Getting Dirty in Tanzania
The conductor never informed us how
dirty (in the most literal sense of dirt) a passenger on ‘Kampala Coach’ could
get over a 31 hour bus ride. The first task in Tanzania was to hit the shower
(you begin to truly appreciate showers in Africa) and this one had everything
one could wish for, minus a shower curtain. As I stood there (streams of filthy
water flowed into the corner of the shower), I couldn’t help but think of what
is in store for us here in Tanzania. This exchange from Uganda to Tanzania
marks the 6th country on our trip, almost half way until we return
to American soil. Each new country we visit brings me a feeling of excitement,
as we are always surprised as to what we are getting ourselves into.
What we know so far about this month: Our
contact is the bishop over 700 churches (“yes”, was the response to my question
“So he’s a pretty big deal?”), we are about 20 miles outside the largest city
in Tanzania, we have a laundry list of ministry options: speaking at schools,
visiting hospitals, orphanages, community cleaning and teaching English. Tyler
and I are sharing a room in a modest home, not too far from the host house for
our five girls, where they are sharing a similar room at a house comparable to
ours.
I hope that this month we can have
a huge impact on the lives of those that we come in contact. I want to try and
concentrate on God’s will, be intentional about growing our little mobile
community (my team), and focus my energy to bringing God’s kingdom in Tanzania.
In all of this I hope that I realize deep down that it is not me, but God
working in and through me, his dirty servant.
**So that was written shortly after we arrived in Tanzania on Nov. 4th. Since then we have been busy teaching computer classes, English classes, and leading church services. We are staying in a town that is loaded with palm trees and has a 100% sand ground cover. We are about 15 miles from the ocean, but live on the beach! Before you think we are living the life of luxury, please note we have no toilets and take bucket showers. Also its about a million degrees here. All that said, we are having a great time and enjoy the people of Tanzania very much. Looking forward to the next couple weeks here.**
