Wednesday May 19th
Today we went to Sanga Sanga village. We had heard a lot about this village...not only was it
known for the Barabi tribe (different from the Massai) but it also was a typical place to
hear marriage offerings. The site at Sanga Sanga is still very new and complex because the people in that area like to move around and it is hard for them to stay in one area for a significant amount of time. Pastor Hafferman met with some leaders while the rest of us rested on school benches under a tree. After a couple hours some girls and I decided to show the nearby school children our bubbles and supplies that we had brought for the day. The school children weren't too fond of the bubbles at first as they ran away whenever the bubbles blew in their general direction. We showed them that they caused no harm and they eventually warmed up to the idea (and to us). We also taught them how to play London bridges and Ring around the Rosy. Someone then had the ambious idea of teaching them Duck Duck Goose. We all made a circle under the hot sun and taught them how to run (as well as we could in skirts). We changed the words to Moja Moja Mbili which means One One Two!! (the two we would emphasize so they new when to run.) They really loved that game and caught on fast! Not only did we feel like we created a bond but we felt like we eliminated a culture gap that was very evident when we arrived. We ended up not having service but we ended the visit with eating chicken and duck and watching the Barabi do their dating ritual dance.
Later we got to go back to the seminary and experience the Eucharist service which was the first service all in English!! Not only was it neat to be packed in next to seminary students who were reciting Lutheran literagy but it also made it more real to realize the worship shared all across the world. We were asked to come in front of the whole church and introduce ourselves and where we were from. It was a little nerve racking, but in the end pleasant to be a part of.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
"Sister Give me My Brush!"
Tuesday May 18th- Painting at Wami Dakawa
Today started the day of our volunteer building projects. We took the bus past Dar Salaam and into Wami Dakawa where one group stayed to help paint in inside of the church while another group headed to a different Massai church. I was at the first site, but everyone was fed before we split into groups. We were fed the usual snack of goat milk with donuts (more like bread) and flat bread. After having gallons of goat milk at other villages and being in the heat it is hard to drink another hot beverage, but we still are the honored guests. Afterward a group of girls and I started painting the inside of the church. We weren’t so sure if we would be able to do work since some men might struggle with the fact that females aren’t allowed to do that kind of work. It ended up going o.k. but we had spectators watching our brush strokes and I even had a couple guys take my brush away from me. One said, “Sister…give me my brush!” Stunned and unsure of what to say I just gave him the brush to avoid further conflict. The church was pretty simple but had more decorations than I have seen at any other village church (which doesn’t take much.) Some plastic flowers were hung up and a glass lectern was by the alter. In the end we painted the walls, doors, Luka got outside columns, and the alter.
The most surprising thing was Luka. He went to the hospital the night before and we were all praying for him and unsure of what he had but it turned out to be parasites. It was good he got to go along since he is a hard worker, but he hardly stopped and rested. ..God heal him.
We had our first lunch that didn’t have goat but pork instead and it tasted delicious. I noticed that when we were eating we sat with the men and the women were assigned their own designated spot by the fire and off to the side behind some trees. This not only bugged me in the fact that it showed inequality, but I also felt like I couldn’t communicate with the women at all. Maybe this is why it is hard to form relationships with women because they are taught to be reserved…just another observation of the culture.
We had a boy who was in the church the whole time watching us paint with a Minnesota Gopher jersey…not only was it shocking but also kind of humbling to see something from the Midwest in such a remote place.
Our painting job in the end (I’m sure in both places) was much appreciated and really fun to do. At the end of the work day they started playing songs with guitars so we could all come together through music.
Today started the day of our volunteer building projects. We took the bus past Dar Salaam and into Wami Dakawa where one group stayed to help paint in inside of the church while another group headed to a different Massai church. I was at the first site, but everyone was fed before we split into groups. We were fed the usual snack of goat milk with donuts (more like bread) and flat bread. After having gallons of goat milk at other villages and being in the heat it is hard to drink another hot beverage, but we still are the honored guests. Afterward a group of girls and I started painting the inside of the church. We weren’t so sure if we would be able to do work since some men might struggle with the fact that females aren’t allowed to do that kind of work. It ended up going o.k. but we had spectators watching our brush strokes and I even had a couple guys take my brush away from me. One said, “Sister…give me my brush!” Stunned and unsure of what to say I just gave him the brush to avoid further conflict. The church was pretty simple but had more decorations than I have seen at any other village church (which doesn’t take much.) Some plastic flowers were hung up and a glass lectern was by the alter. In the end we painted the walls, doors, Luka got outside columns, and the alter.
The most surprising thing was Luka. He went to the hospital the night before and we were all praying for him and unsure of what he had but it turned out to be parasites. It was good he got to go along since he is a hard worker, but he hardly stopped and rested. ..God heal him.
We had our first lunch that didn’t have goat but pork instead and it tasted delicious. I noticed that when we were eating we sat with the men and the women were assigned their own designated spot by the fire and off to the side behind some trees. This not only bugged me in the fact that it showed inequality, but I also felt like I couldn’t communicate with the women at all. Maybe this is why it is hard to form relationships with women because they are taught to be reserved…just another observation of the culture.
We had a boy who was in the church the whole time watching us paint with a Minnesota Gopher jersey…not only was it shocking but also kind of humbling to see something from the Midwest in such a remote place.
Our painting job in the end (I’m sure in both places) was much appreciated and really fun to do. At the end of the work day they started playing songs with guitars so we could all come together through music.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Visit to Faraja
On Monday we went to Faraja Trust Fund in Morogoro. I knew that it was a non-governmental organization that informed people on AIDS and the epidemic happening in the area but other than that I didn't know what to expect. We were able to meet with Victor and Norbert who were directors of Faraja and ask them any questions we had on AIDS and the work that they do there. It turns out that they provide education and psychosocial support to orphans, small loans to improve the livelihoods of women and children, and counseling and testing to those who are HIV positive. Faraja is there to not only educate people but to support them in the process and do everything they can to not only stop AIDS from spreading, but also provide awareness.
We got to see three different schools that were available to orphans so that they would be able to receive an education. Not only were the kids eager to learn, but they also welcomed us and wanted to know our names.
The main problem Faraja faces is the amount of poverty seen among the people of Tanzania. People who are in poverty are struggling to get by and may not receive the proper screening needed. Also, woman who have AIDS can contract it to their babies through breast milk but are unable to buy formula so the baby can be at risk of getting AIDS.
I was mostly impressed with their option of counseling before and after screenings and their ability to provide schools to children that are not only eager to learn but also look forward to the meal that they have during the day.
Women empowerment is very questionable here, however, and still very unbalanced. One of the directors of Faraja said that if a woman were to talk to her partner about her sex life she "might get beat." Not only was this a surprising concept but also shocking to hear from a AIDS organization.
We believed, however, that Faraja was doing great work for awareness and education and so we donated 10 computers to Faraja for the work that they do. All in all a very interesting organization and somewhere for future trips!
We got to see three different schools that were available to orphans so that they would be able to receive an education. Not only were the kids eager to learn, but they also welcomed us and wanted to know our names.
The main problem Faraja faces is the amount of poverty seen among the people of Tanzania. People who are in poverty are struggling to get by and may not receive the proper screening needed. Also, woman who have AIDS can contract it to their babies through breast milk but are unable to buy formula so the baby can be at risk of getting AIDS.
I was mostly impressed with their option of counseling before and after screenings and their ability to provide schools to children that are not only eager to learn but also look forward to the meal that they have during the day.
Women empowerment is very questionable here, however, and still very unbalanced. One of the directors of Faraja said that if a woman were to talk to her partner about her sex life she "might get beat." Not only was this a surprising concept but also shocking to hear from a AIDS organization.
We believed, however, that Faraja was doing great work for awareness and education and so we donated 10 computers to Faraja for the work that they do. All in all a very interesting organization and somewhere for future trips!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Every Day is a New Day
Hello Everyone! Tonight your update comes to you from Jen N. Since we have little time to use the computer, and it's very easy to get behind, I am helping Rachel get caught up. I hope you enjoy and at least tolerate tonight's substitution.
Recap since the last update:
2 Masaai village church visit
3 more orphanage visits
LOTS of Swahili class time
Mikumi game park
If you have ever been amazed by a choir sing, think again. African choirs, especially church choirs and school choirs are AMAZING! There are actions, chanting, noise-making and singing (of course). We arrived at the village around 9:30 am, but church did not start until 12ish, since here it is custom to wait for everyone to arrive first, and greet everyone as they arrive. The service itself was about 3 hours, with singing, talking, communion, offering, choir performances, and even a few songs from us Wartburg kids. With all the entertainment, it didn't seem like that long, but there were so many people standing the entire time... Crazy... After church, everyone goes outside and shakes everyone's hand, while forming a giant circle. Then it was time for the auction and taking pictures with all the children, which is what I did instead. This may also be why my camera doesn't work right now...but it happens. We also ended up eating at the village. The meal consisted of goat, rice, tomatoes and.... all of the goat innards cooked. So some unknowing(and some knowing) Wartburgers ended up with intestine, liver and stomach to eat. The liver apparently was decent, but the other stuff was interesting, so they got creative with the ways they ate it. We also had soda for the first time, which was pretty sweet, not to mention that some of us used the "outhouse," which is an experience all in itself... The toilet is in the floor, so you squat. Enough said.
The orphanage stories are the same pretty much. We run, swing, talk and just carry the kids around for however long we are there. They are so talkative and love to look out the window, even though we are outside anyway. Slowly, we are learning more words to try and use with the kids, but mostly we just listen to them babble. It's cute that way anyway. The last visit was interesting, however, because not all of us went, so those that did were working over time. And there were lots of kids needing changing.
Swahili lessons are now over, but we have learned a ton in the few days we have been learning it. We can form lots of full sentences now with verbs, adjectives and adverbs and we know tons of vocab. Napenda Swahili-I like Swahili. Nilikuja kijiji cha Masaai leo; Niliona watu wengi. I went to a Masaai village today; I saw a lot of/many people.
A few days ago we got back from an overnight trip to Mikumi game park. It's pretty much a huge animal reserve, and i do mean HUGE! We saw so many twiga (giraffes), simba (lions), tembo (elephants), impala, birds, etc. Our lodging for the night was in little hut/cabin-like things. There was a "honeymoon suite" and another room with three single beds in it, plus a bathroom and shower room. Quite the place! Dinner was amazing too. We all got to choose from a menu and order drinks. I had a beef kabob with peanut sauce and chips(fries). Fanta was also available, so I was very excited about that! The next morning we went out on another safari at 6:30am, however, that is when we really found the lions out and even eventually found a hippo in the water. It was definitely worth it! We got omelets for breakfast as well. Talk about luxury! After the excitement of having a male simba(lion) walk toward our bus, however, most people were tired and napped on the way home.
May 14- a 4-hr drive to another village. Through the rainforest and mountains, the view was gorgeous! Throw in a couple tumbili (monkeys) and lots of waving children, and it couldn't be much more enjoyable. The ride itself was full of potholes, rocks, bumps and jerking, but the village again was a great experience. This time the church service was outside, so we all sat on benches in the shade. Each village visit involves an auction, and this one was no different, except that we bought the majority of the items, including 3 goats, 2 chickens, several kitenges and some jewelry. Dinner was a communal rice plate, with some goat meat on top and soda. Then we had to attempt to get back out of the village and through the rainforest in the dark, with 2 chickens in the back of the bus (Have you ever heard one cry?). We finally made it back around midnight...and then crashed...
Saturday was our last day of Swahili/Tanzania culture and another trip to the orphanage. Well... it actually turned into a free day, since our village visit lasted so long. We got to sleep in for once, and had no obligations until Reflection Time. People caught up on journalling, went to the orphanage, read, napped and just recuperated after several long days. A few people weren't feeling well, so that day was much needed. We learned several interesting things about Tanzania culture. Tipping restaurants is not common here and very unexpected. You don't call out to someone walking away to get their attention, you clap at them to get them to turn around (Bwana Ed wouldn't let us practice). Dating/married couples do not hug/kiss/associate together in public, and you physically escort people in and out of your home when you have people over.
Today was another village visit. This time we rode in land-rover vehicles and the ride only took a little over 2 hours, though we did drive through a corn field...The service was similar to the others, but today the men did their traditional jumping/dancing circle that used to be used to scare opponents before battle. Lots of our crew even joined them inside the circle and were being taught to dance by some of the elder women. At reflection time tonight, much of the group agreed that today was their favorite village so far. Lots of the girls and Bwana Ed felt very well received and taken care of today. Some girls were even learning some of the traditional Masaai language and were teaching some of the mamas how to count in English.
I apologize that this is so long, but it's easier to just make one big post when you don't update often. Tomorrow we are headed to Faraja to talk more about HIV/AIDS and the work Faraja does in the community for people with HIV/AIDS. We recently have started coming up with questions we have about AIDS, from how Faraja works, to how it's perceived in Masaai culture. Hopefully Rachel will get to update again soon. Thanks for checking the updates! Asante sana (Thank you very much!)
Kwa heri na usiku mwema (Goodbye and good night!) Jen
Recap since the last update:
2 Masaai village church visit
3 more orphanage visits
LOTS of Swahili class time
Mikumi game park
If you have ever been amazed by a choir sing, think again. African choirs, especially church choirs and school choirs are AMAZING! There are actions, chanting, noise-making and singing (of course). We arrived at the village around 9:30 am, but church did not start until 12ish, since here it is custom to wait for everyone to arrive first, and greet everyone as they arrive. The service itself was about 3 hours, with singing, talking, communion, offering, choir performances, and even a few songs from us Wartburg kids. With all the entertainment, it didn't seem like that long, but there were so many people standing the entire time... Crazy... After church, everyone goes outside and shakes everyone's hand, while forming a giant circle. Then it was time for the auction and taking pictures with all the children, which is what I did instead. This may also be why my camera doesn't work right now...but it happens. We also ended up eating at the village. The meal consisted of goat, rice, tomatoes and.... all of the goat innards cooked. So some unknowing(and some knowing) Wartburgers ended up with intestine, liver and stomach to eat. The liver apparently was decent, but the other stuff was interesting, so they got creative with the ways they ate it. We also had soda for the first time, which was pretty sweet, not to mention that some of us used the "outhouse," which is an experience all in itself... The toilet is in the floor, so you squat. Enough said.
The orphanage stories are the same pretty much. We run, swing, talk and just carry the kids around for however long we are there. They are so talkative and love to look out the window, even though we are outside anyway. Slowly, we are learning more words to try and use with the kids, but mostly we just listen to them babble. It's cute that way anyway. The last visit was interesting, however, because not all of us went, so those that did were working over time. And there were lots of kids needing changing.
Swahili lessons are now over, but we have learned a ton in the few days we have been learning it. We can form lots of full sentences now with verbs, adjectives and adverbs and we know tons of vocab. Napenda Swahili-I like Swahili. Nilikuja kijiji cha Masaai leo; Niliona watu wengi. I went to a Masaai village today; I saw a lot of/many people.
A few days ago we got back from an overnight trip to Mikumi game park. It's pretty much a huge animal reserve, and i do mean HUGE! We saw so many twiga (giraffes), simba (lions), tembo (elephants), impala, birds, etc. Our lodging for the night was in little hut/cabin-like things. There was a "honeymoon suite" and another room with three single beds in it, plus a bathroom and shower room. Quite the place! Dinner was amazing too. We all got to choose from a menu and order drinks. I had a beef kabob with peanut sauce and chips(fries). Fanta was also available, so I was very excited about that! The next morning we went out on another safari at 6:30am, however, that is when we really found the lions out and even eventually found a hippo in the water. It was definitely worth it! We got omelets for breakfast as well. Talk about luxury! After the excitement of having a male simba(lion) walk toward our bus, however, most people were tired and napped on the way home.
May 14- a 4-hr drive to another village. Through the rainforest and mountains, the view was gorgeous! Throw in a couple tumbili (monkeys) and lots of waving children, and it couldn't be much more enjoyable. The ride itself was full of potholes, rocks, bumps and jerking, but the village again was a great experience. This time the church service was outside, so we all sat on benches in the shade. Each village visit involves an auction, and this one was no different, except that we bought the majority of the items, including 3 goats, 2 chickens, several kitenges and some jewelry. Dinner was a communal rice plate, with some goat meat on top and soda. Then we had to attempt to get back out of the village and through the rainforest in the dark, with 2 chickens in the back of the bus (Have you ever heard one cry?). We finally made it back around midnight...and then crashed...
Saturday was our last day of Swahili/Tanzania culture and another trip to the orphanage. Well... it actually turned into a free day, since our village visit lasted so long. We got to sleep in for once, and had no obligations until Reflection Time. People caught up on journalling, went to the orphanage, read, napped and just recuperated after several long days. A few people weren't feeling well, so that day was much needed. We learned several interesting things about Tanzania culture. Tipping restaurants is not common here and very unexpected. You don't call out to someone walking away to get their attention, you clap at them to get them to turn around (Bwana Ed wouldn't let us practice). Dating/married couples do not hug/kiss/associate together in public, and you physically escort people in and out of your home when you have people over.
Today was another village visit. This time we rode in land-rover vehicles and the ride only took a little over 2 hours, though we did drive through a corn field...The service was similar to the others, but today the men did their traditional jumping/dancing circle that used to be used to scare opponents before battle. Lots of our crew even joined them inside the circle and were being taught to dance by some of the elder women. At reflection time tonight, much of the group agreed that today was their favorite village so far. Lots of the girls and Bwana Ed felt very well received and taken care of today. Some girls were even learning some of the traditional Masaai language and were teaching some of the mamas how to count in English.
I apologize that this is so long, but it's easier to just make one big post when you don't update often. Tomorrow we are headed to Faraja to talk more about HIV/AIDS and the work Faraja does in the community for people with HIV/AIDS. We recently have started coming up with questions we have about AIDS, from how Faraja works, to how it's perceived in Masaai culture. Hopefully Rachel will get to update again soon. Thanks for checking the updates! Asante sana (Thank you very much!)
Kwa heri na usiku mwema (Goodbye and good night!) Jen
Saturday, May 15, 2010
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)
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)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
First Swahili Class- May 7th
The glorious sun came out today as we all awoke to the rays of sun bursting amongst the green plants and trees we saw the day before. Everything is so surreal here…I feel as if I am not really here…the scenery is so breath taking and the people are unbelievably friendly. We had papai again for breakfast (kinda slimy but I know its good for me and all a part of the experience.) We also had toast with peanut butter and honey…I could get used to this! We then started the day with the song “What a Friend we have in Jesus” or “Yesu ni Rafiki Yetu”. I have never heard a song sung so joyously and with such great harmony and gusto before. I could hear the pure joy and meaning in their voices! It was so beautiful it almost brought tears to my eyes…I hope they sing that way in heaven because it was unbelievable and that was just one song.
We then had an intense Swahili class from 8:00-12:00 a.m. with one break in between for coffee and tea. We learned everything from pretenses, how to say foods, greetings, and the history behind Tanzania. Swahili actually came from Arabs who came across the Indian Ocean to trade. The African wives helped the Arabs to be a part of “the clan” by marrying and mingling the two cultures. Arabic is considered the original Swahili and can be found in different dialects among the south, west, and east. There are 22 noun groups in Swahili and many of it I find confusing but I am slowly learning. We broke out into groups for another session of Swahili this afternoon for about two more hours. Our teacher’s name was Omega who was a wonderful teacher and had a lot of patience and made me pinky promise that I understood what he was saying because sometimes I lagged behind.
Right after Swahili class we got to see some ketenge (clothes for skirts) from a lady who was selling them. Nicole and I bought one together since they were big enough to share. Following that we went on an adventure to the orphanage. It was probably at least a 3 mile walk through huts below the mountains and alongside the train tracks. I saw many palm trees, people living off the land, and more breathtaking scenery. The walk really opened my eyes to the poverty level and the importance of crops to these people who are carefree (or maybe just more simplistic) in their way of life. We ran into some children who only just wanted a picta (picture) taken. Once we got to the orphanage, there were many little kids running around and who clung to each and every one of us as soon as we arrived. One little girl was especially amused by my watch and its changing numbers when she pressed a button. She also loved the simple things- like me spinning her around and making faces. She was probably about 3 years old, but could repeat my English faster than any Swahili I learned today. They had a few swings in the back of the building as well as a merry-go-round and slide which were good entertainment as well as bubbles and a frisbee that I brought. The language barrier seemed to be a problem since we could only communicate “no.” We also used pointing as an effective was to understand what they wanted as well but wished we knew more Swahili to better understand them. With their big eyes and baggy clothes…nothing could me more loveable then the children who just want to be loved…the children of God. After our walk back we ate supper (hot dogs) and rice for a much needed energy booster. We then all headed back to our rooms for reflection and sleep. Tomorrow starts the trek to the youth prison and cattle market so much sleep is needed.
Jina lango ni Rachel- my name is Rachel
Jina lango si Bob- my name is not Bob
****Note computer is slow and wireless doesn't work so blogs will not appear every day. I will update it as much as I can
First day in Africa!
May 6th 2010
We made it to Tanzania safe and sound after a long journey! The flights went smoothly as we flew into Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis, Amsterdam and Dar Salaam. The flight to Amsterdam was routed differently because of the volcano ash so we ended up going more north through Canada. Each flight gave us plenty of food and beverages to last us a lifetime as well as movies on demand so we weren’t really ruffing it as they say. My favorite part would have to be eating the caramel ice cream we got on our Amsterdam flight and singing Lion King songs at the end of our delirious flight. So far no one has got sick and we all survived the turbulence. Once we got out of the airport the gateway was packed with people holding signs and I could see tropical trees and smell the industrial air. We were greeted by Luca, Pastor Hofferman’s friend, and some other guys to load up our numerous amounts of luggage in a bus that was just big enough for all of us. As we made our way through Morogoro I saw multitudes of semi trucks, oil bins, and litter dispersed around buildings and people riding bikes. After traveling for a little while we stayed at a Catholic guesthouse with numerous rooms complete with bathrooms and mosquito nets. Not only were we welcomed by the people but also the smiling faces of the pope in pictures and on potted plants. This morning we got breakfast at the guesthouse while it was pouring down rain. It continued to rain all day which caused red clay rivers but made the green lush plants more vibrant. Our supper we ate in the dark since the power went out, but it was more romantic by candlelight anyway. Some girls from the group and I decided to sing camp songs outside by flashlight as it continued to sprinkle on and off. It is quite humid and a lot of it reminds me of camp…just a different setting. Tomorrow we have our first class of swahili in the morning so I better get to sleep. Sleep in a queen size bed..more than what I have at home! God continues to be with us on this journey.
Kupenda (love in swahili I believe)
Rachel
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