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)
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