Small adventures

October 31, 2011

No signs of Halloween over here, but I haven't been to the market today to see if there are any decorations. It doesn't feel like the end of October, since the temperatures are still in the high 80's by late afternoon. There are preparations for planting crops by raking and then burning the leftover stalks, canes, and grasses.  Sometimes it is very hard to breathe fresh air.

The following are some of our small adventures, in addition to, everyday activities.  Each day can be an adventure, too, like not having power or not having water to fill our holding tank for 3 days. We were fine, but our neighbors had to carry much more water. Another chance to have an adventure is visiting the market to find the same vendor to buy vegetables.  They like to see you return and sometimes give you a little extra, similarly at the grocery stores. Always a surprise awaits us.

Two weeks ago, Oct 14-16, we took a trip farther up into the mountains southeast of here to visit the village of Kising'a. The drive was about 2 hours on mostly dirt roads that twisted up and around to give us splendid views. It was so much cooler and fresher. It is the partner village of Dan and Sue McIntyre from Church of Peace in Maplewood.  The village is smaller than Tungamalenga, but the welcome was just as warm and noisy! Pastor Wihale greeted us, introduced us all around and finally we met Peweni Kikoti, who is interning with him until the end of June. She is from Bomalang'ombe and she became our interpreter, although Pr. Wihale speaks good English. We all used dictionaries to help us understand each other. Peweni wanted to keep Dan's. They will try to bring one to her on the next visit.

Dan and Pastor Wihale with mountain view

We drove to a preaching point that is beginning to build a new chapel, because they have outgrown the one they use now.(Bwana asifiwe-Praise the Lord)!.  The parish members had plotted out the foundation size, dug the trench, and were carrying the rocks to fill it in.  So we all joined them carrying rocks! When we were ready to leave, we all formed a circle and prayers were said for the construction to continue, for the help that Church of Peace gives to them, and I'm sure for our safety. It is in a beautiful location overlooking a valley and the mountain tops.

Dan, students, Sue, Joan, Peweni, Pr. Wihale & Evangelist Ahinudiwe

Next we were shown the way to their tree farms that partially fund the construction through sales of lumber and are used for the building itself.  We saw the primary school in the village, the soccer field, and later a secondary school built by Steve Vinton of Village Schools. Oh! and the well that their village uses was a very busy place. It is down a hill from almost all of the village, therefore all ages that carry water, carry it up hill and on their heads!




On Sunday the procession leading to the chapel began outside of the pastor's house with a colorful choir leading the way. District Pastor John Chengula, his son, Krispo (who will be teaching soon and was another interpreter), and a cousin, Joina Tenywa had come for the service and joined us. Much singing, speeches, welcomes, congratulations, communion and the song, "This little Light of Mine" by the four of us rounded out the service of two hours. (There is a story connected with this---!)



There was again an auction after the worship time. These items are brought by those who cannot bring Tshillings. Perhaps more is placed into the offering plate this way. The four in the front are part of the youth choir and were offering their song. The main choir in the background sang again later. Many sang as they left the chapel and auction.



Of course, throughout the week-end we had been fed with delicious food at Pr. Wihale's house. (Have you noticed the banana plants growing around the villages.) Also, we had dinner at the home of one of the primary teachers.
To top it all off, each couple was given a hen from the teacher to take home with us and we did!  But we did give them away before we reached home- one was for food (chakula) and the other kept for eggs (yai)!

The following week-end we went south to Isamila, an ancient
stone age historical site. We were led on an hour long tour starting with a display of the rock tools that were found and dated to 300,000 - 400,000 years ago! The guide led us down into a dry, long ago lake bed, up again to the top and across several fields to the edge of a riverbed.  Wow! tall pillars were scattered down in the valley and after a few photos we walked down again to wander among these giants. (They reminded Rich and I of the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon.) We continued for about 20 minutes following the dry riverbed and seeing the pillars along the walls and in the riverbed.  One group looked just like organ pipes!

The guide grew up in the area and had first seen the site with his grandfather (Babu) when he was very young. He now has been guiding for 12 years and was very proud of the area. When we came back up from the lake bed we entered a museum which showcased the tools again, plus other farming tools, baskets, three-legged stools, photos of leaders, and weapons used by local tribes. Good write-ups told us about customs of the area. It was a very excellent safari (trip).

Later that day we journeyed out to Philips Farm along the Little Ruaha River past Kilolo to watch the wazungu (white people / mzungu-one person) relax and/or play volleyball.  This is a dairy cattle farm that has been in the family for several generations. There were beautiful hedges of brilliant colors especially at sunset. The large family house was thatch-roofed. They even had several huge turkeys waiting for--Christmas dinner, British-style.

Just a quick note on Tumaini. Classes are moving along as long as there isn't a graduation and homecoming, death and funeral, holiday, staff meeting or ??? Sue and I have finished a little correcting for a former Peace Corps teacher from America now teaching a communications class. (She wished us a Happy Halloween!) We will probably help her again. It was very interesting reading the students's journals and discovering more about Tumaini University from first year students' impressions.

Wishing all of you pleasant safaris and /or adventures.   Joan and Richard

Daily and Weekly Routine

October 24, 2011


Habari za asubuhi! (Good morning!)
Our day begins before the sun is up because we on on the edge of Iringa Town in a "suburb" called Kihesa. It is in the same area that Tumaini University is located on the NE side of Iringa.
(The university can be Googled or found on a map page. Look for a group of buildings one of which is a circle with four arms. It is the chapel on Sundays and a class room during the week.)

The reason that morning can start early is because the dogs may bark or definitely the roosters crow or the goat bells may be ringing as they are driven to find pasture. Also, as the sun comes up people begin to move and talk as they walk by our open window. Since we are not too far below the equator, the sun comes up about 6am and sets about 6pm-all year long.  It may be a little longer or shorter, but not more than 30 minutes. We are usually up by 6 or 7am--why waste the sunshine?

This is the time we all four check our emails because you were busy sending them while we slept! (And vice versa), a good photo or laugh or comment starts the day right. Usually someone starts our breakfast and to heat the water for the dishes after eating. Water is heated for showers each time, also, since the heater is small and located in each bathroom. By 8am or a little later we are doing more computer work or now to class.

Rich now has class 12-2 on Monday, 8-10 and 12-1 onTuesday and 11-12 on Wednesday. The rest of the week can be student contact time.  He is teaching first, Probability and Statistics and second, Functions and Trigonometry.  He feels that the students can understand him and they will ask questions. So far so good.

So that is Richard's schedule. Joan's is not so detailed.  There is not a place at the university yet, although  we should hear something this week about helping students with their English before they go out for internship. We have been checking with a few secondary teachers to help them with tutoring and nothing is set yet. Perhaps Sue and Joan need to be looking harder?!?

The rest of the morning is making the bed and putting up the bed net, reading, answering emails, sending this blog, maybe doing a little hand washing, some needle work, and trying to get out for a walk before it is too hot. We have a lady that comes in to clean two days a week and she does most of our laundry by hand. This was prearranged by our landlord. Then it is time to think about making lunch and heating the water for dishes again. Many of our meals have been vegetarian and involve much slicing and dicing.

Afternoons depend on what is needed in"town". It seems that there is always some food that is needed since the refrigerator is not big. We are still finding things that we could use to make life easier, a basket, tools, nails, etc., although our life is quite easy compared to most of the people living around us and in Iringa. The drive to the market takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the traffic which includes cars, trucks, dala dalas (small buses), loaded bicycles, and many, many walkers. And we have to go polepole, (slowly) over all the speedbumps by the dukas, (stores).  It is always an adventure which is becoming less scarey each time we go.  Both Richard and Dan are good drivers on the left side of the road since they have had experience driving there before.

Wednesday afternoon we drive in to pick up a box of vegetables that was ordered on Sunday. It is always a surprise to see what was ordered. The market is buzzing with business as we find the vendors we have purchased goods from before. It is a great place to practice our Swahili numbers and to haggle a little over the price of fruit--papayas, mangoes, pineapples. Dan and Sue McIntrye (our housemates from Church of Peace in Maplewood) are waiting for the grapefruit to arrive! If we are looking for something specific we may have to stop at many dukas to find it. Usually we get a few laughs, but they help us go to another place. I wonder how many owners are related or they really help one another for a sale.

Back home we again chop and slice vegetables after unloading the car. preparing our evening meal. All four of us seem to work together well and take turns cooking the meals. Much banter goes on about the classes and university, other meetings that Dan is involved with or our shared emails. Also, we have begun trying to decide what to do for our Christmas break! Wherever we go, it will be a long trek and various transports to get there.

After washing the dishes and putting away any food, we hope that the power won't go off so we can continue to read, plan for class, email, or occasionally watch a movie. We sometimes walk around the house with our headlamps when the power is off line. It probably looks funny from outside. We are glad that we have a gas powered stove. So far the mosquitoes have not been fierce and we could sit outside a little before eating.  It is very dry and no rain since we came one month ago. Perhaps the rain will come in November for the crops that are ready to be planted. We pray they will have good rains so there is not a famine here in Tanzania.

Well, as unexciting as this is, it is our schedule so far. Time seems to pass quickly. Soon it is necessary to pull down the bed net before crawling under it to sleep. Harbari za jioni!  (Good night!)

Makambalala Dedication & Tungamalenga Worship

Written on October 18 for October 1st and 2nd

As we traveled out for the second dedication, we stopped first at Namelok. The chapel they had worshipped in was torn down because of a poor foundation and they had used some of the bricks to rebuild these last two months.  The walls were up beyond the window sites and they were happy to have us see all the work that the parishioners had done. Again gifts were exchanged and we heard from some of the village elders and Evangelist Shukuru Mubeya. Many were photos taken.

When we arrived at Makambalala at almost 5pm, it was another enthusiastic welcome with drums for singing and dancing including our pastors and Evangelist, George Kioniani. 5 youth sang and danced for us to a song "I love Jesus, Redeemer of life."About 70 members gathered for us out of 153. Evan. George gave us statistics and led us on a tour of the building. There are parts of it still needing to be finished including enclosing part of the roof, the altar, and putting finish on the outside.  Members were carrying water to "paint" the walls.

We had the typical introductions and then the dedication ceremony took place with the  plaque being nailed to the wall. Our gifts were given and then Pr. Diane received 2 stools, one from Makambalala and the 2nd from Tungemalenga along with a basket.  After all the ceremony the singing and dancing began. A little later we were treated to a small meal of potatoes, meat, and sodas in the study room. As we left, many shook our hands and wished us God's blessings and Kwa heri ( good-bye), and with them singing, we drove back to the Lodge where dinner was waiting! Lots of discussion happened this night from all the  experiences of the day.

Sunday morning and the energy from yesterday was still with us. A big group from Mahove came in a trailer pulled by a tractor! We waited until Bishop Mdegela arrived with his family and guests. Then the procession began with the Tungamalenga choir followed by the Mahove choir, guests and pastors and Bishop. Today was a special service so the children were right up in front of the choirs.

Luke 9: 3... was read about not taking anything for your journey, but relying on God.  A little hard for us in this new environment. Announcements and reports made, recognition of pastors, evangelists, leaders and guests, also. Songs by the Maasai, the Mapagoro choir, a traditional song of local tribe by a single man, and Hymn 350 followed.  A prayer led by Pastor Yusto and reading of the sermon text for Pastor Diane, Phil. 4:1 and 4-9. We rejoice together as children of God. Following a summary of our preaching point visits, she again asked us to rejoice and thanked all for their joy. Next came prayers, and the processional offering while a children's choir and the Tungamalenga and Mahove choirs sang. The children were allowed to go outside (without a new soccer ball!) while we participated in Holy Communion. After prayers and the Blessing, we weren't through yet.

Many thanks and a review of the 10 years of Partnership with SOTV followed.  Some gifts from Mahove to Pastors Diane and Yusto with a response from Pr. Diane from all the pastors at SOTV and the prayers of the congregation. Partnership Committee priorities were read. We gave gifts to the three Tungamalenga pastors and Idodi school. A commendation and thanks came from the Bishop to SOTV for all  we do for the parish. Gifting continued as we three were dressed in new outfits-zebras (punda melias) in blue and black. The Bishop was given a shirt and a goat!  After 3 plus (maybe 4) hours we were ushered out with singing and dancing to the Auction out in front of the chapel.  Some people can't give money into the offering plate, so they bring items for the auction and those bids are counted as their offering.  Richard bid on a bowl of ground nuts. We're not sure where they went.

Just a little more.  Richard's prayer partner found him and mine found me. It was good to meet in person. After a late lunch(nothing new about being late for lunch), we said Kwa heri and Asante sana many times with hugs and left for Iringa at 4:30 arriving about 6:30 at the Lutheran Center. We unloaded (no goats), debriefed, had dinner and wishing Pr. Diane a safari njema (safe journey) home early the next morning, we were driven "home".  We thanked God for a blessed week-end with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Guess we had a super day and were on our heads on the way home.

Update for Oct. 18:    Richard now has met both of his classes and is pleased with their response to his teaching. And they say they can understand him.  More of daily life and our visit to Kising'a next time.

First Dedication

Posted on 12 October for 30 September

Jambo!
We arrived late to Mahove about the time the sun would be setting. Because the 4 wheel drive could take us on the small, sandy path, we came up to the chapel amidst much singing, drumming, and dancing.  What a welcome as they danced us right into the chapel! There were some prayers of thanksgiving for our safe arrival, followed by recitations by the evangelists about the membership, studies, prayer meetings, local villagers, construction, and scholarship students.

The big event for Richard was a gift of a Maasai beaded staff for the elder, wise man.  Now he must bring it with him to meetings and if he wants to speak, they will listen. It is a big honor indeed for him.  Other gifts were crosses and bracelets and a beautiful beaded offering basket for SOTV.  We gave them the gifts we had brought.  Then there were more speeches by Pr. Naftal, Evan. Azuberi, and Executive Director, Msundi Kalolui, including one thanking us for our good feelings for Mahove and the Maasai.

We were moved outside for the auction of a goat for which Pr. Diane won the bid.  This was all followed by dancing, singing and the Maasai jumping for us. Pictures were taken in the dark, but they turned out great. It was a wonderful ending for our first day of visits at Tungamalenga.

Back to Tungamalenga Lodge for a quiet dinner at which we were all very quiet and reflective.  What a busy and productive day.  It was easy to fall asleep under our bed nets especially when the power went off at 9:30pm.

Saturday, Oct. 1st, took us to the Partnership meeting after breakfast. It lasted for 3 hours and if you want to find out how it progressed, please contact Kirsten at SOTV.  It was good, just long!

At noon our conductor, Peter, drove us out to Mapagoro where we met Evanglists Angelina Kawehgi and Stephano.  A young Maasai choir with a young director (very good) sang for us to the verse in Mat. 7: "pray always, God stays with me for everything." We gave the gifts of a poster from Pastor Randy, t-shirts, school bags and soccer ball. We went outside to see the construction on a house for Stephano  and sat under the tree to have ground nuts and sodas.

Next we continued on to Kibaoni where Evangelist Kaily Kijuko assists Joel Mbwilo.   The pastors stationed us around the rock foundation and Pastor Paulo prayed for the construction of the chapel and for the congregants.  We moved over to the "Tree Chapel" where the benches were set up for their service and we gave and received gifts and sodas.  We were shown many of the wares that the women make to sell and a few beaded baskets and jewelry were purchased.

Finally the dedication at Mpalapanda preaching point. This is Pastor Paulo's home and we met Leah, his wife and Naomi, their 3 year old daughter. Also, Evangelist Hosea Mkamanga welcomed us into the chapel with much rejoicing with song and dance. He continued by thanking SOTV and the three of us for coning to visit from all of the members.  A group of five young students danced for us.  We introduced ourselves and Pr. Diane gave greetings from our pastors and SOTV.

The dedication service followed even though the altar was not complete because of lack of water for the cement.  Pastor Naftal and Pastor Diane signed the plaque in place of the bishops of the two synods and it was attached to the front wall.  Richard helped Pastor Yusto (our translator) unfurl the yellow banner that SOTV members had signed while Pr. Diane explained about it. Then the beautiful banners that Jane Lee had made were given to the surprised Evangelist.  Our other gifts went to the children and some to Pr. Diane. The service was finished with prayers for completion of construction and thanks to God. Bwana asifiwe-Praise the Lord. We added Mungu akubariki--God bless you.

We returned to the village for lunch at 3pm.  Bless those ladies for keeping our food for us and the rest of the evangelists when we keep being late. Maybe just African time? Much lively discussion this time while eating.

We will give more of the visit in the next blog, but to let you know, Richard had his first class today of about half the quotient of students. He says it went well(or good--nzuri) and seems more relaxed. Baadaye (Later)

Tungamalenga arrival

September 30, posted on October 9
We have power again!

As we left Idodi on the last few kilometers to Tungamalenga, the excitement was growing especially for Pr. Diane and Joan since they were returning visitors.  Richard wasn't sure what was to happen.  People came running from various areas when we pulled in at about 1pm. It was so exciting to see our brothers and sisters again and greet them and receive the hugs, smiles, and welcomes. Pastor Naftal pulled in just before us on the pikipiki and had parked it by the Big Baobab tree. Other evangelists bicycles were parked there, too.

 Right away they took us over to see what was going to happen to the old chapel. A new roof is needed after part of the end walls are taken down.  It will be a Youth Center and Education building. Also, they were proud of the choos (toilets) that were being built for the visitors at the chapel. Barnabas arrived and we had a tour of the dispensary rooms that had been finished and met the intern nurses that were there. Much improvement in care for the patients from the one or two rooms of 5 years ago. Later Barnabas told us about the government requirements for a health center.

Soon it was time for lunch prepared by the women of the parish in the education room.  The table was set, the food waiting for us. Many dishes were on the buffet table, but first we had a delicious cucumber soup. As soon as that course was finished, we all went to fill our bowls of rice, pasta, tomato sauce, cooked vegetables, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, plantains, and bananas and papaya. And of course, there was maji (water) and sodas. All the available evangelists were able to share the meal with us.

Now it was getting late to start reaching the preaching points, but off we went at about 3:45. (If you didn't know, it gets dark at about 6:30!)  First stop was at Makifu, at the pastor's house if this village will be a new center with 8/9 preaching points.  The parishioners had made bricks already. This change is under discussion.

We passed Isanga and continued on a road that became smaller and smaller to drive past Kisilwa to where the holding tank stood that may have the water diverted to Mahove. There was definitely some fixing needed as a lot of water was spilling off from the pipe.

Then back to the village to meet Evangelist Isaack Mgalilwa and his wife and sons. The congregants have created a plan and laid the foundation for a 6m x 17m chapel with 2 offices. They are building it on their own to have space for more members. Still need cement to cover the office area.  Will continue making bricks in January and February and want prayers of support from SOTV.  We stood on the corners and prayed for God's work to be done here.

Partnership village visit

September 30--posted on 0ctober 8

Our exciting week-end trip to Tungamalenga (100 kilometers) began about 9:30 after Peter secured our luggage on the top of a smaller 4 wheeled drive vehicle and covered it.  We left the 5 bicycles and 9 goats to be delivered later.  Our interpreter, Pastor Yusto Kinyoa  joined us.  The safari began on paved roads and soon it was only gravel or packed sand. This trip shows the land as dry and arid and brown compared to 5 years ago in January when it was green and lush.  The bare baobab trees reach their branches to the wide, blue sky. Driving down into the Rift valley, we see cattle and goats guarded by the Maasai men and boys.  A few yellow acacia and other pink flowers are the only color. Fires were burning in places where crops will be planted hoping for the small rainy season.

Because the land is so flat, we had to slow down often for the spillways- small mounds and then a dip and another mound. The narrow road challenged Peter as we met buses, trucks, other cars and pikipiki (motorcycles), and bicycles , as well as, pedestrians.  Again, hakuna matata!

About 11am we reached the first preaching point, Idodi, where we have many sponsored students.  We didn't stop to see them, but went straight to the chapel where a few of the congregants were waiting with Evangelist Nicolous Mvena.  Warm welcomes and greetings, followed by a visit to the 4 goats and 3 kids that are good indication that the new goats will be well cared for in other points. We saw the new evangelist house, the house that the 3rd pastor, Khalim Mukini and family(first baby is coming at the end of the month) will live in. It still needs 6 courses of bricks and 20 more iron sheets for the roof.  The tree that Pr. Deborah planted 5 years ago when she and Joan were there is growing tall. We went to the former evangelist's house to pay for Martin.

Then a watoto (children's) choir joined us in the chapel.  We introduced our selves and Pastor Diane brought greetings from SOTV. We had some prayers and singing before leaving for Tungamalenga. Gifts for the preaching point will come later with Pr. Khalim, who will work with the youth of the whole area.  God continues to do marvelous things.

Need to post more later when the power is back on!!

Arrival in Iringa

Sunday, 25 September

We arrived in Dar es Salaam after 3 good flights. We were driven to FPCT to unload our luggage and refresh ourselves.  Then our driver took us on a short tour of Dar, including the Lutheran Church just letting out the morning worship in the rain.  Then lunch and more touring, finally out to the wood cravers market. It was good sleeping on a bed vs plane seats that night.

Monday, 26 September

The safari to Iringa was a loooong ride due to a big problem (tatizo).  Mechanics, have you ever fixed a cracked radiator with bar soap  and/or superglue and sand?  Our driver, Peter, just said "hakuna matata-- no problem!  However it took 4-6 stops and 12 hours to arrive at The Lutheran Center.  We even ate our lunch in the bus to save some time. We drove through Mikumi National Park so Richard finally saw his first Twiga ( giraffe ), tembo (elephant), swala (Impala, Punda milia (Zebra), Nyani (baboon), maybe a Nguruwe-mwitu(warthog) and a Nyati (water buffalo). The first of many photos.  It was dry, few leaves on the trees, many trucks, bicycles and motorbikes and people walking along the road outside of the park.   The children below decided that our first stop was a good one to see these Mzungus.

The last two hours of the trip were in the dark, so we didn't see much of Iringa except for the lights or fires. There were many switchbacks as we rode up toward the city and finally arrived at The Lutheran Center. After unloading all the luggage, we said good night-(habari za jioni), left the gift luggage with Pr. Diane, our fellow travelers from Arizona, Bo Skillman, and Pr. Yusto.  Lamont drove us and Dan and Sue McIntyre out to the house we will share near Tumaini University.  Feels good to be "home".


The next three days were busy with meetings, briefings, lunches in Iringa town, checking out the market to buy food, and going to Tumaini University. We, also, met Pr. Babu Israael, Pr. John Mhekwa, Dean Richard Lubawa, Bishop Mdegella and wife, Pr. Sara Mdegella; Gen. Sec. Chavalla; Diocese companion, Misigwa, and many more officials and staff. We met with The District Water Engineer, Mr. Byemerwa to discuss the Mahove water project. More meetings will be happening when we arrive out to Tungamalenga on Friday, 30 September.

All for now, to be continued.
Joan and Richard