VIMTanzania

2010-01-05T01:35:00.000-08:00

I can't contain the joy I feel when I recall the journey God has guided me through these last four months. People ask me if I'd do it again. In a heartbeat! They want to know all about the kids, the safari, the friendships and the trials of living in Tanzania. I tell them I'm available for presentations and would be glad to share my slide shows and testimony. Yet, I know I can never fully share the experience with anyone. God has blessed me with a treasure that can never be taken away. I will always cherish my time and friendships in Tanzania. Thank God He has a plan for my life. He's the ultimate travel agent!

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Home at Last

2010-01-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

Who knew Nairobi was the biggest city in Kenya? It reminded me of New York-always busy.

James zigzagged through traffic and eventually deposited us at the Safari Walk, the Masai Market, and clothing stores in turn. By evening, we were ready to eat and sleep once more.

On New Year's Eve Day, we visited the Orphan Zoo, ate, and I was delivered to the airport. I went through customs and then had to come back out to say good-bye, so our farewell was confusing and hassled. Content everything was in order, James left to take Anna, Marwa, and Hope to the bus stand. The customs inspector told me I was too early because the Swiss Air desk didn't open for three more hours. I assured him I could wait. Little did I know how long that wait would be!

I enjoyed watching people of various cultures and backgrounds as I babysat my luggage. Such a mixture of languages and styles!

Finally, it was time to get my boarding pass. After giving all my paperwork to the clerk, he calmly said, "The system is not accepting your information.". He left the desk and returned with the news that my flight had left shortly after midnight that morning. I couldn't believe after all of my checking and re checking, I had missed my flight.

Stunned, I was led to the problem customer corner of the airport. It was then I discovered my phone and email were not working. I was, however, able to text my delima to my daughter, Amy, asking her to contact my travel agent. Although he started working right away, Eldon was still battling the holiday travel schedules a when the Swiss Air desk closed at 10:00. Since my booking was through United, and there was no United desk in Nairobi, I had to reschedule through my Golden Rule Agent. Turns out, Eldon worked 8 hours overtime, assisted by two other agents, to assure my safe return. How does one thank someone for such dedication?

I spent the night in the airport, the only non-employee on the not-cleared-for-takeoff level. My two large suitcases filled with silent auction items for church became milestones for me. Every time I needed to use the choo, I had to beg an employee to babysit them for me. Then I had to unpack and re pack both of them to satisfy myself they were safe for my flight.

Finally, at 5:00 the next evening, I was able to check my bags and take my boarding passes to immigration. The clerk thought I was strange when I kissed the passes one-by-one. They had cost me $1500 extra, but I was going home!!!

Free of my bags, I explored the shops and was finally able to eat. By 11:30, I was on my plane awaiting my flight to London. Food, juice, and rest nurtured me during that flight. I was too grateful to pray any more than, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Somehow, it was enough.

I arrived at Heathrow a little after 5:00 am, with a 6 hour lay over. I explored shops and ate. Wonder of wonders! My all systems were go on my Blackberry. I talked to Amy and saved my one bar for contacting her when I reached American soil.

Five hours later, I was permitted to proceed to my assigned gate, frisked, unpacked and re packed, and presented with a new business class boarding class! I felt like Queen for the Day. Lobster for lunch. a seat that reclined into a bed, and a continuous buffet kept me content and comfortable throughout my flight to Chicago.

When we landed at O'Hara, the captain welcomed us to the United States. A cheer echoed throughout the plane, but all I could pray was, "Thank you!"

I was able to navigate my way through the transit system after depositing my luggage on a transfer conveyor. I joined a group of Fort Leonard Wood soldiers and awaited my final flight. I don't remember take off, but I awoke to the news we'd soon be landing.

I called my friend and rescuer, Laurie, who took a picture of me kissing the ground before we retrieved my bags for the final time.

Home at last! Thank God Almighty! I was home at last!
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Farewell to Tarime

2010-01-01T23:49:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep my last night in Tarime. I'd become so accustomed to the quiet and darkness of Gamasara nights that the lights and noises of town were distracting. Besides, my heart and mind were full. I knew it was my time to leave Tanzania. I was ready to return to Missouri. Mom was dying, my kids and grandkids were missing me. I longed to trade the missionaries' cat for my dog, LaRussa. Yet I was torn. I remembered what I told Kennedy. Heaven is where there are no good-byes. Someday everyone I love will be together. But not yet. Now it was time for me to return to my other world.

We were supposed to meet at the mission house at 8:00, and I woke up around 6:00. The power was on, so I warmed two pans of water-one for tea and one to wash myself. The night before I had soaked my feet and given myself a pedicure, so I decided to continue the pampering with a warm bath. While the water heated, I washed everything I was leaving at the house-towel, bed clothes, my limp, stretched clothes. The heavens opened up, so I hung everything up in soaking rain.

When the tea was ready, ChaCha, the guard, and I shared some tea. The rain had slowed a bit by the time William and Meng'anyi arrived to take my luggage and me to the taxi. I gave the boys tea and bread and butter and went to the little duka across the street for some packages of snacks for the trip.

9:00. Still no Anna. Two young men and a goat arrived at the gate. ChaCha called me out to tell me the goat was from the mission house landlord, a gift for Angel House. She was so young and scared, I wanted to gather her in my arms and mother her. We moved her on the porch and tried to move away everything she might eat. Meanwhile, the neighborhood kids were making goat sounds and laughing at her replies.

I decided the time had come to call Anna and Marwa, using the goat's arrival as an excuse. Marwa was at the dispensary with amoeba and the baby! Hope, was also sick. They'd come to the house as soon as they could.

Finally, around 10:00, we loaded the truck and went to meet the taxi to Sarari. My hardest good-bye was to William. I still cry remembering our final embrace. His gentle smile at my tears still warms my heart. He is so much wiser than his seventeen years. Would I ever see him again?

I tried to memorize every detail of the landscape during the short taxi ride. We reached the border, dragged the suitcases into the immigration office, and filled out Tanzania paperwork. Then we walked to the Kenyan Immigration Office and bought a visa for that country.

We bought some sizzling hot chips and boarded the bus. During the 8 hour ride, we talked, ate, and slept. By the time w e arrived at the Nairobi bus stand after dark, we had called James, our taxi several times to arrange our meeting place. I was amazed how quickly he appeared in the chaos of Kenya's largest city. Suitcases safely stowed in the taxi, we headed for Hotel Kipepeo.

I was thankful the hotel restaurant was still open. Anna and I went down to eat while Marwa and 11 month old Hope rested in the room. We ordered food for them while we ate.

Fed and exhausted, we ended the day in the luxury of warm shower and clean linens. I slept like a baby!
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The Journey and the Angel Travel Agent

2009-12-31T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It is 8:30pm and mom was expected to land around 6pm. Well.... she hasn't left Nairobi yet. I have very little information and it has been a hectic day. Here is what I do know...

Mom missed her flight out of Nairobi. We got an text this morning asking us to help her get out of Africa. We have been the middleman with the travel agent all day long. A few minutes ago he was finally able to secure a new itinerary for mom to come home. We now expect her home late on January 2nd. The travel agent was amazing and worked 8 hours past the time their office closed so that mom could come home. We are so grateful for his dedication.

Well, nobody can say mom's trip was dull :)

Gamasara Good-bye

2009-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Today was my last time to wake up at Gamasara. By 8:00, I'd gathered everyone who needed to go to town, and we were off!

I washed and hung my clothes while Bhoke and Amina cleaned up cat hair. The missionaries' cat is my #10housekeeping problem! We had tea and butter bread when Anna arrived, and then we set off to Sirari to exchange money and make our reservation for bus tickets to Nairobi tomorrow.

We were back in Tarime by 10:00, where we visited the bank, the post office, and picked up some chips for lunch. Before we finished eating, Teddy and her daughter, Happy, came to visit. They brought me a scarf/shawl which will be perfect for the plane and the winter weather. Just as we were ready to leave the mission house, the heavens opened up. So, I got out my computer and showed Tanzanian slide shows. (Rain often changes plans in a culture where cars are rare.)

When the rain stopped, we went by the Social Security office and then to town where Anna did some shopping. About 4:00, we returned to Gamasara.

As always, there were hugs and kisses all around. I set up the Gamasara Christmas slide show so the kids could see their most recent pictures. Meanwhile, Anna supervised the kids' work on a gift for Jocelyn, a recent volunteer.

Anna sat me down in the dining hall and escorted all of the kids to the boy's hallway. They sang me a song asking me to come back to Angel House and then filed into form a circle. Each Angel held a paper with a message to me. They continued singing as one-by-one each Angel presented his message to me. Then several kids spoke.

When Anna asked me to say a few words, I was overwhelmed with love. I told the kids they will always have a Bibi Bonnie who loves them very much. We will always be together in God's Spirit. As much as they wanted me to, I couldn't promise I will be back. God's plan is always a surprise to me. After all, I ended up in Tanzania on my way to South Korea!

I handed out small bags of treats to each kid. Anna read letter from Jocelyn to the kids. Then Rosie and William prayed.

I called Kennedy to drive me home. I'd promised to see him today. We needed to get a picture of the two of us on the pikipiki. We had a heart-to-heart conversation on the way to Tarime. I told him my idea of heaven is a place where everyone you love is, a place where you never have to say good-bye. I also told Kennedy what I told my grand kids just before I left them. "When you miss me, look at the sky and remember we share that same sky, our love for each other, and God's love. (I owe that thought to my brother who wrote it in a letter from Viet Nam.). Kennedy repeated what I'd said and thanked me for teaching him something today.

I asked Kennedy if I should email Holly and the new volunteers to have them sing to him. I thought maybe he wouldn't miss me so much if they did that. He was too polite to answer me, but he said he'd be at the mission house at 8:00 tomorrow to say good-bye.

I don't think I'm going to get much sleep tonight. The bus ride to Nairobi will provide plenty of time for that. Tonight, I think I better understand how Mary felt when "she remembered all of these things, treasuring them in her heart."
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Something's Up!

2009-12-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today was my last Sunday at Angel House. During testimony time, I told the kids tonight would be my last one at Angel House. Tomorrow, I need to be in town so we can start the long journey to Nairobi as early as possible.

Some people stood up and thanked Grassroots and all the volunteers for their help and support. There were some tears, and the service went on.

Later this afternoon, I got a call from Anna. She said she needed to give me something and would come to Gamasara. She arrived with a charcoal iron for the kids and 2 new padlocks for the mission house. We are down to one house key, and 3 new workers will arrive next month. I will put the old lock on the well house.

The day was pretty laid back, and I even took a nap! Ten year-old Salome fell asleep in my bed before devotions last night and I didn't get much sleep. Bunks are pretty small, and my mattress rolls everybody toward the middle.

Anna and I went over finances and gave the kids the iron. Then she gave me some chips (fries) and left me in my room to eat them. When I came out, kids were running around with papers and mischievous grins. Something is up!
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The Day After

2009-12-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over, and I just realized I will leave Tanzania in 3 days. The rain poured down again this morning, so I waited to take the boys who needed to go to town until they'd have a drier trip. I went to the mission house to straighten and pack everything possible. If anyone steals my suitcases, they are going to be sadly disappointed. I am only taking home items for my missions silent auction and clothes I had made in Tarime.

I'm having a terrible time finding cat food for the missionaries' cat who is staying at our house until June. Kennedy, my favorite pikipiki driver even checked 4 store is Kenya. We can find dog food but no cat food.

I spent most of the day straightening the house, leaving notes for the next team, and working on finances.

I can't believe it's almost time to leave. I pray I will be able to return to Angel House. I've made so many amazing friends here. One of the nicest compliments I've ever received came from 2 staff members. The said, "Bibi's not a Mzumgu (foreigner). She's one of us.". I will always treasure those words.
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Christmas Day

2009-12-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day dawned cold and wet. The kids opened their presents and talked on the phone to previous volunteers the night before, but they were excited about eating goat meat and going to Goldland Hotel on Christmas Day.
I spent the morning getting kids ready for the Nativity play. Costumes and props were simple, but the kids seemed happy to dress up. I painted 8 little sheep's noses black and pinned white tails on their bottoms. I showed the kings how to adjust the fit of their crowns and used rope to tie left-over curtain cloth around shepherd's heads. Each angel received her red and white choir robe so she could practice flapping her wings. I helped Mary and Joseph wrap themselves in yards of fabric I found at the mission house. Everybody was ready by 8:00, when church was set to start.

The goat meat was being cut up, the chicken was squawking in the kitchen, awaiting its fate, and good smells enveloped Angel House. 9:00 came, and the staff came to work. Still no minister. Still no visitors.

Sheep's noses began to disappear. King's crowns were showing signs of wear. Everyone gathered in the kitchen, huddling around the fire and enjoying the aroma of spiced rice and the garlic embracing the meat. 9:15 and the minister, soggy and cold, arrived in the kitchen. Still no visitors.

Rain drenched the landscape, and we carried buckets of rainwater, dumping it into every clean bucket we could find. It is the purest drinking water available naturally, and capturing it from the roof saves a lot of steps during the never-ending task of carrying water.

9:30. The natives are getting restless. The minister supervises the placement of the giant pulpit to its place of worship. I repaint noses and adjust costumes.

10:00. The minister comes to say, "Madam, you have to get ready for worship. We have to start now.". I wonder what he thinks I need to do to be ready and marvel at the insinuation that I've been holding up the show.

Joseph, one of our more vocal Angels, begins the service with "Praise the Lord!" Which frankly sounds more like "God is a spirit" the slurs his Swahili. We settle in for a 2 hour worship service.

We stand up. We sit down. The choir is "welcomed to sing.". A few visitors arrive. They are welcomed. Worshipers are welcomed to share testimonies. We sing and clap, as Joseph selects Angels to led the songs.

Then, the Nativity play is presented. The sheep baa, the shepherds and kings touch knuckles and shake hands with the new father and fall to their knees at Mary's feet. The sheep baa some more. The holy family escapes to Egypt.

Then William and Mwita are welcomed to bring in crates of soda for everyone. My mouth is watering, since it's now after 11 and we have been tantalized by wonderful aromas since 6:00. I am thankful for the soda, and wait rather impatiently for the cap to be ripped off by a nearby Angel's teeth.

I am also thankful that the service appears to be over without the usual hour-long sermon. My soda drained, I walk to the kitchen.

"Madam! We are praying. We just gave out sodas because we need to trade the bottles for full ones. Welcome to pray, please.".

I guess my face did not hide my bewilderment because the minister repeated his request and I realized I was holding up dinner by not leading the congregation in prayer.

Several times during the next hour I asked Mary, actually now transformed back into Leah, if we were finished with the service. She just smiled and shook her head.

The sermon started. We were asked to put our hands over our hearts and repeat a prayer. I moved my mouth, but the Swahili words were beyond me.

Suddenly. the minister and Joseph were circling the congregation, shaking hands. We were joyfully released!

A feast was served. A few more guests arrived. Two kinds of rice, Goat meat, chicken, and a banana were washed down by sodas. Dishes were washed, and everyone got ready to go to the dance at Goldland Hotel.

I rode in the first truck load, 2 little Angels on my lap, and 13 more in the bed. We stopped at the big tree on the way to Tarime to fulfill my Christmas request. I wanted to have a picture of Angels dressed in their new clothes surrounding my favorite tree.

Wish fulfilled, we were deposited at Goldland just as the rain became a downpour. The small outside dance floor and a tarped sitting area were the only places that were covered, so we grabbed our littlest Angels out of the mob and sat them under the tarp. It sagged under the weight of the rain. Workers kept poking the canvas with shovels and poles to ease the strain. Then, desperate, they began slashing the canvas with knives. Too little too late. The tarp collapsed.

We grabbed our brood and sought refuge on the porch outside the hotel's lobby just as the second truck load of drenched Angels arrived. One of the workers ushered me inside the lobby where I checked my email and received a call from my daughter. For a moment, I was home sharing Christmas with my other grandchildren. I heard the voices of home and sent verbal hugs to my family.

The rain had slacked off by the time we loaded our littlest Angels back in the gari. Gamasara was a welcome sight! We changed to dry clothes and enjoyed a meal of chai and leftovers before having devotions and going to bed. But just before that, several jubilant teens hugged me and thanked me for making their Christmas so special. Talk about feeling humble!

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About that Goat...

2009-12-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed watching the goats here in Tanzania. Many are given free range, and their antics are cute and comical.

I was horrified to find out mbusi was on our Christmas menu. Since we have no refrigeration, I knew the main entre' would arrive here on hoof. Although the cooks assured me I could eat chicken, I felt bad for the goat.

Then our goat arrived. Honestly, I think the farmer must be glad to be rid of this belligerent animal! Every time I look at him, he's wrapped around a tree several times. When I go to unwrap him, he stubbornly insists on yanking me around the tree with him. After attempting to help him several times, I've come to the conclusion that this animal is too stupid to live.

Mimi kula mbusi leo! (I'm eating goat tomorrow!
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Gamasra Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

I have been checking the post office every day for weeks, but it wasn't until today that the Christmas clothes arrived. I know my daughter will find this hilarious, since I ALWAYS have my Christmas presents ready early. Usually, I start shopping right after Christmas and wrap presents around Thanksgiving. I don't enjoy the Christmas rush.

So it was that over a month ago I sorted the first 6 boxes of gifts. As Christmas got closer and closer, I frankly began to hope the other packages wouldn't arrive until after Christmas.

Well, today I got the full Santa's elf experience. I opened the girls' boxes and sorted the jeans from smallest to biggest. Than I started adding tops and dresses according to size. I listed the girls from smallest to biggest and put each stack of clothes with the corresponding-sized girl. Then I put names in the backpacks and on each shopping bag. I repeated the process with the boys.

I had the girls sorted when Anna arrived to help. We boxed everything up, had the boys load the truck, and made two trips to Gamasara. We put the boxes in the kitchen store room where they remained locked up until after supper.

THe kids were thrilled with their gifts! We were able to trade back and forth until everyone had clothes that fit. I only need to buy one shirt for a boy who had one that as too small! I was so relieved!

I was so humbled when the kids kept thanking me for the gifts. I kept telling them Dr. Lisa and Jocelyn had sent the presents, but the kids just kept thanking me. Finally, I just started saying, "You're welcome!"

I also had a wonderful surprise today. Anna, the head matron at Angel House, had a dress made for me! I have been giving away my clothes in anticipation of my departure. It is exciting to have a nice outfit to wear for Christmas. I feel so kupendeza!

I hope your Christmas Eve is filled with love and joy. Thank you from Gamasara for making our Christmas special. Good bless us, every one! (He already has!)

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Christmas is Coming!

2009-12-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

I spent the whole day at Gamasara yesterday. There's so much to do before Christmas!

First, all the kids except those going to St. Jude need to have their heads shaved for school. (Yes, even the girls!). The style is actually short anyway, so most of the kids wanted to get haircuts before the Christmas dance.

Obviously, 34 kids weren't going to fit in the truck, so I sent the ones whose haircuts were required for school first. That left the littlest Angels in tears, so I tried to explain in Swenglish that they WOULD get their turn also.

I decided the angels in the Nativity play needed to try on their robes and discovered the robes were filthy. Time to clean up our act! We filled the wash tub with soapy water and the robes. Then we took turns (Yes, your truly, too) stomping on the mixture. The kids had a ball! Tears were dry in an instant. As one kid got tired of stomping, another took over. Who knew being agitators could be such fun? Would you believe 4 of them took naps that afternoon?

After the stomping was finished, we started washing in earnest. Safeguard soap and lots of elbow grease had the robes clean in no time. Then with a kid on each end, we twisted the robes dry and hung them (not the kids) on the line to dry.

Later, after the rain, I had to re wash 2 fallen robes. My solo act wasn't nearly as much fun.

Soon the truck was back and the littlest Angel went to town for haircuts. When the truck returned, it was time to go get the goat who was donated for Christmas dinner. He was tired in the front yard, where I tried to avoid the rest of the day. If I wasn't such a carnivore, I'd be a vegetarian. I have difficulty looking my food in the eye!

When everyone was back together, we ran through the Nativity play again. Mary was advised to look more uncomfortable at the inn, and the results were hilarious. I'm so glad this is their play and all I have to do is costuming and assign roles! It's more fun to watch than to be in charge. I did put my foot down when they tried to add 3 cows to the cast 2 days before the performance. I've got my hands full trying to scrounge up gold, frankincense, and myrrh! I don't have time to costume 3 cows, too!

Soon it was time for supper, devotions, and bed. I can't believe Christmas is almost here!
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Dark Day

2009-12-23T01:11:00.000-08:00

We got up late this morning (almost 6:00!). It was cloudy, and we don't turn on the generator on non-school mornings. I marveled at the quiet as I checked my email.

My first indication something was wrong was when I saw I had 2 voice mail messages. My brother had called, and Hospice predicts our mom has just a few days to live. We decided to go ahead with our Christmas plans and then see when/if we'll need to make funeral arrangements.

My mother has had dementia for several years, and she said about 6 years ago, "I'm ready to go to heaven. I'm just not ready to not see my (great grand)babies again.". I assured her it wouldn't be heaven if she couldn't enjoy her babies.

So, I am at peace with God's timing. Please pray for Mom's painless entry into heaven, for traveling mercies for our family, and patience and wisdom during this difficult family time.
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Emmanual Johnson

2009-12-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

We had a nice surprise today. A former administrator of Angel House, Emmanual Johnson, visited Gamasara. We were very proud to show off our facility, and the kids were delighted to see him.

Emmanual is now an education director. When I arrived, Angel House sent students to 6 different schools in Tarime. School attendance was determined by a government lottery, and I think Angel House lost! Keeping track of attendance and school schedules, not to mention grades and attendance was next to impossible. Emmanual Johnson worked with Angel House to assure attendance at one primary school and one secondary school in 2010. This will greatly simplify life at Gamasara!

After Emmanual had toured the building, I introduced him to our two guards who were on duty. Then I gave Mwita, our day guard, the pleasure of showing Emmanual the shamba. The kids went along because they are as excited about the garden as Mwita. After all, each of them is responsible for a section, and they take pride in their weed-free plots.

Emmanual was really proud of the shamba and glad to see his kids again. He called us all together for a talk. Before he began, he said, "I don't have a lot to give the kids, but I'd like to give them hope.". I told him I thought hope was a priceless gift. I watched the kids' faces as Emmanual spoke to them. They listen to him talk about the importance of working hard in school and following the rules. Then he told them he and his wife loved them very much and encouraged them to share any problems or questions they might have with him.

As I watched the handsome young faces during Emmanual's talk, I thought how appropriately he was named. Like Christ, he made a special trip to give hope and express his love. His visit was a wonderful way to start the Angel House Christmas celebration!

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2009-12-22T03:09:00.000-08:00

Two productive days in a row! Today I managed to meet with James about Serengeti pictures, meet with the landlord and get repairs made for the next team, witness to a neighbor, wash my clothes, and actually manage to offer hot tea to everyone who came to the mission house! (Tea's a must for house guests here.).

Only 2 days until Christmas! I'm pumped! No new boxes have arrived, but I'm satisfied with the wonderful assortment we've already separated for the kids. If more mail arrives tomorrow, that's great. If not, someone else will have the wonderful Santa experience I've enjoyed.
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Enjoying TZ

2009-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying my last few days in Tanzania so much I haven't taken time to blog. Sorry about that!

Yesterday, Anna and Marwa took me to Musoma. It is right on the beach of Lake Victoria and very beautiful (kupendeza!). We went to a little shop and purchased an animal batik and some cards made from fabric. I ate lunch at a buffet on the beach, feasting on the most delicious talapia I've ever tasted. We went to a flea market and then back to Gamasara. The night before was the first one had spent in town for a long time. When I arrived at Gamasara on Sunday evening, I received lots of hugs and kisses. It felt good to be home!

Today, I worked on finances most of the day. The fun part was paying the staff and giving them gifts from Dr. Lisa for their families. I was very popular!

I practiced painting sheep's noses, designed their tails, finalized Nativity costumes, and supervised the glitter painting of kings' crowns.

There's excitement in the air here at Gamasara! I love watching the kids get ready for the performance. An African slant on the Christmas story is very refreshing!
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Meanwhile, Back in Tarime...

2009-12-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

I had made arrangements to meet with James, the immigration officer who orchestrated my safari, to share pictures today. I'd hoped to catch a pikipiki ride to town with Marwa when he brought Anna to work, but that didn't work out.

Kennedy, my favorite pikipiki driver, was in Kissi, so I had Teddy, one of our AH moms, call for my ride. This young guy was a bit of a maverick, and the road was really muddy. The ride to the pavement was peppered with breath prayers. When we got to the main road, I told him I needed to go to Hilltop. When we passed Hilltop, I searched my Swahilli memory for some word equivalent to STOP! Finding none, I kept tapping the driver on the shoulder while yelling "Hilltop" in his ear. Finally, I got him to stop and walked from town to the mission house.

James was waiting when I arrived, and we invited ChaCha, our day guard, in to view the pictures with us. I was struck by how special this invitation was to ChaCha. He kept asking to make sure he'd understood me. Did I really want him to come inside the mission house to relax and share a soda? Indeed I did! ChaCha's eyes shined when I told him he was my good friend.

We worked with the computer for a long time, and the electric went out shortly after we started. So, James will return on Tuesday to load his flash drive.

I spent a relaxing day packing some souvenirs and eating some canned food that I just received from home. Then it was time to go to town.

Anna had already checked the post office for packages, so I started to the bank to check for to see if our wired money had arrived. Halfway there, I realized the ATM was probably not working because of the power outage.

I had promised my girls I'd get them menstrual pads today, so I walked to the pharmacy where I knew the workers spoke good English. I could just imagine trying to pantomime what I wanted to someone who only spoke Swahili! I didn't realize the pharmacy was owned by a Seven Day Adventist, so it was closed on Saturday.

I searched the dukas for a woman worker who might speak English. I was in luck! The first woman I tried spoke enough English to get my point across. She even left her kids in charge of the store to lead me to a duka where I could buy pads. The worker there didn't speak English, however, so I scanned the shelves looking for the Always package. A man customer asked if he could interpret for me, and I must admit it was hard for a prude like me to explain my need. When he understood, he helped me communicate my request. With the problem solved, I was able to relax and thank everyone involved over and over again.

On the way down the street, I noticed people at the ATM at another bank, so I decided to check my own. The wire had been deposited! Eager to start sorting and distributing funds, I seized the handle of the door. The bank was closed due to the power outage. The ATM was running on a generator.

I called Marwa to see if he could take the pads to the girls. Luckily, he was in town with Anna and took care of that for me. Then I walked home.

The power came back on later, and I worked with James' pictures on the computer so they'd be ready for the kids to see tomorrow.

I spent the night at the mission house because Marwa is taking Anna and me to Musoma early tomorrow, and they're picking me up in town. Boy, is Tarime noisy after sleeping at Gamasara! There's a bar (Hilltop) that plays music late at night, and ChaCha, our guard, sleeps on the porch outside my bedroom window. Added to my excitement of visiting the museum tomorrow, I didn't get much sleep.

Sleep can wait until my trip home, however. I'm sure I'll find plenty of time to sleep through the turning of the New Year in several time zones!
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Constant, Continued

2009-12-19T03:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry! I pressed the wrong key when my pikipiki arrived!

As always, God's timing for that card was right on schedule. I woke up to an email announcing my VISA card is one of the thousands which will be cancelled effective December 21. Since I am in Africa until December 31, there is no way I will have the use of my credit card while I travel. I have carefully planned my travel money, but I was hoping to use my VISA for my hotel bill in Nairobi.

Strangely enough, I didn't panic when I discovered this financial glitch. The words from TPDL came to me, and I was filled with confidence that God is in control of the situation. Several friends, African and American, have offered solutions for this problem, and I am confident God will help me select the best solution.

Meanwhile, I am rejoicing because the wired money for the Angel House budget has arrived and Anna and I can begin to sort and distribute it on Monday. That is my last big responsibility at Angel House, unless more Christmas boxes arrive before I leave.

I am amazed that I'm learning to take time to greet people, wait long periods of time to get what I need, and approach each day with a song in my heart (and often on my lips, which is often surprising to pikipiki drivers!). Living in Tanzania for over 100 days has really made me appreciate God's constant attention. Could anyone ever receive a better Christmas present than that?
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Constant Attention

2009-12-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got a card from The States with this quote from The Purpose Driven Life:

GOD has focused His attention on you.
God pays CONSTANT attention to you.
He never takes His eyes off of you.
He never stops thinking about YOU.
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Hair

2009-12-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

It's interesting how different people view the same thing. I was sitting in the bed of the mission truck while Anna bought some fresh vegetables for the orphanage. After I finally convinced the sellers that Anna had the money, we struck up a conversation in Swaenglish.

One woman pointed to her hair and said, "Wewe ya kupendeza." I couldn't believe she thought my shaggy, hair was beautiful! I thought of all the times the kids had petted my hair, surprised at its softness. I, on the other hand, love to stroke their coarse, short-cropped hair. It seems we often find beauty in things we don't have. Pity!

The other day, Vicent and I were talking. His perspective on life broke my heart. He told me Tanzania was bad, but American was good. We laughed at my patchy sun tan, and I said my sandals had made my feet look like zebra skin. Vicent's serious eyes turned even sadder. "White is better than black," he said. For once, I was speechless.

On the other hand, when I took the three girls to Lake Victoria, I was very impressed at how comfortable Rosie and Leah are in their own skin. They look life straight in the eye and carry themselves with a gracefulness Miss Universe would envy. What a treasure to have such healthy self-esteem!
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2009-12-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

I had to confront a staff member about lying today, and it was not easy. We had just disciplined two Angels about lying, and I didn't feel I could let a staff member break the rules we expect the kids to obey.

I am not patient when someone lies to me. Frankly, it makes me downright livid! Often, I have to wait a bit to control my rage. So it happened today that I was ready to state my case. When the person smiled and suggested I had missed his meaning because of language translation, I raised my voice. I'm not proud of my behavior, and I got no joy out of seeing how the rest of the staff agreed with me. Why does being assertive have to be so hard?

Still, I am glad that I stood my ground and honestly stated how I felt. I've found that wherever I go, people are people. Some folks are honest; some aren't. Some take responsibility for their mistakes; others blame everybody but themselves. None of us is perfect, and we all need to learn from our mistakes.

It is amazing to me that God is so patient with us. I guess that's why God is God and I am not!
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A Calling

2009-12-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

"Phone ringing!"flashed on the screen while I was reading my email this morning. I don't get many live calls in Tanzania, and I was excited to see my daughter was on the line.

"Mom, I just told the kids we are going to The Nutcracker tomorrow, and Zoe's hysterical. She says we can't go without Nana! It's way past her bedtime, and I can't get her to settle down. Would you talk to her?"

When I heard Zoe's sobs on the phone, I assured her I wanted her to enjoy the ballet and that we would go to a dance performance together when I got home. The sobs settled down to sniffles, and Zoe was sent to bed.

I thought about the wonder of technology which allowed me to dry one grandchild's tears half a world away even as I prepared to lead a staff meeting to benefit 34 other grandchildren right here in Tanzania. Isn't that just the way God is? When we follow His plan, He takes care of all the details.
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Tanzanian Food

2009-12-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Some people have asked me about African food. Actually, a lot of the common dishes are similar to Native American or Mexican foods.

Typically, we eat porridge (like Cream of Wheat), manasi (fried rolls), chapati (like a tortilla) or boiled potatoes with sweetened tea for breakfast. This is served around 9:00 or so, after we've worked outside for a couple of hours.

Lunch is served around 1:00 and supper is served shortly after the generator kicks in at 7:00. Some menus for these meals are dega (sardines cooked with tomatoes and onion) and ugali (kind of like homemade Playdough), beans and rice, beans and boiled green bananas (They taste surprisingly like potatoes). Since we've moved to Gamasara, we've supplemented our meals with crops from the shamba. Often, we have cooked salsa or green vegetables cooked with onions and tomatoes with our rice or ugali.

Sweets are rare. I am amazed at the amount of food these kids can eat! Even the little ones heap their trays, and nothing is ever wasted. When one person finishes eating, he offers any left-overs to someone else. Sometimes leftovers from one meal are saved for the next.

Wonderful insulated containers keep food and chai (tea) hot until meal time. Food is usually cooked over an open fire. Beans are cooked with hot coals over the lid as well.

My favorite meals are beans and rice and green bananas and rice. I don't care for ugali, but it is like soybeans in that it soaks up the taste of any food it touches. I can eat it, especially on the days it's served with meat (typically beef).

Dega is my least favorite African food, but it has more to do with the processing than the taste. The fish are dried. When it is time to cook them, everyone sorts through them, removing the tails. Often the sorting is done on the floor! This, on top of seeing the flies on the dega when it is on sale at the market make it difficult for me to eat these little fish.

Special meals such as weddings or Christmas include chicken, beef, or goat meat. The animals wander the streets or are herded throughout town where they basically have open range. If you order chicken at a restaurant in town, you are likely to hear its last swalk before you are served.

All in all, Tanzanian food is tasty and fairly healthy. When we visited Serengeti National Park recently, I was able to buy a Snickers and some Laughing Cow Cheese. The candy tasted too sweet to me, but the cheese was heavenly. The african adults with me wouldn't try the cheese, but my boys liked it.

Part of the adventure of mission trips is experimenting with local foods, but it's always important to make sure it is thoroughly cooked, peeled, and/or boiled before eating. I don't eat the ends of bananas grown locally because I got worms from them once. Mangos, watermelon, pineapple, and passion fruit are also available.
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Christmas Countdown

2009-12-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Today was a surprisingly quiet day at Angel House. Everyone is relatively well, and we didn't go to Tarime at all. Anna and I had planned to go to St. Jude today to talk to that ever-elusive headmistress, but Anna didn't come to Angel House.

We worked in the front yard cutting grass with a panga (machete), stacking bricks, and breaking big clumps of grass. This was all before a breakfast of porridge.

After breakfast, we washed clothes. When Anna hadn't arrived by 2:00, I decided to start assigning parts for the Christmas play. Surprisingly enough, everyone seemed rather excited about the play. Only a couple were reluctant. The most asked question was, "Who's going to be Jesus?". I assured them none of them would have to be a baby, and everyone seemed happy.

I wish I had a video camera to record the craziness of this Christmas play. I think the sheep will have the most fun, and I'm resigned to the fact this will be an original production, so I'd best roll with the punches!
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What to Do

2009-12-14T01:13:00.000-08:00

Before I left for Tanzania, several people asked me what I would do at Angel House. I honestly didn't know, so I replied, "Whatever God asks me to do."

Now that I've been here almost 100 days, I have a better idea of my "duties".. Although every day is different, let me summarize a day I had recently.

I woke up before 6, and was greeted by 10 year-old Salome before I finished my devotion. We cuddled a little before nature called. When I came back from the choo, Salome was washing the floor of my room! She helped me make my bed and then washed the floor in the hallway. Such a worker!

I washed my clothes from my safari with the help of 5 year-old Nosi and her 7 year-old sister, Bhoke. We managed to get everything laid out to dry with few squabbles.

While I was washing, I heard Joseph vomit his medicine, so I searched for William to drive us back to the dispensary.

Before we left, Anna arrived with Marwa, and we discussed how to best install supports for the upper bunk mosquito nets. We gathered lumber from the shed, loaded it in the truck, and set off for town.

We dropped the wood off to be cut to size, took Joseph to the dispensary where he was admitted, and then Anna and I went to the mission house to work on finances.

Anna and I walked to town to get food for Joseph. (Families are responsible for feeding patients while they are in the hospital). Then I went to my ATM and met Anna at the bank where we needed to deposit money for St. Jude Primary School.

Around 2, we took the lumber back to the fundi, who began work. A unexpected rain storm had blown up just as we left town, so I was completely soaked when we arrived at Angel House.

That didn't stop the hugs I got even before I dried off. I put on some dry clothes and set off again to talk with the head mistress of St. Jude. Every place we went , she had just left.

After returning to Angel House, I stole a few minutes to send some emails. Thank God for my Blackberry! It makes staying connected with Grassroots and friends and family so much easier!

I heard Majaliwa calling my name and was shown his broken bunk. Marwa had already left by that time, so I told Maja to put his sheets on Joseph's bed until we could repair the damage.

A howl greeted me as I returned to my room. Vero and Bhoke had been scuffling, and Bhoke's eye was hurt. I grabbed a wet wash cloth, sat Vero down while I attended Bhoke's eye. Then I took both girls to Abuid who interpreted both sides of the story. Fault was found on both sides, so the girls were forbidden to play together for a day.

While we were negotiating, a violent storm had begun. We grabbed every container we could find and filled theme with rain water. The roof and windows were leaking, and water was lapping at the front door. By the time the rain stopped and all the water containers were full, we sat down to eat rice and beans (my favorite!).

After cleaning up the tables and dishes, I had a little cuddle time with the littlest Angels and some time to practice dancing and karate with the older ones.

The kids led a short devotion before bedtime. I joined the rest of the staff in checking mosquito nets and saying good-night to our Angels.

Safe under my mosquito net, I used my flashlight to read my devotion and go to sleep.
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Good Morning

2009-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

My favorite part of the day is waking up at Gamasara. Teddy's alarm goes off at 5:00, and there's time to cuddle with the kids before tea time.

We play a little game every morning. I lie in bed battling the need to visit the choo. (It's cold in the morning!). When I see the curtain at my doorway flutter, I close my eyes and act as if I'm asleep.

"Bibi!" A little voice will say. Sometimes several other little voices will join in before I welcome the girls to come in under my mosquito net. Then we cuddle and hug until the need for using the choo forces me to get up.

I doubt I could have survived this long without being with Zachary, Zoe, and Zane if not for the loving hugs of my African grandchildren.
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Best-laid Plans

2009-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

It seems every Sunday we bring someone home from the dispensary. Today, I was determined not to miss church again. So, we left well before 7:00 to retrieve Joseph from the hospital.

As William and I walked out walked out to the truck, four little people followed us. I could tell from their eyes they wanted to go to town with us, so I told them anyone who had shoes on could go. It wasn't until we were heading home that I realized 7 year-old Bhoke was wearing shoes much bigger than mine!

When we got to the dispensary, Joseph was almost finished with his fourth IV, and the doctor hadn't arrived. I cleared the dirty dishes from the room Joseph shared with two other men, gave them to the little ones to hold, and sat them in front of the tv. They were happy!

We waited for the doctor for about an hour. Once he got there, things went a bit faster. He removed the IV and I paid the bill. When Joseph picked up his medicine, it was past time for church to start.

We drove home and were stopped at the police checkpoint. I was so glad I had bought a driver's license for William, but the officer said we needed insurance and two other official documents to be legal.

When we got to Angel House, the kids were still having tea and bread. I was glad we hadn't missed church. I ate a little and felt a bit dizzy, so I went to lie down. I woke up 2 1/2 hours later! So much for my plan not to miss church again!
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Water, Water, Everywhere

2009-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today, I Lucy and I finished cleaning the mission house. We went through the food and dishes, washing and throwing out anything that looked buggy. Then we both enjoyed cool showers.

William dropped us off on his way to take breakfast to the dispensary and picked us up on his way back from taking lunch.

Then Lucy and I edited the pictures from the Serengeti and relaxed by watching Kung Fu Panda, which Nate and Kate had left at the mission house.

Shortly after we returned to Gamasara, a violent thunderstorm started. Rain was coming in some of the windows, and the roof leaked in several places.

Rain presents an opportunity to save trip to the well, we filled every container we could with water. The downpour was so intense that the front porch was flooded. Luckily, the door step was high enough to keep the rain out of the building.

Supper was a bit late tonight, and was followed by our warning to use mosquito nets or else!!! Marwa and Mwita just completed the supports for the top bunks' nets today.

After devotions, we actually tucked all the kids in under the nets. I hope they will use their nets faithfully. I'd HATE to see them sick for Christmas.

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There's No Place Like Gamasara

2009-12-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

No matter where I travel, the highlight of my trip is returning home to those I love. It was the same when we returned from our safari. So many hugs and kisses greeted me! Everyone scurried to carry my things, and smiles were on every face. I can't wait to get the pictures on my computer to share them with everyone!

After the greetings, Teddy, one of our live-in staff members, told me Peter Michael was at the dispensary with a high fever, and Joseph Charles was very sick as well. William and I took Joseph to town where we were able to talk to the doctor about Peter Michael as well. Malaria was PM's diagnosis. (That is usually the case when we take our kids in. Although Mwita Magabe's most recent case was the worst I've seen.)Joseph had amoeba/digestive track infection. Neither boy had to be admitted.

I had a little time to visit with kids before the evening meal, but when we gave Joseph his medicine, the pleasantries ended. He couldn't keep anything down, including the pills. PM was able to eat a little supper, and the medication had an immediate effect his fever. (Praise God!)

We monitored both boys until bedtime, and I realized that even though I had 100 percent DEET on, I had a lot of mosquito bites that evening. So, when we tucked the kids in, I checked that everyone was using their mosquito nets. Only about 5 of our 34 were sleeping with nets!

The kids think it's uncool to use nets! It took me about an hour to locate everyone's net and get them under them. Today, I will have a kids'/staff meeting to talk seriously about using mosquito nets.

It breaks my heart to see how wide-spread malaria is here in Africa. Some people always seem to have it. High fever, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, all of the systems are alarming. Sometimes, as in Mwita's case, malaria can cause hallucinations and psychotic behavior. It's scary business. Please pray for a successful malaria vaccine and for the health of our Angels at Gamasara.
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S.W.A.T. Team

2009-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have had two of the most amazing days of my life the past two days. James, one of the young men who rescued us at the border my first night in Tarime, arranged a safari for William, Frank, Emmanuel, and me. Being an Immigration officer has its perks.

We arrived at the gate about 9:00 and began scouting for animals. Before supper, we had found over 30 species and taken some great pictures. The boys stayed at a youth hostel, while I stayed at a regular hostel nearby. James and his driver, Kyle, (Yes, just like my dad and my nephew-James Kyle!) Stayed at staff housing, and our tour guide actually stayed with my boys. He helped them settle in and learn the ropes, for which I was really grateful.

Our guide is studying to be a tour guide at a university, but he knew every animal we saw in the park. I thought he was a biology major. I actually got tired of taking pictures before he was finished showing us wildlife. He even had answers to my off-the-wall questions like where the secretary bird got its name. (Secretaries used to wear black skirts and white blouse, the same colors as the bird.)

By the time we got to my hostel, I was exhausted. There was hot water for a bath and hot tea waiting for me. I was the only guest! I was in heaven.

I closed my door and went to bed, but I was too tired to sleep long. Besides, I heard animals (lions, especially) growling. How exciting!

I awoke this morning and went to open my bedroom door. It was stuck! I grabbed my nail clippers and tried to pry the latch open for an hour. Finally, I gave up and called James. Imagine my embarrassment when he climbed into my bedroom window to open my door!

One down side has been the tse flies. They are really bad here because of the animals...and they can cause sleeping sickness. We took turns swatting these persistent insects both days. At first, the guys refused to use my DEET, but finally today they gave in. Every book and notebook I'd brought was commandeered into the arsenal of our S.W.A.T. Team. I really hope there are no ill effects from these pesky critters.

I let the boys set the pace for today, and it seemed as if the animals were hiding. We spent quite a bit of time taking pictures at the Visitors' Center. The displays, art work, and video there are amazing.

Meanwhile, James and his boss were arranging a surprise for us. They drove us to a hotel owned by the Prince of India. The architecture is amazing with lots of wood carvings and traditional thatch roof. It was just as much a photo op as the Serengeti. We were told a room cost $600 a night, and dinner buffet was $60 per person. Imagine my surprise when James' boss treated us to sodas and then dinner! My heart melted when my boys asked me, "Bibi, is it Christmas?".

Before we finished supper, a native dance performance began. There were acrobatics, contortionists, Limbo (complete with fire) and hat juggling acts. Native instruments provided the music. I've never seen anything like it.

On our way home, we saw 3 animals we hadn't seen before in the park-hyena, rabbit, and porcupine. Who knew a hyena could outrun a car? And the quills on the porcupine were sticking straight out.

My 6 handsome escorts delivered me to my hostel after the power had been turned off. So, once again James came to my room to make sure the door was working. And once again I was the only guest in the hostel. A day wiser, I'm NOT closing my door tonight!
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S.W.A.T. Team

2009-12-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

By the time we got to my hostel, I was exhausted. There was hot water for a bath and hot tea waiting for me. I was the only guest! I was in heaven.

I closed my door and went to bed, but I was too tired to sleep long. Besides, I heard animals (lions, especially) growling. How exciting!

On our way home, we saw 3 animals we hadn't seen before in the park-hyena, rabbit, and porcupine. Who knew a hyena could outrun a car? And the quills on the porcupine were sticking straight out.

A Little Too Much Excitement

2009-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

Salma, our nurse, has Wednesdays and Thursdays off. Of course, kids usually get sickest on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Yesterday, our director took Joseph to the hospital with a urinary infection. Pascizia and Mwita Magabe didn't feel well, but Joseph seemed critical. Today, Pascizia felt better, but Mwita wouldn't eat. We kept an eye on him all day and decided if he wasn't better in the morning we'd take him to the hospital.

Just after supper, Mwita's sister, Bhoke started sobbing hysterically. She said she was afraid her brother was going to die. When we went in to check on Mwita, I couldn't tell if he was having convulsions or just crying that hard. I told Salma we needed to take him in right away. All of the boys wanted to go, but I grabbed 7 to help carry Mwita. Mwita is a tall 17 year-old.

As William raced to the dispensary, Joseph held Mwita while the rest of us froze in the back of the truck. It wasn't until we got to the hospital that we noticed William didn't have any shoes!

It didn't take long for the processing. Soon Mwita was in his room. The problem was he would not lie on his back. Every time the boys rolled him over, he would fight them. There was no way to get an IV in until he settled down. Finally, with 7 guys practically sitting on Mwita, 2 nurses managed to give him 2 shots to calm him down. I was invent ing the other boys to see if there were other injuries. We even had other men who happened to be at the dispensary helping. Arms and legs were flying everywhere! I couldn't believe how strong Mwita was when he'd been so weak all day.

We left Salma with Mwita, promising to send a replacement tomorrow morning. We're back at Angel House now, but it's hard to sleep with all the excitement. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a bit calmer.
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Panic

2009-12-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep last night because I was worried about being "in charge" of the AH budget for the month. Once again, I was having a Moses-type discussion with God. "Are you sure I'm the one for this job, Lord?"

I got my answer at least twice today. During staff meeting, I admitted my doubts about my new role. Turns out, the staff rallied around my honesty. We agreed to meet every Thursday to discuss AH and to share our observations and opinions. We will follow that with a kid's/staff meeting so everyone's on the same page.

My other answer came tonight when Daniel asked me to preach at devotion time. I chose Romans 12:4-10 and talked about how we all need to work together at AH. I asked one of the boys to translate for me. The kids were dissolved to tears by the time we were finished. Who says worship can't be fun?

The second part of my answer came when Daniel hugged me and said, "Bibi, we love you.". I especially treasure those words when they come from a 14 year-old boy.

The Lord has seen me through 3 rounds of malaria and a bout with amoeba/digestive infection. What's a month of delving out funds compare to that? I've just a month left here, and I'm going to enjoy every minute!
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And Then There was One

2009-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

Nate and Kate left this morning. They had gifts for the kids, and we danced the Macarana together last night. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs.

Today, Katherine, our housekeeper, and I buried our grief by cleaning. We took everything out of all the bedrooms on the cooking side of the mission house, sorted through things that needed to go to the orphanage, and put everything back. Then I moved my things into that side of the mission house. I will use my former side to sort Christmas presents.

There's one Angel I hadn't met yet. Charles Marwa, our trade school boarder, showed up at Gamasara tonight. I must say I sort of panicked. I had no Christmas plans for him, and he didn't bring any bed clothes home with him. I scurried around and found him a mattress and sheets.

I must admit I am exhausted! Teddy, one of our staff, said, "There's only Bibi here now, so everyone gathers in her room.

Financial matters are taking most of my time right now. (Not my forte'). I plan to sleep at Gamasara most nights so I can at least finish the day with the kids. Please pray for my patience. I'm spread a bit thin at the moment, and I've been a bit cranky.)

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Open House

2009-11-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Open House/Good-bye to Nate and Kate was Saturday. We had a nice turn-out, and in the African tradition, guests continued to arrive throughout the program.

There we're lots of smiles and tears, punctuated by speeches, music, and dancing. Everyone had a good time.

What a wonderful out-pouring of gratitude and love!

It's really starting to hit me now that I will have a month in Tanzania without native-English speaking support. Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and add travel mercies for N and K as they travel first to Bangkok and then to Australia.

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Shock

2009-11-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

I was walking home from town this afternoon, feeling pretty satisfied. I had just eaten a Girango's, the restaurant where we recently celebrated Christmas. It was only my third time there since I arrived in Tarime. I was celebrating the fact that I actually have an appetite again.

Traffic is always a crazy mixture of cattle, people, and all sorts of vehicles in Tarime. I try to be defensive in my walking, but sometimes ADD kicks in. Today, I was trying to greet people I met while still walking to the mission house as quickly as possible when a white car went flying past me. I heard a sickening thud. Turning around, I saw what I at first thought was a dog lying on the opposite side of the road from the white car which was still racing toward town. Looking closer, I realized the "dog" was actually a woman. Her crumpled body lay motionless on the shoulder.

I was sick. I hesitated, not wanting to believe what had happened, and then slowly and sadly walked away from the angry, shocked crowd that gathered around the accident scene. The spring in my step was gone, and sorrow filled my heart.

Nate and Kate arrived at the mission house shortly after I did, and I told them what had happened. Then there was a knock at the gate, and Nate went out to talk to a visitor looking for a church.

I heard him call out to Kate, who then called to me. There over the mission house was a perfect rainbow! I thought what a great God we serve! He always finds a way to give us hope in the midst of our despair.

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in this tragedy today. I pray that the God of Hope will touch each one of them.
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A Gamasara Thnksgiving

2009-11-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and ate a whole can of ravioli. Kate looked a bit surprised, but I wasn't sure when/if I'd eat lunch, and I knew supper would be at Gamasara. It's my night to sleep here.

I prepared English lessons and lounged around a bit. Then I caught the truck to Gamasara about 11:00.

I thought, as we arrived, how much I have to be thankful for today. Even as recently as last Thanksgiving, I would have never guessed that I would be part of Angel House. God has blessed and enriched my life with so many new friends and workers here in Africa.

I am thankful for my health. On this Thanksgiving Day, I will have boiled green bananas and beans, and I will share them with 35 of my closest family members.

They all humored me by yelling, "Happy Thanksgiving!" to my daughter and her family when she called today. More people to love and be thankful for...

I am thankful for God's direction at Angel House. He is the guiding force at the heart of Grassroots Ministry. Thanks to all of you who make Angel House possible.

"Wangu" (mine) is a word often used at Angel House. It is often difficult to complete any project because curious (and hands) want to inspect everything.
I must have told Nosi "wangu" a dozen times today. Finally, she crawled into my lap right on top of the curtains I was lengthening. She gathered me in her arms, hugged me tight, and said, "Wangu!". I'm thankful that Nosi thinks of me as hers. And I'm
even more thankful that God claims me as His own as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!
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Another Good-bye

2009-11-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Chris and Maggie, our friends from Australia who work with Goodwill Hospital Foundation, invited us to a farewell dinner tonight. Everyone agreed to meet at 5:30, but we all were running late. When we finally arrived at CMG restaurant equally late, we all laughed that we had officially grown accustomed to "African time".

In Africa, it's more important to take time to welcome people than to be on time. So, being late is not offensive. So it was that Nate and Kate had stopped by to visit a local leader and been delayed with coffee and treats. Even though they told their host they needed to retrieve the kids from school, protocol dictated no shortening of the visit until all the coffee had been consumed.

Chris and Maggie rely on the Goodwill ambulance for transportation, which was no where to be found at our pre-arranged 5:30 meeting time. It was much later when Chris was finally able to located their driver who had forgotten our appointment and was happily working away on another project in the ambulance.

These explanations began the story telling. Chris talked about the crippled man who had been given a hand-propelled bicycle by Goodwill. Since he was able to transport himself, he borrowed money from a local man to support himself. When the business failed, the man confiscated the bike in lieu of payment. Chris and his driver have spent most of 3 months trying to arrange for the return of the bicycle. After countless hours of negotiation, a deal was struck that Chris would give the lender $50 cash for the return of the bike and $50 more would either be paid by the borrower or Goodwill in 6 months. Of course, the exchange had to be "official", so a legal document was drawn up. Everyone, including Chris, had to sign this paper and be fingerprinted!

Since everything was negotiated and written in Swahili, Chris had to rely completely on Abdella for guidance. When prsented with the ink pad, Chris got very nervous. Abdella assured him that he had NOT just put up his wife and daughters as collateral for the bike!

Life in Africa has called for many adjustments to the culture, but one thing has been universal. Time spent to cultivate friendship is always worthwhile.
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2009-11-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

The days at Gamasara always start at 5:00 when the generator kicks in. Since I'd just decided to sleep here at the last minute, I really wasn't prepared. So, I was very unkempt when I jumped in our Nissan Sunny with William to take the kids to school.

Honestly, I didn't know a man could be as patient as William! Kids were jumping in and out of the truck while he was trying over and over to start it. Finally, he calmly wrestled the wired-together hood open and removed the fuel line. He siphoned a mouthful of gasoline and spit it on the air filter.
Wiring the hood shut again, he returned to the driver's seat which was occupied by 2 wanna-be drivers. He calmly pointed to the bed of the truck, got in, and started the truck. I clapped. The truck died.

William got the truck started again, and I began counting kids. It took at least 10 minutes to get everybody in the truck. Meanwhile, William kept his foot on the truck so it would keep running. And we were off!

After dropping kids off at 4 schools, we met Nate on the way to the mission house. We traded places because Nate and William needed to pick up the painters and take them to Gamasara.

I'd just walked in my door when I heard a quiet but insistent knocked on the gate. Who should be there but Bibi Leah! What a nice surprise!

But her face soon fell. She told me she came to say good-bye to Nate and Kate. There was a sick baby in her family who she needed to go take care of. That meant staying in another town until the baby was well. She wouldn't be able to come to N and K's party on Saturday.

Well, throughout the mixture of Swahili and English, there were lots of tears shed when she told Kate. We hugged and cried and hugged some more. I wasn't sure if I'd see Bibi again either, since I only have 5 weeks left in Tanzania. But if I get another chance to say good-bye, I wouldn't change a thing. "God bless you, my Sister," said it all.
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Net Ball

2009-11-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of net ball? Several of the girls here at Angel House list it as their favorite sport.

I've asked questions, seen the basket, and surmised it must be something like basketball. But I wasn't sure. So my ears perked up yesterday when our secondary kids mentioned a net ball tournament that started today.

I had several errands to run this morning, but I was able to ride to Gamasara with Nate. We met an Angel group on the dirt road to Gamasara. The kids said they were headed for the net ball tournament, so I hopped out of the truck to go with them.

We walked and walked until we got to the paved road. Then we walked some more until we got to the turn-off to Tarime. We kept passing school signs, and any number of times I was sure we were there, but no such luck. I found myself wondering again how I got myself into these messes!

Was I ever glad when Nate came by in the truck, taking our last 2 school kids to class! He dropped us off at Tarime Teacher's College, and I was sure we'd arrived. Wrong again!

The kids turned around and starting walking back the way we'd come! I heard school kids ahead, so I figured Nate had just overshot the target. There was a soccer game going on at the school, but I was ready to sit down anywhere to watch anything (or nothing!) by then!

But the kids turned down a goat path next to the soccer games and kept walking! I was beside myself by the time we finally arrived at Tarime Secondary School and sat in the grass to watch the game. Turns out, net ball is tomorrow at a different school! We watched soccer! Do I dare do this 2 days in a row?

Oh, well, I'm at Gamasara tonight. I should sleep well, if my "dogs" aren't barkin' too loud!
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Nate and Kate Christmas

2009-11-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

Since Nate and Kate are leaving Tanzania in about a week, they wanted to celebrate an early Christmas with Angel House. They planned a party at Girango's, a local restaurant, and the kids got all dressed up for the occasion. We feasted on chicken and chips (fries) and even did a little dancing. While we ate, Anna (our AH mama) and Kate were putting presents out on the kids' beds. Each Angel received a towel, bed sheets, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and some clothes. Nathan also distributed candy while we waited at the restaurant for the sneakiness to be completed. Then Nate took one load of Angels back while Kate and Anna ate.

When I arrived at Gamasara for church the next morning, I was struck by the fact that this was Nate and Kate's last worship service with us. Tears filled my eyes as I watched Kate juggle Nosi and Kevin on her lap during the service. When Kevin fell asleep, Nate held Nosi while Kate took him to bed. Nosi dozed, but she seemed to realize this was a time to be cherished. She didn't sleep.

The music was even better than usual during worship. The little kids sang 3 songs, and I couldn't help thinking how our older girls reminded me of Job's daughters (Nowhere in the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters). Worship at Angel House was especially joyful that day!

Soon Nate and Kate will be off on their next adventure, but a part of them will always remain at Gamasara. And I know Angel House has captured their hearts forever.
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Window Washing

2009-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

As we've said many times, you never know what each new day will bring when you wake up in Africa. Living here has taught me to take life as it comes, letting each day set its own pace.

So it was that I began today with only one item on my agenda: visit Nkende Secondary School to check on attendance. I arrived by pikipiki shortly after 8 and was greeted and seated in the headmistress's office immediately. It was the last day of school and final test day. I was surprised she had set our appointment for such a hectic time, but the headmistress calmly distributed tests to her teachers while we talked. That also gave me a chance to meet teachers I hadn't seen during my first visit.

When the tests were distributed and the students were in their classrooms, I was handed the attendance roster for the whole school, and we reviewed Bhoke, Emmanual, and Joseph's record together. I found out the kids had perfect attendance since we moved to Gamasara! I also saw their mid-term exam grades and was able to discuss concerns we had about each student. It was different for me to be on the parent side of such a conference, but I left satisfied we'd communicated well and that my three grandchildren were enrolled in a school represented by caring professionals.

The morning was beautiful, like most in Tarime, so I decided to walk to the paved road before calling Kennedy, my favorite pikipiki driver. Just as I picked up my phone to call, Kennedy appeared to take me to Gamasara! How's that for Tanzanian luck?

My jobs for the day were to move everything out of the office so the floor could be painted and to start washing windows. I managed to slice my toe open on my first trip out of the office, but several strong grandsons continued the work while we stopped the bleeding and bandaged my toe. Luck with us again, as it didn't rain while the office supplies were outside.

Washing the windows was a daunting job, since Gamasara has A LOT of windows, so I decided to concentrate on the ones in the entrance area which are most visible to visitors. Rhobi (11) helped me for a while, but soon just Nosi (5) and Kevin (4) were the only ones washing" with me. I experimented with handmade ladders and finally decided standing on the dining tables worked best for me.

Kate arrived from town with a Coke for me, so I took a break to drink it. I'd moved the furniture out to get to the windows, so I didn't see Vero, our newest Angel, take a swallow of gasoline from a bottle behind the coach! I heard her gagging and saw her run outside, so I ran after her. When I reached the coach, I realized what she had done and called Kate for help.

She took Vero out to the new deck, where we forced my soda down her and managed to get her to vomit. Meanwhile, all of the Turwa Primary kids were patiently waiting in the truck for their ride to school. Kate got Vero stabilized and then calmly drove to school. I was not so calm and continued to check on Vero all afternoon. She said she thought the petro was juice, and she was thirsty. I couldn't believe the smell alone didn't keep her from drinking it!

All's well that ends well, I guess. Vero is fine and a little bit wiser. The front windows at Gamasara are washed, and the other dining hall windows are washed on the inside at least. Tomorrow, we plan to assign windows to pairs of Angels to get the job done faster.
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Just Another Morning

2009-11-18T23:53:00.000-08:00

I slept at Gamasara last night, but caught a ride back to town at 6:00 am, when William drove the kids to school. We dropped the first group of at Nyandoto Secondary and the second group off at St. Jude's Primary. All was going well until the clutch went out on the truck. I was thankful we were only about 1/2 mile from Nkende Secondary and also that I had a cell phone to call for a pikipiki for our 2 remaining primary students. I left William with the truck and started walking with the rest of the kids. Just as the secondary students turned to go down the road to school, we saw Kennedy, our favorite pikipiki driver. I paid him to take Grace and Chuchu to school and started walking to town. When another pikipiki driver offered me a ride, I took him up on it. Kate was home when I got there, but Nate was on his way to meet William on another pikipiki. Kate called Kennedy, who took her to meet Nate. Eventually, everybody got where they needed to go. Nate hired a taxi to take the workers, William, and him to Gamasara; and the truck got to the shop to be repaired. I, being a bit older and less patient than the others, took 2 Aspirin and went back to bed!
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Thankful

2009-11-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

I thank God every day for Goodwill Hospital, Tarime. It is an amazing place, and without it I would never have been able to stay in Tarime.

Dr. Mynani founded the hospital, and his daughter, who is a doctor in Australia, recruits visiting doctors to supplement the staff. I have been seen by all of the doctors on staff, and I've been very satisfied with their diagnosis and treatment.

The neatest thing about Goodwill is their lab. After seeing the doctor, I take the request for lab tests to the lad tech. She always let's me look through the microscope to see the critters who are causing the problem. Worms and amoeba look just like the biology showed. Interesting.

I must admit I get a bit nervous when everybody tells me they are very sorry just before they give my diagnosis! I always reply by asking, "Can we fix it? If there is a treatment, let's get started!"

So far, I've had worms, malaria, and amoeba/digestive track infection. I've also, on the other hand, been able to discontinue my blood pressure medicine because my pressure regulates itself here. With medication, it is too low.

I have so many blessings to be thankful for this year, and the opportunity to be a part of Angel House is a huge one. So it is as I eat my canned ravioli on Thanksgiving Day, I will praise God for good health care, hugs and kisses from the Angels, and the joys of family and friends around the world. Who could ask for anything more?
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Bibi Leah

2009-11-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

We just found out Bibi Leah, our night matron, has decided to retire instead of moving to Gamasara. She recently had typhoid and more recently pneumonia and malaria at the same time. Bibi is 62. We will sorely miss your twinkling eyes and smiling face, but I do hope to see her at SDA services on Saturdays.

Kate has been surprised at what close friends Bibi and I have become despite the language barrier. However, everyone is drawn to Bibi from the first flash of her 1000 kw smile.

One time I asked Bibi about her family. I knew 4 of her grandchildren were orphans at Angel House. I also knew 3 sets of parents were represented by these kids. Bibi told me she'd mothered 7 children and buried 5 of them.

Shocked, I exclaimed, "Oh, Bibi! I'm so sorry!"

Bibi replied, "If I only had one child left, that would be enough for me." That is our Bibi. She doesn't have time for self-pity because she's too full of gratitude.

Bibi faces each situation with faith. One Sabbath, I told her my back hurt and I was having trouble sitting in church. She is an RN, and wanted to take me to get a malaria test immediately. I told her I couldn't go to the doctor without my medical paperwork, but I'd go soon. Several days later after I'd been diagnosed, Bibi said she'd known what I had, and she'd been praying extra hard for me.

When I told Bibi that her granddaughter (and namesake) had called for my help when she got into deep water at a swimming pool on our Mwanza trip, tears flowed down my cheeks.

As I struggled to keep Leah from pulling me under, I kept thinking, "How can I tell Bibi that I've lost her granddaughter?"

Just as I thought I was going to have to knock Leah out so I could rescue her, I was able to put my head above water and choke out, "Help!"

The next thing I knew, I was at the shallow end of the pool with Leah
and 4 people were telling us to take big breaths.

Bibi just smiled after she heard my story, saying, "God is good. He heard your prayers."

You never know who you'll meet when you go to a new place, but I can tell you this: My life would have been incomplete if I hadn't met Bibi Leah. I want to be just like her when I grow up.
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Gamasara Night

2009-11-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

I spent my first night at Gamasara last night. The kids are amazing! They take so much pride in their new home. It's great to see the maturity they're showing, seeing things that need to be done and taking the initiative to do it. The shamba is yielding tomatoes now, with lots of other vegetables soon to follow.

Our staff really has stepped up to the plate, too. The kids get up at 5:00, and many are on the way to school by 6:00. They insist on keeping this schedule even on non-school days. They get up, straighten their rooms, wash and dress. On Saturdays, they work in the shamba for 3 hours before breakfast. The rest of the day is free. Sunday afternoons are set aside for big cleaning jobs. Every evening from 7:00-9:00 and every morning from 5:00-6:00, the generator runs. Just before lights out, one of the Angels lead the group in a devotion.

I know I'm prejudiced. These are my grandchildren, after all, but I think these kids are on the path God has planned for them. Best of all, three of the kids who were major behavior problems in town have really turned over a new leaf at Gamasara. I thank God for answered prayers!
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Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

2009-11-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a local newspaper reporter arrived at Gamasara while Kate and Nate were busy buying supplies in town. Anna, the Mama at Angel House, and Abuid, our pastor, picked 2 kids to be interviewed. They introduced me, and I thought I was off the hook. Not so!
After Anna, Abuid, Bhoke, and Joseph were finished talking, the reporter called me over. He asked me why I had come to Tanzania and what my duties are. I enjoyed talking with this young man until he started taking pictures! How I wished Nate and Kate were there; they're much more photographic than me, and they deserve the credit for Gamasara, not me. ( I haven't had a haircut since August, and my shirt was so stretched it would fit a gorilla!)
I began grabbing Angels, strategically placing them in front of me as much as possible. I'm excited the newspaper is interested in Gamasara, and I hope to have Marwa, a local fundi, make a frame for the article with the picture of all of the Angels in front of Gamasara. I just wish Nate and Kate were in the photo, too.
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Gamasara Family

2009-11-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

The kids and staff are working together as a united family. We are really proud of the way everybody has been pitching in and taking the initiative when they see something needs to be done.

Our littlest angel, Nosi, has been sick. We took her to the dispensary today. She was NOT happy when they gave her an injection for malaria. We hope we'll have a strong, healthy Nosi back really soon.

I must say medical care here in Tarime is impressive. I've never had a doctor see a child as quickly as this was got Nosi in. Everything was finished in less than an hour.

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Scholastic Adventure

2009-11-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think God sent me to Africa so He could have some good laughs. Today was one of those days.

I am the self-appointed truant officer now that we have moved to Gamasara. Today, I visited the last 2 schools where our students attend to schedule a time each week when I can check attendance. We are driving the kids to Tarime from Gamasara, and I want to make sure they actually attend school once they get there.

Nate and Kate dropped me off at the road for the first school after they picked up some staff members at our old building. The walk was pleasant, with frequent greetings by the locals. When I got to Nkende Secondary School, I was able to talk with several staff members, including the head mistress. I took photos of the school and even got help translating some Swahili I needed for my English lessons.

I called my favorite pikipiki driver, but the connection was bad. I thought he repeated the name of the school and said he'd come, but he never showed. Finally, I asked one of the teachers to call another driver. This one came right away, but he spoke no English. We were able to get a price on the trip to Nyandoto Secondary, I paid the driver, and we were off.

Turns out, there is a very good reason Nyandoto's school motto is "Climb to the top!". As I clung to the back of the pikipiki seat, I pictured God having a good belly laugh. The washed-out road was filled with puddles, and oft time the driver had to put his feet down to ease us through the worn path. Honestly, if I hadn't seen the school sign when we left the paved road, I'd have though the driver was going to leave me in the middle of nowhere or worse!

When we finally made it to the top, I received the wonderful news that my three Angels had perfect attendance, and it wouldn't be necessary for me to make weekly checks. I spent some time taking photos of the breath-taking campus and visited with the staff and students. The head mistress then told me she was taking a piki piki to town and would be glad to share a ride with me. Since I was going to Gamasara, that wasn't possible. Before she left, however, another driver showed up, and one of the students helped me secure a ride to the orphanage with him.

We traveled all sorts of back roads and ended up at a primary school which I swear had no name on the building. To top if off, there was absolutely NOBODY there. So, here I am in the middle of nowhere with this motorcycle driver I don't know.

Thank goodness for ATT! 2 phone calls and 2 different translators later, I handed the driver a huge tip and kissed the ground at. The orphanage.

I guess the pikipiki made it back to town. The driver only bought $1 worth of petrol when we started our odyssey.

I am so thankful God takes care of me, especially when I am scatter-brained and ignorant!
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Sleep in Heavenly Peace

2009-11-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

We did it! The last truck load of stuff is at Gamasara. As the truck came down the long driveway, a joyful cheer echoed across the Tarime Plateau. Tonight, Nate and Kate are sleeping with the kids and staff at Gamasara. Me? After visiting the headmasters at 2 elementary schools and loading and unloading the truck, I just went back to the mission house to soak my feet. (I bet I get more sleep tonight than the residents of Gamasara!)
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Rewarding Day

2009-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very satisfied with the way this day has gone. First thing this morning, we picked up the fundis and went to Gamasara. I spent the cool hours of the morning moving office items into the office and cleaning out the dining area in preparation for the painting of its floor. The septic system is all but completed, and the rooms have beds and curtains. I had some time before going back to Tarime to teach English, and since the rain started pouring down, I decided to prepare tomorrow's English lesson. Unfortunately, it's impossible to get a pikipiki (motorcycle) to drive in the rain. Besides, it's really not safe.

The rain lasted for 2 hours, and by the time I was able to my ride, I was late for class. I still needed to take my suitcase to Angel House so Teddy, one of our cooks, could use it to move her things tomorrow.

I imagine the locals thought I was absolutely crazy dragging my suitcase and dodging mud puddles from the mission house to the orphanage. I didn't think too much of it until 3 young men stopped and stared at me. Finally, one of them asked me why I didn't take a taxi! I pointed to my legs and said, "I have two good legs. I'd rather tembeo." They shook their heads and walked off.

When I got to Angel House, I realized our littlest Angel, Nosi, was nowhere to be found. I sent the other Angels to search and they found Nosi at a friend's house. I got to thinking about how hard moving from town was going to be for the kids, but especially Nosi.

We sat down to andika Nosi's name and several other kids wanted to draw or write. So, I gave each a pen and paper and we had a little quiet time together.

I looked up and realized Robinson, a man I'd met at Angel House church service was greeting me. He asked me to come visit his wife before we moved to Gamasara. I always take an Angel with me when I visit in a home; and Nosi was looking pretty miserable, so I took her. Little did I know Robinson had invited me for supper! We feasted on ugoli (sort of like homemade Play Dough) and cooked spinach. It was surprising tasty, and the conversation was lively.

When we finished, Robinson said he wanted me to meet his sister who taught in a local school. We walked through the maze of Tarime's back streets until I was completely lost. Then we saw her coming out of the church that housed her school. We walked to her house, met her husband and son, and enjoyed sodas. All of the sudden, she looked at Nosi and said, "I know Nosi! I as the one who saw her mother leave her and her sister at the dump. Nosi was so little, maybe 18 months old. I took her to the police and then to Angel House."

I thanked her for bringing Nosi and Bhoke to Angel House. I told her she had saved their lives and given the girls a chance. I thanked God for this encounter with someone who was instrumental in the miracle that is Nosi.
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Organization and Management

2009-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Today Kate and I sorted through Angel House items and planned where we would store them. WE discovered many things we didn't realized we had and purged any damaged or unnecessary paperwork. We were almost finished when an Angel arrived on a bicycle and announced Anna was walking to Gamasara with all the big kids! Three other Angels arrived on bicycles before we could properly burn everything we's pitched, so Kate went into bulldog mode, telling the kids NOTHING out of the fire pile was going back into the house.

When the others arrived, they helped us clean and organize the office, pick (almost ripened) vegetables, and organize all personal property in one storage area. By the time we loaded 14 of us into our little truck, we were one tired group.

We were greeted at Angel House with the news that our pet dog, Blackie, had died. The kids took the news pretty well; they have all experienced death and/or abandonment already.

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Finale

2009-11-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

We are moving into the home stretch at Gamasara. All the big stuff is moved, and the kids plan to sleep there Sunday night. They will each be assigned a section of the shamba (farm) and be expected to work in it and share the food with all of Angel House. Thanks to seed donations from generous people in The States, many new types of food will be eaten by our Angels in the coming months.

Today, I took Nosi, our youngest Angel, out for lunch. She has been working very hard during the move, and the best way to thank Nosi is through her stomach. You may recall she was left at the garbage dump as an infant and brought to Angel House by the police. No one expected her to live, but Nosi is a survivor! Her mischievous spirit and playful humor are evidence of that. She doesn't have an easy role as the youngest Angel but Nosy carries it off with grace beyond belief.

One of our new angels arrived today! Joseph Hula, 10 year-old brother of Rosie and Mwita, was sitting at the entrance when I arrived at the orphanage today. As soon as he told me his name, I saw Rosie and Mwita's reflections in his face. If he acts as much like his siblings as he resembles them in looks, we have a wonderful new addition to our family.

Every day, I thank God that I am here during the move to Gamasara. I also praise Him for the wonderful Goodwill Hospital in Tarime. They have treated me so often for malaria that they now call me "Mother Africa"! I suppose they think I'm a blood relation with every mosquito in Africa.
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We're on the Move!

2009-11-06T00:48:00.001-08:00

We started packing and moving furniture to Gamasara yesterday, and we are SO excited! The kids have been great! Everyone, including 4 year-old Nosi has been helping pack, clean, and load the truck.

Today, we had a staff meeting during which we had to dismiss some workers. Presently, we have 2 sites, one for the girls and young boys and the other for the big boys. At Gamasara, everyone will be at one site. So, some workers will not be needed. It was hard to break the news, and there were tears at the meeting this morning.
Tonight, we met with the kids and explained their new schedule and responsibilities at Gamasara. We will be adding 2 new angels on Tuesday, a younger sister of 4 of our kids, and a younger brother of two others. It will be exciting to get to know these new Angels!

I have been watching the boys, trying to decided who will go on the safari with me in December. So many hard-workers without warnings to choose from! What a nice problem!
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Lake Victoria

2009-11-06T00:48:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful weekend in Mwanza, where I took 3 of my hardest-working granddaughters to see Lake Victoria. We were able to sample American and Thai food and take a ferry to Saanane National Park.

We saw herons, Agama Lizards, a snake, a family of monkeys, a Rock Hyraz, and impala. We climbed giant rock formations and viewed Lake Victoria from all sorts of perches. It was beautiful!

On the bus ride home, we saw herds of zebras, water buffalo, and a baboon. There were lots of mosquitoes, too, so I'm going tomorrow for another malaria test. I needed a follow-up this week any way.

The network has been down for almost a week, and tomorrow I reach the half-way point of my stay in Tanzania. Hopefully, ATT will have things up and running so I can send this long before I return.

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Kissi

2009-11-06T00:47:00.000-08:00

We went on an all-day adventure to Kissi yesterday. That involved crossing the Kenyan border (where everyone is related to President Obama) and travel by a variety of transportation. We started in a taxi, continued in a bus, rode piki piki (motorcycles) and also used motato (a crowded van filled with commodities and people).

It was my first real look at Kenyan countryside, since I was a bit preoccupied during my initial trip in from the airport. We took our oldest Angel, William, with us. It was his first trip to Kissi, too, and we enjoyed sharing our comments about the sights.

Our final objective was to get to Nakumatt, a sort of Kenyan Wal-Mart, to get a few things not available to us in Tarime. We also wanted to price bedding items for the kids' Christmas presents.

At the entrance to Nakumatt, a statue of an elephant greets customers. The first floor is general household appliances, and food. We even got fresh veggie pizza at the bakery! It wasn't Pizza Hut, but it really hit the spot. I also picked up some cheese to avenge my craving for something different to eat.

Meanwhile, William priced bicycles. A quite conservative young man, he decided they were too expensive and he would just continue to walk. I went into Grandma mode when he said he wasn't hungry and insisted he choose something to eat and drink. What 19 year old isn't always hungry?! If there's such a thing as being too polite, William is just that.

We loaded our purchases on a bicycle at the border and walked to the motato. There the bickering over price began. My job during this procedure is to put on my teacher frown and pick up part of our purchases like I'm going to leave. I'm taking notes from Nate and Kate, however, so I'll be able to negotiate my way back to Nairobi when the time comes.

We were hydro-planing down the pavement accompanied by the stacatto beat of the driver's horn when a rear tire blew. We pulled over, a man went to the offending tire and managed to strip the loose rubber off. We went another quarter mile or so before the driver conceded the tire needed to be changed. They must have had a lot of practice because we were once again flying down the road in a matter of minutes.

We arrived in Tarime and were greeted by James, one of our favorite piki piki drivers who had supervised the repair of the mission house truck while we were gone. We got to see the kids at Angel House when we dropped off William, but it was getting dark when we got there.

It was good to be home at the mission house! I slept like a baby last night.
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Emotional Time

2009-10-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

We were told in training that somewhere around 6-8 weeks into our mission, we would hit a crabby period. I am just finishing my seventh week, and I'm an emotional wreck!

I suppose the facts that I've been fighting malaria for several weeks and that my mom has been put on Hospice since I arrived in Tanzania might have a lot to do with my feelings. However, I also know I've never in my life been so far away from the people who love, support, and (in my grandchildren's cases) downright adore me. It hurts to be away.

And so, I'm going through my crabby time. At times, I think I'll never go on such a long-term mission trip again. It's just too heart-wrenching. But I also know I don't regret coming here and being God's hands and feet at Angel House. What a humbling realization it is that God's plan for Africa could involve crabby old me!
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Election

2009-10-26T00:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the election is over, and the "Thumbs Up Party" won. I found out yesterday in a rather frightening way. Nate and Kate had taken the tutor back to the orphanage, so just the night guard and I were at the mission house. I was reading when I heard yelling and screaming, reminiscent of the riots of the sixties. I was glad I had the curtains drawn, because I really didn't want to be seen at least until I figured out what was going on. The road was filled with people running and shouting. I thought they sounded happy, but I wasn't sure. At the of the "parade" came the car with the political party's flag. Even though I was relieved to discover what was going on, I kept a low profile. :-)
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Africans Politics

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there are two major political parties in Tanzania. One uses the "thumbs up" symbol, and the other, the "peace sign". I didn't realize this until someone at the orphanage told me. As a teacher, I often used the "thumbs up" to confirm a student's understanding of instructions. Now I have to be careful not to make a political statement.
Often, cars with loud speakers cruise through Tarime blasting the praises of one or the other party. I was walking home one day last week and realized there was a political rally going on in a field near the mission house. I scurried indoors until it was over. It was a bit intimidating to hear Swahili speakers all riled up. Politics is bad enough when I know what is being said!
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Names in Tanzania

2009-10-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Tarime and the surrounding are has some traditions about naming first-borns. Typically, the first son is named Cha Cha or Mwita, and the first daughter is named Bhoke. I can only imagine what nightmares this must cause in classrooms! Just at Angel House alone, we have two Bhoke Mwitas! The father's first name becomes his children's last name. Thus, both of these Bhokes had fathers named Mwita. Lucky for us, each of our kids also has a Christian name. Thus, one of our Bhokes is "Bhoke" and the other is "Lucy".
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Malaria Update

2009-10-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

We went out for supper with our Aussie friends last night, and after several trips to the choo, Dr. Maggie asked me how I was feeling. When I told her, she recommended I return to the hospital today for another blood test. Turns out, the malaria is better, but I need another round of treatments. By the time my test results were in, I was unable to get started on the oral medication or the shots. So, first thing tomorrow we start daily shots and 2 pills 3 times a day...and more rest. I have read just about everything I can get my hands on and am even doing several Su Doku daily, trying to be a good patient. I'm afraid I'm not a patient patient!
In a week, we will be packing up the older boys to move them to the new building. I told the doctor I had one week to get well. He just smiled. Do you think he knows something I don't? :-)
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Faith

2009-10-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

We usually try to be back at the mission house by 7:00 in the evenings, but lately it seems just when we get ready to leave, something comes up that needs immediate attention. So it was, I found myself watching Kate struggle to reassure Samson, through an interpreter, that he will be able to continue to attend St. Jude English Medium School even after she and Nate leave Tanzania next month.
"Have we ever lied to you?" She asked. "We love you, and we will continue to pay for your education even when we are not here. If you don't believe me, there is nothing I can do to convince you. You will just have to wait and see."
I watched the anguish in Samson's young, handsome face. He and Angel are the first Angel House kids to attend St. Jude, which has the highest test results of any primary school in Tanzania. They attend school all day, twice as long as the other primary students. Classes are taught in English, a big advantage for Tanzanian students. He wanted to believe all of his work hadn't been in vain, but he was so afraid.
My heart broke as I struggled with the truth I could not reveal to Samson yet. For Christmas, our main benefactor, Dr. Lisa, is paying all of our primary students' tuition to St. Jude's for next term. So, not only will Samson get his heart's desire, but all of our youngest Angels will, too.
How often must God go through this same thing with us! Knowing His plan for each of our lives, He watches us struggle to believe. What a lesson in faith!
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Malaria

2009-10-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Nate says 50 percent of the serious illnesses with our kids are caused from worms and 50 percent are due to malaria. Stomach problems are very frequent here, and many people have malaria and keep going about their daily business.
So, even though I have been very careful, drinking Dasani water and using my mosquito net, I began to feel sick last week.
At first, I was dizzy, and I talked with our Australian friend, Dr. Maggie. She suggested I cut down on my blood pressure medicine, which I did.
I have been resting more and drinking all the water I can keep down, but I was still sick today. I had lab tests done at the hospital which diagnosed stage 3 malaria (serious) and worms.
The medical staff here was very knowledge and helpful. I'll have shots today and tomorrow and oral medicine for 5 days. If that doesn't do the trick, they'll admit me.
I told them I'm not a very good patient, but I am good at following directions at home. I also Nate and Kate nearby if I need anything. They have both had malaria.
So much for the threat of malaria being low at altitudes above 5000 ft. We're as high as Denver here in Tarime.
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Technical Difficulties

2009-10-11T23:34:00.001-07:00

I'm having difficulty with the network here. I suspect it is due to poor power connections. So...if you're wondering why there's been no word from me out of the blue, that's why. I'm sending this as a sort of test just to see if things are working again. If so. I'll try to resend the blogs that didn't go through.
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Yes, We Have No Bananas

2009-10-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

Thursdays at 9, we have staff meetings at Angel House. We spend time with the kids if it's an afternoon school day, and then I teach English to the staff at 1. Usually, I take a bottle of water and a couple of bananas with me, since lunch can come well into the afternoon on some days.
This morning, we were out of bananas, and by 1 o'clock my stomach was rumbling. I gave William 1000 shilings ($1) and asked him to buy some bananas. He brought back about a dozen!
I couldn't eat in front of my students, and I had to thank William, so I started handing out bananas.
On the way home, I passed a woman selling things in a small shack. I pass her at least twice most days on my trips between the mission house and the orphanage. Today, she motioned for me to sit with her. Having eaten the banana, I wasn no longer hungry so I sat.
The woman was thrilled, and her 3 children joined us. I showed them my Swahili notes, and we practiced together. I gave each child a banana when we got to the word 'tumbili,' and I mimiced a monkey. We had a good laugh. I can't remember a time when I got so much pleasure out of $1.
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Birthdays in Tarime

2009-10-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Two Angel House kids have celebrated birthdays this month, and I have taken them to celebrate at Goldland, a local hotel/restaurant. It is good to have time to talk one-on-one, since usually we are surrounding by so many others.
We order chips (fries) and Cokes and get to know each other better. I am so thankful to to have a chance to talk with these kids and assure them that life in The States is not perfect either. They all seem to have the dream of going to America, where all of their problems will be solved. I tell them it's very difficult to get a Visa to leave Africa.
The Tanzanian government routinely denies Visas for its citizens. We even have a staff member who is married to an American and speaks very good English who has been denied 3 times!
I pray each child at Angel House will be able to pursue his/her goals. I also pray that children around the world will be able live in peace and innocence.

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English Lessons

2009-10-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

The other day, one of the cooks asked if I would teach her English. I was humbled and excited that she asked me, and I told her I'd be glad to. So, after teaching English for almost 30 years, I am teaching thr most eager class I've ever had. Speaking English is one of the most desired skills of people throughout the world. It empowers them to do so much more on an international level. It is an honor to sit with all of the cooks (because news travels fast when a tutor is available) and work on sentence structure and grammar. I encourage them to use English when they talk to the children. All of the school age kids get English lessons in school.
Of course, I am still struggling with Swahili, but I have over 40 willing teachers here at Angel House. When one runs out of patience with my clumbsy tongue, I go ask someone else.
It's amazing how much communicating goes on without words as well. The other day, Kate told me she is really suprised how well Bibi Leah and I communicate. I just laughed and said, "We just speak the bibi (grandma) language!". There is a certain understanding that comes with age and experience. Bibi Leah and I have become good friends, despite the language barrier.
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Cock-a-doodle-do

2009-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Although there is no such thing as a typical day in Tarime, one thing is certain. Just about daybreak, the roosters start crowing. Sometimes I wake up early and lie awake, waiting for them to greet me. Almost immediately after the rooster crows begin, our neighbor's cow starts complaining! This comical conversation never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Other sounds crowd out this dialogue during the day, the amplified calls to prayer 5 times daily from the local Mosques, people greeting each other whenever they meet, and the ocassional roar of cars, trucks, and tractors going by the mission house.
It is about a 15 minute walk to Angel House, which is located on one of the main streets in town. Directions are simple: Turn right out of our driveway. Follow the main road to the big house. Turn left past the car wash. (Yes, people actually bring their cars to the watering hole and pay to have someone wash them before they continue down the dirt roads!) Turn right at the Goodwill Hospital sign. Angel house is the last major building on the left, right at the edge of town.
Generally, I enjoy walking to town. I try to speak to everyone on the way, to avoid offending anyone. Children come running to greet the wazuma (not sure of the spelling, but it means white person), which is rather embarrassing. I have come to the conclusion that it is my priviledge to greet these little people with a handshake and a smile. Although I want to say, "I'm nobody special just because my skin is white, I greet you with the love of Jesus in my heart; and that is very special.".

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Tarime Details

2009-10-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Life in Africa is never successfully preplanned! You never know what's actually going to happen after you get up in the morning. You can fairly accurately predict things will run much later than when you've been told they will happen and that at any moment someone will show up and tell you they need you to go somewhere or do something right away. Thankfully, Nate and Kate field most of these scheduling details right now.
Living in Tarime, we are about 5000 feet above sea level. This helps us avoid blazing hot temperatures, and we usually only wear a jacket if it rains. Generally, it rains sometime every afternoon and sometimes at night. It's rather pleasant to fall asleep with the sound of raindrops on the metal roof.
Days when we have both water and electricity 24 hours straight are rare, and we've learned to be thankful if that happens. Sometimes I try to remember what a warm shower or a soak in a warm tub feels like, but there will be plenty of time for that when I get home.
Unusual incidents happen all the time here in Tarime. For instance, yesterday a car hit a cow which knocked a woman unconscious into a cement storm ditch. Our Australian firend, Chris, and his ambulance driver happened by and took the woman to the hospital.
Actually, I'm amazed we don't have more pedestrian injuries here. Goats, piki pikis, buses, cars, trucks, people, and bovines share the roads. Many vechiles use their horns instead of their breaks. Riding or walking, getting from place to place is always an adventure here!
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Wedding Day

2009-10-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! There certainly is a lot of dancing at African weddings! The ceremony begins with a group of young men dancing down the aisle. Then young women follow, turn around, and come back to form lines on both sides of the aisle. The best man and maid-of-honor walk between the rows, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer. Last of all come the bride and groom. All the while, the congregation is dancing, yelling, and trilling their voices. It sounds like Busch Stadium with Puljos up with the bases loaded!
Each part of the service is punctuated with these displays of excitement-the taking of vows, the giving of the rings, EVERYTHING!
Then the choirs begin. Now, Tanzanian choirs are full-stage dancers. The energy exerted by these singers leaves me breathless just watching them.
During the ceremony, the cake is brought in, and the bride gives a forkful to all the family and close friends. We shared the same fork!)
The cake that is left over is passed by an usher and everybody takes a pinch.
When the cake is gone, dignitaries are introduced and asked to say a few words. The minister has a sermon, translated into English and delivered in Swahili.
Three hours later, the dancers dance out, and the reception begins.
My Lord, what a morning!
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A Piki Piki Ride

2009-10-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Everything is a swirl of activity here at Angel House because tomorrow our pastor is getting married. He commandeered our truck to take reception necessities to his village church, so Nate, Kate, and I were left in the dark without wheels. We try to be home by 7 normally, but tonight that was impossible. SO, we walked through town in the dark looking for a motorcycle (piki piki) ride. Now, I have always hated motorcycles and have even been heard to say no one in her right mind would ride one. Well, I carefully climbed on behind the driver and tried to figure out what to hold on to. Actually, I wanted to hug him with all my might; I was so scared! I finally settled on placing my hands on his shoulders and telling him, "I have never done this before, and I am a grandmother who plans to live to see her granchildren again. Please tell me you are a good driver!". Turns out, he was a wonderful young man, and I ended up singing, "Santi sana, squashed banana". and " Hukuta matata" as we went up the road to the mission house. We really had fun, and he was so careful to make sure my leg stayed away from the heat of the exhaust pipe. I think I will ride a piki piki again sometime soon!
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Primary Graduation

2009-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today was another big graduation day for Angel House. 4 of our students graduated from primary school. Of course we are proud of all of them, but imagine our delight when our William was named "Best-behaved Student"! William is 19 and wasn't able to attend school before Angel House because he was busy providing for himself and his 4 siblings. His dad left the family, and not long afterwards his mother told her children she was going out to buy kerosene. They waited and waited, but she never came back. William cut wood to sell and later had his brother Richard (Cha Cha) sell mangoes to support the family. Their sister Lucy took care of household chores and watched their two younger siblings. This all changed when Angel House accepted William, Richard, Lucy, and Samson into their charge. I've never met 4 harder-working kids. I am proud to call them my grandchildren! We are hopeful Angel House might be able to welcome their 6 year-old sister Veronica into its fold in the future.
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A Church Visit

2009-09-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T19:07:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Details, details, details!

2009-08-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2009

I've received all of my paperwork for my trip-insurance verification, itinerary, and medical information. Tomorrow I start taking the malaria prevention medication. My son-in-law picked up a headlamp for me to wear during power shortages, and I'm packing snacks to add variety to my diet the next four months.

I spent yesterday with my dad and my daughter's family. I need to print the pictures I took so I'll have them to treasure while I'm gone. I've noticed my oldest two grandkids have become quite clingy at times, often reaching out to hold my hand or snuggle. They know I'll be gone a long time, and I guess they're storing up the tactile memories.

I've learned a lot about myself in the past weeks. I've learned a focused deadline is necessary for me to complete any task. I've carpet bathrooms, painted inside and out, cleaned out closets and drawers, and made curtains in the past week. Anything to focus the energy that can make my mind race!

I've also learned to savor each relationship and every moment. Every second with those I love is a treasure. Each encounter is an opportunity for new blessings. I'm striving to let gratitude rule my life. After all, an awesome God goes with me/before me wherever I go.

I'll a bit concerned about Sunday, when Zachary and Zoe will sing "Jesus Loves Me" at church. I pray they're brave and sing out! I also hope I'm brave so they don't end up in tears.

This week, I need to concentrate on final packing and preparing for my open house on Sunday. Deep breath, Bonnie. You can get everything done!

2009-08-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2009

I just got my Tanzanian visa in the mail today. I leave for Africa in 8 days! I fluctuate between excitement and anxiety. I just keep reminding myself that God is already there, but also here with me now. What a concept!

Switching Blogs

2009-08-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

These are the blogs from my previous account:

Friday, August 7, 2009

Getting Closer

When I talked with Donn Hellinger, the U.S. coordinator for Angel House Orphanage today, I found out there's a power failure in Tarime right now. No wonder I haven't had an answer to my email! I truly feel there's a good reason for the delay. Perhaps it's because the end of any month is the worst time for me to be buy anything. Since I get paid on the last day of the month, even a minor delay could help out with my payments. I know a lot of people applaud my decision to go to Tanzania, yet I wonder if they're aware that there is a fund to support my work there. Donations can be sent to New Hope United Methodist Church, 3921 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO 63010. Checks should be made out to New Hope UMC with VIM-Miller in the memo. All contributions are tax deductible, and will only be used for the direct costs of travel and mission needs. While I'm in Africa, I will not be paid. Housing will be provided, but I will be responsible for food and travel expenses. I know God wants me to be a volunteer, and I am confident He will supply all of my needs.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Frustration

Man, planning a VIM trip to Tanzania is comparable to getting a Masters degree! I've been jumping through hoops and have lots more jumping to do. I'll feel a lot better when I have my tickets in hand. I have to book them before I apply for my Visa and my Residency Permit. I am now the proud holder of 5 passport pictures- the number required for Tanzania. I'm waiting to see if I also need a Visa for Kenya. In that case, I have 3 extra passport pictures, although I think I look a bit drunk in them. The list of things to do grows, and I've been so nervous that I've actually been cleaning closets just to keep from thinking!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Patriotic Reflection

August 4, 2009

My friend and I attended Hairspray at the Muny tonight. Every time I sing The Star
Spangled Banner now, I realize what a privileged life I lead. Going to Africa will really emphasize how spoiled I've become.

Medical Progress

August 3, 2009

I just emailed the VIM people who are at Angel House Orphanage now, asking a TON of questions. I'm anxiously awaiting a reply.

Meanwhile, I've made an appointment with Travel Med for next Monday. I should have all of my shots and medical information finished then. It has been a real battle to get insurance over-rides on all of my prescriptions for four months, but I think that is covered now.

I am hoping to book my flights in the next week. Thanks to my daughter, a travel agent is working on that. I also need to apply for a Visa and a Residency Permit, since I will be in Tanzania for four months. So much to do! Focus, Bonnie!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Tanzania, Here I Come!

July 30, 2009

It official! I'm going to Tanzania from September through December! I'm awaiting specific paperwork and some email addresses from other volunteers on site, and I'm really excited! I found out all volunteers stay in a house near the orphanage and that a cook, housekeeper, and guard are provided. There is dial up Internet access in the house, so I should be able to keep in touch with everyone back home through my blog.

August will be extremely busy, but very exciting. Rebecca and I are meeting again next week to finalize plans for her to move in with me. I would really like to be back home before her baby is born around January 19, but I will see what happens.

Of course, we'll need to celebrate Christmas and some birthdays before I leave. Tickets will be at lease $2000, so money is a concern. I have a really good feeling about Angel House Orphanage. I'm excited to be in service in Africa. I pray this time will allow me to simplify my life and learn to treasure each moment of my life. Please continue to pray for this mission, especially for the forty or so children who live at Angel House Orphanage.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Possible Destination

July 25, 2009

Yesterday, I received initial information about Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania. My paperwork has already been sent to the US director by my VIM trainer, Nancy Eubanks. The orphanage currently has 40 children and has maintained a favorable relationship with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries for several years. One team is leaving the site in about a week, and a married couple is scheduled to arrive in January. Who will be there in the lapse I'm not sure. When Nancy told me there was a need at an orphanage, my heart pounded. Working in an orphanage was one of my childhood dreams. I pray I'm not too old to be patient and open to the needs of forty children, although in my younger years I've worked with many more at a time on a daily basis. There's always room for a grandma. right? At any rate, I'm anxiously awaiting more information.

Meanwhile, I'm making arrangements for having a roommate move into my home. She will be taking care of my dog, LaRussa, as well as the house while I am away. I'm really excited about the fact that my home will be welcoming a sweet baby sometime in January, because Rebecca is expecting. I've often wrestled with the stewardship aspects of living by myself. The decision to open my home to someone who needs a place to stay is just another lesson in radical hospitality.

I'm learning so much about being patient and waiting for God's timing. I keep trying to pace myself, holding back and trying not to run ahead of God's direction. My prayers are being answered in God's time, and I believe His timing is perfect. (Lord, help thou my unbelief!)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Ready to Go..Where?

July 23, 2009

A year ago when I retired from teaching, I focused all my attention on getting healthy. Now, entering my second year of retirement, I am seeking variety. I'm so grateful for all the blessings that fill my life. I wouldn't give up anything - not even the hard times. They've made me who I am today. Everything has worked for good, and I'm ready to give back.

I've completed Volunteer in Mission training, and up until a week ago, I planned to start teaching in South Korea. Then the site I had selected was removed from the recommended VIM list. Now I'm not certain where I'll serve. I'm making arrangements for a house/dog sitter and waiting for an assignment. I'm learning to be more comfortable during the in-between times, a lesson that's been a hard-won battle.