We know that our prayers are joined with the prayers of the Itungi parish in the Iringa diocese in Tanzania, and that other Christians, other sisters and brothers in faith, await and welcome the coming of Tom, Dick, Zarida, Pastor Marty and Ann.
What's the weather like today in Tanzania?
July 25 - August 1 logs have been moved to an archive page
August 2 - August 4 logs have been moved to an archive page
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Today was our first unscheduled day since leaving for Tanzania two weeks ago. We spent the day wandering through the Iringa markets taking in the local sights. There is always something interesting to see here, and we enjoyed having the time to get another picture of daily life in Tanzania. We also took advantage of the time to talk with one another and reflect on our experiences and the enormous potential for our church's mission in Tanzania. We look forward to sharing with all of you more about the dreams and needs of the people we have met when we return.
- Ann and the Tanzania Gang
Sunday, August 07, 2005
What a wonderful day! We worshipped at the Itungi village church this morning. The service was four hours long, but it went very quickly. We received many gifts, including songs sung by three different choirs. And after a late lunch we had two very productive meetings with the church council and then the village council. They presented a seven year parish development plan and some ambitious well-drilling proposals. After returning to Iringa, our conversations about what we might support and how to do so carried us past 10:30 p.m. So much to appreciate, wonder at and think about! What a tremendous congregation to be paired with!
- Pastor Marty and the Tanzania Gang
Pastor Marty and Ann receiving stools ______________ Conga line gift presentation
Three Muskateers _____________________________ Church and village leaders
Students Sponsored by Como Park Lutheran Church
Como Park Lutheran Church sponsors education scholarships for eight students in Tanzania. Seven are secondary students, and one is a college student. Today's set of photos is of all but one of them. Today we had the opportunity to personally meet and visit with Alex, Beatus, Lusano, and Fedros. Earlier in the week we met and visited with Nelisa, Nicodemo and Helena. All of these students are dependent on our support for their continuing education, and they thanked us (and through us the members of CPLC) over and over again. They asked God's blessings upon us and for our continued prayers for them. They are wonderful young men and women and it was a joy to meet and visit with them.
This evening we were invited to dinner at Pastor Benjamin Ngede's home. We were joyfully welcomed and served a delicious meal which included potatoes, rice, beef/vegetable stroganoff, fruit and lettuce salad, chicken, rolls and beverages. The Ngede's are presently caring for eight children whose parents have died of HIV/AIDS. Last week they had 18 children in their home! All of these children are extended family members. Benjamin and his wife Anna are a delightful and exceptional couple.
Blessings,
- Dick and the Tanzanian Gang
Nelisa Ang'iliwe ________________________________Nicodemo
Ngendelo
Alex Kihemela _____________________ Beatus Kimbe
Lusano Ndwela ____________________ Fedros Malefi
Helena Chuma _____________________ Benjamin & Anna Ngede and extended family
Monday, August 8, 2005
We spent today wrapping up our visit to Iringa. We're packed and ready to leave in the morning to begin our return journey to Minnesota and the friends and family that we have been away from these past few weeks. Our trip will take until Saturday to complete and we will probably be out of communication for the duration. We have had an amazing and memorable experience and are looking forward to sharing it with you in person.
Asante sana (Thank you very much),
- Tom and the Tanzania Gang