Hello family, friends and prayer partners-
Indeed we have arrived safely in Tanzania on Sunday evening. Unfortunately, we haven't had a confluence of events to allow Internet access until today (Wednesday). So, to catch you up, here a re a few significant tales:
1) Why I Love Bureaucracy, Part # 8,732
When we arrived at the Kilimanjaro airport after 26 hours of traveling, we were shocked to find that all 24 pieces of checked luggage had arrived. This was a true miracle. 3 of those bag contained 150 soccer balls that we will be delivering everywhere we go. I decided to take those three bags out to the bus. As I passed through the exit, I was stopped by a very nice young man in a yellow T-shirt who asked to see what was in my bags. I showed him the soccer balls and he directed me to an office where I was told I would have to pay "duty" on these items. It was bribe time. The only question was how low I could negotiate the bribe. I started with a lowball offer of $50USD and was met with silence. Then the "customs official" moved onto someone else's paperwork. This particular person was an American bringing 6 shotguns into the country for "a hunt." I think he was from Texas. I didn't ask what the prey would be. The "customs official" decided to check each gun and this inspection included swinging the things around somewhat indiscriminately while attempting to locate serial numbers. Needless to say, my bribe offer went up to $100 USD very quickly and was thankfully accepted. Only in Africa.
2) Day #1 - Monday, 6/30
On Monday morning we were met by Thomas Ratsim, our old friend from JM Tours who served as our official "tour manager" while we are here. He is basically our go-to guy for anything concerning travel or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania or how not to be a ridiculous American tourist. He helped us through our necessary errands which are incredibly exciting here - things like changing money, going to the ATM and buying bottled water. He wanted to know all about Barack Obama, so we told him some things. Discussing American presidential politics on the hour-long bus ride was surreal.
We arrived at the Massae Girl's Lutheran Secondary School about 3pm. We were met by our good friends Jean and Marv. The guest house that was under construction when we visited two years ago is now a full-on luxury lodge. It even came complete with a gourmet chef who was preparing dinner as we entered. Life is good.
School is not in session but there are 28 girls on campus who are staying through the break. Their smiles and singing are incredible.
Day #2 - Tuesday, July 1
Nobody slept well. The men all came out to the common area of the lodge at 2:30am and started going trough all the donations items we brought to the school - mostly computer parts. The day officially started with morning prayer at 7:10am. For the girls at the school, they run and sing beginning at 5:30am. I thought 7:10 was early! After morning prayer we ate breakfast and then broke up to start all kinds of projects. Brad began to assess the situation in the computer lab, one group began to assess the situation in the library and one group began to spend time with the six Form 1 (8th grade) girls still on campus. I think they ended up doing art projects and chatting about tons of stuff. The real action took place outside the front entrance, where myself, Steve and Kris were tasked with burning stuff. First we went down the trash area (rubbage area, excuse me). It's basically a hole in the ground. After several false starts and no accelerants, we managed to burn a week's worth of garbage. Just so you know, there is almost no recycling here. Then we collected some shrub trimmings, added it to a large pile of similar material sitting directly adjacent to the front gate and torched the whole thing. This small bonfire collected quite a crowd who admired our work.
In the afternoon, Kris and Alisa taught an exercise class for the girls while Lois and her helpers taught the girl's to play soccer (with some of those balls we brought). The exercise class was a huge hit - we may have started a fitness craze. The soccer class has high comedy. In Tanzania, soccer is considered a "boys" game so the girl's don't often play (if ever). Watching these teenager girl's learn dribbling, passing, shooting and heading was tremendous. Their laughter echoed throughout the school. And yet most were naturals at the game.
Day #3 - Wednesday, July 2 (today)
Another great day! My time is running out in the computer lab so I'll be fast. I met with the campus pastor of the Girl's School today, Pastor Neema. She is a young woman - a former graduate of the school who has returned to help inspire and teach those following the same path that she has followed. Girls in the Masai tribe are often married between the ages of 12-16 to older men. The girl's school is bucking this cultural trend by providing these girls the opportunity for an education. Pastor Neema told me the story of a girl who has passed Form 4 (11th grade) and is hoping to go onto a one-year course to be a kindergarten teacher. The problem is that this girl's father is desperately trying to find her to marry her off. Pastor Neema is trying to help by serving as her "parent" for the next year while looking for an educational sponsorship. When our group heard the story, several agreed to provide the necessary funds for the girl to complete school. We are meeting her for the first time in 2 hours.
Pastor Neema also told me the story of a girl, aged 8, who was married off by her father to a much older man. Pastor Neema helped "rescue" this girl and got her access to a primary education at a Catholic boarding school. The trajectory of that girl's life has been changed. Now Pastor Neema is looking for someone to take on sponsorship for this child. The cost: a mere $700.00 USD per year. Any takers?
More on the Girl's School later.
We are well and hope you are too. Kwa Heri.
Pastor Rick, on behalf of the team
