Amazing, Wonderful, God's will!!

It has been very busy since I arrived back to Mwika on Saturday. We worshipped at Kondiki Parish on Sunday with Roland and his family. This church was everything I heard about. The church was so beautiful, the choirs sung such unbelievable songs in ways that made me wonder, why do we even bother with instruments. Their voices blended with their hand clapping in such a wonderful, amazing way. After church we met Pastor Ponga at the church office. We were able to share our stories with him. He then gave us a tour of the church milk factory. This is such a wonderful way for the church to create small employment for the local people of Kondiki AND it helps create income for the church. I actually tried the milk pouches that people buy and I don't think I'll be ordering anytime soon. It tasted like a block of white cheddar cheese that was slightly melted. But this is good nutrition for the people here. During our introduction to the church, Roland did tell people to come if they were in need of eyeglasses. That I would be holding this clinic at Maring'a Juu Monday Morning at 9:00a.m. The sad part of this was that SO many showed up and I didn't have nearly enough glasses. Most of the people here needed just plain reading glasses. I hope someone reading this might have a connection to Walgreens or CVS as we need to send about 30 pair of just plain cheap reading glasses. Keep your hearts and minds opened. After church we walked through Mwika and enjoyed the rest of the beautiful day.

Monday was a day in my life that I will never forget. It was the day that Maring'a Juu welcomed me to their school. We were greeted by the principle and the hundred of children SOOOO excited to meet me. The teachers had made the three of us fresh flower leys (sorry for the spelling) This was our official greeting. Then the rest of the day was like a dream to me. The students gathered in front of school and sang their school song, the drums played while we walked to the front of the students. We were greeted by the principle then we introduced ourselves to the students. I had a hard time holding back my tears when this dream had now become reality!! I was now in front of all these children whom I have been trying to help for so long!! After our official greeting we were escorted to the "lunch area" where the teachers provided us with a wonderful lunch. I finally had the opportunity to let them all know that Valley View has so many parents, students and teachers that care for them. They all began cheering and crying with excitement!! I told them about the PTA and the student council and the parents and teachers that want to help. I can't tell you HOW MUCH impact we have had already on this school. Thomas Jefferson's help with the textbook project was seen with my own eyes. THIS is something that Maring'a Juu is in desperate need of. Actually there are so many things and I will begin my presentations when I arrive home. The most touching thing that happened was the teachers presented us with 2 very nice gifts. We each received a Kanga and a tin of African coffee!! They said that they didn't have much money (which I can tell you this is so true) but they wanted us to know HOW MUCH they are grateful for any help. If I had a couple hours to write I would because there is so much to talk about. I promise I will cover all of this when I arrive home!! It was a day in which I felt as if my work my love of this school and village all came together. You have helped these students and teachers in such a big way.

Barbara and Ellen left after the school celebration. They were going on Safari until our departure on Friday. I opted to stay back to accomplish what I came here to do. Since we had been traveling so much around the country, my time was getting less and less with what I needed to accomplish. I want to spend the rest of my days with Maring'a Juu and the village of Mwika. So Roland and I will journey to Arusha on Thursday afternoon.

Today (Wednesday) the meal program began. I got to see where the food is being prepared and I think you will all laugh at how I couldn't even stand in the middle of the cooking pots. The smoke from the fire was overwhelming to me and my eyes began to tear up immediately. We spent the whole day with the students at Maring'a Juu. The "fine art students" spent an hour drawing pictures for Valley View. These were so beautiful. It was amazing to see that the pencils that I brought along weren't sharpened and the children use straight edge razors to sharpen their pencils. My mouth fell to the floor. In America we would have arrested anyone for holding a straight edge in their hands....this is how I know I am not anywhere close to the USA!! The Kindergarten and 1st grade children receive porrage for lunch. I was lucky enough to help serve this to the children. Their porrage is Cornmeal and water combination. No flavor but filling for their hungry bellies. The rest of the students were able to have a meal that was provided from the meal program. It was so gratifying!!! After the lunch was served the orphaned children remained behind. They were given the Holy Cross t-shirts that the AOB students made and the sweaters that my "chicks with sticks" and Morrison Illionois group provided. This was another unbelievable moment for me!! To see something take place that was a dream at one point become reality is the greatest feeling I have ever had.

I had a wonderful journey to visit Roland's Grandmother who is 120 yrs old. I gave her a prayer shawl that I brought with me. To see her face, and how grateful she was to receive this was another amazing moment. She put her hands over my head and blessed me. She told me that I needed to stay here in Tanzania until I am 120 yrs old. She said that she was so Thankful that God sent an angel to her. Of course the tears were coming to my eyes again!!!

I will return to Maring'a Juu tomorrow to finish up some projects. I must get everything done as my time is ending here in Mwika (for now) Roland and I will begin our journey to Arusha in the afternoon and get ready for the next journey to Nairobi on Friday. I can't believe that the end is here.

I am so blessed. My heart is forever changed with what I have been able to see, hear, taste and touch here in Mwika. I know that God put me here for a reason. I hope I can continue to share my story of how difficult life is here in Tanzania. There is nothing easy. The life that everyone has here has moved me beyond anything I ever dreamed!! There is so much happiness though beyond their struggles. I have never felt so much love by so many people!! It is going to be a real culture shock to enter the USA again. Tanzania is a country where you can feel welcome morning, noon and night.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. Thank you for your love and your prayers. I appreciate everyones comments and please know that I appreciate all of you, my family and friends for allowing me this opportunity to find out what my lifes pupose is...I know now what I need to do.

Until next time!!

Cheers!!

Helping Hands Everywhere!!

I am so sorry for the delay in getting to my blog. We have done SO much traveling the past week that I haven't had a real opportunity to sit down. I am in Arusha currently, viewing Mount Meru. It is simply beautiful. Our weekend in Zanzibar was wonderful. We had hired a personal escort to take us around while on Zanzibar and unfortunately, my friend Ellen got very ill. We ended up taking her to the Muslim hospital and she ended up receiving IV for 24 hours. She is doing better now but that was what we ended up doing our second day there. Barbara, Roland and I visited a Spice plantation that was so interesting. We got to touch and smell so many different spices. I can honestly say, I learned so much and will come home to cook some new dishes with the spices I purchased!!! Zanzibar is a beautiful place. The mix of culture Muslim and Christian is so heartwarming. We felt well loved by everyone on that island. We took a tour of where the African slaves were taken 100 yrs ago. It broke my heart to see how these people were treated. We actually walked in their feet, from the boat in chains to the underground cells which made me sick to my stomach. The tight quarters, the way they were treated, just didn't do my heart any good. What was interesting was the fact that now the christian church and the Muslim Mosque sit right next to each other on the street in perfect harmony. We met some Iranian friends on our ferry ride from Dar to Zanzibar. We had such an interesting conversation with them...they asked us many questions about what we think about them and what they thought about us. WE discovered one thing, its the media that plays us against each other. . They are families who only want to care for themselved and love everyone around them. There is no harm in either of our ways. IF we would all learn to listen to each other, I believe we would find true peace in our world. THIS was a great learning experience for me.

We met with a wonderful man (contact through Barbara) he works for Opportunity International. They teach poor people how to get loans a sort of micro banking individual. He was a brillliant man and is connected to so many internationally. We connected Roland and Peter (a friend of mine and Roland's) to Peter and he thinks he will be able to help them eventually as he will begin working closer to Roland's village. One never knows.

Today I am in Arusha. We traveled yesterday to meet Ellen's compassion child which her church youth group supports. It was a very nice experience to see the compassion sight and meet his single mother. They are muslim and live in a very small house made out of cow dung. We visited a wonderful NGO today in Arusha. This was a rehabilitation center for handicap children. This is sponsored by the Lutheran church. It is amazing how difficult it is here in this country to have a handicap. They have nothing that helps these folks and this place was a wonderful respite that was begun 20 yrs ago. They actually take and teach these children how to sew, woodwork, weld, secretarial services and make crafts to sell. It was God working in a wonderful way to help these people who would otherwise be forgotten. I will have photo's when I arrive home to share about this place.

We will be taking our taxi back to Mwika later today. Nothing is easy in means of getting around here. Yesterday I sat in the local dala dala (van) from Mwika to Moshi with 30 other people. These dala dala's should fit 10 max...so we are packed tight and everyone is very close. If you can imagine, I was right smack dab in the middle of everyone. I am getting to learn and understand Swahili which is very helpful.

My time is running out, I will try to catch up with you soon. Thank you EVERYONE for posting me comments that you are reading my blog. I have tears in my eyes everytime I see you wishing me well and sending your prayers to me. I am SO lucky and I know that God has me in the right place!!!

Until we meet again!!


Cheers!!

Zanzibar!!

I am quickly at the internet cafe'. It has been a wonderful time thus far. Barbara has arrived safe and sound to Dar and with all her luggage!! We have spent time in Dar meeting w/many friends and family of Roland. The electricity is not stable at our hotel and all I can say is THANK GOD I have a HarleyDavidson Dew Rag to wear. My hair is not repesenting itself like the East African women. This has been an incredible challenge for me. No way to dry or curl my hair!!! LOL . Today we took the boat to Zanzibar. The ride was smooth. This place is heaven. We have had a personal escourt to take us all over the city, it was just great. We went to Prisoner island and saw the giant tortoises (my dream) Tomorrow we will be here for the largest East African music festival. More than 100,000 people are here to celebrate with music. It should be an amazing day. We will arrive back to Dar on Monday and spend the day. Tuesday we will journey back to our home in Mwika. This is wear we will begin our work with Maringa Juu and Kondiki Church.

Things are very well. Happy Valentines day to everyone. Thank you for reading my blog and keeping me and the others in your prayers.

Until next time!

Cheers!!

Jambo from Dar es Salaam

Jambo Rafiki!! This means Hello Friends. I am writing you this morning from Dar es Salaam. This is the capital of Tanzania. We are staying at a hotel called the Valley View Hotel. The city of Dar is a mix of culture. There are many muslim and Christian people in this city. As I type this, I am hearing the Mosque calling the people to come to prayer. It is SO different, but also so GREAT!!! The last two days have been so exciting. Tuesday was a day that was just spent in the village of Mwika. We walked to the market which is probably 2 miles from Roland’s house. The market is large and people from all over bring their fruits and vegetables to sell. There is also a lot of rice, beans and other grains. They also sell clothing at the market. This clothing is ALL donated items much like we would see at a store like Goodwill or Salvation Army. People here do not care what the shirt says and style and color do not matter either, they are just happy to have it period!!! We took an 8 hour van ride to Dar yesterday. On our journey to Dar, there were many things that we saw. The landscape of this country is the most beautiful I have ever seen. There are so many mountains and beautiful trees and plants. I got to see what a cashew tree looked like. As our bus would stop along the way, it was evident that the poverty was huge. Our bus would be swarmed with street vendors hoping you would buy just one thing from them. The electricity is very scarce so I am not always able to get online and when I do I must work fast. Tuesday we didn’t have electricity for a good part of the day, and last night as I was trying to type my blog, and the electricity in the hotel disconnected for 30 minutes so good thing I had my “solar flashlight” along we could use this to see each other..LOL. I asked Roland what they do when this happens and his response was, “we just close our eyes during this time” no big deal. I am thinking it isn’t so bad to not have electricity all the time…just think how well rested we would be right??? Well, I must end here. Today we are traveling to Morgororo to visit with a Compassion child who is being sponsored by my friend Ellen. Then we will return to Dar es salaam and we will get to meet some of Roland’s family that lives here in Dar. This weekend we are going to Zanzibar. This is an island located about 90 miles East in the Indian Ocean. We will be there until Monday then it will be back to Mwika to meet with my friends at Maring’a Juu Primary School.I am so Thankful that you are reading my blog and I pray everyone is safe and healthy at home.

Until we meet again.

Cheers!!!

Moshi on Monday

I am at the internet cafe today in Moshi. The weather is near 90 and very hot. Our journey from Mwika was breathtaking. I am amazed at what I am seeing. I will forever be thankful by what we have. The way of life is very difficult. Simple things like running water, roads and food are things that most of us always have. For the people of Mwika and surrounding areas, they work very hard to have very few things. This is a country everyone should have a chance to experience once in their lifetime. My heart is forever changed. The people here are so grateful and loving. Anywhere I have walked, I get hugs and cordial greetings. Anywhere we go, we walk. The children walk to school and some come from so far away. The roads are dirt filled and crevises very deep. Half the time I am having to look down to see if I will step in a hole or kick a big rock. It is funny and we have had many laughs. Last evening we gathered with many from the village. They commonly get together on Sunday nights to watch videos at one location in their village. Many gather just to get together, adults mostly. Everyone cares so much about each other here. In my observation, I can see that people are never ever alone.

My time at the cafe is ending...so until next time. Asante sana for posting me your comments, it is so nice for me to read them. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I DO appreciate them more than you know.

Cheers!!

Jambo.

I have arrived, safe and very very fine!! All of our luggage DID NOT arrive but that is ok, we are learning to live with what we have and that is perfect. Mwika is an unbelievable place, the beauty is more than I ever imagined!! The people are so warm and friendly!! Roland has been our guardian angel and is helping us in every aspect, yet allowing us the opportunity to venture out too. The entire Maanga family has been so wonderful. I believe our families are only a few continents apart. The food has been very good and Neema is a wonderfull cook. We walked all through Mwika and I was made to feel just like a queen would,,,unbelievable. Everyday is a wonderful journey. The sight of Mount Kilimanjaro yesterday brought a tear to my eye...I've only seen this in pictures and now I see it everday. We will go to Moshi tomorrow and hopefully it will see our luggage!! I have all my supplies for the village and children so say a prayer that it gets here.

Until the next time I get to the internet.

Cheers!!!

Thank you!!

I want to personally THANK EVERYONE who is reading my blog. I have been richly blessed with wonderful family and friends!! I want to Thank so many people for your warm blessings and prayers for this journey. My husband Tom and my girls Libby and Bridget for being strong while "Mom" is away. For my parents who will "fill in" where needed, my Sister Lisa and her husband Bob for their strong support. My church Holy Cross and the great members, Pastor David and Pastor Meredith for your guidance in this journey. Valley View elementary school its PTA, the staff, the students and the principal Mary Dohmeier. This is one AWESOME school who knows about global service and outreach!! Go Valley View. For my dear friends: Ann, Brenda (my life long friend) Ilene, Lisa, Rene, Ted, Julie, Nancy, Lori, Sherry, Christina, Suzanne, Linda Z, Shel, Cori, Janet, Derik, Michelle, Tracy, Kris P, Sue, Ellen (my travel partner), Pastor Norm, Cathi, Amy, Nancy, Julie, Cari, Rita, Mom and Dad in Florida, Sandy, Tammy, Marsha, Sue, Rebecca,Barbara (travel partner),Kathy N,Barb N, Dr. Nicholas and her Mom and sister, TJ Middle School, Uncle Don, Hope, Betty P, Cousin Jill and Wendy(my life long friend) I have two groups in Illinois who have been instrumental in knitting and shipping sweaters to Mwika, my "chicks with sticks" group and my Morrison Illionois project. These ladies and gentlemen have made beautiful sweaters and the children of TZ are now kept warm in their "cold" season. Your sticks have made GREAT things happen!!!!

A GREAT huge Thank you for your prayers, your well wishes and everything and anything you have done to help me help Mwika. Your crowns will be waiting for you!!!

See you in Africa!!!