just after the service began, 2 bus loads of Maasai arrived. The women in the group were attired in traditional dress, complete with elaborate necklaces and headdresses. They were really beautiful. Many had babies cradled on their backs, whom they nursed, as necessary, with no hint of self-consciousness.
As soon as the service ended, we formed a caravan of private vehicles, taxis, and the 2 buses. At the last major intersection, one of the Maasai buses was rear-ended by a dump truck. We all pulled over to wait for the police. It was clearly the fault of the dump truck, but one of the Maasai women appeared to have a slight concussion from the impact. (We knew Satan wouldn't stand for this going smoothly.) Eventually, we all arrived at the Buckners, then walked the short distance to the beach. The tide was going out, so we walked several yards into the ocean before it was deep enough for baptizing.
The first to be baptized was the leader of the tribe, a large man with 4 wives. Soon multiple baptisms were going on simultaneously. Bob, Craig, Don, Billy, and Rodney were all baptizing. It required group effort to counteract the waves. Afterwards, we formed a huge circle on the beach. As near as I could tell, there were 30 baptized with 40 or so Maasai all together. Praise God!
I need to backtrack briefly to tell you that at the end of the worship service Pastor Alphonce had Craig sit at the front of the church with a basket in his lap. Then these incredibly impoverished, dear people lined up to put money in the basket for JSCC! We were moved to tears, especially when several Maasai women removed their jewelry and placed it in the basket. I'm thinking that might become seed money for the next JSCC Tanzanian mission trip.
Tonight the rest of our team from the Ziem House will come over for fellowship. Also, Pastor Alphonce and the Elders of the church will come here to meet with Craig. In the morning we will tour Danielle's school at 9:00. Then, we'll go to HPCC for a farewell service, and most likely, a meal. Finally, we're off to the airport and on our way home. This has been an incredible experience, and we're so grateful to all of you who helped make it possible.
Here's a list (off the top of my head) of things we've accomplished:
Delivered supplies to Buckners
Fellowship with and encouragement to Don & Rochelle
Becoming acquainted with African Christians
2 Marriage Enrichment Seminars
2 VBS (African & missionary kids)
Babysitting for the missionaries
Instruction in how to teach by Laura
3 home visits
Visit to Pingo church
Providing transportation for Maasai baptisms
Monetary gift to Pastor William to help build new church
Tuition paid for Janet
Monetary gift to HPCC
Sunday School building completely refurbished
Towel racks up and minor repairs at the Buckner's
Money and transportation for sick baby and injured young man
Established relationship and encouragement for interns from Moberly, MO (also money)
Participated in 26 Maasai baptisms, 4 HPCC baptisms
Patronized Mama Jackie's shop (I think this qualifies!)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Saturday, July 26
Up early this morning to begin our Big Day. After boarding our rented bus, we headed toward Mikumi. Our rest stop was at a place with only "squatties"...no choice but to go native! 22 Ks out, we came to the small village of Pingo. Pastor William met us and directed us to his house. There we met his elders, 2 women, and several children. They all sang to welcome us. Pastor's home was constructed of vertical poles crisscrossed with horizontal sticks with mud as a filler. A goat shed was attached to the house, and a pig shed was out behind that. The roof was made of corrugated metal, but most of the village homes had thatched roofs. Pastor took us several yards beyond his home to a spot where the framework of the new church stood. It was surrounded by a good-sized plot of ground, all of which they purchased for 600,000 shillings (about $600). We formed a prayer circle and Angela, Rodney, Craig and I prayed for congregation. Before we left, Pastor prayed for us.
One of the women had a baby who was feverish and sick. She thought it was Malaria. Also, one of the young men had a severe head wound. We were able to transport them in our bus to the nearest medical clinic, and we took up an offering to pay for it. To be there at that exact time had to be a God thing.
We reached Mikumi Park mid-afternoon. Because the highway runs right through the park, we were afraid we wouldn't see many animals. Hakuna matata! We began spotting animals almost immediately. Before the day was over we had seen countless baboons, Impalas, giraffes, warthogs, elephants, cape buffalo, zebras, guinea fowl, wildebeests crocodiles, hippopotamus, and many species of birds (most we couldn't identify...but we did recognize Horn bills, Kingfishers, and storks.) We spent the night at the rustic TanSwiss Lodge.
Saturday morning we arose early in order to have time for viewing more animals. Craig wasn't feeling well and stayed at the lodge, meeting us later at the park entrance. We saw many more animals (as mentioned above), but no big cats. Rochelle said the lions are hard to see this time of year when the grass is high. Still, we were thrilled at all we were able to see.
The trip home seemed to take forever. Alice made a make-shift bed for Craig across the bus seats with suitcases filling the gap in the aisle. Little Joey was pretty unhappy with all the traveling. It was a lot for a 2-yr-old. (Both are feeling better now.)
I'm sorry we can't supply pictures due to technical difficulty. But, believe me, we have tons of them to bring home. I don't think Michelle has missed photographing an animal, tree or flower in all of Africa!
One of the women had a baby who was feverish and sick. She thought it was Malaria. Also, one of the young men had a severe head wound. We were able to transport them in our bus to the nearest medical clinic, and we took up an offering to pay for it. To be there at that exact time had to be a God thing.
We reached Mikumi Park mid-afternoon. Because the highway runs right through the park, we were afraid we wouldn't see many animals. Hakuna matata! We began spotting animals almost immediately. Before the day was over we had seen countless baboons, Impalas, giraffes, warthogs, elephants, cape buffalo, zebras, guinea fowl, wildebeests crocodiles, hippopotamus, and many species of birds (most we couldn't identify...but we did recognize Horn bills, Kingfishers, and storks.) We spent the night at the rustic TanSwiss Lodge.
Saturday morning we arose early in order to have time for viewing more animals. Craig wasn't feeling well and stayed at the lodge, meeting us later at the park entrance. We saw many more animals (as mentioned above), but no big cats. Rochelle said the lions are hard to see this time of year when the grass is high. Still, we were thrilled at all we were able to see.
The trip home seemed to take forever. Alice made a make-shift bed for Craig across the bus seats with suitcases filling the gap in the aisle. Little Joey was pretty unhappy with all the traveling. It was a lot for a 2-yr-old. (Both are feeling better now.)
I'm sorry we can't supply pictures due to technical difficulty. But, believe me, we have tons of them to bring home. I don't think Michelle has missed photographing an animal, tree or flower in all of Africa!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thursday, July 24
Today was our last VBS. This morning we went to the woodcarvers' shopping area to finish our gift buying. After a quick lunch of granola bars, we continued to the church. A good-sized crowd of children was waiting for us, and they were really good today. (We're learning more about their level of ability.) As they left, we passed out balloons to everyone. Several stopped to give us hugs, and one little girl of about 12 (Flora)told me, "I love you." Wow, that was all the reward I needed!
We have solved the baptism problem. Rather, I should say, God has solved it for us. I originally thought the Indian Ocean wasn't suitable for baptizing. That was incorrect. The real problem is that the Maasai village which has the people ready for baptism is rather far from here, and it has no water. So this is what we're doing: we're hiring a bus to bring the more than 40 (up from the original 30) believers to Dar. This will take place Sunday after church. The cost will be about $430 dollars. When Craig checked our envelope of discretionary funds, he found $431 there. Very do-able! This is so exciting to us.
Tomorrow we will stop by a native church in Pingo on our way the animal park at Mikumi. This is a sister church to HPCC. Then we get to do a scaled-down version of a safari in the afternoon and again the next morning. We'll spend the night at a lodge located there. So you won't hear from us again until Saturday night or Sunday.
When we look back at all that has been accomplished since we arrived, we're overwhelmed. Praise God for His goodness!
We have solved the baptism problem. Rather, I should say, God has solved it for us. I originally thought the Indian Ocean wasn't suitable for baptizing. That was incorrect. The real problem is that the Maasai village which has the people ready for baptism is rather far from here, and it has no water. So this is what we're doing: we're hiring a bus to bring the more than 40 (up from the original 30) believers to Dar. This will take place Sunday after church. The cost will be about $430 dollars. When Craig checked our envelope of discretionary funds, he found $431 there. Very do-able! This is so exciting to us.
Tomorrow we will stop by a native church in Pingo on our way the animal park at Mikumi. This is a sister church to HPCC. Then we get to do a scaled-down version of a safari in the afternoon and again the next morning. We'll spend the night at a lodge located there. So you won't hear from us again until Saturday night or Sunday.
When we look back at all that has been accomplished since we arrived, we're overwhelmed. Praise God for His goodness!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 23
Neva and I went to the Ziem's house this morning to help with the Missionary Kids' VBS. Ziems have a really nice home with a paved courtyard, several balconies and tasteful, African decor. We did VBS activities with the MKs and enjoyed interacting with them. We grabbed a quick bite for lunch, then Craig chauffeured us to HPCC. As usual, we had to wait quite a while for people to congregate. Attendance was slightly down today, but the kids were super hyped-up. We're so grateful for the assistance from the Moberly students.
In the evening we all ate out at a restaurant located on the Indian Ocean. It was guarded by Maasai "warriors" whose pictures we took. After a delicious meal, we strolled through the gardens and observed the Southern Cross overhead. Then we adjourned to the Ziem house for a team meeting.
Something I just learned: Dar es Saalem means Haven of Peace in Swahili. Can't believe I didn't put that together sooner!
In the evening we all ate out at a restaurant located on the Indian Ocean. It was guarded by Maasai "warriors" whose pictures we took. After a delicious meal, we strolled through the gardens and observed the Southern Cross overhead. Then we adjourned to the Ziem house for a team meeting.
Something I just learned: Dar es Saalem means Haven of Peace in Swahili. Can't believe I didn't put that together sooner!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 22
We woke up to a gentle rain this morning, even though this is supposed to be the "dry" season. Actually, the weather has been better than expected. Temperatures have been in the 80's but it's so terribly humid that it seems hotter. There's no such thing as a "good hair day" here!
The second marriage enrichment has begun. It's being held at the home of the Tanzanian couple, Edmond and Dorothy Lyatuu. During the session our people at the Ziem house are hosting the missionary children and presenting a scaled-down version of VBS for them. This all takes place in the morning with VBS at HPCC continuing in the afternoon.
Our men bought all kinds of building materials yesterday for the repair projects. They purchased several 16' lengths of lumber which were delivered on a bicycle. What a sight!
Neva, Everett, and I had the privilege of going calling with Pastor Alphonce and Rochelle this morning. The first person we called on was a young woman named Janet. She lives with "Mama Jackie", a member of the church. Mama took her in when Janet had no place to go and was suffering from depression. Janet's desire is to apprentice to a seamstress. Her tuition would be only $15 per month for 12 months, but that is a great deal of money for her. I think we found a solution for that problem.
Next, we visited Dorothy, a widow from the church who has 9 dependents. Her home has no electricity and floods when the river rises. Both of these women live in abject poverty and would gladly work if they had the opportunity. In spite of this, they have such sweet spirits. We're still trying to come up with an idea to help Dorothy, and we're praying for both households.
VBS drew in even more children today...over 90. The ground had dried up from the rain,, so the kids were able to play their games outside.
The 2 injured people I wrote about earlier are doing well. Please continue to pray for Janet and Dorothy. Visiting them was the most moving experience of our trip to date.
The second marriage enrichment has begun. It's being held at the home of the Tanzanian couple, Edmond and Dorothy Lyatuu. During the session our people at the Ziem house are hosting the missionary children and presenting a scaled-down version of VBS for them. This all takes place in the morning with VBS at HPCC continuing in the afternoon.
Our men bought all kinds of building materials yesterday for the repair projects. They purchased several 16' lengths of lumber which were delivered on a bicycle. What a sight!
Neva, Everett, and I had the privilege of going calling with Pastor Alphonce and Rochelle this morning. The first person we called on was a young woman named Janet. She lives with "Mama Jackie", a member of the church. Mama took her in when Janet had no place to go and was suffering from depression. Janet's desire is to apprentice to a seamstress. Her tuition would be only $15 per month for 12 months, but that is a great deal of money for her. I think we found a solution for that problem.
Next, we visited Dorothy, a widow from the church who has 9 dependents. Her home has no electricity and floods when the river rises. Both of these women live in abject poverty and would gladly work if they had the opportunity. In spite of this, they have such sweet spirits. We're still trying to come up with an idea to help Dorothy, and we're praying for both households.
VBS drew in even more children today...over 90. The ground had dried up from the rain,, so the kids were able to play their games outside.
The 2 injured people I wrote about earlier are doing well. Please continue to pray for Janet and Dorothy. Visiting them was the most moving experience of our trip to date.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday, July 21
It's hard to believe we've been here one week; only one to go! This morning we went shopping (not just looking). Rochelle took us to some authentic African dukas, or shops. The vendors were annoyingly persistent at times, but we got pretty good at saying NO. After grabbing a quick bite at the "mall" we headed to HPCC.
The dear ladies at HPCC had prepared another meal for us, so we ate just enough to be polite. We had never tasted one of their staples called ugali, so we got to try that. The best way I can describe it is that it's basically unsalted paste!
VBS was to start at 2:00, but remember we're on African time. 2:00 passed, then 2:30. Finally, at 3:30 we started the music, and kids began to appear from everywhere. We actually ended up with 70-80, which was great for the first day. The kids had a wonderful time. Most of them are as cute and sweet as they can be. They're already giving us hugs, and we've just met! They left around 6:30, and we finally returned home by 8:00, tired but pleased.
The dear ladies at HPCC had prepared another meal for us, so we ate just enough to be polite. We had never tasted one of their staples called ugali, so we got to try that. The best way I can describe it is that it's basically unsalted paste!
VBS was to start at 2:00, but remember we're on African time. 2:00 passed, then 2:30. Finally, at 3:30 we started the music, and kids began to appear from everywhere. We actually ended up with 70-80, which was great for the first day. The kids had a wonderful time. Most of them are as cute and sweet as they can be. They're already giving us hugs, and we've just met! They left around 6:30, and we finally returned home by 8:00, tired but pleased.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sunday, July 20
Marriage enrichment ended at noon on Saturday. In the afternoon we took time off to visit the beach. There was too much seaweed for swimming, but we enjoyed walking along the shore looking for shells.
This morning (Sunday) we were up bright and early in order to leave for church by 7:30. It's about a 30 minute (bumpy) ride to Haven of Peace Christian Church. In order to get all our crew there we also had to hire a taxi. Once we were at the church we toured the 2 small buildings we hadn't yet seen, and found several ladies busily preparing lunch. (Danielle also taught us how to use the "squatty potty")! At service time some of us went to the children's SS class where Rochelle usually teaches. Today, Angela filled in for her. The rest of us went to Don's SS class. Craig preached the sermon through an interpreter. There was wonderful singing by their choir, and our JSCC "choir" sang, too. The service was long, but uplifting. Some of the prayers consisted of all praying aloud simultaneously. Different, but effective. Two other American couples attended, making a total of 80 or more. The Americans were interns from Central Christian College in Moberly, MO. Lunch was served after the the service ended. Since we were guests, we got to eat first, and we got spoons! The rice, beans, and cabbage were delicious. At the end of the meal, an ice cream vendor just happened to go by, and we bought ice cream for all the children. It was 1:30 or 2:00 when we left.
Returning home we stopped off to exchange some of our dollars into Tanzanian Shillings. Rochelle bought groceries while the rest of window-shopped.
This morning (Sunday) we were up bright and early in order to leave for church by 7:30. It's about a 30 minute (bumpy) ride to Haven of Peace Christian Church. In order to get all our crew there we also had to hire a taxi. Once we were at the church we toured the 2 small buildings we hadn't yet seen, and found several ladies busily preparing lunch. (Danielle also taught us how to use the "squatty potty")! At service time some of us went to the children's SS class where Rochelle usually teaches. Today, Angela filled in for her. The rest of us went to Don's SS class. Craig preached the sermon through an interpreter. There was wonderful singing by their choir, and our JSCC "choir" sang, too. The service was long, but uplifting. Some of the prayers consisted of all praying aloud simultaneously. Different, but effective. Two other American couples attended, making a total of 80 or more. The Americans were interns from Central Christian College in Moberly, MO. Lunch was served after the the service ended. Since we were guests, we got to eat first, and we got spoons! The rice, beans, and cabbage were delicious. At the end of the meal, an ice cream vendor just happened to go by, and we bought ice cream for all the children. It was 1:30 or 2:00 when we left.
Returning home we stopped off to exchange some of our dollars into Tanzanian Shillings. Rochelle bought groceries while the rest of window-shopped.
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