Best friend

John Joseph Mhekwa, 2002

As we have been preparing to host Rev. John Mhekwa at Shepherd of the Valley, our travelers have been sharing photos and stories of their experiences with John.  It's amazing to hear how many, many people call him their best Tanzanian friend.

He was one of the first students we met in 2002, when we visited Pommern Secondary School where he was a form five student.  He pulled an SOTV t-shirt over his white dress shirt and let us take photos.

In the years since we met him, John has often traveled with our groups as an extra translator. He was a great companion and guide in the market, helping us bargain for good prices. He is always eager to help -- carrying our bags, handing out gifts, pumping up soccer balls.  Somewhere along the way we started calling him our Msaidisi -- assistant.

...blowing up beach balls....

.....carrying sweatshirts....

.....escorting a lone traveler on the bus to Dar.....

....singing....

....carrying gifts we've been given....

...doing the Hokey Pokey....

...reading, asking questions, learning about our culture....

When John arrives next week, I hope we can give him the same kind of welcome, kindness, helpfulness,  friendship, and wonderful memories that he has given so many of our travelers.

Karibu sana, rafiki.