Cattle Market/Youth Prison

How do I summarize the day? Heat, goat slaughterings, offers of marriage, inmates, and the constant expression of generocity and love. First thing in the morning was going to the youth prison with our group, Lou, and Pastor Hafferman, and some teachers from the language school. We arrived at the prison and the head of the prison greeted us with nothing but smiles. He took every opportunity he could to show us that we were welcome. If I were to use the word "prison" I would use it very loosely. There were no cells but small buildings with mats on the floors for the inmates to sleep on. Since it was a youth prison the ages of the prisoners were ranging from ages 16 to 21. The reasons of why they were in prsion could range from getting caught stealing food to stealing a bike but they it seems that they are treated better than they would in America. Those who escape are very few if any since they are treated as equals and given their space to do chores, go to vocation, be in a choir, go to church, and be educated. The head of the prison showed us all the past gifts that Wartburg has give to the prison ranging from quilts to microscopes to buliding an addition to their church. This time we gave them a computer and the joy of the gift was evident on their faces...even more so when they got a picture (an extra bonus).

Next on the list was the cattle market. They warned us that we would be stared at by many of the Massai (a warrior tribe in Tanzania who come to trade their cattle), but it was better than I thought. People did stare at us a lot but I didn't feel uncomfortable. Amongst the vendors, little huts with thatched roofs, and cattle were these Massai with their checkered garb complete with spear or knife. Many calls and kissing noises were heard when we passed and Molly, one of the girls in our group, got offered twice to be married. Hafferman really wanted to go home with a lot of cattle and was "determined" to have us all married. I was surpised to see these Massai men in the middle of trees with their simple fabrics holding cell phones. It never occured to me how technology has reached even the trives of indeginous Africans who quite possibly live in the mountains.
We were able to eat lunch in a friend of Hafferman's hut. They made sure everyone had a chair to sit on and made each of us a plate full of ma yai and potatoes (my yai is eggs) which was really good! Then it was time for some goat meat! I did try some even though I am not a huge meat eater. Hafferman is like a celebrity every time he goes to the market. Everyone wants him to visit their village and it a great testimony to how well Christianity is spreading.

After the cattle market we came back in time for tea. For supper we had Samoa (fried shell with meat and maybe some onion on the inside...very good!) Tomorrow we go to a village church to sing our songs we prepared. I'm sure I'll be in awe of their singing as we can all offer our praises to God together.
Asante Jesu (thank you Jesus)