In September of 2009 my wife Susan and I landed at Kilimanjaro Airport outside of Arusha, Tanzania with the words of a new missionary colleague still echoing in our ears, “If you don’t want your lives to be permanently changed, don’t get on the plane.” We stepped off the plane into what promised to be a genuinely life-changing experience.
Today we stand at the end of our time in Tanzania and I wonder at the way time can be both long and short all at once. I suppose this is a marvel of God’s creation. By the time this is published we will have returned to the United States. As for the moment, here are ten observations/reflections pertaining to the timely question posed to me “What is it like to be a missionary in Africa for two years?”
- The Lively Roads. Here in Tanzania, the vast majority of the people do not own cars. This is one striking difference between daily life here and in the States. There are people everywhere! People on foot. People pushing carts. People on bikes. People on Motorcycles. People pouring out of little busses called daladalas. People just beyond the bushes and behind trees. Driver beware!
- Tanzanian Hospitality: There are No “Foreigners,” Only “guests”. A guest is regarded as a blessing in Tanzania. No matter how little a family has in terms of worldly possessions or money, they will always welcome a visitor and offer something to drink or eat (even if they have to walk kilometers to get it).
- Time is just different here. There is a common phrase spoken in Africa about the cultural difference between Africa and the West… “You have the watches,” they say about us, “but we have the time.” And this is certainly true. I believe that no matter how “laid back” you regard yourself to be in the States, the pace here will take some getting used to. As for church services, the more choirs the better. No football (as we know it) in Africa. Church is the activity of a Sunday, so get comfortable because you may not get home until dark.
- Being a Missionary Today. A basic and important observation about being a missionary today is that missionary pastors like me are becoming a rarity. As indigenous Churches have developed in countries like Tanzania, so have indigenous clergy. Alleluia! Therefore, many countries/Churches may not be in need of pastors and evangelists as much as they are of other teachers, computer technicians, doctors, social workers or mechanics who perform their various vocations in Christ’s name. Therefore, the term missionary can be a very broad term, as needs are varied around the world.
- Learning Swahili. The most rewarding things in life are not due to things that come easy, but things that you need to work at. Like you might expect, learning a new language is quite challenging, but it is also fun! There is nothing as humbling as being unable to understand what is going on in a conversation and then realize you have been introducing your “wife” (mke) as your “boss” (mkuu) .
- “We are often sick here.” Within the first weeks of living here, this is what we were told by one of our language teachers. Malaria, and various stomach ailments are simply a part of life in Africa. There is medicine for malaria. As for stomach issues… what can I say… you get used to it.
- Issues of Sustainability and Dependency. Perhaps the biggest challenge of today’s mission work in Tanzania is to find ways to empower the Tanzanian Church to stand on its own. Often it is much easier to solve problems how we see fit, rather than the more challenging task of teaching and enabling others to set and work toward their own goals.
- The United States is a great place to be. Being a missionary in Africa has made us realize again and again how nice it is in the States. I hope I will never again take for granted continuous running water and electricity, nice wide (and safe) roads to drive on, reliable internet, and clean and safe medical services. All of these things I have come to appreciate in a new light.
- Tanzania is a great place to be. Life in Tanzania is much less convenient in many ways than what we are used to, yet it is also a great place in its own right. Most noteworthy is the essential value placed on relationship and family in Tanzania. While efficiency may be lacking in places of business, something tells me the Tanzanians’ priorities are well placed when it comes to time dedicated to family and friendship. “Unity” is the prized virtue of Tanzania and this is refreshing.
- Prayer is essential. During the course of our time in Tanzania, we have noticed that prayer seems to become more essential and even seems more relevant to our lives. That is not to say that prayer was not essential or relevant before. It’s just that in a developing country like Tanzania, where infrastructure is hit or miss, and life itself is so obviously fragile, the illusion of self-reliance goes out the window. Daily, when we drive our car on the busy roads or eat the local food, we are reminded of the uncertainty of life and of health. An adventure like this makes a person feel mortal. A person who feels mortal finds it much easier to walk with an immortal God. Thus… we have prayer, the asset of faith.
“What is it like to be a missionary in Africa for two years?” This is a very broad question indeed, and one that I am sure I will be grappling with for years beyond this writing. We have been told that the fast pace of American life will take getting used to upon our return—a challenge of “reintegration.” I am sure our colleague was accurate in saying that we would be changed. As to the kind or degree of change, perhaps we won’t really know until we get back off the plane. No matter what, I know that our thoughts and prayers will forever include our Christian brothers and sisters who have welcomed us so in Tanzania.
God’s blessings to all those who find themselves in mission… wherever on the globe you may be.