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)