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.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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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