Thanksgiving

Overall, I think we have been pretty thankful for the people and things in our lives. This year, however, our eyes have been opened to see how many of the common, everyday blessings have gone unnoticed in the past; how we have failed to give thanks to God for the richness of this life.

For instance, upon our arrival here at our language school, we discovered that East African drought conditions were causing seasonal water shortages. While in America, “water faucets” have always equated (in our minds) to running water. Living here has taught us that this is not actually one of the great, universal truths of life. For the first week, without rhyme or reason, the water would come… and then be gone for as long as a day or two. We frequently would turn on the faucet hoping for water, only to find black sludge or nothing at all.

Also, here in Tanzania, every couple of days we go without electricity for around eight hours at a time while the authorities oversee rolling blackouts as a way managing the country’s limited supply of electricity. Oh, and the internet has been down here on campus for around three weeks (which partly excuses our failure to post on this blog).

Now, before you start to feel sorry for us—or think that we are feeling sorry for ourselves, it should be said that we have taken all of this in stride and have even found the blessing in our new African circumstances. For, while the power is out, we sit under the dim light of candles without television. Ironically we feel thankful for the quiet, calm of an evening with nothing to distract us from the natural rhythm of the planet. Truth be told, I think it has brought us closer as a couple: we have found much more time for the simple things like games, conversation and sleep. Then when electricity has returned in the morning we are all the more aware of the blessing and then we celebrate when we are able (once again) to check the email.

Now that there have been a few rains in the mountains we have had much better access to water, but I will always remember the joy we felt the morning that we both woke up to warm showers. Never before has a shower brought such joy.

In summary, after two months in Africa our hearts have been opened to wonder what else we have been missing—asking how else have we been unknowingly blessed? We are sure it is much.

So, today we have a new realization of our gracious God who provides so much each day. Even as we are missing our friends and families at home this time of year; even as we are missing our daily showers and continuous power, we can have thankful hearts and wish you the same.

God’s richest blessings—may our eyes be opened to see them more clearly,
Josh and Sue

Home Visit

Baptism

First Village Visit

On Sunday, Josh and I had the privilege of going to a village for worship. This was our first time to a village, so we didn’t know what to expect, but were very excited to learn more. Pastor Herb Hafermann, a long time missionary here in Morogoro, invited us to accompany him to a service. While we are finding it impossible to put into words all that we experienced, we’ll give it a try! Here is what our day was like:

8:30 – We departed the language school (our home) and began our journey. Luka, Pastor Hafermann’s driver and a builder and evangelist, drove us. We were on highway for about an hour and then took secondary and tertiary roads for about another 20 minutes until we reached the village. The roads were partially washed out from the rain, but we made it.

10:00 – We arrived at the village and were greeted by a local evangelist and a couple of the elder Maasai men who led us to sit in the old church, which was a thatched roof with no walls or floor. We sat with the men (and many chickens) and chatted while shy children peeked around mud houses or stared curiously.

About 11:30 -Tea time! The evangelist of the church poured water over our hands as is customary here before eating. We were then served tea and buns. We were amazed that the women made buns so perfectly shaped over an open fire. Only after we (the guests) had finished eating did the elder men eat and drink their tea.

People began arriving a couple of hours after we got there and gradually more and more people gathered at the church. Eventually the whole village was filled with music from the people singing.

Church began about 1:30. Women and children sat on one side and men sat on the other. The choir sang many times, we all sang hymns, had communion and there were several baptisms. Right in the middle of the sermon it started to rain. Rain came in through the “windows” of the open-air church building, and although many got a little wet, no one was upset because everyone needs the rain. It was a joyous occasion.

At this point we lose track of time entirely :) After the service, (maybe around 4?) there was an auction of the goods that were donated for offering. It was the liveliest I have seen! It is common for someone to buy something (ex. a chicken) and donate it to someone. One of the women bought me a toothbrush and toothpaste!

After the service, we walked to a lame man’s home, where he received communion. The choir came as well providing their beautiful music.

After that, it was time for pastors and visitors to eat. We were fed a meal of chicken (which we had seen being plucked earlier), rice, and beans. We have now learned how to eat rice and beans using our hands, but we have a long way to go before we perfect the technique.

After supper, we made the return trip to the seminary. We were home around 7PM. What a day!

After it is all said and done, we still haven’t gotten over how comfortable we felt in such a completely foreign place. The people were so hospitable and kind, making it easy for us to feel quite comfortable. They seemed so appreciative of our visiting. The feeling is mutual "bila shaka" (without a doubt).

Morogoro

It has already been five weeks since we sojourned south from Arusha, approximately nine hour’s drive time to city of Morogoro. Morogoro, Tanzania—our new home—sprawls along the foot of the jutting Uluguru Mountains. Morogoro is a bustling city, not at all touristy like Arusha; and without the metropolitan feel of Dar-es-Salaam. Mud houses not far outside of town, and goats not uncommon within, this town is authentic Africa.

The people on the streets tend to be courteous and friendly here. They show a general interest in visitors (wageni), but are not overbearing. Unlike Arusha, we have noticed that English is much less common and fluent, so Swahili will be a practical necessity for us to live here. Thus, we have enrolled in our second language training at the Junior Seminary where we currently reside.

(The picture is of the dalla dalla station in downtown Morogoro)

No More Monkeys Jumping on our Roof

The sound of monkeys playing on our roof during the night became familiar to us as we were at language school in Arusha. What at first was a startling racket to wake up to in the middle of the night soon became a routine sound of “home.” We have now moved into our housing in Morogoro, and have no more monkeys waking us up at night. We have new sounds that are becoming familiar – birds chirping beautifully and the sound of children playing and singing.

This past week has been very exciting for us. We are now in the town that will be our home for the next two years. We have met many of our new colleagues who are all exceptionally kind and welcoming. Bishop Jacob Mameo, who Josh will be working with, invited us into his home for supper with his family our first day here. We are extremely grateful to him for giving us such a gracious reception.

Our housing is on the campus of Lutheran Junior Seminary, which also contains a language school where we hope to continue our language studies.

Swahili lesson – Are you familiar with the game “Jenga?” We were excited to learn that it means “to build” in Swahili. How appropriate! Now you can dazzle your friends with your new Swahili word.

Learning to Speak

"Habari za (asubuhi, mchana, leo, or Jioni)?"

Many times during any given day you will hear this friendly greeting used among Swahili speakers. Translated from the Swahili, the phrase inquires of "The news of the (morning, afternoon, day or evening)?"

To this, the appropriate response is "Nzuri" or "Nzuri sana." It is always "good" or "very good" as long as you are breathing. Remember this exchange if you ever plan to come to East Africa. It will come in handy as greetings are an important part of the culture.

Habari is one of many ways to politely greet people in Tanzania, rather than the stereotypical greeting, "Jambo"-which, I think, originated with the old Tarzan movies and we have learned is actually incorrect usage-used primarily by tourists. Sue was disappointed to learn this, as she had been singing a song with her students in the States incorrectly using "Jambo." However, we were glad to find out that "Hakuna Matata" is appropriate - no worries!

The people of Tanzania speak Swahili, and since our arrival here in northern Tanzania nearly three weeks ago, it has become abundantly clear that the Tanzanians love their language. What's more is that the majority of the people are more than willing to spend their time helping visitors learn. As we have progressed in our introductory language training, we have remarked many times how Tanzania must be a nation of Swahili teachers. Whether we are riding the daladala (bus), or walking down the street, chances are that someone will enjoy letting us practice what we have learned and then give us a tutorial of their own.

Since we are trying to learn Swahili, this has proven to be very helpful to us. We have found that wherever we are, the people are genuinely thrilled at our effort to speak in their language. Even the smallest phrases (which is about all we can muster at this point) brings an appreciative smile. We are having a lot of fun with Swahili school and are excited to put what we've learned to use.

We Made It!!!

After years of prayer, months of preparation and waiting, four flights and a nine hour time change, we have finally arrived in Tanzania!!! It is great to be here.
We were greeted at the airport by the ELCA Regional Representatives, Bob and JMe Lowden, and they have been treating us very well. They have helped us find the bank and the cell phone shop; they have introduced us to many people and given us many helpful insights into the language and culture.
We have been welcomed repeatedly, "Karibu!" by the friendly Tanzanian people. It will be so meaningful to begin language training, which starts on Monday, so that we are better able to make relationships and get to know people.

Salama (peace)

We Have Tickets

Although it is still hard for us to believe, it is starting to feel official. As our airline tickets arrived in the mail last week, with them came the clear sense that what we've only been able to think and dream about is finally becoming our reality. Our departure date is September 22nd, so we have a deadline and a steadily shrinking "to do" list. We also found out that our Work Permit for residency in Tanzania has come through and that we should receive it on Monday. Just in time.
Now, we have to pack.

Orientation, Visitation, and Preparation

Many are the plans of the human heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails!

~Proverb 19:21

As you may know, we had originally planned to depart for Tanzania in August. However, upon our arrival at orientation in Chicago (ELCA - Global Mission) mid July, we found out that our departure date would not actually be until late September. This was due to our language school not starting until September 28th, plus it gave a little more time for our Tanzania Work Visa to be issued by the travel authority of Tanzania.

As is so often the case, despite having "extra" time, it seems that we've needed all the time we've had. Standing in today it's hard to even imagine how we would have been ready to depart for Tanzania back in August. So, while keeping up with semi-daily Swahili lessons (trying to get a head start with Rosetta Stone), July and August have been filled with three main things: orientation, visitation and preparation.

At orientation we made many friends and met numerous people who are currently traveling and settling in countries all around the world for the sake of Christ; ESL (English as second language) teachers, doctors, pastors and professionals of all kinds who have felt God calling them into global service through the church. Orientation was divided into three main parts which took place over a three week period in July. The first week was ELCA specific orientation which focused on policies, procedures, and introductions to the Global Mission staff in Chicago. There were around 20 people in these sessions, all getting ready for deployment as ELCA missionaries, many of these people we grew close to and "hung out" with for the entire three weeks.

The second week and a half was an ecumenical missionary orientation which added more missionaries to our numbers from several other Christian denominations: RCA, PCUSA, Episcopal, and Catholic. In these sessions we covered broader issues and topics pertaining to all Christian missionaries, such as cross-cultural awareness and safety precautions and contingency plans for traveling and living in foreign countries--"preparing for the unexpected."

The last three days were spent in Kenosha, Wisconsin at the ELCA Missionary conference. This was an opportunity for us, the newly oriented ELCA missionaries, to meet and mingle with the veteran missionaries who were either just finishing up their time in service or were back on their bi-annual home assignment. This was yet great opportunity to talk with people who already know what we are about to experience.

An unexpected pleasure this Summer has been the opportunity to visit with family and friends. Although there is never enough time for visitation with those we love, we are so thankful for all the the time many of you have given us. We will carry your friendship with us when we leave and it will be a source of strength for us as we arrive in unknown territory.

Finally, it is difficult to imagine all the preparation it takes to leave the country for two years. Sure, there is the challenge of packing into two suitcases what you will find essential for two years of living, but there are also the many details that you don't necessarily think of when you first sign on for something like this. For instance, last week we visited a lawyer friend in order to make arrangements for having a power of attorney placed in charge of our "estate" while we are away. Not to be morbid, but we also wound up having our wills and medical powers of attorney set up just in case the unthinkable should happen. I'm not even going to get into the whole issue of what to do with our taxes!

Preparation, preparation, preparation. I like to say, "prepare what you can, but understand that the plans are, in the end, not our own." Thank the Lord for that!

God Bless,

Josh and Sue

Going to Tanzania

A few months ago, my wife Susie and I accepted a new calling in the church–serving in Morogoro, Tanzania. Working through the Global Missions department of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) we will soon (next month) be deployed to serve in the ELCT (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania). Although many details of our new work remain beyond our knowing, what we do know is that I will be serving as Pastor in the parishes of the cattle-herding Masai people who live on the land in the regions surrounding the city of Morogoro. Susie will undoubtedly find herself with ample opportunity to work with the children in one education role or another. No matter the specific duties and responsibilities that we each acquire along the way, we will soon set out together on this incredible journey which will take us out of our familiar and comfortable lives here in America.

Trusting in the God of life, we sill soon set out humbly to learn and to grow by serving in this African country-where life is so fragile and so very precious. You are invited to follow along through the reading of this, our Josh and Sue’s Blog. We have plans of making this our regular journal by which we will document our journey and share our reflections about God and the people we encounter and the mission of the Church which unites many people across cultures and across oceans. We hope that you will read, enjoy and find this journal to be a blessing.
In Christ, Josh and Sue