Tanzania Mission Build 2010
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Greetings to all who have hit the web site for the first time or for the 30th time. We are getting ready to embark on our sixth construction trip to the Mission District of the Morogoro Diocese and we will be there from May 20-June 8, 2010.
The following are members of the team and request your thoughts and prayers.
· TEAM LEADER: Cathy Engelkes, Peace Lutheran, Edgemont, AR
· Don Cunningham, Lambuth Methodist Church, Oklahoma City
· Jim Dunlop, University Lutheran, Norman, OK
· Bill Senn, Arkansas
· Cindy Sewell, University Lutheran, Norman, OK
· Darby Sewell, University Lutheran, Norman, OK
· Shelby Sewell, University Lutheran, Norman, OK
We will be building chapels together with our fellow Lutherans of the Morogoro Diocese of Tanzania. The first picture shown is of the original church and the second picture is of the church that we constructed several years ago to replace it. Our current chapels are built with concrete blocks and represent very substantial improvements over earlier models. As you can see from the third picture, the block and brick structures represent a great increase in skill and quality. Luka, the construction evangelist remains the cog in the wheel that drives the improvements. He learns a skill and then quickly trains others who assist in the building. The cost of each church remains approximately $6,000 because the local help under Luka’s supervision make the bricks and concrete blocks on site. And, the local congregation provides about half of the final cost.
And…………………..this is a current model. Quite an improvement wouldn’t you agree?
In addition to chapel construction a great deal of effort has gone into raising funds for water wells. While the wells are drilled by professionals as you can see from the size of the rig below, our financial support and over sight provided throughout the year is vital to the water well ministry. And, as you can see from the completed well, the villagers are thrilled with the gift of
safe, clean water.
And, here is what we are aiming for in village after village.
I want to thank any and all who contributed to our fund raising efforts this year. For those of you not familiar with our trips, each of the team members has paid $3,000 of his/her own money to make the trip. In addition, we have worked to raise money for construction costs, well drilling and famine relief. Every penny collected will go to the particular purpose for which it was given. Individuals and congregations all across the Ark-Ok Synod of the ELCA have contributed and, once again, Thrivent for Lutherans has provided us with matching funds of $1,200 for which we are grateful. We hope to have around $16,000 for building materials that will allow for the construction of three or more chapels both in the Mission District and in the Chalinze District that borders on the Mission District where we have worked for the last 5 years. Two of Herb Hafermann’s former evangelists are now pastors in the Chalinze District and we look forward to working again with Paulo Thomas in his new role as pastor.
Travel Schedule, & Daily Journal:
·
May
20: Air Travel
May 21: Arrive at Dar es Salaam at 10:00 PM. The
team will stay overnight at the Catholic Hostel in Dar es
Salaam.
From May 22 until June 5 the team will work on chapel
builds, attend worship sites and monitor water well drilling.
We will try to continue our practice of providing a daily account of activities. Since Paul Kleine is unable to go with the team this year we will be relying on individual team members sharing their experience and Kleine will attempt to provide a context for those experiences. So pray for the team check them out at:
www.ulcsc.org
and click on
Tanzania Build
MAY
GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS MINISTRY AND THIS YEAR’S TEAM.
Day 1: THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
After the usual problems with plane delays and lost luggage the team arrived safely in Dar Thursday night around midnight. The Norman crew was delayed out of okc and that caused them to miss their flight to Amsterdam. They caught a later flight and rejoined the two team members from Arkansas. Don Cunningham lost his luggage for one day but three days in one change of underwear isn't all that much worse than two days!
Jim Dunlop sent the following text as was bouncing his way from Dar to Morogoro.
Later today on Sunday I received a rich source of quotes from Commandant Cathy Engelkes, who is functioning brilliantly as team leader.
Here are a few in no particular order:
CATHY: We sure miss you. Internet has been worse than last year. This is the first time I could get on line. We had a great day!! I think the team is gelling well together. I have much to share hopefully internet will last.
We were at Kivuga- where you built the first church. THIS WAS 6 YEARS AGO WITH FUNDS FROM ULC AND FROM ASBURY METHODIST We had 197 in service 98 communion. The 13 Wartburg students were with us. They leave tomorrow.
DON: wow, great- now this was a long one right.They won't all be this long! HA!!!!
Bill- the choirs,
all thought they observed amazing energy, spirit
Shelby/Darby- FUN
Jim- These people are always happy, smiling, giving
SHelby- always helping each other- like taking babies from one to the other
Don- The villagers show such amazing respect for Herb!
Shelby- quote when the choir came in " I thought I would only ever see this on TV"
Cindy- as we drove from Dar= the lush colors of trees then these dirt huts and in the front yard- the most amazing fabric on the clothes line!
Jim- I'm just exhausted from trying to take all this in!!
CATHY: Freak out moment for Shelby, Darby and Bill- the women opening the pop bottles with their teeth! (YES, THEY SEEM TO TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR ABILITY TO DO THIS )- all wanted to play- BIll bought a goat, Don a chicken at the church auction.
BTW- Don's luggage didn't make it. He has been in same clothes for days!! No nothing and he forgot to get shillings. Brought out a $20 bill for church collection and some of women around him thought he was a millionaire!!! They got a kick out of that.
I would say overall it was a great day- As you would expect. Everyone is much like I know I was my first trip and all others in that they just can not believe the love, joy and giving nature of all the people. That we must be seated, eat first, they just take care of us!!
PK: So it looks like another great team and another great experience about to unfold. Come back each day and see what we can cobble together in the way of a report between the folks on the ground and me chirping from Norman.
Blessings,
Paul
Day 2: TANZANIA: DAY TWO
TODAY'S ADVENTURE COMES TO US THANKS TO JIM DUNLOP, THANKS, JIM!!
What an experience so far! Our first worship experience with the Maasai was just awesome. Bill played hand/clapping games with the children. One little boy ended up being his shadow for a while. I had fun taking short videos and then showing them to the kids. They're so excited to see them they nearly tear the camera apart trying to see! One woman asked to have her picture taken so I could give her the picture. Luka helped me communicate that I would take the picture and then send it to her. Next time I'll bring a portable printer. It is so darn hot and humid here. Guess I didn't expect tropical weather. Add the flies to the mix... And well... I guess that means we're in africa. We sat thru the worship service sweating, swooshing xway flies, with our backs aching and enjoyed ecvery minute of it! Internet has been almost non existent so far. Decided to single finger type you this email from my phone. (EDITORIAL SMART ALECK REMARKS PROVIDED BY PAUL KLEINE FROM THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF HIS AIRCONDITIONED HOME (THE FLIES ARE FREE, ALL THE OTHER ASPECTS COST EXTRA!) All is well. Fun. Interesting. Amazing. Luka is going to zanzibar til wednesday so we won't even begin any construction work til after that. Girls are doing surprising well so far. Bill complimented them on that also. Luka is so helpful. Delightful man. Looking forward to the days ahead. My guitar got delayed in amsterdam. Now being held by customs in dar es salaam. Gonna have to pay to get it. Luka is going to do the "bargaining" on his way back from zanzibar. (GOOD PLAN.....I ALWAYS WANTED LUKA ON MY NEGOTIATION TEAM WHEN BUYING BANANAS. I WOULD IMAGINE HIS SKILLS WOULD WORK FOR GUITARS ALSO.) Ok... I'm wearing my thumb out typing this. More to come. How's the shingles? Hope you're feeling better, paul. We miss you.
Peace,
Jim
Day 3: Surprised by Joy
Our :”on the ground” reporter, Jim Dunlop shared this story of their next worship service,
"Surprised by Joy" would be the way to describe yesterday. We went to a Maasai village that thought we were coming the following week... They were not prepared for us to have worship... but they welcomed us "karibu"... One woman said "We are not prepared but just as we should always be prepared for Jesus coming, so too, should we be prepared for Pastor Hafferman and worship" (EDITORIAL COMMENT: This is so typical of a Massai response! No matter what happens, they smile and move forward.) As we waited in the church, we talked and laughed with the Maasai... And the people spread word throughout the village that we were here. They prepared tea and the fried "bisquits"... the choir gathered, benches were brought into the church... the Maasai slowly gathered as the women began preparing the meal that would follow worship... The choir was mostly young children... it was beautiful... And following the service we ate the rice and potato and beef the women had prepared for us without notice... their graciousness was amazing...
And, Herb added these comments about the same service:
Everyone hustled around and we got tea and half cakes. They called people together and by the time we started there were 103 people for the service, a very good choir and 25 for communion. They even auctioned off a chicken and a box of soap bars and together with the offering, got 50,000. The guests were amazed by the spontaneity and the generosity of the people.
EDITORIAL COMMENT: The reason for the schedule mix up was that Robert Spitaleri and Josh Magyar are usually on site with two additional cars. When Herb returned from the states a couple of weeks ago to get ready for the two teams to visit he learned that both were on vacation for several weeks in China and South Africa. So……………Herb scrambled the schedule to allow for their absence and one of the evangelists didn’t get the message. But, as you can see, it didn’t bother the Massai. One hundred turned up on a moment’s notice. I have no idea HOW they communicate that quickly. Sometimes they have cell phone coverage but other times??? Anyway, this was a typical example of Herb’s world. Things mess up but they always work out. That could be an excellent bumper sticker for the Massai, IF they had bumpers. Blessings, PFK
Day 4:
EDITOR’S NOTE: I WILL SHARE JIM’S ACCOUNT FIRST FOLLOWED BY CATHY’S. IT IS PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A COMMON THEME RUNNING THROUGH BOTH ACCOUNTS. THIS IS THEIR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE DAY OF WORSHIP AND WHILE EACH ONE IS EXCITING YOU CAN GET TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING! I HAVE NEVER ENDURED MORE THAT TWO OR PERHAPS THREE STRAIGHT DAYS OF WORSHIP WITHOUT DOING CONSTRUCTION WORK SO THEY HAVE SET NEW TEAM RECORDS FOR ENDURANCE. AS WAS MENTIONED HERB IS WITHOUT LUKA AND WITHOUT DRIVERS SO THEY HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO GO WITH HIM EACH DAY AND SPEND HOURS AND HOURS ON HARD BENCHES. THEY WILL HAVE CONSTUCTION DAYS SOON WHEN LUKA RETURNS AND THIS WILL BRIGHTEN THEIR HORIZENS TREMENDOUSLY. MEANWHILE…………….THEY WILL LOOK FOR CUSHION ON WHICH TO SIT.
Here’s Jim:………………….
Day 4 of worship; we're really getting to know the worship service. Singing along in swahili. Witnessing baptisms. Enjoying the variety of choir music. It has been very interesting, inspiring, humbling. However, these are long days. It takes 1 to 2 hours to get to the villages when we arrive we are served tea (3/4 whole boiled milk, 1/4 tea and sugar). It has a smoky flavor. We have started to get used to it to where we can drink most of what we're served along with the fried bread. The service starts some amount of time after that (time actually doesn't seem to exist here) with gathering music by the choirs. There's liturgy, sermon(s), communion, offering and lots of music. I'm now bringing the guitar and we've been one of the choirs in rotation. The service ends with the sharing of the peace (salama) while singing. But that is not the end. Some people bring gifts for offering. Goats, chickens, soap, cloth, even a single egg... And an auction is held to get shillings for the gifts. Cindy bought a goat today for 35000 shillings. Then gave it to the evangelist leader as a gift. Don bought a chicken and gave it to the congregations pastor. We then share a meal - dinner - rice, sometimes potato, and either beef or goat (includes liver and the fat is never trimmed). A couple times the beef has been pretty tasty. The goat is pretty rough for me. I put it in my mouth, couple chews, swallow it whole with a big swig of water. they give the guests (us) just a mountain of rice each. We can get away with less when we get to serve ourselves. One guy at the seminary told us a "trick". Spread the rice thin so your plate looks full. That's only been our opportunity half the time.
Tomorrow we go to the lutheran diocese (sp?). Frankly, as much as we have enjoyed the 4 days of worship, I think we are all ready for change. I was talking with one of the language students here at the seminary and was told how envious she was that we were getting to spend all this time with the maasai. I do feel blessed. They have been a most wonderfully gracious and delightful people. But tomorrow we will have an "off" day. And my butt needs a bit of a rest from the hardwood church benches.
And, here’s Cathy’s account…………………..
so today- lets see we were on primary road, secondary, 3rd, and then 4th level road which of course is just a path!! We stopped at the Pastors home so he could ride his bike in front of us to show the way- It was only a path... the "shortcut" to the church at Kanseli.
We did go several ways that well let's just say the girls loved it! We didn't get rain or it would have been real fun on the return. BTW- it is raining now!
We arrive, received so nicely.
Bill had a special event..... HE was taken away by one of the men.... A special day for him- he was taken to where the warriors had killed the goat and kneeled around and had goat leg off the fire with the men. A very special event for him!! He is doing great. Everywhere we go, he helps he gets involved , just soaks up each and every person. Yesterday he rode on the guys honda 90 scooters.. Never meets a stranger.
today we had 4 choirs including us. One was younger, one a little older, one converted muslims and us! So you know we started, well sat down at 10:45ish for service- Herb started preaching at about 2:40! More songs, 3 baptisms, a short skit, auction- service ended at 4pm!
160 in church, 78 at communion, 3 babies(baptized)
This is place where many muslims are and one of the choirs was all muslim now Christian.
Also this is a church that has taken control of their building and done(with input from Luka) much themselves- at least in the finances.
We did have Don with us today.
Oh yes, as for the choirs- Jim is quite the guitar player- and performer- I know he does the praise service at your church. Well when he gets that leg going and we are all singing the folks just love it they are twilling... and blessing us... IT is a lot of fun.
We did have one other interesting event today... the soccer ball that the girls brought seemed to have disappeared.. SO calling of all the children, one of the "mama's" begins "conversation" a few minutes later motorcycle starts- (we are inside eating) and low and behold- the ball appears!!!!
All in all, another wonderful day of praise, thanksgiving and caring. All loved it -
Now I will work to herd my cats keep them motivated and get them building something soon!!!!
blessings and hope you are feeling better.
I hope you got to meet with the Bishop, interested in your input from that
blessings
cathy
Day 5: Today, Team Leader, Commandant Cathy Engelkes provides a description of a change of pace day for the team. I’m sure the team enjoyed a break from sitting on those logs and planks for 4 hour stretches
TANZANIA: DAY FIVE
We have had a good day so far, getting back to the Seminary at 230ish. Out early today at 830am- to diocese where were received by Executive Asst- Pastor Marcus Maduma. Had a nice discussion regarding the diocese, coffee and tea. Then we were off to see Ebenezer Lutheran School (ED.COMMENT: THIS IS A SCHOOL BEING BUILT AS A LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ENTIRE DIOCESE. THE CURRENT LUTHERAN SEMINARY WHERE THE TEAM STAYS IS A SCHOOL FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY AND VERY FEW STUDENTS FROM THE MOROGORO AREA ARE ABLE TO ATTEND; HENCE THE NEED FOR A NEW SCHOOL.- they now have roof on 8 classes and another 8 built waiting for roof. Progress is slow and of course the treasurer asked if we could help. I was kind and said we were to focus on church building and expanding our area there. Had a nice tour and then to a Rock Resort- a beautiful area that has a rocky walk way with water falls- this was Pastor Raymond's idea( he was overall host of the day) - it was nice- all enjoyed.(ED. NOTE: FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ON PREVIOUS TRIPS, THIS IS THE SAME RAYMOND THAT WE KNOW AND LOVE AS AN EVANGELIST FOR MANY YEARS WHO HELPED US ON A REGULAR BASIS BUILDING CHAPELS. HE HAS BEEN ATTENDING PASTORAL TRAINING AND RECENTLY WAS SELECTED TO BE THE PASTOR OF THE BUNGO CATHEDRAL IN MOROGORO. HE HAS ALWAYS APPEARED TO US TO BE DESTINED FOR LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE CHURCH AT LARGE.)
Then we went to Bishop Mameo's home (ED. COMMENT: MAMEO IS CURRENTLY IN THE STATES HAVING ATTENDED A CHURCH WIDE CONSULTATION IN CHICAGO. MAMEO CAME TO TULSA THIS WEEK AND I ATTENDED A MEETING AND DINNER WITH OUR OWN BISHOP SCHOENHALS TO DISCUSS OUR COMPANION RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIS DIOCESE AND OUR ARK-OK SYNOD.) and visited with his wife, Rose- she had prepared juice and cookies- she is beautiful and kind
Then to Raymond's church- the big church in the city- Bishops church if he is able to attend and Rose(she sings in the choir and we all bought a tape of their choir). I will get you a copy when I move it over to CD.
Then to Raymonds new house that the congregation built for him- 45,000,000 shillings.(THAT'S ABOUT $40,000) He has not moved in because he doesn't have enough furnishings. This house is really beautiful: 3 bedroom, 3 bath, giant living area, pantry, heated water into the house- must be1500+square feet. His church has 2 services with about 200 in each service!
We had much discussion regarding types of services - they have same issue- traditional vs contemporary. !
We had a nice meal of potatoes, chicken and greens- very nice change for everyone.
Herb is here at the LJS with all his pastors with a bible study. The car is getting fixed - hopefully it will get back in a couple of hours and I will talk with him about going to buy the school books and maybe clothes- BUT if I can get him to go then I will beg to have pizza- so we will see. I do know he is anxious for Luka to get here from the bus from Chalinze as he has stopped after getting all on planes to stake out a church. So we will see.
Thus far everyone was very happy with the visit today as it was very informative
We also went to the Agricultural University at Sokoine. We met with one of the professors of the Veterinary School and learned a little about the school, the fees, and that they need help raising funds. This was good though.
So overall so far this day has been one of good education and tours of areas. I will be writing more to see if we can talk herb into alittle fun....to see how the other parts of Tanzaniza live but if not that is ok.
Tomorrow we are to get to build. We are going to Kigoda so another couple days of activity will help the group. BUT no complaints, all is good.
Blessings
Cathy
DAYS 5 AND 6 ( THEY THINK), ALSO KNOWN AS: "CONSTRUCTION DAY".
JIM IS SHARING A VERY FEW THOUGHTS WITH US ABOUT THE FIRST DAY OF CONSTRUCTION. ALSO, IF ANYONE CAN GET ON EITHER MY FACE BOOK PAGE OR JIM'S FACEBOOK PAGE THERE ARE 24 REALLY NEAT PICTURES OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. THOSE PICTURES REALLY CAPTURE THE EXCITEMENT THEY SEEM TO BE FEELING.
Remember there is no concept of time in Tanzania. Anyway, after our 4 days straight of visiting Maasai villages and worshipping with them, we finally got a change in the routine. We went on a tour of the Morogoro Diocese and their schools. We met Pastor Marcus and Pastor Raymond. Also the financial director? Tabitha (pronounced ta beet hah). We had some great discussion about church service styles and other issues that face both the elca and the elct. (The gay/lesbian discussion was particularly interesting) JIM IS REFERRING TO THE ELCT RESPONSE TO THE VOTE IN APRIL IN THE ELCA THAT ALLOWED THE ORDINATION OF GAY-LESBIAN COUPLES IN COMMITTED, LONG TERM MONOGAMOUS RELATIONSHIPS. THE ELCT HAS TAKEN A STRONG STAND OPPOSING THE ELCA VOTE AND CURRENTLY BOTH OUR CHURCH AND THE TANZANIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH ARE DISCUSSING HOW TO MOVE FORWARD GIVEN THIS DIFFERENCE OF OPINION) We also visited the agricultural university in Morogoro. A professor (Robert) shared what they teach and research (veterinary medince and agriculture). We enjoyed some time and refreshments with the bishop's wife at her home. She was so thankful to have guests. I suspect the bishop is often away on trips which leaves her home with the kids. We visited Pastor Raymonds church and had lunch. A very delicious meal of chicken, rice , and greens (like spinach). Hmmmm... The meals are always the same. The meat changes. This was the first chicken we ate.
>
> Ok. Yesterday was our first construction. We built 5 trusses for a church. It was ngumu (hard work). We will put them up today. It is hot, humid, and rains everyday. It can be difficult to fall asleep at nite. But I think we are slowly adjusting. I thought I would be anxious for a burger and a beer. I think air-conditioning is leading.
> Bill finally persuaded luka to buy him a fan when he was in town. Looks like we will all be sleeping with bill tonite. ;-).
>
> Ok. On the back "road" on our way to our construction site. Too bumpy to thumb type on my cell anytynorter.
>
> Utogrfb ,
> Klooiik (AS YOU CAN SEE, JIM MAY HAVE LOST HIS TYPING THUMB BUT NOT HIS SENSE OF HUMOR.
CATHY'S REPORT OF VARIOUS AND SUNDRY. THIS BLOG MIGHT BE LABELED "THINGS THAT HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ELSE". IN TANZANIA, NOTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN AND, FOR ORGANIZED WESTERNER WORLD FOLKS IT TAKES SOME GETTING USED TO. BETTER TO SMILE AND LET IT HAPPEN. THINGS WILL EVENTUALLY WORK OUT....................OR, THEY WON'T
Well all started off in good order this morning UNTIL- Herb comes to the car- calling us away for a meeting- seems that yesterday Paulo asked Luka to go to town and get him a generator.
Luka had tried last night and no luck and LUka can't say no. So Herb was upset that we had to make another trip to Morogoro and we were of course late.
We - Herb, Cindy, Shelby, Darby and Linda were going into town for books- so we did and I got some tea and Linda took the others for fabric. We had a little fun.
Meanwhile Luka returned from his trip to Morogoro and Robert took the guys to the worksite.
We followed about 45 minutes behind. (TYPICALLY, WE AVERAGED BEING LATE ABOUT 45 MINUTES WHEREVER WE WENT. AND, IT ISN'T THAT THEY DON'T VALUE PUNCTUALITY, THEY JUST VALUE TEA AND TALKING AND FRIENDSHIPS AND COLLEGIALITY AND HONORING COMMITMENTS MORE)
We had been invited to tea with the Loibon- since the Herb car was late he told them to be sure and go ahead. You know how important greetings are... Well
we got there and they had raised one of the trusses- BUT had not gone for tea.
All work stopped, we had to walk to the Loibon's place for tea(THE LOIBON IS THEIR MYSTICAL LEADER WHO IS CHOSEN FOR LIFE AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL WELLBEING OF THE MASSAI OVER A LARGE PART OF THE COUNTRY. THIS MYSTICISM PRECEDES CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM AND CONTINUES AS SORT OF AN OVERLAY TO THEIR MUNICIPAL AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT. NO ONE REALLY RECOGNIZES THE LOIBONS IN ANY OF THE WRITE UPS OF THE GOVERNING STRUCTURE BUT THEY REMAIN A POWERFUL FORCE IN THE REMOTE REGIONS OF TANZANIA. IN THIS CASE THE LOIBON'S SON IS AN ACTIVE CHRISTIAN AND HAS DONATED LAND FOR THIS CHAPEL. ONE IS WELL ADVISED TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME AND HAVE TEA WITH THE MAN. THE TRUSSES WILL BE THERE WHEN YOU GET BACK).- this is about half a mile away. Bill and I had made the run yesterday to extend our hello's with Herb. It is through 2 cow slicks.... yesterday it was really bad as it had rained- cow dung and mud.... Today was a little less slick.
We arrive and have tea with the loibon- it was a contest to see how fast you could drink before the flies took your cup! It was much like when we had tea last time when you were here with the flies. But you know we are all just sucking it up and going with it. I am up to almost half a cup of tea now. Herb says I must train my stomach so I am BUT of course I have my
brother Luka by my side to take the rest of my tea and today we had flat grease tortillas!
After that back to work- The guys did amazing work today. let me restate - WE all did amazing work today-
Yesterday we built all the trusses. Today we raised them!! It was really cool. As you know all by hand with extended boards and Luka for awhile on top(he is not to overdo so made him get down and Andrew got up there). Got all 5 trusses up and in place and started with rafters.
In the meantime, Cindy, Shelby,Darby,Paulo (A YOUNG PASTOR WHO WORKS WITH US EACH YEAR FROM THE LOCAL CONGREGATION) and I measured, squared, marked and cut all the boards for 9 benches. I know they are tired but they did a great job. It was a lot of measuring, Of course Paulo took the saw and wanted to do all the cutting! (PAULO IS IN LOVE WITH THAT POWER SAW AND AFTER FOUR YEARS HE STILL CAN'T OPERATE IT. HE TILT'S THE SAW TO ONE SIDE AND MANAGES TO PINCH THE BLADE EVERY TIME REDUCING THE SIX HOUR BATTERY TO ABOUT 2 HOURS.! WE HAVE TRIED TO SHOW HIM OVER AND OVER BUT HAVE FAILED MISERABLY AS INSTRUCTORS. EVERYONE ELSE THERE HAS PICKED UP THE SKILL IN SHORT ORDER BUT PAULO (BLESS HIS HEART) CONTINUES TO PINCH THE BLADE. HE'S REALLY AMONG THE MOST TALENTED YOUNG PASTORS IN ALL OF TANZANIA BUT POWER SAWING IS NOT AMONG HIS GIFTS. THE PROBLEM IS HE CAN MOVE VERY FAST AND OUTRUNS EVERYONE TO THE SAW) We have pictures- I was really proud of the girls. Of course after we spent 3+ hours doing all the carrying, measuring, marking and cutting it came time to construct and guess who appears- The testosterone crew , you got it the men show up to 'show' us what to do...... By then the men lost interest. We completed 3 benches each with 3 legs and 2 braces within each.
We have many pictures -once they finish tieing it together and roofing it will be really close to go.
We thought we were actually going for pizza tonight and had that planned with Robert and Linda but it seemed that Robert thought we would be really late(which we thought would be a perfect time for pizza) but instead he called and had them hold dinner here so we had to eat rice with a meat sauce, rice, beans and the flat tortilla to make a wrap. Oh well, maybe pizza next year!!!
The kids said for the first time they felt like they really needed a shower! IT was really really hot today and so humid.
Tomorrow we are doing 2 services- not sure what is up with that but that is what it is.
BTW, Bill reminded me of one of the more humorous events of today. It was toward the end of the day and we are wrapping up and all of a sudden we hear this loud goat call and all of a sudden baby goats come from everywhere. It was really funny. Seems that this was one of the mother goats telling the kids they were back and they all came running and grabbing hold for dinner! That was our clue to go for dinner ourselves.
hope your pain is better,
blessings
cathy
JIM DOES HIS USUAL BEAUTIFUL JOB OF CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF SHARING MUSIC AND WORSHIP AMONG THE MASSAI. HE ALSO SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THAN MOST OF HOW LIFE IS LIVED IN THIS CULTURE. THEY FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF "MAKE A PLAN BUT DON'T EXPECT IT TO WORK OUT THAT WAY. AND, THAT'S OK. GOD WILL MAKE SOMETHING BETTER HAPPEN"
TANZANIA DAY EIGHT
2 worship services today. Both were "church" in the open air. Tea twice. Goat twice. Fried bread twice. The first service was only about 20 people in a small thatch covered pole church. We were the only "choir" and sang several songs. We couldn't stay after the service since we had to get to the second service at a maasai village. Oh! By the way. It was our first "cool" day!!! Still rained at the end of our second service which was held under the trees. I recruited their drummer again to accompany us with our music. And again, I can't say enough how friendly and delightful these people are. They always smile. They're so happy to greet you. They welcome you back when you leave. I feel so blessed to have each of these visits to each village.
Long day. It'll be almost 8pm by the time we get back. They're saving some dinner for us back at the seminary. Not that we're that hungry today. Lots of eating today with the maasai.
Peace
jim
TANZANIA DAY NINE
Subject: Monday
8:00am: Ok paul... We are heading to our 7th worship service in 9 days. Is that a record? Today is way way back in the bush (3 1/2 hours to go 35 miles). Herb specifically asked if I had my gps. But I never know when to believe herb. He reminds me of someone else I know.
4:00pm: Things never turn out as planned. We arrived at the massai village where a water well had been drilled last october. However, it has not been set up for pumping yet. Part of the delay has been funding and also deciding whether they want a submerible/generator pump or a hand pump. So herb, luka, cathy and bill ran off to meet with the maasai men to discuss the decisions to be made with the water well. That left me, don, cindy and the girls with the maasai women and children. We ended up in a "battle of the choirs". ;-). Ok... So it wasn't a battle... But we went back and forth with the maasai women and children singing then us american women and girls singing. I guess since cathy was made an honorary man for the well meeting, I was made an honory woman for the singing... And I guess that would make don an honorary grandmother. It really was a great gathering. We sang, we clapped, we laughed. We finished by singing the swahil song that each service ends with (I had learned to play it on guitar). It was an awesome community fellowship moment. But the men were still in meeting... So we spoiled the moment by trying to get the maasai children to get in a circle with us to do the hokie pokie. Hmmmm. Ended up being stupid americans making asses of themselves. Bui that's ok. . That's what americans do.
BUT... The highlight of the afternoon had to be presenting the books, teaching supplies and a world map to the teacher and students. We first held up the giant world map and herb asked the teacher to ask the students if they knew what it was or where we were on the map. It was an amazing moment when one boy pointed out africa. And then when the teacher asked where tanzania was he searched the map for the word "tanzania" and pointed to it. It was very fun. I'm not sure they could comprehend the spacial relationship of distance when shelby showed them where we were from. Herb talked about "9 hours from home to amsterdam and another 10 hours from amsterdam to dar" but all I think the children heard was "blah blah blah blah".
Needless to say, we never got around to having a formal worship service. But the witness of God's love was had and felt by all as we fellowshipped, ate more goat and discussed the completion of their water well.
Peace,
Jim
MORE DAY NINE:WATER WELL NEGOTIONS
CATHY'S ROLE AS A "MAN FOR A DAY"
THIS IS AN ACCOUNT OF A VERY TRICKY NEGOTIATION ABOUT FUNDS FOR A WATER WELL. WE WERE WILLING TO PUT ON A REGULAR HAND PUMP BUT THEY WANTED A DIESEL ENGINE RUN PUMP TO SUPPLY A LARGER COMMUNITY. WHILE THIS MADE SENSE WE DID NOT WANT TO START A PRECEDENT AND PROVIDE THE $6,000 THAT WOULD COST RATHER THAN THE $2,500 THAT A REGULAR HAND PUMP WILL COST. WATCH THE NEGOTIATIONS UNFOLD!
I was an honorary man!!! I do miss you Paul but if you were here I might not have had this experience today!
I do recall the history of this well. You supplied funds of $8,000,000 shillings- The people were to supply 5,000,000. We did our part. They have contributed 3.7 and owe 1.3 still so that is a bit of an issue with Robert yet he hasn't really been there to talk to them about it and this was February. The other outstanding issue is they want a submersible pump rather than a hand pump. That will cost about 6,000,000shillings. SO Robert is asking me what do we do. I say well first we talk with them. Let's see where they are on what they owe and just talk about it. BTW, I have now gotten Herb ok with me leaving the group on Wed to go with Robert to Makuture Shuleni to put the pump and handle on and get that well working after a year. Bill is going with me. We will try to see other spots if at all possible. So I guess the overall Robert report is that of progress. I would say though that unless I was going with him I just don't think he was going to get it done this week. Also going to stop by Kanseli where I think there is a hole in the pipe so hope to make good progress on Wednesday.
Now back to the rest of the story of today..... So we arrive at what we think is to be a worship service. We have tea actually at the Pastor's house then on to Manyara.
The girls had raised money for books and this is where we delivered them. The kids were in class- the classroom is a thatched hut(We have lots of pictures). The teacher is a piece of work. I mean a bundle of energy and everyone was sooooo excited. We had a huge world map, lots of book, chalk, exercise books. So we hang the map and ask on of the kids to pick out the continent of Africa and went right to it and then another Tanzania and she went right to it. Just a ton of fun. Then several of them read to us. We learned that they actually go up to 4th grade there before moving. To see them studying in this little place and then so excited. Also have them a soccer ball. This is the 2nd time that when we give them a ball they try to give it back, they just don't think they are allowed to keep it!
So now we wait a little longer -as the guy with the money(1.3million shillings owed,) isn't here. So next thing I know Herb comes over and tells me that I am going to be an honorary man today as I need to sit in on the council meeting to discuss the situation with the well and what will happen.
20 Men and ME! - sitting under a tree.
Oh yes- I forgot to mention that while going to "water a tree" I see the goat being taken away....and then the end of the goat! So I am taken to where the goat is being cut up and roasted(which typically a woman would not see or else they would not have it)-
The tribal men move to another tree to talk about how they might raise money and what they would say to us.
They come back and we begin more negotiation. They say they know they need to pay more but just can't raise the funds. We tell them /remind them of the $8000,000 agreement and they would pay the rest. Of course we both know that no one else has ever paid so much to help as they have.
After hour+ of talk, good talk, We decide on the word( actually Luka brought it to be final).
They would pay 1million of the 1.3 they owe today. The remaining 300,000 we would take on. Then the $6000.000 for the sub pump we will half. They said they can not come up with 3,000,000. We talk more- and final agreement they will pay 2,000,000 and they will owe us 1,000,000. We have their word and they will pay.
SO conclusion today. A very good conclusion. This took until 4pm and then they brought the cooked goat over, put it on sable palm leaves and started cutting! IT was a 'manfeast' - all goat and we ate the entire goat and the liver. They would cut it and just hand it to us and we would eat along with a Pepsi that they take the tops off with their teeth! They love the fat !!I
I had Luka on one side and Herb on the other so I was good on the tough pieces. I ate the liver- 2 of miine and 2 of Shelby's.
We didn't have a service and for the first time of knowing Herb with no service he said it was a good day!!! I call that success!
So as the night falls away I guess my day of honorary "man" comes to an end!
blessings
cathy
EDITOR’S NOTE; THE TEAM HAS COMPLED ITS WORK ON CHAPELS AND WILL NOW SPLIT UP JIM, CINDY, DARBY AND SHELBY AND DON CUNNINGHAM WILL GO ON A BUS TO ARUSHA TO GO ON THEIR SAFARI IN THE SERENGTI. CATHY AND BILL SENN WILL STAY AT THE SEMINARY, FOLLOW UP ON SOME WATER WELL WORK AN HAVE A ONE DAY SAFARI IN THE MIKUMI PARK. THEN THE GROUPS RE-UNITE IN DAY AND RETURN HOME ON JUNE 8. THANK FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT.
Blessings,
Paul F. Kleine
LAST HURRAH BY JIM DUNLOP
JUNE 13, 2010
> Soooo... I haven't written for a couple days. Very diffiicult work (Ngumu sana) building a church. We started work on the new church being built near the president of tanzania's palace. The trenches had been dug for the foundation. We helped with the cement work. First by clearing and leveling the "pad" where the cement would be mixed. Then filling 60 buckets of sand and dumping them on the mixing pad. We then (the okla-ark team) built the 11 rebar columns that are set into the foundation. Each column is made from 4 12 foot long pieces of rebar wired to 4 square "brackets". Cindy shelby and darby cut 18 inch pieces of wire while cathy bill and I wired the columns together. It was teamwork at its best. It was hot humid and our hands and backs were killing us but we felt pretty good about taking on that task and completing it! I'm bringing home souvenir blisters on my hands from pulling the wires around the rebar. Its amazing to watch andrew (one of the regular workers hired by luka) mix the cement! This is a mixture of 10 110 lb bags of cement, 60 5 gal buckets of sand and 80 buckets of gravel. It was probably around 90 degrees. High humidity, and andrew worked that cement with his shovel like a machine - constant - all afternoon. I really don't know how he had that kind of strength and endurance. It was funny to see how much rice he ate at lunch to fuel that human machine though! He started lunch by eating all of our leftovers (they give us each portions that could feed 4 people). Then he got his serving of rice stacked on a plate 3 inches high. (ANDREW AND OTHER TANZANIANS ARE OFTEN GLAD TO WORK WITH TEAMS FROM THE UNITED STATES. THE PRESENCE OF WESTERNERS MEANS RICE BEING SERVED BECAUSE WE ARE HONORED GUESTS. IF WE WERE NOT THERE THE WOMEN WOULD SERVE UNGALI, RICE OR MILLET MUSH THAT THEY EAT EVERY DAY.) And then he went back to work. And all this work for a days pay of 6000 shillings (about 4 dollars). It blows me away how we'll hand 4 bucks to a bellhop for taking our luggage to our room. (ONE STARBUCKS WOULD PAY A WORKER'S SALARY FOR ONE DAY!)
> It was a good day. A fulfilling day. Only our second (and final) construction opportunity.
>
> Wednesday (june 2):
> The group split up today. baba cathy, bill, and robert went to Makuture chuleni to get the water well working. Baba Cathy will write about the details of their adventure, but the good news is they left there with the well producing maji (water)!!! And to quote cathy, "WooHoo".
>
> Don, herb, luka, cindy, shelby, darby, and I went back to the new church site where the foundation was started the day before. We were there for a couple hours to decide where to put and plot out the evangelist's house next to the church. Luka is quite the master at laying out the perfect rectangle with strings. I thought it a bit amusing that the 3 room house was the grand size of 3 meters by 9 meters (remember a meter is just 3 imches longer than a yard!) Luka is a very bright young man. Ohhhh... Today (june 3rd) is his 29th birthday. We had a little birthday celebration last nite at dinner.
> By 1 o'clock we were arriving at a small maasai village/church not too far from the new building site (maybe 10 kilometers?). This would be our last worship service with the maasai. The choir started singing for us as we drove up to the church. They are always so happy to see and meet us. Herb is held in such high regard with these people. We walked into the church and the choir sang song after song for us. And while the music is wonderful, we were tired. It was almost difficult to reciprocate the energy and enthusiam they had. Once again, I brought my guitar since we were one of the choirs. Little did we know we would sing 6 songs!! the service felt a bit longer than usual this time. The flies were probably the worst we had experienced. And I so wish I knew swahili when herb is talking and preaching. To know what everyone is responding to with comments and laughter. Anyway, my favorite part of the service is when everyone walks out at the end singing and sharing "salama" peace. I love the song and the way its done. I look forward to the end, not because its the end, just because it feels so good.
> And once again, the people were so delightful. They presented us each with beaded cross necklaces and presented the group with 3 ginormous pineapples which, by the way, may have been the most delicious, juicy pineapple I ever ate. (IN GENERAL, THEY TASTE UNLIKE ANYTHING THAT PASSES FOR THE FRUIT WE HAVE IN OUR GROCERY STORE. THE FRUIT DOESN’T LOOK THAT GREAT, WITH SPOTS, SMALLER THAN WE HAVE AND NOT AS BRILLIANTLY COLORED. BUT TASTE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. IN THE US WE GENETICALLY DEVELOP FRUIT FOR COLOR, SHAPE, SIZE............EVERYTHING BUT TASTE.) It was a very good day
>
> Also. I keep forgetting to mention. Most places we go, the young maasai men take a particular interest in shelby and darby. We've had offers as high as 100 cows for one of them. My problem is how to get the cows home. (THE STANDARD RATE IS 12 COWS FOR A WIFE. PAULO, THE EVANGELIST WHO WORKED WITH THE GROUP HAS 10 COWS AND IS WORKING PATIENTLY GOT GET 2 MORE SO HE CAN WED HIS BRIDE TO BE.
>
> One more thing. I had no idea how much I take ice for granted We were discussing sonic ice this morning. Sitting in air conditioning, chewing on sonic ice, drinking a cold beer, and laughing about how few flies we have in oklahoma.
>
> Ok. That's it. Again, so much more to share. On our way to arusha today. 9 hour bus ride with 1 potty stop half way. Needless to say I'm not drinking anything today No air conditioning but the open windows may be a blessing.
>
> Peace,
> Jim.
TANZANIA: DAY TEN
CATHY OFFERS HER VERSION OF A REALLY GOOD CONSTRUCTION DAY; HOT, TIRING BUT PRODUCTIVE.
This is an area just down from the President's home (THEPRESIDENT IS PRESIDENT OF TANZANIA. THEY ARE EXCITED ABOUT BUILDING A CHAPEL ON THIS SITE BECAUSE IT WILL GROW RAPIDLY BEING NEXT TO THE PRESIDENT'S HOME AND THE CONGREGATION SHOULD THRIVE)
We started with getting the concrete ready. Bill, Paulo, were shoveling the sand into buckets and Jim, Cindy and I were dumping onto the ground. We did 40 buckets of that then the heavy lifting started- the 110lb cement bags, the rock and water and the mixing.... We left that to the experts!!!(EXPERTS WOULD BE LUKA AND A BAND OF MASSAI VOLUNTEERS WHO CAN REALLY MIX THE CONCRETE IN SHORT ORDER)
In the meantime- Bill, Jim and I started working to put the rebar for the pillars together. This is a crazy process- you take the 4 10-12foot long pieces, put 4 coupling around these places about 2 feet apart. Then you wire 2 at the top 2 at the bottom to hold them in place and extra wire for good measure. So Cindy, shelby and darby were cutting the wires while we strung it all together. By the time we got to the 10th one- and actually at 8 we had to stop as they had to go to town and get more wire- we were exhausted.
Of course around 1230pm from who knows where here come the Masaai ladies with tea. Nothing better than some hot, sweet milk with a spot of tea in it with hot biscuit when you are cooking yourself!!! (THIS IS THE POINT IN TIME WHERE AN ICE COLD PEPSI WOULD SELL FOR ABOUT $12 IF IT WERE TO BE AVAILABLE. ICE COLD DRINKS ARE THE MOST YEARNED FOR ITEMS FROM HOME.)
After finishing all the crew with Andrew working the concrete and just joking and laughing all day... continue to make the concrete and pour into the whole foundation. Then we set the rebar and poured to set most of them.
Around 230pm here come the ladies again- this time with rice and red sauce(you know that greasey stuff) with a potatoe on top.(CATHY IS A VEGETARIAN WHO WATCHES HER DIET VERY, VERY CAREFULLY. SHE PROBABLY EXCEEDED HER TYPICAL FAT AND CALORIE INTAKE BY NOON ON THE FIRST DAY BUT THE RICE, BEANS AND MEAT SAUCE KEEP COMING. AND YOU MUST REMEMBER, THEY ONLY SERVE RICE TO THEIR GUESTS THEY CAN'T AFFORD RICE ON A DAILY BASIS AND THEIR DIET CONSISTS OF UGALI, A CORN OR MILLET MUSH THAT IS RELATIVELY TASTELESS AND LOOKS LIKE WALL PAPER PASTE. WHICH THEY EAT 7 DAYS A WEEK 52 WEEKS A YEAR) So stop again and off for food- each bowl that we were served was enough to feed at least 5! None of us could eat much but rest assured- it was eaten, Andrew and the men came over and helped out- they deserved it.(THE NATIVE TANZANIAN WORKERS WHO ACCOMPANY US ON THESE BUILDS ARE THRILLED AT THE POSSIBILITY OF EATING RICE AND THEY DEVOUR IT WITH RELISH)
It was really a good day of work but everyone is tired. Herb was helping as well, I keep making him go to the shade. He actually admitted that he got a little over hot - more than usual.
The men were still going at it hard when we left at 5pm. It was nice to get back without having to have the kitchen hold dinner.
Hilary)(HILARY IS THE YOUNG,, TALENTED CARVER WHO MAKES ALL THE LOVELY CANDLEHOLDERS, ANIMALS AND NATIVITY SCENES THAT OUR TEAMS CAN NEVER RESIST BUYING. THEY OFTEN RUN INTO WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON THE WAY HOME AT THE AIRPORT AND HAVE TO JUGGLE SUITCASES TO GET UNDER THE WEIGHT LIMITS) was here when we got back with the tons of carving that everyone ordered! Hilary once again has done well for us and us for him! I think there were even a few new orders made tonight to be brought in a couple days.
I just have to say that again without too much bragging on this team vs others and not necessarily a way to put this on blog BUT this is a heck of a team.(EVERY YEAR I FELT "THS YEAR'S TEAM IS THE GREATEST WE'VE EVER HAD" . THAT'S A SIGN OF GOOD TEAM CHEMISTRY) I mean I am sure in all your many trips you have done much construction. This time is by far the most I have done in the shortest period of time.
Day 1- 5 trusses
day 2- raised them and built benches
day 3- concrete, 10 rubars, setting them,
day 4- they are going to stack the house for the evangelist for here
They/we didn't get to build as much as we wanted as you know the schedule issues but boy did they work hard the days we were out. (THEY DID GET A GREAT DEAL ACCOMPLISHED AND I'M SURE LUKA AND THE LOCAL VILLAGERS REALLY APPRECIATE IT IN ADDITION TO ALL THE ACTUAL LABOR, THIS YEAR'S TEAM RAISED $16,000 FROM ALL OVER ARK-OK AND THIS WILL BUILD PROBABLY 5 CHAPELS AFTER THE LOCAL CONGREGATION MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE THEIR SHARE) Tomorrow Bill and I are going with Robert to set the pump and handle at Makuture shuleni and check the issues at Kanseli so hope we are successful and come back with pictures of water !!!
Hope you are feeling better
blessing
cathy
