TANZANIA, July 9, 2013

 On my third morning in Tanzania, I arose from my jet lag stupor to the crowing of a rooster. Shortly after, a chorus of birds began their morning serenade. After a hardy breakfast and an inspiring devotion, we were transported to the worksite at the orphanage. We drove past people laboring with oxen in  the field and women in colorful native apparel walking along the roadside carrying heavy loads on their heads, Turning onto a dirt road, we drove past humble homes as our driver dodged rocks and enormous potholes.

Our men worked on the logistics of the construction,

and the younger ones, Timothy and Nicky, took to chopping trees in the local way (with axes). 

Lou's search for a chain saw resulted in cost prohibitive options. After he suffered a hand injury, we women were blessed with Bill's creativity and great baritone voice as we prepared our crafts for the day at Mama Ksusha's house. 

JOHN 3:16 in Swahili

 

When Ksusha went to pick up our awesome translators, Mercy and Johannes, the other women went down to the site where we store our supplies in Juma's new office, and I stayed with the girls. They tried every trick in the book to not take their naps (a universal trait of children). As soon as Ksusha came home, they knew that Mama meant business, and all was quiet.

The younger children clamored at the gate before 1:30, but waited with eager anticipation and as much patience as possible.

When they came in, we began writing their names on masking tape and putting them on their clothes. Since we are doing phonetic spellings, I wonder how many little people's names are misspelled. Some of the children came with their nametags from the previous day, because they were wearing the same clothes they had on. Most of the children's clothes are torn, tattered, and dirty. The dirt roads don't make cleanliness an easy task. We began with activities including throwing nerf footballs, jumping rope, and kicking soccer balls that our high school soccer coach, Greg Winkler, so generously donated. Hitting a ball with a bat may have been a first for them. The joy on their faces was exhilarating!  The squeals when they blew bubbles and saw them pop was better than presents at Christmas!

Miriam played the guitar, and we sang fun songs about Jesus. 

As wonderful as the children's voices were,even better was when I noticed the men who were digging the trenches for the new orphanage foundation singing along!  

Cynthia narrated the Bible story as we dressed the children in the various roles of the Nativity. The angel wore the wings I made with great pride in her role. The little girl holding the star would have stood there all day; her arms never wavered. When the shepherds donned their outfits, the crowd of children had a few giggles. The shepherds took their wooden staffs and walked to stable, which was actually a log upon which Joseph and Mary sat. Baby Jesus was a baby from the audience - a mother was watching us and her little child fit the part perfectly. The three kings looked very regal in their decorated crowns, robes, and lunch boxes elaborately decorated as frankincense, gold, and myrrh. 

 

After a snack and a puzzle to take home, the older students from the nearby boarding school came in, and VBS number two started! They wore their school uniforms. We had close to 30 students who had a nice conversation with Cynthia while they had their snack. In the group there's a Clinton, a BillGates, and a Nickson!  The students enjoyed kicking soccer balls with Timothy and Nicky and jumping rope. We look forward to planning Bible stories and art projects appropriate for their age level for tomorrow and the rest of the week!

Highlights of the day included seeing one of the workers able to read the Swahili Bible with reading glasses that Bill brought. With the generous donation from a store owner in his town, there will be about 100 other people who will be able to see better. Another highlight was seeing the athleticism of one of the girls in the younger group. She loves to do cartwheels, back bends, and other gymnastic moves. I pray that there may be some opportunity for her in her future. I think about what opportunity means. In the United States and other developed countries we have the opportunities to develop and use our talents. How many people are there in the world whose potential is never realized because of their circumstances. I bring this concern to God in my prayers for these people. 

Another highlight was how well the children behaved. Yesterday was chaotic. Today, we were better prepared for the multitudes and they are learning our expectations for behavior such as forming a line, etc. I am impressed with how they look out for each other. Older brothers and sisters bring their younger siblings and willingly help them. Friends are kind to each other. I see the love of God in these precious children.

Tired from a full day, I took a nice swim in the hotel pool (a bit cold, but refreshing), and had a great meal. We ended our day with WOW time and reflected on how we saw God today. This mission trip is opening my eyes and heart to another culture and in some small way I hope to plant a seed of God's love.