Well, my team and I have been in Arusha, Tanzania for 8 days now. And if I’m being honest, it’s been one of the odder weeks on the Race. So many things have been different than the months before. Even in month 9, expectations can be rocked.
We are staying with Pastor Nobert and his family in a super nice compound. Keep in mind when I say, “super nice” I mean “super nice” for Africa. There are 4 small houses on this compound, as well as, a small convenience store. The girls have our own house with an indoor latrine and shower! Pastor Nobert and his family have hosted many World Race teams in the past. So his wife and friends know exactly how to accommodate us with transportation, food, and day-to-day needs. But compared with other contacts in Africa, the one thing we are missing is the intimate/family relationship. This probably has to do with the fact that they have hosted many teams in the past and are used to people coming and going.
Hmmm. As I typed that last sentence, something clicked.
After eight months on the field, you’ve gotten used to saying good–bye to close friends at the end of every month. And honestly, with each monthly good-bye, making friendships in the next country proves more and more difficult. Because you’ve learned that no matter how close you get to someone, the good-bye is inevitable. So I wonder if for Pastor Nobert and his family, they have learned this too. They have learned that while we are together for three weeks, which is longer than most short-term mission trips, the end will eventually come and another team will soon fill the shoes of the old. Maybe that explains the lack of intimacy between our families….
Okay, back on track.
Another reason why this week has been pretty odd, yesterday, I was diagnosed with tonsillitis. The second half of the week, I had pretty severe throat pain and after a restless night Thursday, woke up with a high fever and body aches. Thankfully, I was able to go to the hospital to get some antibiotics. Yesterday was probably one of the worst days on the Race due to the pain. I had no clue your tonsils could hurt that bad. Praise God that last night I slept better and woke up feeling well rested this morning! My tonsils still hurt pretty badly, but after a few more doses of the antibiotic, I should feel a difference. Thank you to all of those back home who were praying for me! The Lord heard our requests and was faithful to give me rest and comfort me throughout the night.
As a result of the tonsillitis, I only participated in 2.5 days of ministry; another reason why this past week felt odd. Almost every morning, we walk around our village for three hours, going door-to-door, praying for people and sharing the love of Jesus. Many of the people we come in contact with are “cultural Christians”, but nothing more than that. I will be writing another blog soon explaining the difference between “born-again Christians” and other “Christians” in Africa. It’s something we have experienced in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Some afternoons we teach at the church’s Bible study or preach at the local high school’s “Christian Club”. Most days however, ministry only lasts 3-4 hours, and some day’s ministry gets swiped all together when the Pastor tells us we need to “rest”. As much as I appreciate the rest, after a while things can get pretty restless inside a compound with no connection to the outside world and not too much to do. Needless to say, our team will have plenty of time to “bond” over movies and card games this month.
So between the tonsillitis, super nice living conditions, and lax ministry schedule, this past week has been an odd one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying Tanzania thus far and am really trying to take advantage of every opportunity my last month in Africa has to offer. Well, I guess that is it. Not the smoothest way to end a blog, but hopefully more news will be coming soon.
Much love from Tanzania!
