A Church Visit

Today I visited the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Bibi Leah, our night matron at Angel House. The day started early with a visit to Angel House around 8 and Sabbath School at 9. Talk about radical hospitality! I felt like a rock star! I was greeted by young and old alike and immediately offered an interpreter. Bibi Leah's own grandson was my teacher. He covered 3 John so thoughtfully and eloquently. I loved the way he applied the need for modern day church networking and organization between churches across the world to the Book of 3 John.
The sermon was equally thoughtful, dealing with the call of Moses and his pleading with God NOT to send him to confront Pharoah concerning the Exodus. The pastor pointed out that each one of us needs to say a resounding YES! to God's call, no matter how riduculous it might sound to us. God presents us with blessings and opportunities too glorious for us to imagine. All we need to do is follow His call and enjoy the ride!
How true this has been for me. Not long ago, I planned to teach in South Korea, but God had plans for me in Tanzania. Every morning, I wake up marveling that God has called me to Africa! God is so good that His plans are more marvelous than we can even imagine. Thank God!
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Graduation

Yesterday marked a major milestone for Angel House. The first 4 Angels graduated from high school! We managed to fit 20+ people in a van to travel to the boarding school where the girls were graduating. What a day we had!
The celebration was in full swing when we arrived, and we were greeted by everyone. Once again, Nate, Kate, and I were the only white people, so a lot of eyes were on us. It's hard to get used to, but I try to greet their curious stares with smile, greetings, of waves as much as I can. The smiles that reward me warm my heart.
The first stranger who greeted me was Zachary, a Scout in full uniform. He asked me if I could remember his name, and I assured him I could never forget that name!
We didn't stand long until a double student desk with an attached bench appeared where we were seated right behind the graduates. They wanted to move us immediately when they realized the sun was on us, but Nate spoke for all of us when he said, "We are not special. We are fine here." Throughout the ceremony, people were constantly moving into the shade, and as the speeches got longer and longer, we finally gave in and moved into the shade like everybody else.
Finally the big moment arrived. Each graduate's name was called and diplomas were presented. Friends and family members placed flowered necklaces around the graduates' necks. It looked as if the entire group of graduates had just arrived in Hawaii!
That's when the pictures began. Every person who gave a graduate a gift was photographed presenting it. Pictures, pictures, pictures!
But the best was yet to come. Our group located a tree by the football field and spread out lunch-rice, beans, and a special treat-some meat. We washed it all down with Cokes.
After we ate, we romped in the field and the mango trees, took lots of pictures, and enjoyed being together.
When we left, the celebration was still going on. Although we were tired, we were happy-proud that these young ladies had blazed the trail for future Angel House graduates.
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Friendships

We are learning so much about African customs and friendship, and even meeting people from other places besides Africa.
At last count, there are 2 Aussies and 3 Americans in Tarime. The Australians are a couple. She is originally from Ireland, and he is Tasmanian. Maggie is a pediatrians who has previously worked aith all classes of patients, including the Aborigines. She says many of them are poorer than the Tanzanians she sees at the Goodwill Hospital here. Chris, her husband, is a landscaper who is presently supervising the building of wells.
All five of us are learning that African time is fluid. People take pleasure in greeting and getting to know people. It is an honor to share time together. Somewhere, I feel we in The States have lost that appreciation for visiting and sharing.
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Run in with the Counselet

Today, 3 of the boys and I ran errands. We went to the post office last. I now have an address:
PO Box 499 Tarime, Mara Region Tanzania, East Africa. It takes 2-3 weeks for mail to pass from here to the Sates, on a good stretch, but I would LOVE to hear from you.

While I was at the desk, the guard kept fussing at my boys, and I couldn't figure out why. Finally, the guard motioned me back to the manager's desk. "Is this your camera?" He asked. When I admitted it was, he asked,"Why are you taking pictures of oir Counselete? It is illegal."

Joseph had taken the pictures, and I doubt he knew it was illegal. So I said, "Look, I will delete the pictures.". The manager was happy, and I rushed out of there so fast the guard had to call me back for my photo id card, which is required for my post office box.
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A Blessed Day

My second Sunday in Tanzania was different than the first but just as wonderful. We arrived at church once again as praise flowed down the street, but we were not late. Church had started early.

I was a bit disappointed that very little of the service was in English, but joy dissolved the language barrier. Right in front of me, Bebadetha led the hymns. Her face radiated with a million kilowatt smile as she closed her eyes, tilted back her head, and praised God with all of her being. Chills tingled down my back as I thanked God for this humble young woman's witness.

After the sermon, first-time visitors were asked to say a few words. Chester, a young man we had met walking home one dat last week, introduced himself.

Then Robinson arose and said he was visiting his wife while he awaited work in Kenya. Walking down the street, he was led into Angel House by the sound of praise. He gave his testimony and sang a song.

After church, I sought out Chester. He'd asked for a Bible ealier when we met, and I gave him the Gideon Bible Dad had given me before I left. His face glowed with gratitude. He promised to read and treasure it.

Not to be out-done, Robinson asked if I had a book in English he could borrow. I told him I would bring him Melody Beattie's Gratitude.

But the best was yet to come. Daniel, one of my patient Swahili tutors from Angel House, grabbed my hands and looked me straight in the eyes. His handsome young face was filled with excitement.
"I have decided to give my life to Jesus," he said. "I want to learn more about Him.". My heart burst with joy. "That is the best news ever," I told Daniel. "What would you like to know?"

For the time being, Daniel seemed happy just to bask in the joy of his salvation, but when I returned to the mission house for lunch, I grabbed a witness card my friend Yvonne had given me and wrote Jeremiah 29:11. Then I located Reubon Joel's 3 Simple Rules. I gave these to Daniel as soon as we returned to Angel House. I told him we could read it together, or we could discuss anything he didn't understand while he read it.
Daniel was so excited! "Santi! Santi!" He said, and theb went to his room, closed the door, and read. A while later, he asked me a question about the book and then returned to reading. Such a, eager student, a godly young man who will make a difference in this world. I am so thankful to have a part in his life.
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Rammadan

For several nights, I have heard someone singing at night and wondered why anyone would make such a mournful sound. In fact, at first I thought it was a cow crying in the rain. Upon listening closely, I realized that cow would have to have had singing lessons to be so well pitched.

The last few nights I've also heard a horn being played at various times-also mournful and similar to the animal horns often used in movies about Biblical battles.

I asked Kate about these things this morning, and she explained the Moslems had just completed 1 month of fasting for Rammadan. The music is part of their religious celebration.

I was a bit surprised, since Tanzania seems to be a mostly Christian country. Churches of various affiliations are scattered throughout Tarime, and buses have Christian posters, pictures, and even praise videos playing throughout the long rides.

Nate and I talked about Islam, and he remarked how impressed he was with the devotion it required. Devotees pray 5 times daily and fast 1 month a year. What possibilities might these observances allow us as Christians to achieve?
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Sick Days

Yesterday and today, I have been feeling puny. Yesterday, my eggs did a U turn shortly after I took two bites. So, I took it easy and was visited by 5 girls from Angel House in the afternoon.

Today, I felt dizzy, but made an appearance at Angel House. Then Nate and Kate and I visited St. Jude's School, where two of our Angels attend. I was given a tour of the school, and was very impresses with the curriculum. It was very similar to U.S. Publis schools.

Tomorrow, all of the non-boarding students will be home, so I am taking the slide show of my first week's pictures for the kids.They took turns with my camera and took some interesting shots.

We visited the local immigration office today, just checking in so they'd know where to find us in case of emergency. They were polite, and even bought me a cold Pepsi! It was a tasty treat.
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Getting into a Routine

The children's names are starting to click, as are some Swahili words. I'm amazed at all Nate and Kate do, and I wonder how we'll manage when they leave November 15. They are ready for new adventures, seeking jobs in Australia. God will bless the people around them wherever they go, I'm sure.

It rained yesterday, so I got out the coloring books Joyce sent. What a colorful day we had! Several kids gave us their creations, and Sammy tried to outdo everyone in quantity, if not quality. He sung or hummed all day.

Two of the girls wrote notes on their pages, which warmed my heart. "To my grandmother...You are beautiful." and "Special for you, my grandmother...I need you. I like you. I love you so much."

Yes, I miss my friends and family, but I am surrounded by such love and affection here that I cannot help but be more loving when I return home.
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My First Sunday

Lucas, the minister at Angel House, had to take care of some paperwork for his upcoming wedding, so my first church service was led by another pastor. We arrived a bit late and the joyful swell of Tanzanian praise greeted us as we walked up the road. I thought, "It's the sound of praises rising from the African plains." I declare, sometimes I smile so much here at Angel House my face hurts!
Soon after we arrived, the littlest angel, Nose (Nosay) climbed into my lap. The minister was making announcements when he asked me to stand and say a few words. Tears stung my eyes as I introduced myself as Bebe (Grandma) and asked for prayers for Bonnie Abler's surgery. My heart filled with joy as I added, "Last Sunday, I held another grandchild during church. Today, I hold this one."
Imagine my delight when I realized the sermon was enthusiastically translated into English! But the best part of the service was when the children's choir sang, "Be Careful, Little Eyes What You See".
Innocent praise is the same in any language.
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Technology Days

Yesterday, one of the boys asked me about American musicians, so today I brought my Ipod for him to listen to praise music. He loved it, and so did the tutor who comes on Saturdays. I told them I would bring my laptop next Saturday so everybody could hear my favorite Mercy Me Cd.
I also let the kids take pictures which I will edit into a slideshow for next Saturday.They took some amazing pictures which we hope to share at www.myspace.com/nateandkatecox and on this blog.
Both sites are public.
So, Saturday will be our tecnology days at Angel House. One of the workers asked me what differences I'd noticed between The States and Africa. I told him people in Africa are not so plugged in. They concentrate on the people they're with and the moment they're in. We tend to think we need entertainment 24/7 and miss the miracle of simple pleasures.
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Meeting the Angels

When we arrived at Angel House, excitement burst from its door. The joy and hugs were overwhelming, more than I could absorb.
I was surprised how many of the children were fluent in English. The kids were on a week-long vacation from school, so I met most of them the first day. We practiced names, but soon I was dubbed Bebe (Grandma). What an honor to have grandchildren on 3 continents!
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Setting up a Home in Tarime

The bus ride from Nairobi to the Tanzanian border, which normally takes 6 hours, lasted much longer. The bus didn't leave until it was full, and then we stopped for gas! That took 3 hours. When things were finally going well, we came upon road construction. I was dozing off most of the time, but awoke to find our bus nose-to-nose with a road grader! Our bus driver must have offended the work crew. Because there were shouts exchanged and other vechiles went by in both directions, but the grader strategically ran interference with our bus, repositioning whenever necessary. Bus riders shouted at wokers, and workers returned the favor. This went on so long that when we finally did get going we passed up the restroom stop. I, for one, was getting desperate when the driver pulled over to the side of the road. Everyone chose a tree, took care of business, and reboarded the bus.
When we finally got to the border, it was very late. Kate was able to rouse the border guard, who asked several questions repeatedly. Since we answered them consistently. He led us across the border into Tanzania, where the process started all over again. The only taxi driver at the border was drunk and wanted tto charge us $50 to go 10 km, so Kate called a friend in Tarime who rescued us.
When we got home, the water and elecric were off, but I was so thankful to have a bed and a toilet I really didn't mind. Nate summed up the day in this way: "Welcome to Africa!"

Home in Tanzania

Mom made it! When she first arrived both the water and electric were broken. They have both been fixed. Now she is off to the bank and post office. I am expecting that she will be updating here soon.

On the Move?

Mom is on the bus to Tanzania. During their first 3 hours on the bus, they only moved for 5 minutes. Since then, they have started moving more and at last update were in the Rift Valley.

Nairobi at Last

Mom said Dubai was beautiful. She also noted that there are 2 mosques inside the airport- one for men and one for women. I think she had a rather long layover there and then the flight was further delayed. She spent the time experimenting with her new scrapbooking software and listening to music.

The missionaries already in Tanzania said that they would give her the option to rest once she reaches in Nairobi. Mom said rest sounded very good.

I received an email early this morning that she has arrived in Nairobi.

In Transit 4

Mom just emailed. She is in Dubai. She hasn't sent any details but I think she has several hours there before she leaves for Nairobi.

In Transit 3- Keep praying

Mom called in the wee hours of the morning and I didn't hear the phone ring. She left me a voice mail and and email. She missed her flight to Nairobi due to the mechanical problems on the flight to Switzerland. She has been rerouted to Dubai. She doesn't actually know where that is (in the United Arab Emirates). She will then fly from Dubai to Nairobi.

In Transit 2

Right after I sent the last update the phone rang. Mom's plane had technical difficulties and had to land in Boston. The repairs were supposed to only take 30 minutes. If I don't hear form her I am to assume that she is back on her way to Switzerland.

In Transit Step 1

I will be posting for my mom for the next few days. (Depending on communication I receive from her while she is in transit).

For our fist update- Mom arrived in Washington D.C. at 2pm. Now she is on a flight to Switzerland.

Anxiously Awaiting Africa

In two days, I leave for Africa! It's more than my mind can comprehend. I didn't choose Africa. Africa chose me. "One step at a time," has become my mantra. My job is simply to follow God's calling. How can I be so audacious to think I know better than God? Yet my mind races on, ignoring His wisdom and worrying about the journey He's planned for me.

More Details

I spent more money today, buying electrical adapters, snacks, and items for Open House. I had lunch with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids after Zachary and Zoe practiced special music for Sunday. I think it's going to be fine. Practice went well, anyway.

I'm going to repack my clothes to make room for underwear for the kids at Angel House. A recent volunteer, Jocelyn, is mailing it to me before I leave. Underwear is funderwear! (David Greenberg, poet) I'm glad to bring something they really need.

Five days from now I leave for Africa, first from St. Louis to D.C., then to Lucerne, Switzerland, and on to Nairobi, Kenya. By then, I will feel nothing but relief when I meet Kate Cox before I finish my journey.