God has been busy in Iringa! We visited Ilula Lutheran Church two weeks ago. As always the worship was Spirit-filled. The old-timers choir sang two songs, one in HeHe and one in Bena, two languages familiar to nearly all in attendance. It is common in Tanzania for the people to speak three languages; Swahili, English and a native language like HeHe. It was a treat to witness. As the worship service continued, there were two baptisms. An old man, obviously in pain, slowly came forward, barely able to walk, they brought him a chair to sit on during the baptismal ceremony. The other was a young Muslim, who was converting to Christianity. No doubt that meant alienation from his family and friends. Two so different, yet, both seeking new life in the risen Lord. It was a powerful expression of God's transforming love. The Spirit was so present as the water and Word sealed the promise of the resurrected Christ.
Yesterday we traveled to the village of Nyanzwa. The Spirit led us! It was our second trip in 10 days. There has been a drought in Nyanzwa and in other areas of Iringa. The crops have failed for the third time in five years. Together with Nayman Chavala, the General Secretary of the Iringa Diocese and Dennis Ngede, Lead Coordinator and our colleague at Bega kwa Bega, Beth and I arrived, unannounced at Nyanzwa. Our task was to hand-out food sign-up sheets to the pastor of the main church and the evangelists who served the 5 preaching points (small churches in outlying areas) associated with the Nyanzwa parish. Together with local leaders, the pastors and evangelists would list those in their churches and in their communities who needed food. Church membership is not prerequisite to receiving food. The sign-up process is to be completed by this Thursday (12-3-09), and the food sign-up sheets delivered to the Iringa Diocese office in Iringa. From the food sign-up information we collect we will be able to determine the amount of food needed. The plan is to purchase maize and truck it to Nyanzwa for distribution by next Monday (12-7-09). The food will be purchased using money donated to the St. Paul Area Synod for famine relief. No doubt we will not have enough money to purchase all the food needed for all the villages affected by the drought. The need is critical. The truly amazing thing about our journey to Nyanzwa was that when we arrived there, totally unannounced, (the church is out of cell range), the evangelists were sitting in the church having their once monthly meeting. It was as if, they were meant to be there waiting for us. It was the work of the Holy Spirit for sure. For if they had not been at the church together when we arrived, it would have taken days to gather the evangelists and explain and distribute the food sign-up sheets.
While at Nyanzwa we were invited to meet a family of five. The parents and their three children, all under 7 years of age, have been surviving on one meal per day for months. Often both parents get up each morning hoping to earn enough money for food for the meal. Earlier this year they had planted, one acre of maize, one acre of beans and one acre of onions. The maize and beans were for their own consumption, the onions would be sold to earn money for other things. All three crops had failed! We talked with the family. The children smiled as we "wuzungo" (white folks) entered their modest clay home. The small living area was decorated with pictures of Jesus, Bible stories and verses. As we heard their story, we were moved to tears. I hugged the father of the family upon leaving, I could feel the bones in his back. He smiled a tired smile. I could hear him saying a hushed; "asante sana Jesu" (thank you very much Jesus) as I prayed
As we walked to the truck we were followed by a parade of beautiful little children, many showing signs of malnutrition, but smiling and playing none-the-less. The problem is huge and the resources are limited. We ask for you help and prayers. Checks can be sent to the St. Paul Area Synod; ELCA ;with the notation "Tanzania Food Relief". Blessings and Peace in Christ, Tom and Beth
Tom & Beth at lake with grandchildren
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A Shower for All
After reading Shari's post on the blog I am a little hesitant as following a writer puts me on shaky ground. But, it has been far too long since we have updated you and there are many stories just waiting to be told. First of all having our sisters and friends here for two weeks was absolutely incredible. We shared some wonderful times and experiences that will never be forgotten. They jumped right in and didn't miss a thing. We feel truly blessed to have had them choose to come to Tanzania to learn about the culture and the Bega Kwa Bega relationship with the Tanzanians. We know that they have been changed by their time here and the Spirit is working as they return home to share their stories.
Now on to the shower story. A few weeks ago, two young people from Minnesota stopped at the apartment to get a hot shower. They are working at a secondary school where they have no running water or electricity so they treat themselves to a day in Iringa town each Saturday and we are usually their first stop. The sisters and friends were finishing breakfast when we heard a scream from Rachel. We ran to look and both faucets had fallen off the wall and water was spraying from both holes. I tried to push the faucets back on but there was no way. Then I tried plugging the holes but had nothing that worked. By now water was all over the floor and out in the hall. Everyone jumped in with mops and buckets grabbing the throw rugs and tossing them out of the way. My sister Kathy went to the balcony and called "Help! We have a flood!" Immediately people appeared with more buckets and Jacob the woodcarver ran in with two sticks that he whittled to fit the holes. In short order, the water on the floor was mopped up, the water had been stopped with the sticks and Tom was on the phone to a plumber that Karen and Don of the Agricultural Project had stopped by to give us before they left to go back to Minnesota. Within three hours the plumber had replaced the faucets and everything was working. The labor cost was $10.00! Only in Tanzania!!
Now on to the shower story. A few weeks ago, two young people from Minnesota stopped at the apartment to get a hot shower. They are working at a secondary school where they have no running water or electricity so they treat themselves to a day in Iringa town each Saturday and we are usually their first stop. The sisters and friends were finishing breakfast when we heard a scream from Rachel. We ran to look and both faucets had fallen off the wall and water was spraying from both holes. I tried to push the faucets back on but there was no way. Then I tried plugging the holes but had nothing that worked. By now water was all over the floor and out in the hall. Everyone jumped in with mops and buckets grabbing the throw rugs and tossing them out of the way. My sister Kathy went to the balcony and called "Help! We have a flood!" Immediately people appeared with more buckets and Jacob the woodcarver ran in with two sticks that he whittled to fit the holes. In short order, the water on the floor was mopped up, the water had been stopped with the sticks and Tom was on the phone to a plumber that Karen and Don of the Agricultural Project had stopped by to give us before they left to go back to Minnesota. Within three hours the plumber had replaced the faucets and everything was working. The labor cost was $10.00! Only in Tanzania!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Asante sana Jesu!
Asante sana Jesu! "Thank you, Jesus" is the blessing song we language-challenged Americans sing with joy here in Tanzania.
Every day brings new blessings and unimagined experiences. We have had so many "God moments" that our heads are hearts are overcome and our brains are spinning. It will take us months to absorb all we have seen and done; the photographs will help, but many of the messages are engraved solely on our hearts.
Showers here may be a little shorter (due to the drought), but we are well-bathed daily in the sunny smiles of strangers. Tanzanians reach out to us happily and unconditionally. The children--toddlers to teens--flock to us, delighted with the prospect of having their pictures captured on our digital cameras. They love to see their faces; some of the kids do amazing Power Ranger imitations! As we walk about, adults also greet us, frequently eager to try out their English or just to be friendly. Everyone returns our greetings--some smiling shyly and others changing their paths to walk along with us and share the day.
People put their hands out to us, not to beg for money, but to affirm friendship. One Tanzanian told us that when people come to visit from the United States, the people here view it as a blessing from God...quite a contrast from the Western world; we have never felt so loved. I feel like the welcome in heaven could not possibly be any better than the welcome we have received here in Tanzania.
The warmth of the African people rivals the heat of the African sun. Our weather here has been perfect...warm but usually with a welcome breeze.
In our few days here we have learned that nothing quells the African spirit. Entrepreneurs load bikes with bags of bread and crates of coca cola. Handcarts overflow with green bananas, bags of charcoal for cooking, or just about anything else you can image.
The students in our schools have charmed us with the magic of their music. The DIRA schools house and educate hundreds of happy, singing children, with limited electricity and without running water. Five-gallon pails are everywhere..students must carry water for the schools use when they aren't in class...everyone pitches in. Even little kids at the schools wash their own clothes in buckets outside then hang them on the line.
The record number of people seen riding on one bicycle is currently four and we saw two Masaai men in full regalia astride a motorcycle, sitting behind the driver.
Every day we are blessed--with this amazing experience of sharing our faith, with good health, and with our amazing friends, Tom and Beth, who, with the help of God, made this journey possible.
Asante sana Jesu!
Every day brings new blessings and unimagined experiences. We have had so many "God moments" that our heads are hearts are overcome and our brains are spinning. It will take us months to absorb all we have seen and done; the photographs will help, but many of the messages are engraved solely on our hearts.
Showers here may be a little shorter (due to the drought), but we are well-bathed daily in the sunny smiles of strangers. Tanzanians reach out to us happily and unconditionally. The children--toddlers to teens--flock to us, delighted with the prospect of having their pictures captured on our digital cameras. They love to see their faces; some of the kids do amazing Power Ranger imitations! As we walk about, adults also greet us, frequently eager to try out their English or just to be friendly. Everyone returns our greetings--some smiling shyly and others changing their paths to walk along with us and share the day.
People put their hands out to us, not to beg for money, but to affirm friendship. One Tanzanian told us that when people come to visit from the United States, the people here view it as a blessing from God...quite a contrast from the Western world; we have never felt so loved. I feel like the welcome in heaven could not possibly be any better than the welcome we have received here in Tanzania.
The warmth of the African people rivals the heat of the African sun. Our weather here has been perfect...warm but usually with a welcome breeze.
In our few days here we have learned that nothing quells the African spirit. Entrepreneurs load bikes with bags of bread and crates of coca cola. Handcarts overflow with green bananas, bags of charcoal for cooking, or just about anything else you can image.
The students in our schools have charmed us with the magic of their music. The DIRA schools house and educate hundreds of happy, singing children, with limited electricity and without running water. Five-gallon pails are everywhere..students must carry water for the schools use when they aren't in class...everyone pitches in. Even little kids at the schools wash their own clothes in buckets outside then hang them on the line.
The record number of people seen riding on one bicycle is currently four and we saw two Masaai men in full regalia astride a motorcycle, sitting behind the driver.
Every day we are blessed--with this amazing experience of sharing our faith, with good health, and with our amazing friends, Tom and Beth, who, with the help of God, made this journey possible.
Asante sana Jesu!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The girlfriends have arrived
Finally, we write! We've been unable to write due to power often being turned off because it's the dry season, so much to do in so little time, road construction, and understanding African time. It's a good thing -- much more time for talking than for looking at a watch.
Our group is Sandy Furlong (Tom's sister), Kathy Olson (Beth's sister), Sandy Tibbits (friend of Kathy's from Glencoe), and Shari Hamilton (friend of Beth's from Mahtomedi). We are now all sisters and have many more sisters from this part of the world.
We arrived last Thursday. We're heading on safari today for two days but we're pretty sure we already were on one with all of the animals we saw on our 10 hour trip from the airport to Iringa (the city where Beth and Tom live). Even a lion pride!
Our weekend was spent in a very small village about 4 hours away in the hills. As everything is so far, it's all been such an eye-opening, heartwarming, and amazing adventure. We had a Tanzanian retired pastor named Israel with us to help communicate. He and Tom are quite the comedy team and loved by the people. Tom preached to a packed church and people were still on the road walking to hear the Word. As you all know, our group are talkers and that certainly helps with the conversation even though we're not speaking the same language. Add the music, the singing, the dancing, and ................words just can't describe!
We've been to a hospital, two secondary schools with all of the students singing and welcoming us, been fed in local homes, traveling in a Land Rover many many hours on not so great roads with Tom managing it all well, and of course, still finding time for shopping in the local markets. Yesterday we had two Tanzanians, including a mom from Dar Es Salaam who was looking for a school for her child, in the LR for a total of eight. That left Beth, Sandy T and Kathy all sitting in the trunk! Imagine that as Tom braked frequently for goats, cattle, little kids, banana carts and lots of bikes! We are loving almost every mionute of it and grateful to God for safe journeys!
We're getting used to lots of beans and rice, and meals everywhere we stop. It's much like our Scandinavian heritage -- feed the guests well. We are learning to pace ourselves after the five meals within 6 hours.
And of course, each night, we pull the netting down around our beds and continue to be in awe that we are on the other side of the world.
Love to you All. Blessings,
Tanzania Travelers
Our group is Sandy Furlong (Tom's sister), Kathy Olson (Beth's sister), Sandy Tibbits (friend of Kathy's from Glencoe), and Shari Hamilton (friend of Beth's from Mahtomedi). We are now all sisters and have many more sisters from this part of the world.
We arrived last Thursday. We're heading on safari today for two days but we're pretty sure we already were on one with all of the animals we saw on our 10 hour trip from the airport to Iringa (the city where Beth and Tom live). Even a lion pride!
Our weekend was spent in a very small village about 4 hours away in the hills. As everything is so far, it's all been such an eye-opening, heartwarming, and amazing adventure. We had a Tanzanian retired pastor named Israel with us to help communicate. He and Tom are quite the comedy team and loved by the people. Tom preached to a packed church and people were still on the road walking to hear the Word. As you all know, our group are talkers and that certainly helps with the conversation even though we're not speaking the same language. Add the music, the singing, the dancing, and ................words just can't describe!
We've been to a hospital, two secondary schools with all of the students singing and welcoming us, been fed in local homes, traveling in a Land Rover many many hours on not so great roads with Tom managing it all well, and of course, still finding time for shopping in the local markets. Yesterday we had two Tanzanians, including a mom from Dar Es Salaam who was looking for a school for her child, in the LR for a total of eight. That left Beth, Sandy T and Kathy all sitting in the trunk! Imagine that as Tom braked frequently for goats, cattle, little kids, banana carts and lots of bikes! We are loving almost every mionute of it and grateful to God for safe journeys!
We're getting used to lots of beans and rice, and meals everywhere we stop. It's much like our Scandinavian heritage -- feed the guests well. We are learning to pace ourselves after the five meals within 6 hours.
And of course, each night, we pull the netting down around our beds and continue to be in awe that we are on the other side of the world.
Love to you All. Blessings,
Tanzania Travelers
Thursday, October 15, 2009
First week in Iringa
We have been in Iringa for just over a week and it has been very busy. We have two groups from MN, Arlington Hills Lutheran and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran that we have been assisting with their visit. The weather has been absolutely perfect with days in the low 80’s and evening in the 60’s. We’ve been getting the bad news from home about a 3 inch snowfall and temps in the 20’s and 30’s for over a week. Pole Sana! (Very sorry) We have reconnected with so many friends here and it is just as it is with old friends, you just pick up right where you left off and it is like you were never apart. We worshipped at the Lutheran Cathedral on Sunday and were reminded of how faithful the people are and how fantastic the music is. Tom will be preaching this Sunday at another parish in Iringa so we look forward to that. We’ve had our usual problem events since arriving. We went to he market to get groceries and Tom broke off the key in the back door of the truck. We came home to find out it was the key to the apartment and we were locked out! A few phone calls later and help from friends and we were in. Then the other afternoon I decided to make stuffed peppers and spent a couple of hours getting it ready. As I was putting it in the oven, the power went down so it was sandwiches for dinner again! We’ve been told because of the drought they will turn off the power every other day for several hours however we don’t know when! We are much more settled this trip and the adjustment has gone smoothly. We miss our family and those babies terribly but we’ve been able to Skype some so we look forward to that.
Friday, October 9, 2009
We've Arrived!
After a couple of nice long plane-rides, and a 12 hour bus trip (with a breakdown on the way and lots of road construction) we've finally arrived. We are working with two churches who are in Iringa to visit their sister congregations here in Tanzania. Both are small groups, but require considerable assistance none-the-less. We spent a couple of nights in Dar es Salaam prior to the bus trip, including a wonderful afternoon by the Indian Ocean. We've also reconnected with several of our friends on this side and are feeling pretty comfortable this time. We're busy, happy and well. Blessings and Peace, Tom and Beth
Friday, October 2, 2009
Gettting Ready to Go
It's three days and counting until our departure for Tanzania and I (Beth) locked our beautiful six month old twin grandchildren in Katie's car in our driveway with the engine running. After a moment of hysteria, Katie and I made sure they were still both sleeping and called for help from the Ramsey County Sheriff. A wonderful deputy arrived with his special tool and had the door open in less than a minute. Cal and Lyla were now wide awake and knew nothing except they had a lovely nap while mama and grandma were pacing. Needless to say I'm a bit distracted! We still have a few things to get in order at home but thankfully Christy, Brandon and wonderful Grace will be managing the house until they move to their new home the end of October. We have yet to pack but we have a plan! These next days will be filled with family time so the babies remember us! We also spent last weekend with Chad, Adrienne and delightful Madeleine in Portland, Maine. We had so much fun playing with trains, reading books and watching the progress on the building of their new home. It will be done when we get back so we're excited for them. This journey to Iringa, Tanzania will be very similar to our last trip in the summer of 2007. We will be there from Oct. 6 - Dec. 12. We will be back in our role as Companion Congregation Coordinators for the Bega Kwa Bega partnership through the St. Paul Area Synod of the ELCA. We will be traveling over with a group from Arlington Hills Lutheran Church and then meeting up the following day in Dar es Salaam with a group from Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in Apple Valley. The excitement is growing but we still have much to do so our next post will be from Iringa when we have internet access!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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