Tanzania Partnership

A year ago, when 15 Shepherd of the Valley members visited Mpalapande for a partnership meeting, we were joined by several friends from Iringa, including Bega Kwa Bega Director, Rev. Peter Harrits, Iringa Diocese General Secretary Nayman Chavalla, and Bega Kwa Bega/Iringa Diocese Coordinator Rev. Lusungu Msigwa. At some point during or after the meeting, General Secretary Chavalla made some comments, including a statement that one of our travelers, Jenny Buckley, was the "intended" of BKB Director Peter Harrits.  Mind you, at the time, there was no formal engagement.  But General Secretary declared that the wedding should take place here in Mpalapande. Fast forward a year, Peter and Jenny were married at the end of June, and included in their wedding plans a celebration here in Mpalapande.  You can read about the elaborate preparations here . It was a beautiful day.  As preparations continued, and as our drivers brought choirs from various villages, there ...

One of the highlights of our visit took place about a month ago, when some 350 people gathered in the Maasai village of Mpalapande to celebrate the marriage of Rev. Peter Harrits and Jenny Buckley. Guests included our Minnesota contingent, a couple carloads of people from the Iringa Diocese head office and the BKB office, and people from many preaching points in both Tungamalenga and Makifu Parishes. It took a lot to prepare for the day. Women from several villages -- both Hehe and Maasai -- spent the morning cooking over open fires. Maasai men prepared a variety of meats for cooking -- goat, sheep and beef were on the menu. Chairs were brought in from neighboring village congregations.  A large tent shelter was constructed too provide shade for the worship service. Absolum Kilipamwambu spent the better part of a week constructing this modern choo [restroom].  There's a men's side and a women's side.  Two days before the big even...

July 12 -- We were warmly welcomed to Makifu Parish, Kisilwa and Makifu villages yesterday. We met with Mfaume's102 year old grandmother and were blessed. Today, we go to Mahove for worship. July 13 -- Today was a wonderful day in Mahove and Ikwavila, full of worship, fellowship, dancing, singing, giving thanks for all that God is doing through this partnership. A treasure in clay pots! Just when we thought we were too tired for a third village, we arrived in Mahuninga and the children's kwaya energized us again! July 14 -- Today the group has the distinctive experience of visiting all nine village congregations of Makifu Parish. Going off road to Malunde and Isanga, finishing up with Makambalala. It's going to be great! [woke up this morning to swarms of tiny ants, ask Pastor Chris about the beetle when we get home. adventure!] July 15 -- The group went on safari to Ruaha National Park this morning. Pastor John and I remain in Tungamaleng...

We've been home from our journey for a few weeks now, and besides the usual questions (how was your trip? did you see _____?) we've heard two reactions.  From some, "You didn't write very many blog posts this year," and from others, "Wow, it was so cool to see your Facebook posts from village!" I guess those are not unrelated comments. For those who missed it, here's the Facebook version of our travel adventures. June 28 -- Gifts are packed! We're ready to go. July 1 -- Arrived safe and sound, having breakfast in Dar, getting ready for the long bus ride with good company. Suitcase almost didn't arrive with me, but that's another long story. July 2 -- So many happy reunions today in Iringa! Spending time with Pastors John and Eva, I enjoyed chapel service at the diocese, met with General Secretary Nayman Chavalla, Pastor L. Msigwa. Ran into Consolata Sanga in the market, and many more. It's a beautiful day. ...