Journey 2015: The Facebook Version, Part 2


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 Tungamalenga. This morning the partnership committee and I interviewed ten students who need scholarship support for college. Incredible stories.

Highlight of the day: holding a one month old Tanzanian baby, and later, a one year old, and neither cried or screamed at being held by the wazungu. Lowlight of the day: when the mouse jumped or fell from the rafters of the church office onto my head [shudder!] and then sat on the couch behind me, just looking at me with those mouse eyes.


July 16 -- Preparations for Peter & Jenny's wedding celebration at Mpalapande continue.... Absalum is building a modern choo [toilet] for the comfort of guests from MN and Iringa town, others are preparing an area for tents, and of course the women are cooking a feast.

July 17 -- the group is back from safari and ready to explore Tungamalenga Parish. Today, Idodi village congregation, Idodi Secondary School, and Namelok village congregation. Yesterday's meeting with the health committee has us really excited about upgrading the clinic to a health center. Fun fact: in most villages, the children shout "Wazungu!" as our bus passes. In one area near the Roman Catholic compound, the children yell, "Ciao!"


July 19 -- We're back from the villages, grateful for the experiences we had with our dear partners. Teary good byes today. We're heading out for a good dinner with lots of conversation to process amazing events. Tomorrow, a relaxed day in Iringa before we begin the long journey home.


July 20 -- posted by Bega Kwa Bega -- Yesterday in Iringa we held our second annual 'Scholarship and Education Summit' where leaders from both sides of the partnership evaluated the current state of... the program and made plans for the future. 

Items discussed included: 1) Developing protocol around University/Post-Secondary Scholarships; 2) Establishing a focused list of diocese-wide education related projects; 3) Creating a 'Scholarship Equity Fund' for non-partnered congregations

July 21 -- At Sea Cliff in Dar es Salaam -- worth all the traffic jams to feel this Indian Ocean breeze.

July 24 -- after a day at home, traveler Rachel posted -- Happy to be home but missing Tanzania. I uploaded a few photos from my phone. Eventually I'll get around to sorting out the 500+ photos and videos to post. Highlights of the trip: meeting wonderful people, being a part of a Tanzania wedding, and being three feet from a lion (and not being eaten!). I'm so thankful for a wonderful traveling group and love being back with my family.

It was a fabulous trip!  Thanks for reading along on our journey.





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