Hello all…
Once again sorry for the lack of updates. My iPad doesn’t work in any of the internet cafes in the small town of Iringa in Tanzania. So its been a challenge to find time to post blogs. I usually don’t write blogs at the cafes, so this one may be a little more of a word vomit than usual.
So I’m coming to the end of my time in Tanzania… and Africa for that matter. Usually on these types of trip when going from country to country, it seems like time is flying. But 3 months in Africa feels like 3 months in Africa. Honestly, this is a tough place to live… especially when you’re living in small towns and spending loads of times in the crazy villages out in the bush! There are many beautiful things about Africa like the colorful outfits the women wear or how they carry huge water jugs on their heads or their warm hospitality. But for every uniquely wonderful thing about Africa, there are several aspects of this land that are equally challenging and unique to this part of the world.
Through it all, its been a tremendous experience. Africa will definitely help you put life back in to perspective and help you re-appreciate the little conveniences we all take for granted like running water, warm water, showers, and a variety of food that we have at our disposal back in America. I know, its all so cliche, but some of the most important truths are cliches.
Health is also a struggle when you spend enough time in Africa as well. And no, not just that most girls gain 5-10lbs and most guys lose the same amount. (weird phenomenon). But my entire team of 6 people contracted malaria during the same week. Nearly half of the people on our squad of 40 have had malaria at some point during Africa and some are now dealing with Typhoid. This is all in the face of the best precautions we could have all taken. Thank God, just about everyone has recovered or is doing well in their recovery. Luckily my symtoms didn’t too long, but nonetheless, it was no fun.
This past weekend was spent out in a rural village about 30 miles away from the town my team is staying in. We split up into pairs of 2 and my team of 6 went to 3 different villages from Fri- Mon. I went with Dan, the other guy on my team, and we met up with a local pastor of this village. We stayed in his room that he was renting out which is a small concrete room with nothing more than a bed in it. And to really call is a bed in term of comfort is really a stretch. out 16 yr old translator also staying in the room with us. So we were snug.
We spend the weekend speaking at his small church which consisted of about 15 women of all ages, 10 children and 1 man. Interesting demographics. We also did a little door to door, which is exactly what it sounds like. walking from hut to hut, asking if we could pray for people or their families and seeing if there was an opportunity to share the gospel. Most families are more than happy to invite us in and were usually happy to talk about their religious views. While this carries with in quite the stigma in the US, this practice seems to be the norm here in Africa. I had to get over that real fast.
Its interesting to see how certain teachings of the Bible can be so different in Africa. It can range from if you drink, you can’t be born again… to you can be a christian if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Its really bizarre to hear some of these things. There seems to be a huge emphasis on the law, rules and regulations. My team and I have been trying to focus moreso on messages of love, grace and freedom. But sometimes I think, its been years of this kind of teaching in parts of Africa, it may take years to get them beyond it. Hopefully not. All I can do it my part.
What else have I been doing in Tanzania…
-Visiting orphanages (one my favs). Playing games and teaching valuable lessons to kids.
-Working with disabled people who are highly discriminated against here in Africa
-Visit University fellowships like Campus Crusades or Intervarsity. (made me miss USC)
-Oh & my personal favorite (thick sarcasm), speaking in an open air market on a loud speaker with translator. Holy crap… things I thought I’d never do. Only in Africa…
-Mild construction aka moving a pile of bricks.
Fun times- planned a Safari for my team in couple days. We are about a 2 hr drive from a pretty sweet national park called Ruaha. Hoping to see some sweet Lion King scenes!
Will have a debrief back in Nairobi in a few days where the whole squad will celebrate Christmas early since we probably won’t be together for the holidays. I’m sure I’ll have something to blog about after our debrief.
Then off to Thailand. I’m so excited for S.E. Asia!!! Ok, much of it has to do with the food… but seriously, the culture and people are amazing as well.
Alright, sorry I’m not going to proof read this blog… hope it made sense.
Love and miss you all!
J
PS- Once I get back to legit internet… I will try to start posting pictures in blogs again. Since I know thats what most of you really come for. 🙂
