Day Eleven: Rafiki kwa Rafiki and a Tanzanian Dinner

Here's a good view of John speaking last night about his experience with the microfinance program when he was pastor at Ugesa.

This weekend is the festival of All Saints.

At Shepherd of the Valley, we display the photos of those in our congregation who have died in the previous year, and there is an opportunity for members to light a candle for their loved ones.  Pastor John lit a candle for our friend Wilbert Magallanga of the Iringa Diocese.

This morning was Godzone, Godzone, and more Godzone!

Pastor John and Pastor Diane led large group activities -- six repetitions over the course of the morning!  Here the children are presenting him with a banner with the signatures of children. There is one banner for the children of Makifu Parish and another banner for the children of Tungamalenga Parish.

Godzone: Faith Under Construction is Shepherd of the Valley's children's ministry -- what some churches call Sunday School.  There are three hours on Sunday morning, each hour a different set of children, and two more hours offered on Wednesday evenings.

John enjoyed the technology.

As kids gathered, a lively Karibu [Welcome] song played on the video. When John was introduced he spoke of the many things he is grateful to Shepherd of the Valley for providing to our Tanzanian partners -- his own scholarship support, water for Mahove village, mosquito nets that have been so successful in preventing malaria in children, and now the piki piki or motorcycle for the new Makifu Parish.

As kids left large group, John gave them cards with a Swahili child's prayer.

After large group, kids were welcomed into the Hehe family room by Lyn and Mollie MacLean.

Finally, the last part of the hour was with Joan Dornfeld in the Maasai family room.

John continued his day with a luncheon at Sonja and Jim Odland's home. Jim gave him a thrill when he drove from church to home in a convertible with the top down!

After a short rest, John was the honored guest at our Tanzanian Dinner.

The fabulous Dannelle Bautista prepared a sumptuous meal, including these lovely desserts -- a pie made from African fruits and garnished with edible flowers.

The Mhekwa family kigoda [traditional Hehe stool] was on display.

Tables were decorated with the kitangas and kangas that have been given to us over the years, and by carvings, baskets and other items that will be available to purchase at the Shepherd of the Valley holiday boutique Saturday, November 9, from 9 to 3.

The room was full!

The food was excellent!

John shared many stories and impressions of his time here.  Always, the subject of clock time and event time comes up.  Apparently, time is one of the biggest differences between Americans and Tanzanians.

Pastor John could not leave without thanking the one who had prepared the dinner.

Another great day with our friend.

Tomorrow:  John has the honor of spending an hour in conversation with Saint Paul Area Synod Bishop Peter Rogness, then will tour the synod office and Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill, then meet Rev. Tom Nielsen for lunch to learn his role at the upcoming Bega Kwa Bega Fall Festival next Saturday.  There will probably be a visit to the St Paul Cathedral, and perhaps a stop at a wildlife refuge.  In the evening, John will join Shepherd of the Valley's 27 !!! members who will be traveling to Tanzania next July/August. He will help them learn a few Swahili greetings, and learn how to introduce themselves in Swahili.

Bwana Yesu Asifiwe!

Jina langu ni Kirsten.

Mimi ni kiongozi wa kamati ya udugo wa Shepherd of the Valley.

Nimefurahi sana kujo hapa tena.

[Praise the Lord Jesus! My name is Kirsten. I am the leader of the partnership committee from Shepherd of the Valley. I am very happy to be here again.]