Baboa Tree with Overlook
Itungi Village: August 1 - August 3, 2008
Ruaha National Park: August 4 - August 6, 2008
I awoke hearing the quick patter of feet walking outside my window. I listened
carefully as I looked at my watch. It was 4:00 a.m. - about 1 ½ hours
before the first cock crowed. And so it went each morning in the village.
The women were beginning their work day of hauling water from one place to
another, sweeping all hunched over with a short broom, carrying sticks for
firewood, cooking over an open fire, caring for children, etc., etc., etc.
The women I observed are among the hardest working people I have ever observed.
They are indeed a marvel to be admired.
Babu Dick
Itungi - I cannot believe it has been three years since I was here. It is
fun to be back and incredible that people remember those of us that were here
last trip. Pastor Damian and Babu Dick were like long time friends that had
been apart for a very long time. The new people weren't left out, they were
welcomed and cheered. The children were especially greeted by the village
children and it wasn't long before the Soccer ball was being kicked around.
I continue to be amazed by the selfless generosity of these people that have
so little and the happiness in which they share it with us. In some ways I
think it is us in America that are truly poor.
Ruaha - Amazing and exciting was our visit to the Ruaha National Park of Tanzania.
After a long ride in the bus we arrived at the park entrance gate. We were
soon seeing animals in "their" place, where they can hunt us but
we can't hunt them. Then we turn up the road and find our "hotel"
along the river. The accommodations were excellent although they had two suggestions
that I thought the group should observe very closely: 1) look in all directions
as you walk, 2) do not go outside your banda when it is dark outside. There
was plenty of evidence that the animals are indeed free to go where they want,
when they want. We did have a great time (Pastor Marty and Deb were ill during
part of our stay and may not agree with the great time part) and everyone
left in one piece.
Tom
In the village of Itungi we experienced Hospitality, overwhelming hospitality.
People who have so little gave us all they had. My impression was that the
women began preparing food at dawn and did not stop cooking until late in
the evening. A family gave us their home, they moved out; however, they were
always present making sure we had all we needed. Each evening as we returned
to our lodging there were lamps burning, welcoming us home. There was no way
to thank them.
Asante sana never seemed enough, but they were so thankful to us for all our
congregation has given to them. I was humbled and know, as a congregation,
we are doing great things.
Heather
Baboa Tree with Overlook
Banda
Dancing
Gifts to Us
Welcome
Page 3: August 8 - August 14 logs have been moved to an archive page
When we got to the village there were lots of people waiting for us, singing and dancing. I was surprised and couldn't stop smiling. A little bit later I met some kids and we started playing soccer. That was really fun. I am really glad I came!!
Peder
August 7, 2008
This afternoon we visited the Huruma Center, an orphanage of the Lutheran
Church that is home to forty children, many whose parents have died
of AIDS. Children age five and older are referred by individual congregations
in the Iringa diocese. The children sang for us but it was not the same
enthusiasm and joy we experienced in the faces and voices at the diocese
kindergarten earlier today. Although they attend local government schools
and are well cared for at the center, these children do not have as
bright a future as one might hope.
Much of their food comes from their own garden, cows and chickens. Once
more the Ericson children and the Huruma residents demonstrated that
football (soccer) speaks a universal language as they played together
in the courtyard surrounded by dormitories while we adults toured the
growing complex. Many improvements have occurred since last visits and
they continue to build new dormitories to house additional needy children.
We are thankful to God for the dedicated work of the director and her
staff but leave also with a feeling of sadness that this center even
has to exist. We pray that God will continue to bless the Huruma ministry
with brighter futures for these children.
Janet
Gifts from Us
Riverview from Banda
RETURN to Current Travelogue (starting Aug 10)
GO to August 1 - August 9, 2008