2020
It's the end of a long and challenging year. Our Tanzanian friends faced the challenge of heavy rains and flooding early in the year, a long period of rebuilding, and we've all experienced the global pandemic and all the challenges it brings. For the first time in over fifteen years, there was no travel between partners.
During January and February, our partners experienced heavy rains and flooding. Bridges were damaged at Idodi, Mapogoro, Tungamalenga, Makifu and Mahuninga. Visitors to Ruaha National Park crossed the river on foot, accompanied by local helpers. Crops and homes were damaged.
Repairs began by the end of February, but took months to complete. At the end of September, many homes had still not been repaired.
Back in Minnesota, life changed drastically on March 13. Sheltering at home, work and meetings and worship all moved online. Zoom became our meeting room. The first cancellation was the planned visit for a delegation from Usolanga in April.
Soon after, the coronavirus made its appearance in Tanzania. The government acted swiftly, closing schools, setting up handwashing stations, and advising social distancing.
Pastor Rahai from Tungamalenga shared his mask photo.
Throughout the year, our Tanzanian partners kept us constantly in their thoughts and prayers. They sent messages of love and support, telling us that they were meeting weekly for prayer services especially to pray for our health and protection. As the prevalence of the virus seemed to wane in the Iringa region, it was on the rise here in Minnesota. Our partners' prayers for us increased.
In August, we had a joyful reunion of sorts, using Zoom for partnership meetings with representatives from Makifu and Tungamalenga parishes. The Americans woke early for the 6 AM meeting, which was 2 PM in Tanzania. Our Tanzanian friends made a special journey into Iringa, where the Bega Kwa Bega office hosted with their strong Wi-Fi connection. We shared news and greetings and made plans for several projects.
In Minnesota, we dug into our stash of beautiful Tanzanian fabric, and volunteers sewed masks to be sold at outdoor market events. From late August to early October, we held three market days and raised over $2000. The funds were wired to Iringa for the parishes to use as they wish for parish projects.
In May, we had been able to send $2000 to the Dispensary to replenish medical supplies. With our July travel cancelled, we also send $2000 to each of the partner parishes for their construction projects. By October and November, we began to receive photos of the work that had been accomplished.
Kisilwa Chapel in August
Kisilwa interior nearly complete in early December
Malunde Chapel in 2010
Malunde Chapel in November 2020
Shepherd of the Valley pastors recorded Christmas greetings during a Zoom meeting in December. The video was shared with the pastors of each of our companion congregations and were received with great joy and thanks.
In late December, almost 30 SOTV members gathered for our annual Traveler Reunion and Christmas Party. We were on Zoom instead of packed into a home, we didn't attempt our carol singing in Swahili. But we had a wonderful time, remembering our journeys, the hospitality of our partners, the camaraderie of our travel groups. We gave thanks for the gift this partnership has been in our lives and in our own congregation.
I thank my God every time I remember you.
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