A full group, a full day
Friday was the group had a full day in Iringa. We started at the diocese head office to hear General Secretary Naiman Chavalla give an overview of the work of the diocese and Bega Kwa Bega. He highlighted the diocese work in areas of evangelism, education and healthcare, and explained the three pillars of the Bega Kwa Bega partnership -- prayer, presence and projects.
Some of Chavalla's observations, particularly about the SOTV - Tanzania Partnership:
Meanwhile, Pastor Chris and Kirsten met with General Secretary Chavalla and BKB
DIRA Liaison Rev. Lusungu Msigwa to discuss plans for the expansion of the Tungamalenga Dispensary. We received information about the government regulations, requirements and next steps we can take to make this project happen. We are ready to have conversations with the local health committee.
Next, we walked to the Iringa market area, had lunch at Neema Craft (an Anglican ministry with people with disabilities). Then we split up, some exploring the market for more shopping, while others went to Acacia Pharmacy. We purchased $2000 worth of medicines we will deliver to the clinic, and $500 worth of mosquito nets. Here's how the process works: Last week, Dr. Barnabas delivered a list of needed meds to the pharmacy. When we arrived, staff had collected most of the items. Some items were still being sought and delivered from nearby pharmacies. Our group of four inventoried the meds, going down the list item by item, counting, verifying, and boxing things up.
While waiting for the vehicle to meet us, we purchased some school supplies from across the street, and paid for four bikes that Pastor John had helped us select.
After some logistical maneuvering, we set out for Huruma Center in the late afternoon. Traveler Rachel Beaudin shares here observations of that visit:
We had received gifts from Makifu Parish for the Huruma Center: corn, rice, ground nuts, sugar cane, and a chicken. We also delivered three large suitcases full of toys, books, and other items generously donated for the Center's new day care center [set to open next month, serving babies, toddlers, and preschoolers].
The General Secretary's words from the morning sum up this visit: "Those who are not blessed [with material goods] are so happy." Some of the 50 children currently living at the orphanage have sad stories. One six year old with such a big smile came to the Center after being assaulted by a family member. There was the 8 year old who had surgery to repair an umbilical hernia last year, because the hernia restricted her mobility. Today, she was laughing, running, and jumping rope with us and others.
Boy, do they jump rope fast! Carol and Melissa were brave enough to attempt jump roping, while, Jeff, Chris, Jeremy and Charlotte played soccer with other children. A few kids tried to teach us a card game. The remaining time we spent sitting, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.
We also met Mama Chilewa, the matron of the center. She is a woman with a lot on her shoulders and a huge heart. She has been away from her family for years to run the orphanage. Today she was busy interviewing 27 people for new positions in the day care center to open soon. They hope to fill a large need for which the parents in the community have expressed.
Today I will remember the smiles and joy of the children, and the hard work of Mama.
Another traveler summed up the visit in this way: "You were right. We don't want to leave."
Our day ended with dinner at Mama Iringa's, an excellent Italian restaurant.
Today we are headed to the villages for the next eight days. More amazing experiences await! Internet access will be spotty, so watch for brief updates on Facebook, with photos and more stories to come.
Some of Chavalla's observations, particularly about the SOTV - Tanzania Partnership:
- "I saw you on Facebook this morning!"
- I know Shepherd of the Valley is very large and has many activities. "You might think that what you are doing here is a very small activity, but here is has a very big impact." He noted that small things like the Mbu Project, providing mosquito nets to prevent malaria, is saving lives.
- He noted the generosity of SOTV's children, whose Godzone and VBS offerings have supported the Mahove water project, the pikipiki fund, and the Mbu Project.
- He noted the strength of SOTV's scholarship support, saying, "We live in extended families. If you see me here, I have a lot of responsibilities that you do not see. If you have trained someone, they get a decent job, with a good salary, they can help others in the extended family. If you help 150 kids, trust me, you have helped that many times ten or even times fifteen."
- "People you have sponsored for education are taking responsible positions in government, business, medical fields, teaching, in universities, and helping other people.".
- He talked about what he called the "famous" water project at Mahove. "When you help women [who are the water carriers in this culture] you help the whole community."
- "Having a project which helps everyone in the community, not just the church, is good."
- "You are doing a lot. You are doing God's work there in Tungamalenga and Makifu Parishes. Please continue doing that."
Meanwhile, Pastor Chris and Kirsten met with General Secretary Chavalla and BKB
DIRA Liaison Rev. Lusungu Msigwa to discuss plans for the expansion of the Tungamalenga Dispensary. We received information about the government regulations, requirements and next steps we can take to make this project happen. We are ready to have conversations with the local health committee.
Next, we walked to the Iringa market area, had lunch at Neema Craft (an Anglican ministry with people with disabilities). Then we split up, some exploring the market for more shopping, while others went to Acacia Pharmacy. We purchased $2000 worth of medicines we will deliver to the clinic, and $500 worth of mosquito nets. Here's how the process works: Last week, Dr. Barnabas delivered a list of needed meds to the pharmacy. When we arrived, staff had collected most of the items. Some items were still being sought and delivered from nearby pharmacies. Our group of four inventoried the meds, going down the list item by item, counting, verifying, and boxing things up.
While waiting for the vehicle to meet us, we purchased some school supplies from across the street, and paid for four bikes that Pastor John had helped us select.
After some logistical maneuvering, we set out for Huruma Center in the late afternoon. Traveler Rachel Beaudin shares here observations of that visit:
We had received gifts from Makifu Parish for the Huruma Center: corn, rice, ground nuts, sugar cane, and a chicken. We also delivered three large suitcases full of toys, books, and other items generously donated for the Center's new day care center [set to open next month, serving babies, toddlers, and preschoolers].
The General Secretary's words from the morning sum up this visit: "Those who are not blessed [with material goods] are so happy." Some of the 50 children currently living at the orphanage have sad stories. One six year old with such a big smile came to the Center after being assaulted by a family member. There was the 8 year old who had surgery to repair an umbilical hernia last year, because the hernia restricted her mobility. Today, she was laughing, running, and jumping rope with us and others.
Boy, do they jump rope fast! Carol and Melissa were brave enough to attempt jump roping, while, Jeff, Chris, Jeremy and Charlotte played soccer with other children. A few kids tried to teach us a card game. The remaining time we spent sitting, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.
We also met Mama Chilewa, the matron of the center. She is a woman with a lot on her shoulders and a huge heart. She has been away from her family for years to run the orphanage. Today she was busy interviewing 27 people for new positions in the day care center to open soon. They hope to fill a large need for which the parents in the community have expressed.
Today I will remember the smiles and joy of the children, and the hard work of Mama.
Another traveler summed up the visit in this way: "You were right. We don't want to leave."
Our day ended with dinner at Mama Iringa's, an excellent Italian restaurant.
Today we are headed to the villages for the next eight days. More amazing experiences await! Internet access will be spotty, so watch for brief updates on Facebook, with photos and more stories to come.
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