Groundbreaking at Mpalapande
Bo and Juli Skillman (Christiannia Lutheran, Lakeville) are in Iringa and working on our behalf to take next steps in the Mpalapande Primary School project. Here is their report from a visit to Mpalapande May 17-19. We are grateful for their work!
Background information for this visit and project began before leaving Minnesota through a briefing from Kirsten at our home and was followed by several conversations with General Secretary Chavalla and Pastor Msigwa upon arriving in Iringa. The primary aim for us was to make sure a proper understanding was in place between the district government offices for staffing this proposed primary school if the structure was built (through the church) and that the 4 tribes living in the area would come together to embrace this project. In Tanzanian fashion, the agreement was made verbally with the government the day prior to going to the village and is expected to be received in writing very soon. So on to the village we went – including: Pastor LusunguMsigwa, Amos Mkuye, Victor Masanula and Bo & Juli Skillman to meet with the local church leadership which included Pastors Eva and Bryson Msigwa, Daniel chair of the partnership committee, Pastor Paulo Masinga, several evangelists and others.
Upon our arrival at the Tungamalenga lodge, Mkuye and members from Mpalapande went back to the proposed building site to stake out the foundation while the rest began conversation with a prayer, song and reading of Colossians 3:17.
Pastor Msigwa asked that we review plans for the following day along with what the village has done in preparation so far. He also then gave an overview of the agreements which have been signed by all and that which is expected by the regional government offices.
A week prior, the diocese put out a sign-up sheet for anyone wanting to take this day and in solidarity with the parish, preaching point and tribes, go help establish a solid foundation. Around 12 people volunteered to join the three who were here on this night!!
The preaching point responded by reporting they will have no less than 20 members at the site to dig, they have prepared 120 marking stakes and will prepare lunch for all with two goats, rice and beans.
Maanula asked those present if this project is being pushed on them or who will “own” this project? One Maasai answered that they will own it and because of their living situation “this is like a miracle to them”. This school will allow their children to learn at a pace similar to other kids which normally does not happen because of distances to school. This was further explained that school is at least 1 ½ hour walk each direction, forcing kids to be gone from 6 AM to 6 PM without food and that is just too difficult for a 5 or 7 year old. Thus they wait for several years before sending and they are already behind other kinds of similar age by the time they start.
Question was asked about mixing the different tribes and how that will be accepted to which Pastor Paulo responded that...
Land ownership was discussed and it was agreed that the church should own the land where the school will stand and this was assigned to the parish/preaching point to get completed. Nobody seemed to think there would be any issue getting this done as it is a local decision. Worth checking up on to make sure it does not get overlooked.
In conversation about this project the subject of having villagers contribute bricks was discussed. The conclusion was that because the soil is not good for brick making and with Maasai being the predominant tribe in this village, it is best to have the contractor responsible for brick quality. The Maasai are not skilled or accustomed to brick making.
It was agreed that our start time the following morning would be 08:00 at the building site and the meeting dismissed for the night.
The next morning we were at Mpalapande promptly at 08:30 and found many villagers there already digging per the rope lines put up the night before!!
initial digging for the toilets
The packed diocese vehicle arrived mid to late morning and about a dozen people spilled out and enthusiastically grabbed picks, jembes, shovels and started “digging in”. This was an amazing moment – there were Iringa Diocese leaders/workers, parish leaders/members, preaching point leaders/members, 4 different tribes and Wazungu all working Bega Kwa Bega - no longer just on a school building project (to me) but instead a TRANSFORMATIONAL “miracle” for the life of these people. We met kids on this day, sat in their homes and under their tree’s. We heard stories of the wedding reception held here and about the health of their cows. We ate their goats and saw the kids waiting for the water line to fill their buckets. This day was a great reminder of the importance of what is meant by; blessed to be a blessing. This is not a project on paper but it is a project of love, health, education and grace outpouring by friends at Shepherd of the Valley and also of people at the head office in Iringa. Truly inspirational!
Other things learned on this day when a foundation was laid –
Mpalapande Chapel - termite damage to the front pillars
Where two or more are gathered...
By 4:00 the entire foundation was dug and a good start was made on one of two toilet facility holes. DIRA members remained excited to have taken part in this and already were talking about a return trip to further help. After a group photo, we met with the pastors and evangelists to share specific prayer requests from SOTV for them to lift up on your behalf and they asked that you specifically pray on their behalf for:
Note: at Tandala camp where we stayed, one of the guards was from Mpalapande and he knew of this proposed project and was SO very excited and expressed much gratitude, in particular for his daughter who he hopes will one day attend this new school.
We were truly blessed to take part in this ground breaking event which is creating hope and will change lives!
Blessings,
Bo & Juli Skillman
meeting between parish and diocese personnel at Tungamalenga Camp
Background information for this visit and project began before leaving Minnesota through a briefing from Kirsten at our home and was followed by several conversations with General Secretary Chavalla and Pastor Msigwa upon arriving in Iringa. The primary aim for us was to make sure a proper understanding was in place between the district government offices for staffing this proposed primary school if the structure was built (through the church) and that the 4 tribes living in the area would come together to embrace this project. In Tanzanian fashion, the agreement was made verbally with the government the day prior to going to the village and is expected to be received in writing very soon. So on to the village we went – including: Pastor LusunguMsigwa, Amos Mkuye, Victor Masanula and Bo & Juli Skillman to meet with the local church leadership which included Pastors Eva and Bryson Msigwa, Daniel chair of the partnership committee, Pastor Paulo Masinga, several evangelists and others.
Upon our arrival at the Tungamalenga lodge, Mkuye and members from Mpalapande went back to the proposed building site to stake out the foundation while the rest began conversation with a prayer, song and reading of Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Pastor Msigwa asked that we review plans for the following day along with what the village has done in preparation so far. He also then gave an overview of the agreements which have been signed by all and that which is expected by the regional government offices.
A week prior, the diocese put out a sign-up sheet for anyone wanting to take this day and in solidarity with the parish, preaching point and tribes, go help establish a solid foundation. Around 12 people volunteered to join the three who were here on this night!!
The preaching point responded by reporting they will have no less than 20 members at the site to dig, they have prepared 120 marking stakes and will prepare lunch for all with two goats, rice and beans.
Maanula asked those present if this project is being pushed on them or who will “own” this project? One Maasai answered that they will own it and because of their living situation “this is like a miracle to them”. This school will allow their children to learn at a pace similar to other kids which normally does not happen because of distances to school. This was further explained that school is at least 1 ½ hour walk each direction, forcing kids to be gone from 6 AM to 6 PM without food and that is just too difficult for a 5 or 7 year old. Thus they wait for several years before sending and they are already behind other kinds of similar age by the time they start.
Question was asked about mixing the different tribes and how that will be accepted to which Pastor Paulo responded that...
It is important they learn together and become friends in school so that later in life they have learned to trust each other and work together.
Land ownership was discussed and it was agreed that the church should own the land where the school will stand and this was assigned to the parish/preaching point to get completed. Nobody seemed to think there would be any issue getting this done as it is a local decision. Worth checking up on to make sure it does not get overlooked.
In conversation about this project the subject of having villagers contribute bricks was discussed. The conclusion was that because the soil is not good for brick making and with Maasai being the predominant tribe in this village, it is best to have the contractor responsible for brick quality. The Maasai are not skilled or accustomed to brick making.
It was agreed that our start time the following morning would be 08:00 at the building site and the meeting dismissed for the night.
The next morning we were at Mpalapande promptly at 08:30 and found many villagers there already digging per the rope lines put up the night before!!
initial digging for the toilets
The packed diocese vehicle arrived mid to late morning and about a dozen people spilled out and enthusiastically grabbed picks, jembes, shovels and started “digging in”. This was an amazing moment – there were Iringa Diocese leaders/workers, parish leaders/members, preaching point leaders/members, 4 different tribes and Wazungu all working Bega Kwa Bega - no longer just on a school building project (to me) but instead a TRANSFORMATIONAL “miracle” for the life of these people. We met kids on this day, sat in their homes and under their tree’s. We heard stories of the wedding reception held here and about the health of their cows. We ate their goats and saw the kids waiting for the water line to fill their buckets. This day was a great reminder of the importance of what is meant by; blessed to be a blessing. This is not a project on paper but it is a project of love, health, education and grace outpouring by friends at Shepherd of the Valley and also of people at the head office in Iringa. Truly inspirational!
Other things learned on this day when a foundation was laid –
- There is a gravity flow water supply line leading to a village about 6 km away that runs near the school (maybe 100 meters away) that could possibly be tapped into. Initial thought would be to place a gate valve in the line at the proposed junction to divert water to the school only during nighttime hours when the village is not using water. A SIM tank could be placed at the school for nighttime filling and daytime usage so not to impact the supply to the downline village.
- There is electricity near the school although not sure if a transformer would be needed to supply school.
- The Mpalapande preaching point has significant termite issues. Conversation was held with pastor Msigwa and Amos Mkuye about the need to use treated wood for the school.
Mpalapande Chapel - termite damage to the front pillars
- Learned and met the big dog supplied to this village by an NGO to protect the cattle and goats from lions – ultimately protecting the lions from being killed by the Maasai for killing their heard.
- We learned the history of pastor Paulo starting this parish in 1999 with 3 members under the big tree by the current church structure. Also how the men sat on the one side with big branches/leaves and woman & children were on the opposite side where little shade was provided. But “somehow” over the years the tree bent and has put all of its energy in growing branches/leaves on the woman & children side to provide them comfort and shade.
Where two or more are gathered...
By 4:00 the entire foundation was dug and a good start was made on one of two toilet facility holes. DIRA members remained excited to have taken part in this and already were talking about a return trip to further help. After a group photo, we met with the pastors and evangelists to share specific prayer requests from SOTV for them to lift up on your behalf and they asked that you specifically pray on their behalf for:
- Continued unity in the work of this school
- Kitisi and Kibaoni preaching point construction projects
- For each other and for this Bega Kwa Bega relationship
- Peace in TZ to continue
Note: at Tandala camp where we stayed, one of the guards was from Mpalapande and he knew of this proposed project and was SO very excited and expressed much gratitude, in particular for his daughter who he hopes will one day attend this new school.
We were truly blessed to take part in this ground breaking event which is creating hope and will change lives!
Blessings,
Bo & Juli Skillman
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