Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Coming Home
June 19, 2009
Last night we had our farewell dinner at the church. As it was last year, it was very joyous yet extremely emotional as we said our goodbyes. New relationships have been forged between our cultures to celebrate God's love. Already, members of the mission team are planning for the opportunity to return next year. Even though we did not finish some of the objectives we set for ourselves on the construction of the church we consider our short amount of time in Morogoro to be successful. We believe we demonstrated to the people we met throught the church there are those in America who believe in them and truly will do anything in our power to help. Our success from this mission may only be temporary. We will continually have to build on the successes of all teams to Morogoro in the future. This will be the only way to provide true hope for our friends.
This morning got off to an early bus ride to Dar es Salaam to catch a ferry to the island of Zanzibar. We arrived at our hotel (Temba Hotel) late in the afternoon. The hotel is on the beach on the west side of the island in the "Stone City" section. This area has a lot of fascinating history and architecture. Beautiful beaches, azure waters, walks through the narrow lanes between buildings and a wonderfully inspiring sunset have made our last full day a memorable experience. Tomorrow evening we begin our journey home and are looking forward to rejoining are loved ones and share all of our experiences with our friends. We will arrive in Oklahoma City Sunday evening. Until then, God Bless and thank you from Tanzania.
Last night we had our farewell dinner at the church. As it was last year, it was very joyous yet extremely emotional as we said our goodbyes. New relationships have been forged between our cultures to celebrate God's love. Already, members of the mission team are planning for the opportunity to return next year. Even though we did not finish some of the objectives we set for ourselves on the construction of the church we consider our short amount of time in Morogoro to be successful. We believe we demonstrated to the people we met throught the church there are those in America who believe in them and truly will do anything in our power to help. Our success from this mission may only be temporary. We will continually have to build on the successes of all teams to Morogoro in the future. This will be the only way to provide true hope for our friends.
This morning got off to an early bus ride to Dar es Salaam to catch a ferry to the island of Zanzibar. We arrived at our hotel (Temba Hotel) late in the afternoon. The hotel is on the beach on the west side of the island in the "Stone City" section. This area has a lot of fascinating history and architecture. Beautiful beaches, azure waters, walks through the narrow lanes between buildings and a wonderfully inspiring sunset have made our last full day a memorable experience. Tomorrow evening we begin our journey home and are looking forward to rejoining are loved ones and share all of our experiences with our friends. We will arrive in Oklahoma City Sunday evening. Until then, God Bless and thank you from Tanzania.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
last work day
Howdy, you will have to for give the spelling errors for i often do not spell werds write. often we enter into times and situations of the unknown. this trip was one of those for us all. what we expected and what God gave us were in most cases extrordinairily different. each person will be able to give you their account of this on their own, so i urge you to ask and probe into what they experianced, but please understand that you will not be able to grasp even a microbe of what God showed us. these will range from a long slow(645mph) trip over here, to a masia warrior jumping up and down with laughter at a question of family. experiences like a thief market to a final celebration with homemade gifts of infanite wealth. so as we say in tan-zan-ya "mucho gusto", and "real nice clark".
the love of Christ is often seen and felt, but when your family is doing it with you it seems to be so much greater and much more powerful. oh and the family in this situation is 11 gringos and around 50 beautiful africans with the love of Christ exploding out of their hearts.
So until then, we love all of you and you will get a few more of these in the days to come, as we make our way home.
the love of Christ is often seen and felt, but when your family is doing it with you it seems to be so much greater and much more powerful. oh and the family in this situation is 11 gringos and around 50 beautiful africans with the love of Christ exploding out of their hearts.
So until then, we love all of you and you will get a few more of these in the days to come, as we make our way home.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
NOW IT'S ORGEL'S TIME TO SHINE!!!
Five words, Mikumi National Park!
Today we were able to take a day for ourselves and went to Mikumi wildlife reserve. It was quite incredible. We saw giraffes, zebras, a lion, elephants and so much more. All of which are going to make great throw rugs in my living room. And let me tell you, wildebeest taste great!! I don't know how many hours we spent chit chatting over the camp fire cooking all the large game we shot, RIGHT OUT OF THE BUS! At one point Ann yelled out "Hey ya'll, watch this!" Then she jumped out of the bus and wrestled a baboon! What stories, what stories. We even took turns racing giraffes and ostriches. Ostriches may look stupid but oh what drum sticks! Throw a little bar-b-q sauce on that and you got yourself a meal baby!
After we left Mikumi we swung by a Masai village. We were introduced to them by Charles, a local Masai, who has converted to Christianity and is studying at the location we are working. He with a couple others are working on converting the village he came from. They were such nice people. They sang us songs and showed us their chapel. However to get there we took the bus as far off the main road as the driver wanted to go and then had to get out and hike the rest of the way. It was somewhere around a three mile walk and I lead the way. There were dangers at every turn. Baboons, lions, leopards and bush babies all posed a threat but I would have none of it! I fought them all off with my bare hands and was able to keep everyone alive in the process. On the way back to the bus, I had to carry everyone on my shoulders.
When I pushed the bus out of the ditch, we were on our way home. I decided to get out and run over the mountain instead of drive around. I beat everyone home. Did I mention how good looking I am?
Well I can't believe the trip is almost over. Only one more work day then we pack our bags and start our trip home. Mom, leave the front door open cuz I'll be bring'n home the ivory! Packed in a rhino horn, packed in a mountain gorilla, packed in a croc I'm going to have made into some boots, packed into something else . . . I'll think of it later. I'm having some rhino meat shipped home. RHINO RIBS FOR EVERYBODY!!!
Today we were able to take a day for ourselves and went to Mikumi wildlife reserve. It was quite incredible. We saw giraffes, zebras, a lion, elephants and so much more. All of which are going to make great throw rugs in my living room. And let me tell you, wildebeest taste great!! I don't know how many hours we spent chit chatting over the camp fire cooking all the large game we shot, RIGHT OUT OF THE BUS! At one point Ann yelled out "Hey ya'll, watch this!" Then she jumped out of the bus and wrestled a baboon! What stories, what stories. We even took turns racing giraffes and ostriches. Ostriches may look stupid but oh what drum sticks! Throw a little bar-b-q sauce on that and you got yourself a meal baby!
After we left Mikumi we swung by a Masai village. We were introduced to them by Charles, a local Masai, who has converted to Christianity and is studying at the location we are working. He with a couple others are working on converting the village he came from. They were such nice people. They sang us songs and showed us their chapel. However to get there we took the bus as far off the main road as the driver wanted to go and then had to get out and hike the rest of the way. It was somewhere around a three mile walk and I lead the way. There were dangers at every turn. Baboons, lions, leopards and bush babies all posed a threat but I would have none of it! I fought them all off with my bare hands and was able to keep everyone alive in the process. On the way back to the bus, I had to carry everyone on my shoulders.
When I pushed the bus out of the ditch, we were on our way home. I decided to get out and run over the mountain instead of drive around. I beat everyone home. Did I mention how good looking I am?
Well I can't believe the trip is almost over. Only one more work day then we pack our bags and start our trip home. Mom, leave the front door open cuz I'll be bring'n home the ivory! Packed in a rhino horn, packed in a mountain gorilla, packed in a croc I'm going to have made into some boots, packed into something else . . . I'll think of it later. I'm having some rhino meat shipped home. RHINO RIBS FOR EVERYBODY!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Another fun-filled day in Morogoro
Today was another day in Morogoro full of eye-opening experiences and hard work. Debbie and Mallary went with the local nurse Winnie on house visits. They learned so much and were so over-whelmed with the poverty and many HIV/AIDS needs. Winnie has about 384 HIV/AIDS patients and which only consists of 5 wards; there are 19 wards in Morogoro. God has worked in so many unbelievable ways and though some experiences such as the home visits give a sense of hopefulness, yet, God is still working through the local church people and our team to give many of these of people hope. Tonight Kevin spoke out of James 5:13 it talked about the power of prayer, how real prayer is and how in order to cure HIV/AIDS it will truly take a miracle. It will take prayer from you back home, us when we get home, making the relationships and staying in touch with them. Today Vickie, Ann, and Colleen continued teaching VBS and let me tell you those kids absolutely loved it. They learned new songs, colored pictures, and make jewelry. Tomorrow we will be going to mecumi- The National Park. Today we were able to kinda tell Umba who we would like to go and once he told Paul and Frankie, some of the people we have been working with, I got chills down my spine, their reaction was incredible, they were jumping up and down and hugging each other, and just were so excited that they got the opportunity to go with us. As a team we are experiencing so many moving things. I would like to ask you to continue to pray for our team, the hearts here, for God reveal how he wants to use us for the remainder of our time here.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday
Today started with a very refreshing rain that ended just in time for the construction work to begin. Construction consisted of mixing huge piles of cement, sand and rock, shoveling the mixture into a wheelbarrel and rolling it over a wooden plank to pour for the floor. Thanks to Jeff steadying the wheelbarrels, no loads were accidently dumped. The people here work so hard and really look out for each other, stepping in whenever it looks like someone needs a break. They work with a joy unlike anything I have ever seen. We learned that when the Masai are very happy they will jump up over and over.
Ann (also known as IAN here) and Vicki taught the children in VBS. They taught about God's love and committment. The children experienced balloons for the first time and were completly amazed. The children learned a few songs: This Little Light of Mine, I'm in the Lord's Army, and Jesus Loves Me.
Lexy (also known as Mama Yoyo and X) and Mallary (also known Mary and ndito) were taught how to make authentic Tanzania food. Mallary cut cabbage and graded tomatos and Lexy cried over some onions.
Colleen went with sister Winnie (Morogoro nurse) on house visits to see HIV and TB patients. We are reminded of how hopeless Winnie can feel having patients with such a chronic disease as HIV. Pray that she can continue to be encouraged in a job that can be very sad.
Jeremy, John, Jeff, Orgil and Kevin (Babo- grandpa) worked very hard along with the Tanzanias. What an incredible sight to see everyone work so hard together to accomplish such a huge task. We still have a lot to go. Pray for restful sleep tonight and tons of energy tomorrow.
Debbie (Dina) , our fearless leader, had here hands in a little of everything... literally, she picked up the gravel with her hands instead of shoveling because it was easier that way.
Lexy and Mallary got to experience first hand the high fasion Tanzania hairstyle. Mallary got one called Kilimanjaro- named after the point that it comes to on the top of your head. Lexy got one fasioned after Snoop Dog. :)
We saw a chicken swallow a snake whole and then were offered the chicken to eat. We then replied with perhaps another chicken- we then ate chicken for dinner. We later learn the Masai trick of making a chicken fall asleep. We have learned that the children here love pee-pee............... which means candy and are so excited when we give them some.
We are having the best time here and can't wait to to share all the stories. Continue to pray for the Muslim population all around us here, especially Dorothy who is really searching for truth right now. We love you all very much.
Ann (also known as IAN here) and Vicki taught the children in VBS. They taught about God's love and committment. The children experienced balloons for the first time and were completly amazed. The children learned a few songs: This Little Light of Mine, I'm in the Lord's Army, and Jesus Loves Me.
Lexy (also known as Mama Yoyo and X) and Mallary (also known Mary and ndito) were taught how to make authentic Tanzania food. Mallary cut cabbage and graded tomatos and Lexy cried over some onions.
Colleen went with sister Winnie (Morogoro nurse) on house visits to see HIV and TB patients. We are reminded of how hopeless Winnie can feel having patients with such a chronic disease as HIV. Pray that she can continue to be encouraged in a job that can be very sad.
Jeremy, John, Jeff, Orgil and Kevin (Babo- grandpa) worked very hard along with the Tanzanias. What an incredible sight to see everyone work so hard together to accomplish such a huge task. We still have a lot to go. Pray for restful sleep tonight and tons of energy tomorrow.
Debbie (Dina) , our fearless leader, had here hands in a little of everything... literally, she picked up the gravel with her hands instead of shoveling because it was easier that way.
Lexy and Mallary got to experience first hand the high fasion Tanzania hairstyle. Mallary got one called Kilimanjaro- named after the point that it comes to on the top of your head. Lexy got one fasioned after Snoop Dog. :)
We saw a chicken swallow a snake whole and then were offered the chicken to eat. We then replied with perhaps another chicken- we then ate chicken for dinner. We later learn the Masai trick of making a chicken fall asleep. We have learned that the children here love pee-pee............... which means candy and are so excited when we give them some.
We are having the best time here and can't wait to to share all the stories. Continue to pray for the Muslim population all around us here, especially Dorothy who is really searching for truth right now. We love you all very much.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 14, 2009
Today was Sunday! Church day!! We were so blown away by an amazing worship experience!!! We Methodists in America could take a lesson or two from our Methodist friends here in Morogoro! We were so blessed to have been able to take part in a worship service that was so moved by the power of the Holy Spirit!!! The music, the drama, the singing, dancing and the testimonines were overwhelming. If you talk of community you would certainly have been amazed by the receiving line that is formed outside the door of the Church after service and where everyone walks down the line to shake hands and offer blessings. The entire Church waiting to greet each other. Think what that would look like in our own Church. Very impressive!! We have video of the entire service and we hope to be able to share it with our friends when we return.
Our Team spent the afternoon today on a shopping expedition in the center of Morogoro. We initially started at the Center Market which more resembles an outdoor seafood, meat and vegetable market. The smells were unique to this combination of open air selling on a warm Sunday afternoon. Very pungent and overpowering at times!! After the Central Market we had the opportunity to visit the market known as "Saba Saba" which is a Sunday only Flea Market that covers several blocks lined inside and out with small tents full of every conceivable item for sale. The biggest inventory of things for sale were used shoes of all kinds collected from who knows where. You cannot imagine the piles and piles of shoes along the blocks that you could dig through to try and find something that may appeal to you. There were so many people trying to crowd there way down the narrow walkways that it was virtually impossible to not bump into someone. Very interesting experience for all of us.
Our trip continues to be full of unique experiences that sometimes are comical. Tonight on the way to dinner at Pastor Umba's house one of our vans managed to run out of gas right on the busy highway into town. The other van was resigned to taking a one gallon plastic jug down the nearest gas station and deliver the much needed fuel. The funniest thing about the entire experience is that the van continued to take us on to Pastor's house with just the one single gallon in it!! But, we made it safely and we laughed for quite a while afterwards.
Tomorrow is concrete day with our Team having the opportunity to mix something close to 14 cubic yards of concrete by hand and pour a foundation for the new santuary of the new Church!!
More to come on that tomorrow!!!!
Our Team spent the afternoon today on a shopping expedition in the center of Morogoro. We initially started at the Center Market which more resembles an outdoor seafood, meat and vegetable market. The smells were unique to this combination of open air selling on a warm Sunday afternoon. Very pungent and overpowering at times!! After the Central Market we had the opportunity to visit the market known as "Saba Saba" which is a Sunday only Flea Market that covers several blocks lined inside and out with small tents full of every conceivable item for sale. The biggest inventory of things for sale were used shoes of all kinds collected from who knows where. You cannot imagine the piles and piles of shoes along the blocks that you could dig through to try and find something that may appeal to you. There were so many people trying to crowd there way down the narrow walkways that it was virtually impossible to not bump into someone. Very interesting experience for all of us.
Our trip continues to be full of unique experiences that sometimes are comical. Tonight on the way to dinner at Pastor Umba's house one of our vans managed to run out of gas right on the busy highway into town. The other van was resigned to taking a one gallon plastic jug down the nearest gas station and deliver the much needed fuel. The funniest thing about the entire experience is that the van continued to take us on to Pastor's house with just the one single gallon in it!! But, we made it safely and we laughed for quite a while afterwards.
Tomorrow is concrete day with our Team having the opportunity to mix something close to 14 cubic yards of concrete by hand and pour a foundation for the new santuary of the new Church!!
More to come on that tomorrow!!!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday
Today we began with an outside devotional with Pastor Ubma and a few church members. Afterwards, Pastor Ubma took us on a walking tour of the area around the church showing us the Wesley School for children, the pastor's training class and the center where women are learning the skill of sewing to earn income. After the tour, the real work began of digging the trench for the footing of the next section of the building. The work was difficult and made harder by the quartz vein running through part of the path. No Ditch Witch here just old-fashioned manual labor but the team working together made tremendous progress.
Mallary gave classes on Malaria and TB which were well-received and given to a very attentive audience.
Our day ended after the lunch at 1:30, when we came back, showered and were taken on a driving tour of Morogoro. The highlight of the tour was the Rock Garden which is a beautiful and refreshing park on the side of the mountain. We then had a dinner at the Pastor's house prepared by Ngoye and her family. We have been very hungry after all the strenous work so the fish, pasta, rice and beans dinner was rapidly consumed.
We had a rewarding day of work progress and continuing to build a consistent relationship with the church families and children.
Mallary gave classes on Malaria and TB which were well-received and given to a very attentive audience.
Our day ended after the lunch at 1:30, when we came back, showered and were taken on a driving tour of Morogoro. The highlight of the tour was the Rock Garden which is a beautiful and refreshing park on the side of the mountain. We then had a dinner at the Pastor's house prepared by Ngoye and her family. We have been very hungry after all the strenous work so the fish, pasta, rice and beans dinner was rapidly consumed.
We had a rewarding day of work progress and continuing to build a consistent relationship with the church families and children.
Friday, June 12, 2009
mission to morogoro, day 5, Friday
Another adventurous day for all. We accomplished phase one of the construction. The rock foundation base is all fitted in, much to our exhausted pleasure. The next phases promise to challenge us as well. Vicki's trip to reclaim her luggage was successful, and also humbling. She felt the deep insight as to being the complete minority.
The clinic and town visit was eye-opening for the girls. We are all getting to know our hosts, and their challenges. We all take for granted certain comforts to which we've become accustomed. The culture here may not enjoy some of the amenities, but they are certainly no less happy and joyful.
My personal observation was in playing soccer with some young boys. They don't have organized leagues, good playing fields, and some without shoes to play in. But they have the same passion for the game, some showing great skills for their age, playing and learning when ever they can.
We look forward to tomorrow, and what new things we may discover about our hosts, and ourselves.
The clinic and town visit was eye-opening for the girls. We are all getting to know our hosts, and their challenges. We all take for granted certain comforts to which we've become accustomed. The culture here may not enjoy some of the amenities, but they are certainly no less happy and joyful.
My personal observation was in playing soccer with some young boys. They don't have organized leagues, good playing fields, and some without shoes to play in. But they have the same passion for the game, some showing great skills for their age, playing and learning when ever they can.
We look forward to tomorrow, and what new things we may discover about our hosts, and ourselves.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Photo update
So Sorry blog fans, we are having so much trouble uploading photos. We'll make another attempt tomorrow night. Otherwise, we'll post all the photos upon our return with new, exciting captions!
Peace Out.
Peace Out.
Congregation, Construction, and New Friends
Hello Friends!
Wow! Day One at the church and worksite was indescribable. Many smiles and tears were shared as we exited the vans to meet our new friends who were greeting us with flowers, hugs, and warm welcomes. We then went to worship with the congregation and continued to stand in awe of thier warm welcome and giving hearts. After worship some of us went to teach at the school, some taught young adults in a medical seminar, while others began getting the foundation ready for the new sancutary. We were all hard at work and all have funny stories to share from today.....and are excited about the experiences we will have tommorrow!
Top Ten Things We Learned Today
10. We found the largest snail in the world today and Vicky held a hedgehog
9. OU and OSU bumper stickers on our transportation vechicle today
8. You truly appreciate a nice cold Soda for lunch when it is a complete surprise
7. Ann had a nice black critter sleep with her last night - lesson learned check bed sheets before lowering the mosquito net!
6. Lexy learned some new moves with the African women today
5. We now all know the definition of cacophony (thanks to Kevin) due to Morogoro Road traffic throughout the night
4. African children can do the Macarena better than any American
3. Moving piles of rock gives everyone a new appreciation for Westernized construction
2. Americans must consume much more water than Africans!
1. God is moving and the universal language continues to be smiles, hugs, and laughter.
We were reminded of the Muslim culture influence in this country today as we listened to the students at the Muslim university sing their prayers. The school can be seen at the foot of the mountains just beyond the Mission School. We pray knowing only God can break such barriers.
Things are wonderful and everyone continues to be in great health! Bodies may be a little sore from construction tomorrow, but it does ensure a good night's sleep. Thanks for your continual prayer....we are feeling it in Tanzania as we experience God's goodness and grace.
Wow! Day One at the church and worksite was indescribable. Many smiles and tears were shared as we exited the vans to meet our new friends who were greeting us with flowers, hugs, and warm welcomes. We then went to worship with the congregation and continued to stand in awe of thier warm welcome and giving hearts. After worship some of us went to teach at the school, some taught young adults in a medical seminar, while others began getting the foundation ready for the new sancutary. We were all hard at work and all have funny stories to share from today.....and are excited about the experiences we will have tommorrow!
Top Ten Things We Learned Today
10. We found the largest snail in the world today and Vicky held a hedgehog
9. OU and OSU bumper stickers on our transportation vechicle today
8. You truly appreciate a nice cold Soda for lunch when it is a complete surprise
7. Ann had a nice black critter sleep with her last night - lesson learned check bed sheets before lowering the mosquito net!
6. Lexy learned some new moves with the African women today
5. We now all know the definition of cacophony (thanks to Kevin) due to Morogoro Road traffic throughout the night
4. African children can do the Macarena better than any American
3. Moving piles of rock gives everyone a new appreciation for Westernized construction
2. Americans must consume much more water than Africans!
1. God is moving and the universal language continues to be smiles, hugs, and laughter.
We were reminded of the Muslim culture influence in this country today as we listened to the students at the Muslim university sing their prayers. The school can be seen at the foot of the mountains just beyond the Mission School. We pray knowing only God can break such barriers.
Things are wonderful and everyone continues to be in great health! Bodies may be a little sore from construction tomorrow, but it does ensure a good night's sleep. Thanks for your continual prayer....we are feeling it in Tanzania as we experience God's goodness and grace.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Days 1,2 & 3
June 8th
Our adventure begins...
Jeff had an earlier fight than the rest of team. We all met up in Chicago with a few minutes to spare.
Flight from Chicago to London was a long night starting at 7:20 to 8am the next morning with not much sleep except for Kevin. (you will have to ask him about that)
June 9th
Arrived in London around 8am took the "Tube underground" to Piccadilly Circus". Spent the day walking and seeing the changing of the guard and the horse brigade, Big Ben we visited the original Red Lyon pub and ate fish n' chips, Westminister Abby and bridge over the River Thames, had ice cream and watched street performers on the river bank. Then we took the Tube back to the airport and mounted up for another overnighter.
June 10
We arrived in Kenya and connected to Dar es Salaam, Tazania after arriving we got all the luggage except for mine (Vicki). Then we took a 2 1/2 bus ride of our kives. We witnessed the aftermath of 5 wrecks on a thrill ride. We will take it again in 10 days. We then arrived at our Lutheran Language School set at the base of the mountains in a beautiful setting. The people are very nice food is great atmosphere is what you would expect in Africa. Such as exotic trees an foliage and architecture. We ate dinner and discussed the plan for the next week.
p.s. we prayed that I would get my luggage!
Our adventure begins...
Jeff had an earlier fight than the rest of team. We all met up in Chicago with a few minutes to spare.
Flight from Chicago to London was a long night starting at 7:20 to 8am the next morning with not much sleep except for Kevin. (you will have to ask him about that)
June 9th
Arrived in London around 8am took the "Tube underground" to Piccadilly Circus". Spent the day walking and seeing the changing of the guard and the horse brigade, Big Ben we visited the original Red Lyon pub and ate fish n' chips, Westminister Abby and bridge over the River Thames, had ice cream and watched street performers on the river bank. Then we took the Tube back to the airport and mounted up for another overnighter.
June 10
We arrived in Kenya and connected to Dar es Salaam, Tazania after arriving we got all the luggage except for mine (Vicki). Then we took a 2 1/2 bus ride of our kives. We witnessed the aftermath of 5 wrecks on a thrill ride. We will take it again in 10 days. We then arrived at our Lutheran Language School set at the base of the mountains in a beautiful setting. The people are very nice food is great atmosphere is what you would expect in Africa. Such as exotic trees an foliage and architecture. We ate dinner and discussed the plan for the next week.
p.s. we prayed that I would get my luggage!
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