Hi Folks,
I is amazing that a week from Tuesday, I will once again be sitting on a flight back to the US. Progress is very noticable now that we have concrete floors being poured and the Green metal roofs on two of the buildings. My 24 wardrobes are in storage so that leaves me very little space to live. Our two bedrooms are pack now with beds and projects up to the ceilings. I will be glad to finally get a truck and move to the site and unload everything.
We stayed in Mbuguni last weekend and visited the Lutheran Sunday School class near the construction site. I had many little items from First Lutheran Sunday School children in Milford plus my sisters elementary class in Michigan made items as gifts to present to them. I planned on 30 to 40 watotos as there were 30 or so last time. I think they heard I was coming as the group had adults present along with about 50 children. I didn't count but I asked the teacher if maybe one gift per family might make it all stretch so every one got something. I have memories of smiling kids and singing along with some very happy parents. I had my interpreter handle the camera and he managed a small video clip minus the sound. It was his First attempt at that function on the STEMM camera. I have one picture of a little girl alone afterwards, so focused on what was in her little envelope, she had never had such treasures in her hand.
Two Nuns (Sister Lucy and Sister Monica) from STAR school guided us to a small village on the south slope of Mt Kilimanjaro. They asked if I could bring a few shirts for some kids they know. I picked up 30 shirts and pants and on Sunday afternoon we took the 10 minute drive to their little abode. After driving for 90 minutes we arrived only to find that we were to have lunch at a relatives home of one of the sisters. Having eaten rice and what I think was greens, we headed out for our 10 minute drive to the little village. (communicating is still a bit of a challenge for me) Erick placed the vehicle in 4 wheel drive to manage the slopes up and down and the boulders. I doubt the road had ever seen a Grader. When the Sister guiding said turn left here - I said no way! There was no road, just a walking path about 12" wide with banana trees tight to the path. She said "Akuna Matata" which means "no worries". I said "have you ever gone this way before?" and she said "You are soon to see where I grew Up. Normally however, we only walk in." With our car moving the branches out of the way in a dead crawl, we headed on and upward. Turn here, no, wait turn at the next foot path on your right, After about five turns I was so lost in a mountain sloped banana forest that it was a good thing I had two Sisters along who could pray to get us back out. Eventually we came to a small old woman who was working with a hoe in the banana trees. Sister Lucy said to me "That's my MaMa!!!! I met the entire clan, the sisters wanted to show me everything and everyone. We hiked down a deep canyon where she would get water at every day. By the time we came in from our hike, her Mama had Samaki (fish) and baked bananas. Now the nearest lake is 300 miles away so without refrigeration you can imagine - or maybe you don't want to - know what we ate. It was a requirement to have a taste as is custom so I gave my GI digestive track a quick prayer and tackled my second meal of unknowns in as many hours. It was delicious and I had seconds. I stood and told the Mama that "Samaki na ndizi ni nzuri"! - She smiled, nodded and replied profusely in her native swahili so I pulled out my photos of my family to show to her. I have the swahili words for son, daughter, wife, grandson, granddaughter, etc and she immediately took the pictures and explained to the clan who I had as family in America. They wanted to know when they were coming for Samaki and ndizi too!!
Sister Lucy then said we should visit the needy family. Walking about 30 yards thru the banana forest, a hut appeared and all were outside. There seemed about 12 children (no adults) and more kept coming as we handed out items. The sisters said that the family is mostly children with the young girls at age 12 to 13 becoming mothers. I was handed a photo of a little girl who was 13 and not pregnant who wanted to be sent to school so she could get a chance at a better life. One does not have to look too many degrees in any direction to find a desperately needy child wanting an education. By the time I left, I had acquired 3 photos of teenaged children wanting an education. As no school is available to them, they would have to go to a boarding school at great expense. I am handing the photos to STEMM to see if one or more can be added to our School House scholarship program.
Oh, I will never forget, I had 12 pure white 5" teddy bears with a fabric cross donated by someone back home. I was not pleased by the white color as the dirt here soils everything so fast and it is so difficult to carry water for washing. It seems my concerns were not valid. Had I had 100 of them, they would have disappeared within a kilometer. I picked 12 little girls only who where walking with a Mama - maybe 3 to 6 years old. Their little eyes lit up and immediatley hugged it so tight - the Mama's saying Asanti Asanti as we moved on. The high pitch voice of the child thrilled and telling mama something but unknown to me. I can imagine that those little bears have a special home for a long time. The memory of those moments are so etched in my mind no photos are needed to remind me of the joy those small gifts brought.
I had a long week of sanding and varnishing so I took the three men off of the fencing crew and placed them on an assembly finishing line for bunk beds. The vibration of the sanders for 9 hours caused all three to have a terrible night. Their hands buzzed to bad they couldn't sleep. They all tried laying on their hands, putting their hands under their heads, placing heavy objects on their hands and all sorts of things to stop their hands from buzzing. They even said their head vibrated when their head was laying on their hands. I was laughing so hard at their predicament my side hurt. On day two of sanding they chose the brush instead and I was stuck with the sanders. They eventually picked up a sander and tried again, once they understood what had happened and it was only temporary.
Erick seems to have gotten bit by a big bug so got him to a hospital on Saturday for drugs. He was also down with some virus and I had to make meals and allow him to rest last week. I think even the heat and dust gets to him too.
Well, we seem to be having a Financial problem in getting funds wired from the states. I have gone thru all my reserve cash and have borrowed now from the Ahadi Lodge to get me thru next week. Pray for FUNDS to arrive. I have workers to pay!!!
Have a great start to December - Think SNOW! I am.
Blessings,
Richard
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rich's week 1 of 2nd trip
Hi Folks,
Habari ya Assibui,
Had a very uneventful flight, arrival and the first 4 days at the village. Oh I should mention that the 30 hr flight was extended a bit due to the unexpected stop in Kenya to drop a man having a heart attack, behind my seat. A cabin search for a doctor was made and we dropped into Nyrobi as there is a better heart hospital there. There was no room for a gurney in the isle of the KLM flight to lay a man out so we elevated him across the seats. He couldn't turn the corner on the stretcher to exit the airplane door so that was interesting as well, Tipping the pour gent vertical almost gave me a heart attack. Back in the air after refueling I arrived at Kili airport to be greated by officials wearing face masks and official forms inquiring as to H1N1 virus and if we felt sick we should go back where we came from. I had no intention of THAT!!!!
This never happens - I was the first one to get my baggage off the claim area - YEAH. Wow!!!!! However, This is not always a good thing as I found out 2 minutes later. Being the first to Customs, they all were ready for Good old #1 passenger and they were going to do a very complete job. (Its best to wait a bit until there is a line and then when things get backed up a bit, you might get waved through without inspection). Well the nice man opened my 70 lb 4' duffel and proceded to remove washcloth dolls from First Lutheran Church, photos, button toys from my sister's classroom in Michigan, age 1 to age 6 shirts and pants collected in Milford, etc. all very expensive and then finally he hit pay dirt. TOOLS and Screws, hidden in the bottom!!! He said I would have to pay to take this bag out of the airport. I argued in Swahili for a bit (the baggage line now is starting to back up) I switched to English as I only knew how to say hello and coffee please, in Swahili. They started a second line and people were starting to be waved past and out to get transport to Arusha. I was taken to a back room where interagation of my need for dolls and button toys and screws were to be used. He said this was valuable stuff and that the Tanzania Government has to place a VAT tax on the bag of supplies. I continued to argue about them taxing the orphans in Tanzania - I thought I had a great argument - after all he was just trying to get a bit of cash for his CHI fund (his own use). He wanted 100 USD. I showed him my wallet, I had 7 bucks - the rest I had hidden. He was not happy. I ended up walking out into the lobby and getting $30.00 USD from My driver who was waiting for me. I exchanged it for 40,000 Shillings and gave it to the nice man back in customs. He gave me an unofficial reciept and I was good to go!! I was so thankful that the driver had money, that the line was getting hundreds deep by now and I was blocking trffic and that he didn't look in my other 2 bags which contained all my expensive power tools. T think I would still be there. God is good so keep me in your prayers, I almost needed a heart hospital myself after that!
Stayed only the first night at the lodge and the next day immediately purchased 30 sheets of 4 x 8' plywood stock to build wardrobes at the village. I ordered a pickup truck to haul the plywood from down town to the edge of town where we transferred it to a large truck to make the trip to Mbuguni. I paid for pick up, hauling - unloading, reloading, hauling and unloading again at the village site. I sure miss Consumer lumber in Spirit Lake with free delivery! This took all day. By evening I had the plywood stacked at the village and I took the first sheet placed it on the table to layout cabinet number one and proceded to cut it out. The power had been off all day so no time was lost there. I was like a little kid with a new power tool. I had enough to keep me busy for weeks. My joy turned to sorrow (just like the song) in about 2 minutes however. It seems the plywood manufacturer saves on cost by only gluing the edges of the sheet of plywood. When I made my first cut 10" inside my first sheet the plys opened up like a fan. NO GLUE THERE!!! I made a second cut only to have the 7 plys completely de-laminate. Time to rethink! You don't get refunds in Tanzania. I'm still rethinking and reordering, and re-praying, and wondering if STEMM in Sioux City will cover my $600.00 plus junk delivery. God is Good. This is HIS project I keep telling myself. I'm glad the Architect was with me so I had moral support and lots of laughter over (we'er not in Kansas anymore) I may have to organize a STEMM (TASTE of AFRICA Dinner) fund raiser back home to cover my blunders.
So I spent 2 days placing fence posts instead of cabinet work - was without a vehicle for the duration as the Architect was trying to solve problems of his own with the Government in Arusha - (This is hopeless). Walking to the site and back only takes me 1 hour in full sun at 95 degees F. I now have the skin color of a true Tananian as the dirt sticks nicely to my face and any exposed skin and along with the sweat plus the humidity which is increasing reminds me of a sauna gone bad. I gained back some weight the last 6 weeks but I think it all disappeared on me after two days in that heat. We had to move the fence twice - seems the villagers didn't like the location I started at and after a 1/2 day meeting with the Architect we moved to a new location right down the center of an old ox cart path. Nice and HARD and compacted soil to dig thru. God is Good. I think he must want to test something in the depths of my inner being. The men I work with are so happy to have me back. - I am called " REEE-CHARD! I look up when I am called every minute or so. That's it on the verbal communication end of things. We laugh constantly at the littlest thing especially at my practiced method of using hand signals to explain what is to be done. I have now perfected the art of arm, hand, leg, and finger signals to explain fence layout and construction. Laughter is always accompanied by a little hip action to music wafting thru the site.
The local Lutheran church, 30 feet from the fence, practices their music ministry and dance moves, outside with an amplifier that would make Bob Floss Smile. Their dance session is about 6-7 hours long. Of course, yours truely, stepped up to the challenge and tried to dig holes to the beat of the music with exagerated hip action. I had 100+ kids laughing and eventually got invited to dance with the music team. That really stopped all classes at the church as kids were hanging out the windows watching the muzungu make a fool of himself. I declined their offer of full time employment as a Praise and Worship team member and went back to digging holes for which I have been blessed by God in that fine art instead.
I arrived back in Arusha to go to church Saturday night and will be back at it on Monday Morning. God is Good.
Blessings,
The very tired Fundi Richard - but having a hoot of a time.
Richard
Habari ya Assibui,
Had a very uneventful flight, arrival and the first 4 days at the village. Oh I should mention that the 30 hr flight was extended a bit due to the unexpected stop in Kenya to drop a man having a heart attack, behind my seat. A cabin search for a doctor was made and we dropped into Nyrobi as there is a better heart hospital there. There was no room for a gurney in the isle of the KLM flight to lay a man out so we elevated him across the seats. He couldn't turn the corner on the stretcher to exit the airplane door so that was interesting as well, Tipping the pour gent vertical almost gave me a heart attack. Back in the air after refueling I arrived at Kili airport to be greated by officials wearing face masks and official forms inquiring as to H1N1 virus and if we felt sick we should go back where we came from. I had no intention of THAT!!!!
This never happens - I was the first one to get my baggage off the claim area - YEAH. Wow!!!!! However, This is not always a good thing as I found out 2 minutes later. Being the first to Customs, they all were ready for Good old #1 passenger and they were going to do a very complete job. (Its best to wait a bit until there is a line and then when things get backed up a bit, you might get waved through without inspection). Well the nice man opened my 70 lb 4' duffel and proceded to remove washcloth dolls from First Lutheran Church, photos, button toys from my sister's classroom in Michigan, age 1 to age 6 shirts and pants collected in Milford, etc. all very expensive and then finally he hit pay dirt. TOOLS and Screws, hidden in the bottom!!! He said I would have to pay to take this bag out of the airport. I argued in Swahili for a bit (the baggage line now is starting to back up) I switched to English as I only knew how to say hello and coffee please, in Swahili. They started a second line and people were starting to be waved past and out to get transport to Arusha. I was taken to a back room where interagation of my need for dolls and button toys and screws were to be used. He said this was valuable stuff and that the Tanzania Government has to place a VAT tax on the bag of supplies. I continued to argue about them taxing the orphans in Tanzania - I thought I had a great argument - after all he was just trying to get a bit of cash for his CHI fund (his own use). He wanted 100 USD. I showed him my wallet, I had 7 bucks - the rest I had hidden. He was not happy. I ended up walking out into the lobby and getting $30.00 USD from My driver who was waiting for me. I exchanged it for 40,000 Shillings and gave it to the nice man back in customs. He gave me an unofficial reciept and I was good to go!! I was so thankful that the driver had money, that the line was getting hundreds deep by now and I was blocking trffic and that he didn't look in my other 2 bags which contained all my expensive power tools. T think I would still be there. God is good so keep me in your prayers, I almost needed a heart hospital myself after that!
Stayed only the first night at the lodge and the next day immediately purchased 30 sheets of 4 x 8' plywood stock to build wardrobes at the village. I ordered a pickup truck to haul the plywood from down town to the edge of town where we transferred it to a large truck to make the trip to Mbuguni. I paid for pick up, hauling - unloading, reloading, hauling and unloading again at the village site. I sure miss Consumer lumber in Spirit Lake with free delivery! This took all day. By evening I had the plywood stacked at the village and I took the first sheet placed it on the table to layout cabinet number one and proceded to cut it out. The power had been off all day so no time was lost there. I was like a little kid with a new power tool. I had enough to keep me busy for weeks. My joy turned to sorrow (just like the song) in about 2 minutes however. It seems the plywood manufacturer saves on cost by only gluing the edges of the sheet of plywood. When I made my first cut 10" inside my first sheet the plys opened up like a fan. NO GLUE THERE!!! I made a second cut only to have the 7 plys completely de-laminate. Time to rethink! You don't get refunds in Tanzania. I'm still rethinking and reordering, and re-praying, and wondering if STEMM in Sioux City will cover my $600.00 plus junk delivery. God is Good. This is HIS project I keep telling myself. I'm glad the Architect was with me so I had moral support and lots of laughter over (we'er not in Kansas anymore) I may have to organize a STEMM (TASTE of AFRICA Dinner) fund raiser back home to cover my blunders.
So I spent 2 days placing fence posts instead of cabinet work - was without a vehicle for the duration as the Architect was trying to solve problems of his own with the Government in Arusha - (This is hopeless). Walking to the site and back only takes me 1 hour in full sun at 95 degees F. I now have the skin color of a true Tananian as the dirt sticks nicely to my face and any exposed skin and along with the sweat plus the humidity which is increasing reminds me of a sauna gone bad. I gained back some weight the last 6 weeks but I think it all disappeared on me after two days in that heat. We had to move the fence twice - seems the villagers didn't like the location I started at and after a 1/2 day meeting with the Architect we moved to a new location right down the center of an old ox cart path. Nice and HARD and compacted soil to dig thru. God is Good. I think he must want to test something in the depths of my inner being. The men I work with are so happy to have me back. - I am called " REEE-CHARD! I look up when I am called every minute or so. That's it on the verbal communication end of things. We laugh constantly at the littlest thing especially at my practiced method of using hand signals to explain what is to be done. I have now perfected the art of arm, hand, leg, and finger signals to explain fence layout and construction. Laughter is always accompanied by a little hip action to music wafting thru the site.
The local Lutheran church, 30 feet from the fence, practices their music ministry and dance moves, outside with an amplifier that would make Bob Floss Smile. Their dance session is about 6-7 hours long. Of course, yours truely, stepped up to the challenge and tried to dig holes to the beat of the music with exagerated hip action. I had 100+ kids laughing and eventually got invited to dance with the music team. That really stopped all classes at the church as kids were hanging out the windows watching the muzungu make a fool of himself. I declined their offer of full time employment as a Praise and Worship team member and went back to digging holes for which I have been blessed by God in that fine art instead.
I arrived back in Arusha to go to church Saturday night and will be back at it on Monday Morning. God is Good.
Blessings,
The very tired Fundi Richard - but having a hoot of a time.
Richard
Richard Hildebrand's week 2 of 2nd trip
Hi Folks,
Habari za jeoni,
Had a very busy last week. Monday I proceeded to return the poor plywood (It was taken back in exchange for a higher quality product. Then I had the new lumbercore plywood delivered and had it by noon at the village. I had to be given a ride in a delivery pickup truck that carried the delivery to show them the location. It was a unique experience as the vehicle died after 10 feet or so and I pointed out that they were out of fuel as according to the gas gage. They said that E was for Enough and the problem was with a piece of chicken wire holding a lever under the hood. A bit of twisting and wiggling caused the vehicle to start once again and I was on my way for 30 miles in a most uncomfortable seat as there was nothing left of the cushion and the springs were all but shot supporting the vehicle. It took 2 hours! The Architect and my interpreter stayed back and I worked at the village until Wednesday when they showed up. They both only stayed one night with me so I had basically the entire week being the only Muzungu in the village. It was quiet but with all the villagers wanting to say Hi, I stayed entertained.
We have started the fourth and final side of the fencing project. We ran out of concrete poles and have ordered 120 more and will get delivery in 10 days. I found that with the poles lying on the ground on the fence line, a few of the villagers will come at night and break some of them to get at the steel reinforcement. They then sell the steel and make enough to get a meal. I tried to hurry up and get all that we had delivered into the ground quickly to save as many as possible. The men were very tired as we worked long days in very hot and dusty conditions. Not fun. My head spins at night from the heat and I have to sit for fear of tipping over.
I gave myself a nice break and started the plywood wardrobes for the children. Having cut out patterns and multiple pieces to make 24 on the first production run - I was in the shade, using power tools, and was once again in my element. I hired a local man who happened to show up who introduced himeself as a Fundi. I needed the help so gave him instruction on the use of my power tools. He had not ever used power tools but he quickly found out about saw kick backs, wearing safety glasses and using the drill too fast. I worked with him all day on Friday and Saturday and had a good time. He earned $10 USD for his efforts.
It happened that four Maasi guards stopped to visit me. I was treated to an interesting dance routine of HIGH jumping and deep bass sounds coming somewhere deep in the base of their throat. One offered me a tomato (nya nya) I said "Endio" for yes and off he went. He returned the next day with a 5 gallon bucket of tomatoes just for me!!!! I guess I should have tried to explain that I could use two or four for supper and I would have been good to go! He insisted I take all of them so any visitor passing by was treated to nya nya's. Actually I was glad to have something to serve guests.
Erick killed a rat in the courtyard of the place I am staying at - I left the premises when I realized it wasn't a dog. Also the ants found the kitchen and following their trail. I located a nest in the rafters of my bedroom. I called back to Arusha and had them purchase that "Doom" bug killer that landed me in the hospital on my August visit. It worked like a charm. I sprayed and stayed out of the kitchen for a full day. Not a cricket, june bug, grasshopper, rat, or ant was left. They returned in 24 hours but for a moment I was free of crawly things. A June Bug hatch occured this past week and they are everywhere. They get caught in my mosquito net at night and tussle around tring to get off and do the thing that June bugs do. I helped them off my net with a snapply finger flip with the aid of a flashlight to locate them. If I do it just right, they wack the concrete wall, land on the floor, turn upside down, spin a bit and die. I sweep them up twice a day now or I find that the crunching sound they make when stepped on is a bit disgusting. The Juicy ones (most are) that get the shoe, attract more ants and I really don't like ants.
Duct tape goes to bed with me each night now. As the mosquito netting optains holes from what ever reason, I have a patch procedure that works. The mosquitoes are relentless so it's best to sleep with the roll.
No rain yet. The dust is like an Iowa snow storm. You can't see the next building when it gets flying around. Several times a day, I see heat twisters passing by with the cyclone winds picking up the ground vertically in a spiral for a 1000' or so and blackening the sky with dust clouds above. Drought issues are now critical here as well as most of Tanzania. Unicef and other aid organizations are overwhelmed with trying to supply food and water to remote areas. Beautiful farm land that should have Maze growing everywhere is scorched and crops dead on the ground. Here at Mbuguni, we have some irrigated farm land so the area that receives water is producing good crops. God is Good!
At church today in Arusha, an invitation was made to any and all to join the choir for the Christmas program on December 11th. Yours truely has decided to give it a go. I can't make any of the practice sessions during mid week, so they gave me a song book, a cassette of the music and told me I would be fine and very welcome to participate. After all, I will miss our own Christmas program in Milford and who knows, I may even be the only BASS in the choir. After church we headed to a weekend Christmas FAIR at a Safari company grounds on the edge of Arusha. Tents were placed in a huge circle and vendors were selling Art Work. I'm very fortunate that my dear Wife was not in attendance as I would have had to call the bank to cover the purchases. This was real fine art and carvings, furniture, paintings, hand crafted clothing and bead work with the artist present. I however, can make it thru without the temptation of making a purchase. What I usually buy is nails and screws and of course how can I pass up a good power tool but those things were not there.
Been blessed with good health this trip so far. Dean Van Roekel is leaving this Wednesday and I will hold down the fort for the next 4 weeks especially with the capable hands of Erick. Once Dean is gone, Erick will spend his time with me at the village. Dean has had a reaction to something and spent a day in the Salian Hospital as his legs were swelling so bad. He is surviving. For the most part, I have been alone these past two weeks so the change of having Erick around will be welcomed. Little Enoki is my companion now as his sister, Nora, is attending her first year in school. She came by one day only so I miss her. Enoki, age 3. received a pair of shoes and some clothes but he lays on the concrete and plays with that little match box bus toy I gave him. He has brought it with him every day. Finally, all the students at STAR school have gone home yesturday on 2 month summer break. It will be very quiet there for the remainder of my stay.
There is a local water pipe about a kilometer from us and Mama's are milling about with 7 or 8 children waiting to fill a bucket. I stopped and called a Mama over to the vehicle and handed her shoes and shirts and pants for about 10 watotoes (children). She was at first speechless - then the grin started. As we drove off, the sound of, Asanti - Asanti rang in our ears. I too was happy for a moment, then once again after the sounds faded, I started to reflect on my abundance, knowing I could do much more, if only I made the effort.
I pray all is well on the other side of the pond.
Blessings,
Richard
Habari za jeoni,
Had a very busy last week. Monday I proceeded to return the poor plywood (It was taken back in exchange for a higher quality product. Then I had the new lumbercore plywood delivered and had it by noon at the village. I had to be given a ride in a delivery pickup truck that carried the delivery to show them the location. It was a unique experience as the vehicle died after 10 feet or so and I pointed out that they were out of fuel as according to the gas gage. They said that E was for Enough and the problem was with a piece of chicken wire holding a lever under the hood. A bit of twisting and wiggling caused the vehicle to start once again and I was on my way for 30 miles in a most uncomfortable seat as there was nothing left of the cushion and the springs were all but shot supporting the vehicle. It took 2 hours! The Architect and my interpreter stayed back and I worked at the village until Wednesday when they showed up. They both only stayed one night with me so I had basically the entire week being the only Muzungu in the village. It was quiet but with all the villagers wanting to say Hi, I stayed entertained.
We have started the fourth and final side of the fencing project. We ran out of concrete poles and have ordered 120 more and will get delivery in 10 days. I found that with the poles lying on the ground on the fence line, a few of the villagers will come at night and break some of them to get at the steel reinforcement. They then sell the steel and make enough to get a meal. I tried to hurry up and get all that we had delivered into the ground quickly to save as many as possible. The men were very tired as we worked long days in very hot and dusty conditions. Not fun. My head spins at night from the heat and I have to sit for fear of tipping over.
I gave myself a nice break and started the plywood wardrobes for the children. Having cut out patterns and multiple pieces to make 24 on the first production run - I was in the shade, using power tools, and was once again in my element. I hired a local man who happened to show up who introduced himeself as a Fundi. I needed the help so gave him instruction on the use of my power tools. He had not ever used power tools but he quickly found out about saw kick backs, wearing safety glasses and using the drill too fast. I worked with him all day on Friday and Saturday and had a good time. He earned $10 USD for his efforts.
It happened that four Maasi guards stopped to visit me. I was treated to an interesting dance routine of HIGH jumping and deep bass sounds coming somewhere deep in the base of their throat. One offered me a tomato (nya nya) I said "Endio" for yes and off he went. He returned the next day with a 5 gallon bucket of tomatoes just for me!!!! I guess I should have tried to explain that I could use two or four for supper and I would have been good to go! He insisted I take all of them so any visitor passing by was treated to nya nya's. Actually I was glad to have something to serve guests.
Erick killed a rat in the courtyard of the place I am staying at - I left the premises when I realized it wasn't a dog. Also the ants found the kitchen and following their trail. I located a nest in the rafters of my bedroom. I called back to Arusha and had them purchase that "Doom" bug killer that landed me in the hospital on my August visit. It worked like a charm. I sprayed and stayed out of the kitchen for a full day. Not a cricket, june bug, grasshopper, rat, or ant was left. They returned in 24 hours but for a moment I was free of crawly things. A June Bug hatch occured this past week and they are everywhere. They get caught in my mosquito net at night and tussle around tring to get off and do the thing that June bugs do. I helped them off my net with a snapply finger flip with the aid of a flashlight to locate them. If I do it just right, they wack the concrete wall, land on the floor, turn upside down, spin a bit and die. I sweep them up twice a day now or I find that the crunching sound they make when stepped on is a bit disgusting. The Juicy ones (most are) that get the shoe, attract more ants and I really don't like ants.
Duct tape goes to bed with me each night now. As the mosquito netting optains holes from what ever reason, I have a patch procedure that works. The mosquitoes are relentless so it's best to sleep with the roll.
No rain yet. The dust is like an Iowa snow storm. You can't see the next building when it gets flying around. Several times a day, I see heat twisters passing by with the cyclone winds picking up the ground vertically in a spiral for a 1000' or so and blackening the sky with dust clouds above. Drought issues are now critical here as well as most of Tanzania. Unicef and other aid organizations are overwhelmed with trying to supply food and water to remote areas. Beautiful farm land that should have Maze growing everywhere is scorched and crops dead on the ground. Here at Mbuguni, we have some irrigated farm land so the area that receives water is producing good crops. God is Good!
At church today in Arusha, an invitation was made to any and all to join the choir for the Christmas program on December 11th. Yours truely has decided to give it a go. I can't make any of the practice sessions during mid week, so they gave me a song book, a cassette of the music and told me I would be fine and very welcome to participate. After all, I will miss our own Christmas program in Milford and who knows, I may even be the only BASS in the choir. After church we headed to a weekend Christmas FAIR at a Safari company grounds on the edge of Arusha. Tents were placed in a huge circle and vendors were selling Art Work. I'm very fortunate that my dear Wife was not in attendance as I would have had to call the bank to cover the purchases. This was real fine art and carvings, furniture, paintings, hand crafted clothing and bead work with the artist present. I however, can make it thru without the temptation of making a purchase. What I usually buy is nails and screws and of course how can I pass up a good power tool but those things were not there.
Been blessed with good health this trip so far. Dean Van Roekel is leaving this Wednesday and I will hold down the fort for the next 4 weeks especially with the capable hands of Erick. Once Dean is gone, Erick will spend his time with me at the village. Dean has had a reaction to something and spent a day in the Salian Hospital as his legs were swelling so bad. He is surviving. For the most part, I have been alone these past two weeks so the change of having Erick around will be welcomed. Little Enoki is my companion now as his sister, Nora, is attending her first year in school. She came by one day only so I miss her. Enoki, age 3. received a pair of shoes and some clothes but he lays on the concrete and plays with that little match box bus toy I gave him. He has brought it with him every day. Finally, all the students at STAR school have gone home yesturday on 2 month summer break. It will be very quiet there for the remainder of my stay.
There is a local water pipe about a kilometer from us and Mama's are milling about with 7 or 8 children waiting to fill a bucket. I stopped and called a Mama over to the vehicle and handed her shoes and shirts and pants for about 10 watotoes (children). She was at first speechless - then the grin started. As we drove off, the sound of, Asanti - Asanti rang in our ears. I too was happy for a moment, then once again after the sounds faded, I started to reflect on my abundance, knowing I could do much more, if only I made the effort.
I pray all is well on the other side of the pond.
Blessings,
Richard
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Bridge at Mbuguni
If you go east from Arusha to Usa River and turn south you will go on a very poor road for about 15 miles to where the road ends. The road gets worse as you go and towards the end there are very large potholes and you best have four wheel drive.
At the end of the road is a very small and poor village called Mbuguni. Also there is a surprisingly large school, Mbuguni Primary, with 20 classrooms and lots of students. I was told both 1200 and 1400 students attend the school, so I'm not sure which is correct, In addition there is a Catholic school nearby and a very special 90 acre tract of land that will some day soon be the location of STEMM's orphanage.
I was told that the children walk very long distances to go to and from school each day, and I believe it, because the nearby Mbuguni villiage is certainly not large enough to have even a small percentage of the students who attend the school. As the children approach the school there is a creek which they must cross and I understand there was a very small bridge that was in such poor condition it could not be used. Therefore the children AND the teachers had to wade the creek.
Two problems: the creek is polluted and in the rainy season it floods to the extent that the flow of water could endanger the children's safety.
Wilson and Gayle Stroscheim noticed the problem when they visited the school to present HIV teaching and the idea of STEMM building a bridge was born.
Wilson arranged for some preliminary work to be done before we arrived. The men of Mbuguni diverted the creek around the location of the bridge site, so that where we built the bridge was dry. We thought we were going to build the bridge ourselves, but the project was so important to the village that the men of Mbuguni, perhaps some 25 or more of them, plus a couple women, pitched in and we found ourselves both watching and working as the locals were eager to do the digging, the forming, carrying rocks, and mixing concrete along with our team members.
Richard Hildebrand was the star of the show. He created the plans for the bridge in his mind, drew the plans so that everyone could understand and visualize the end result and he took charge! His drawings "bridged" (I coundn't pass that up) the language barrier so that the Mbuguni people could see what had to be done as well as we could.
It was neccesary to dig down to provide a base of large rocks and concrete, placed the culverts that allowed for the flow of water through the structure, prepared the forms to receive the concrete while others mixed the concrete. We had a "fire brigade" line of people to pass the concrete in "bowls" from where it was mixed to where it was needed and another line to return the bowls to be filled and passed again. Everyone chipped in to help. It was a very significant demonstration of diverse peoples cooperating on a project that was important to all. The intense sun and the 100+ temps did'nt slow these folks down at all.
The finished bridge is 12 feet wide, can support a vehicle to cross over it, and the stream has been returned to its original path and is flowing throught the culverts. When we left, the approaches on each side had yet to be filled in by the villagers and that has been completed as well. I understand that the approaches are somewhat steep and the folks intend to add more dirt so that the approaches on both sides extend out farther from the bridge so as not to be so steep.
The total cost of material paid for by STEMM was only $1000 USD. Not only did we solve a problem that was of great concern to the locals, but we will have their support in the future as we build the STEMM orphanage just across the road. As we left we took the time to get in a big circle, hold hands and pray, but we also heard a few speaches and what one Mbuguni man said was particular moving. He said, and this does not quote him exactly, "We were impressed that you would buy the materials for the bridge, but we were REALLY impressed by your willingness to joins us in actually doing the work! We cannot thank you enough!"
One more thing that they expressed that amazed them: That we would build their bridge before we built our own structures for the orphage. They must have assumed that we would tend to our own projects first.
In God's Love, Doug wiley
At the end of the road is a very small and poor village called Mbuguni. Also there is a surprisingly large school, Mbuguni Primary, with 20 classrooms and lots of students. I was told both 1200 and 1400 students attend the school, so I'm not sure which is correct, In addition there is a Catholic school nearby and a very special 90 acre tract of land that will some day soon be the location of STEMM's orphanage.
I was told that the children walk very long distances to go to and from school each day, and I believe it, because the nearby Mbuguni villiage is certainly not large enough to have even a small percentage of the students who attend the school. As the children approach the school there is a creek which they must cross and I understand there was a very small bridge that was in such poor condition it could not be used. Therefore the children AND the teachers had to wade the creek.
Two problems: the creek is polluted and in the rainy season it floods to the extent that the flow of water could endanger the children's safety.
Wilson and Gayle Stroscheim noticed the problem when they visited the school to present HIV teaching and the idea of STEMM building a bridge was born.
Wilson arranged for some preliminary work to be done before we arrived. The men of Mbuguni diverted the creek around the location of the bridge site, so that where we built the bridge was dry. We thought we were going to build the bridge ourselves, but the project was so important to the village that the men of Mbuguni, perhaps some 25 or more of them, plus a couple women, pitched in and we found ourselves both watching and working as the locals were eager to do the digging, the forming, carrying rocks, and mixing concrete along with our team members.
Richard Hildebrand was the star of the show. He created the plans for the bridge in his mind, drew the plans so that everyone could understand and visualize the end result and he took charge! His drawings "bridged" (I coundn't pass that up) the language barrier so that the Mbuguni people could see what had to be done as well as we could.
It was neccesary to dig down to provide a base of large rocks and concrete, placed the culverts that allowed for the flow of water through the structure, prepared the forms to receive the concrete while others mixed the concrete. We had a "fire brigade" line of people to pass the concrete in "bowls" from where it was mixed to where it was needed and another line to return the bowls to be filled and passed again. Everyone chipped in to help. It was a very significant demonstration of diverse peoples cooperating on a project that was important to all. The intense sun and the 100+ temps did'nt slow these folks down at all.
The finished bridge is 12 feet wide, can support a vehicle to cross over it, and the stream has been returned to its original path and is flowing throught the culverts. When we left, the approaches on each side had yet to be filled in by the villagers and that has been completed as well. I understand that the approaches are somewhat steep and the folks intend to add more dirt so that the approaches on both sides extend out farther from the bridge so as not to be so steep.
The total cost of material paid for by STEMM was only $1000 USD. Not only did we solve a problem that was of great concern to the locals, but we will have their support in the future as we build the STEMM orphanage just across the road. As we left we took the time to get in a big circle, hold hands and pray, but we also heard a few speaches and what one Mbuguni man said was particular moving. He said, and this does not quote him exactly, "We were impressed that you would buy the materials for the bridge, but we were REALLY impressed by your willingness to joins us in actually doing the work! We cannot thank you enough!"
One more thing that they expressed that amazed them: That we would build their bridge before we built our own structures for the orphage. They must have assumed that we would tend to our own projects first.
In God's Love, Doug wiley
Friday, February 6, 2009
We did the BIG 5 on Safari
Friday, January 23 through the 25th we were on safari. Two nights, three days, three different safari locations. What a welcome break from our exhausting schedule! STEMM people before us have learned of the need for the break and, even so, one should not go to Africa and fail to view God's animal kingdom up close if at all possible.
We learned that people from all over the world come to Africa just for the safari experience, and at least one criteria for success is to get to see (hopefully up close, but not necessarily) the following five animals: elephant, water buffalo, lion, leopard and the black rhino. You can count us in the distinct group of safari participants that DID achieve the BIG 5! The elephant, water buffalo and even the lion are readily viewed most of the time. The two that are often missing from view are the black rhino and more scarcely, the leopard.
Our first day we visited the Tarangire National Park, where we very quickly saw zebras, and excitedly took a whole bunch of pictures. Little did we know that we were to see hundreds, if not thousands of zebras, and even had them blocking our vehicle and surrounding us so that we could almost touch them. Naturally, more and better pictures were the result!
Then, to our suprise we saw a couple giraffe walk across the road in front of us. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat beats a zoo any day. We saw more later but not in large quantities.
Water buffalo were fairly numerous but I don't remember ever getting very close to them.
Other animals, and this list is probably not complete, that we saw were the hyena, wildebeests, a small deer like animal called a "dik-dik", the ibis, hippos, many monkeys and baboons. On a couple occasions we were surrounded by monkeys and baboons and laughed at their antics up close. We also saw many very different and beautiful African birds, some small and some quite large.
We had two very unique experiences with lions. On one occasion we saw a female lion and a couple cubs feeding on a wildebeest that they had killed for food. That was interesting enough, but as we watched, along came a huge male lion, walking casually about 40 feet in front of us, and when directly in front of us, he decided to relieve himself. Our guide said in all his experience as a safari guide, he had never seen that before. The big lion then walked up to the others who were feeding and laid down to rest. It was obvious that he had had his fill earlier and now it was the female and the cubs turn to eat.
The other lion experience was when we saw a female lion stalking prey for a kill. It had seen three zebras, two adults and a young one, who had seperated from a large herd. The lion hunkered down motionless, and at intervals would slowly creep closer to the zebras. Then, in a great burst of speed, it ran toward the zebras, the zebras saw her and started running away. This took place in a very large meadow area, so we saw the entire chase. After chasing for several minutes, the lion gave up and simply stopped running. Knowing they were out of danger, the zebras quickly stopped as well, and to my surprise, immediately started grazing again as if nothing had happened. While that lion didn't succeed on that chase, one can pretty well bet that it would get its dinner before too long.
We also visited the Ngorongoro Conservation area, part of which is a huge sunken crater from a long ago active volcano. It is about 13 miles in diameter and about 4000 meters below the surrounding area. It is in this crater that exists a huge quantity of animals, and it was here that safari viewing was at it's best. The floor of the crater is a huge open meadow with a lake and water holes. It was here that we saw the lion chase the zebras.
While in the crater we saw a black rhino far away, became aware that he was slowly heading our way, so we waited. Sure enough, he eventually got quite close and crossed the road we were on immediately in front of us. All that's left of the big 5 is the leopard.
On out third day we visited the Lake Manyara National Park and it was here that we were surrounded by elephants, from a big bull to a bunch of little ones, all cooling off in a small stream. We counted 27 elephants in this herd.
I frankly cannot remember which of the last two areas we were in where we saw the leopard. Our eagle eye guide spotted him, laying on a branch of a not too nearby tree. I guess they hunt at night and it is not unusual to find them resting during the day in a tree. As hard as I looked, all I could see was a silouette and would never have quessed it was a leopard. However, looking through the binoculars, I could see the beautiful animal, and those with zoom lenses got some good pictures. Score one for the big 5!
I hope others of our group will post their experiences on safari, because there was a lot going on that I have not related.
While we welcomed the break in our busy schedule for a safari, we were also ready to get back in the missionary groove as we had a bridge to build. Missionaries are always building bridges, between different cultures, different beliefs, but we had a REAL bridge to build. Tomorrow I will post a blog about the bridge we built from my perspective.
In God's Love, Doug Wiley
We learned that people from all over the world come to Africa just for the safari experience, and at least one criteria for success is to get to see (hopefully up close, but not necessarily) the following five animals: elephant, water buffalo, lion, leopard and the black rhino. You can count us in the distinct group of safari participants that DID achieve the BIG 5! The elephant, water buffalo and even the lion are readily viewed most of the time. The two that are often missing from view are the black rhino and more scarcely, the leopard.
Our first day we visited the Tarangire National Park, where we very quickly saw zebras, and excitedly took a whole bunch of pictures. Little did we know that we were to see hundreds, if not thousands of zebras, and even had them blocking our vehicle and surrounding us so that we could almost touch them. Naturally, more and better pictures were the result!
Then, to our suprise we saw a couple giraffe walk across the road in front of us. Seeing them up close in their natural habitat beats a zoo any day. We saw more later but not in large quantities.
Water buffalo were fairly numerous but I don't remember ever getting very close to them.
Other animals, and this list is probably not complete, that we saw were the hyena, wildebeests, a small deer like animal called a "dik-dik", the ibis, hippos, many monkeys and baboons. On a couple occasions we were surrounded by monkeys and baboons and laughed at their antics up close. We also saw many very different and beautiful African birds, some small and some quite large.
We had two very unique experiences with lions. On one occasion we saw a female lion and a couple cubs feeding on a wildebeest that they had killed for food. That was interesting enough, but as we watched, along came a huge male lion, walking casually about 40 feet in front of us, and when directly in front of us, he decided to relieve himself. Our guide said in all his experience as a safari guide, he had never seen that before. The big lion then walked up to the others who were feeding and laid down to rest. It was obvious that he had had his fill earlier and now it was the female and the cubs turn to eat.
The other lion experience was when we saw a female lion stalking prey for a kill. It had seen three zebras, two adults and a young one, who had seperated from a large herd. The lion hunkered down motionless, and at intervals would slowly creep closer to the zebras. Then, in a great burst of speed, it ran toward the zebras, the zebras saw her and started running away. This took place in a very large meadow area, so we saw the entire chase. After chasing for several minutes, the lion gave up and simply stopped running. Knowing they were out of danger, the zebras quickly stopped as well, and to my surprise, immediately started grazing again as if nothing had happened. While that lion didn't succeed on that chase, one can pretty well bet that it would get its dinner before too long.
We also visited the Ngorongoro Conservation area, part of which is a huge sunken crater from a long ago active volcano. It is about 13 miles in diameter and about 4000 meters below the surrounding area. It is in this crater that exists a huge quantity of animals, and it was here that safari viewing was at it's best. The floor of the crater is a huge open meadow with a lake and water holes. It was here that we saw the lion chase the zebras.
While in the crater we saw a black rhino far away, became aware that he was slowly heading our way, so we waited. Sure enough, he eventually got quite close and crossed the road we were on immediately in front of us. All that's left of the big 5 is the leopard.
On out third day we visited the Lake Manyara National Park and it was here that we were surrounded by elephants, from a big bull to a bunch of little ones, all cooling off in a small stream. We counted 27 elephants in this herd.
I frankly cannot remember which of the last two areas we were in where we saw the leopard. Our eagle eye guide spotted him, laying on a branch of a not too nearby tree. I guess they hunt at night and it is not unusual to find them resting during the day in a tree. As hard as I looked, all I could see was a silouette and would never have quessed it was a leopard. However, looking through the binoculars, I could see the beautiful animal, and those with zoom lenses got some good pictures. Score one for the big 5!
I hope others of our group will post their experiences on safari, because there was a lot going on that I have not related.
While we welcomed the break in our busy schedule for a safari, we were also ready to get back in the missionary groove as we had a bridge to build. Missionaries are always building bridges, between different cultures, different beliefs, but we had a REAL bridge to build. Tomorrow I will post a blog about the bridge we built from my perspective.
In God's Love, Doug Wiley
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I'm home from TZ and ready to Blog for the first time
Hello, everyone. I have finally got over my jet lag having arrived home safely on 2/2/09. It's now 2/5 and all I can think of is our incredibe experience in Tanzania. I didn't blog while there because we were, frankly, too busy and other things came first, which is God's work.
First of all, let me say we had an incredible team of people, all of whom put God's work first and not a one faltered in being totally involved in what we did. The team was divided into a medical group and Bonnie and I were in the "orphanage" or "grunt" group. I'll let the medical group report their experiences, except to say that when we visited Selion hospital it was so unlike an American hospital that it blew my mind. Poorly organized, dirty linens on beds with patients that were so terribly sick. I'm sure the nurses are dedicated, but thay have so little to work with, so backward in their teckniques and so ill staffed. At one point we became aware that the hospital had exhusted its supply of medications. It had NONE!
A word or two about Tanzania: It is summer there, 5 degrees below the equater. Sun is intense, temps were 95 to 100. People are everywhere, traffic is crazy, roads are terrible! People don't shop like we do. No Walmart! The streets are lined with vendors selling everything imaginable. Hawkers trying to sell their wares drive you crazy if you let them. All you can do is ignore them, yet they are still in your face.
We visited two orphanages, Humura, far from civilization, incredible poor, but the kids were terrific. Oh, if we could only be so happy, so satisfied if we had NOTHING! We brought them schoool supplies, blankets, toys, stuffed animals and bought them a 6 month supply of food. We sang for them, they sang beautifully for us and we prayed together. What an experience! There are kids that have been abandoned, parents have died, mostly of aids, and if they weren't at Humura, they would be street kids, surviving however they could. One of the boys was the one in the DVD that lived in a tree. He is a bright, lovable guy and will, God willing, grow up to be a substantial adult.
The other orphanage was called "New Paradice" where we tore down their old crummy kitchen and built them a new one in two days. A kitchen to them is simply an area that is walled, a dirt floor, where they cook in pots on a fire as they squat to tend it. The old one was black with soot, walls covered with creosote from the fire and NOTHING else. Now they have a new structure, a bench and a shelf. The old one had a "roof" if you could call it that, which leaked so bad they could not cook when it rained. Now they have a secure area with a corregated metal roof , that does not leak!! The ladies were so grateful for their new kitchen, that they cried and we cried with them. The kids, again, were wonderful, so innocent, they don't know how poor they are and how little thay have. We gave them school supples, stuffed animals, sunglasses and bought them six months of food also. Food consisted of rice, corn, beans, vegetables and we also included both personal soap and cleaning soap. Again, we prayed with them, we sang hymns with them and they insisted on cooking a meal for us in their new kitchen. It is amazing the meal they prepared for us. As you guess, there was no way we could refuse their invitation and it was very special to break bread with them. Hugs all around when we left and they all wanted to know when we would come back.
Enough for now, tomorrow I'll relate our experience on safari.
In God's love, Doug Wiley
First of all, let me say we had an incredible team of people, all of whom put God's work first and not a one faltered in being totally involved in what we did. The team was divided into a medical group and Bonnie and I were in the "orphanage" or "grunt" group. I'll let the medical group report their experiences, except to say that when we visited Selion hospital it was so unlike an American hospital that it blew my mind. Poorly organized, dirty linens on beds with patients that were so terribly sick. I'm sure the nurses are dedicated, but thay have so little to work with, so backward in their teckniques and so ill staffed. At one point we became aware that the hospital had exhusted its supply of medications. It had NONE!
A word or two about Tanzania: It is summer there, 5 degrees below the equater. Sun is intense, temps were 95 to 100. People are everywhere, traffic is crazy, roads are terrible! People don't shop like we do. No Walmart! The streets are lined with vendors selling everything imaginable. Hawkers trying to sell their wares drive you crazy if you let them. All you can do is ignore them, yet they are still in your face.
We visited two orphanages, Humura, far from civilization, incredible poor, but the kids were terrific. Oh, if we could only be so happy, so satisfied if we had NOTHING! We brought them schoool supplies, blankets, toys, stuffed animals and bought them a 6 month supply of food. We sang for them, they sang beautifully for us and we prayed together. What an experience! There are kids that have been abandoned, parents have died, mostly of aids, and if they weren't at Humura, they would be street kids, surviving however they could. One of the boys was the one in the DVD that lived in a tree. He is a bright, lovable guy and will, God willing, grow up to be a substantial adult.
The other orphanage was called "New Paradice" where we tore down their old crummy kitchen and built them a new one in two days. A kitchen to them is simply an area that is walled, a dirt floor, where they cook in pots on a fire as they squat to tend it. The old one was black with soot, walls covered with creosote from the fire and NOTHING else. Now they have a new structure, a bench and a shelf. The old one had a "roof" if you could call it that, which leaked so bad they could not cook when it rained. Now they have a secure area with a corregated metal roof , that does not leak!! The ladies were so grateful for their new kitchen, that they cried and we cried with them. The kids, again, were wonderful, so innocent, they don't know how poor they are and how little thay have. We gave them school supples, stuffed animals, sunglasses and bought them six months of food also. Food consisted of rice, corn, beans, vegetables and we also included both personal soap and cleaning soap. Again, we prayed with them, we sang hymns with them and they insisted on cooking a meal for us in their new kitchen. It is amazing the meal they prepared for us. As you guess, there was no way we could refuse their invitation and it was very special to break bread with them. Hugs all around when we left and they all wanted to know when we would come back.
Enough for now, tomorrow I'll relate our experience on safari.
In God's love, Doug Wiley
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Update from TZ
Slowly but surely we are getting things moving here. Access to internet is sometimes challenging. We'll try to give you a quick update of what we've been doing over the past week. (Hard to believe it's been almost a week, but we've seen and done so much.)
The countryside here is absolutely beautiful. I was traveling around the Masai country one day and when I looked at the hillside and mountains, I saw Masai herders draped in traditional garb walking with their herds of goats and cattle - just like National Geographic.
Last Saturday, most of our team went to the orphanage at Huruma. We toured the facility (a long story), gave gifts to the children including quilts from Tom's church E Free. We all piled into the vehicles to take the children and staff out for a Tanzanian barbecue. These are very well behaved children.:-) Tom, Doug, and Wilson shopped for a 6 month supply of staple food for the orphanage. They purchased about $500 worth of food 14 children and this lasts them about 6 months.
This past Monday and Tuesday, the orphanage team built a new outdoor kitchen for the children and staff at New Paradise Orphanage. This orphanage is located within the city of Arusha while Huruma is situated more on the outskirts. The new kitchen is probably similar to what US residents may call a summer kitchen except that the cook in this outdoor kitchen squats on the ground to cook over an open fire. The team totally demolished the old kitchen and constructed the new one under the direction of fundi (Swahili for carpenter) Rich. This completed project brought tears of joy to Mama Gayle and a number of orphanage team members.
On Thursday, many of the STEMM team members went with Wilson to an outdoor food market to buy food for the children of New Paradise. This is a huge market and nothing like what we've seen in Spirit Lake or the Twin Cities. We purchased staples and some fresh vegetables for them and then delivered.
The medical team has been busy, some of us learning more than helping. A number of us had the opportunity to make home visits with the Hospice Team from Selian. Patients are living in their homes with assistance from local volunteers. We are learning the value of community. Many of the patients on the hospice caseload are HIV. The fabulous STEMM team donated over $240 to buy food for hospice patients - no subsidized food programs for the poor here.
Dr. John Sinnot gave a presentation to medical staff and others on Wednesday re: rheumatoid arthritis and the success he has had in treating it. It was very well received with many good questions from participants.
Of course, Dr. Steve is doing surgeries on children with deformities who otherwise would not have any corrections to their orthopedic problems. A number of us have been able to observe him at work - both with the children pre- and post-op - as well as the surgery itself. Mike, John, and Rachel have helped Steve in the OR. The facilities at old Selian do not compare to what we know in Sioux City, Spirit Lake, etc. More later.
This afternoon we motored to Masai country and saw the STEMM students at the New Life School. This school is providing "free" education to Masai children, and we are especially greatful that girls are included in this school. Historically girls are not allowed to acquire an education. Through this program and the slow change in Masai cultural norms, young women are being educated and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
This has been quite an experience for all us, each probably experiencing something totally different from everyone else. We are growing personally, spiritually, and as a team. We are all in awe of the joy that the people we have met experience as part of their entire life despite poverty and illness.
A final brief note about Wilson's church which is located in one of the poorest parts of this city. Words cannot describe the enthusiasm with which these members worship their Lord in song, prayer, and dance. We look forward to another session at this church. We are treated so well in spite of our stiff white-ness.
Friday we head out for three days of safari and marveling at God's creation.
The countryside here is absolutely beautiful. I was traveling around the Masai country one day and when I looked at the hillside and mountains, I saw Masai herders draped in traditional garb walking with their herds of goats and cattle - just like National Geographic.
Last Saturday, most of our team went to the orphanage at Huruma. We toured the facility (a long story), gave gifts to the children including quilts from Tom's church E Free. We all piled into the vehicles to take the children and staff out for a Tanzanian barbecue. These are very well behaved children.:-) Tom, Doug, and Wilson shopped for a 6 month supply of staple food for the orphanage. They purchased about $500 worth of food 14 children and this lasts them about 6 months.
This past Monday and Tuesday, the orphanage team built a new outdoor kitchen for the children and staff at New Paradise Orphanage. This orphanage is located within the city of Arusha while Huruma is situated more on the outskirts. The new kitchen is probably similar to what US residents may call a summer kitchen except that the cook in this outdoor kitchen squats on the ground to cook over an open fire. The team totally demolished the old kitchen and constructed the new one under the direction of fundi (Swahili for carpenter) Rich. This completed project brought tears of joy to Mama Gayle and a number of orphanage team members.
On Thursday, many of the STEMM team members went with Wilson to an outdoor food market to buy food for the children of New Paradise. This is a huge market and nothing like what we've seen in Spirit Lake or the Twin Cities. We purchased staples and some fresh vegetables for them and then delivered.
The medical team has been busy, some of us learning more than helping. A number of us had the opportunity to make home visits with the Hospice Team from Selian. Patients are living in their homes with assistance from local volunteers. We are learning the value of community. Many of the patients on the hospice caseload are HIV. The fabulous STEMM team donated over $240 to buy food for hospice patients - no subsidized food programs for the poor here.
Dr. John Sinnot gave a presentation to medical staff and others on Wednesday re: rheumatoid arthritis and the success he has had in treating it. It was very well received with many good questions from participants.
Of course, Dr. Steve is doing surgeries on children with deformities who otherwise would not have any corrections to their orthopedic problems. A number of us have been able to observe him at work - both with the children pre- and post-op - as well as the surgery itself. Mike, John, and Rachel have helped Steve in the OR. The facilities at old Selian do not compare to what we know in Sioux City, Spirit Lake, etc. More later.
This afternoon we motored to Masai country and saw the STEMM students at the New Life School. This school is providing "free" education to Masai children, and we are especially greatful that girls are included in this school. Historically girls are not allowed to acquire an education. Through this program and the slow change in Masai cultural norms, young women are being educated and encouraged to pursue their dreams.
This has been quite an experience for all us, each probably experiencing something totally different from everyone else. We are growing personally, spiritually, and as a team. We are all in awe of the joy that the people we have met experience as part of their entire life despite poverty and illness.
A final brief note about Wilson's church which is located in one of the poorest parts of this city. Words cannot describe the enthusiasm with which these members worship their Lord in song, prayer, and dance. We look forward to another session at this church. We are treated so well in spite of our stiff white-ness.
Friday we head out for three days of safari and marveling at God's creation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
God is Alive in Africa
We thought we were coming here to witness to the people of Tanzania, but it is they who have witnessed to us. there faith is so strong it blows us over. they have so little, but are so content and at peace. they truly practise; with God nothing else matters.
what a beautiful country. Roads are a challenge, but the mountains are magnificent.
our lodge is brand new, so new that the water and electricity only work on rare occasions, unless you count the water running out the bottom of the stools.
it is humbling, and gives notice as to what is important in life.
friday we begin our safari experience. can't wait to see the awesomes creatures of this country. we are all staying well, and having life changing experiences every day. peace be with you all, know we are fine, in god's hands, but do miss you.
(the capital letter key is not working, in case you're wondering.)
everyone should experience this trip at least once in their lifetime.
aileen schacherer
okoboji, ia from arusha, tz.
what a beautiful country. Roads are a challenge, but the mountains are magnificent.
our lodge is brand new, so new that the water and electricity only work on rare occasions, unless you count the water running out the bottom of the stools.
it is humbling, and gives notice as to what is important in life.
friday we begin our safari experience. can't wait to see the awesomes creatures of this country. we are all staying well, and having life changing experiences every day. peace be with you all, know we are fine, in god's hands, but do miss you.
(the capital letter key is not working, in case you're wondering.)
everyone should experience this trip at least once in their lifetime.
aileen schacherer
okoboji, ia from arusha, tz.
hello from TZ
hello to all friends and especially family! We are so saddened that is this the first we have been able to get to the internet!! We are downtown at a large hotel that is quite far from where we are staying. I don't even know where to begin what we have seen and experienced thus far -- we have been here only 5 days and it seems as though 2 weeks because we have had such diverse experiences. We have been to 2 different orphanages and just spent 2 days at the one called New Paridise where there are 13 children who are under school age. There was NO way we could have been ready for what we encountered. They literaly have nothing!!! We tore down a shed that they used for their kitchen ( that is hardly the term ) we then built them a new DELUXE kitchen where all the cooking is done at an open fire with the crudest of pots. We toured 2 hospitals today, one a new one that has been built largely from donations from Lutheran churches, and the other the old Silian hopital where Dr. Meyer does his surgeries. I was even able to scrub and go into the surgery room and watch him correct a badly bow-leg little girl. I sure didn't think I would ever be in an operating room( without being the patient).
I will sign off for now and we will hope that we are able to connect soon at the Lodge.
I will sign off for now and we will hope that we are able to connect soon at the Lodge.
Internet found!!
What an amazing time so far! Words can't explain what it's like to be here. God has blessed us all so much in the last few days. The people are so wonderful, full of love, and joy that only God can bring to their lives.
Thank you all for your prayers! It is just so overwhelming the things we've seen and done. Today the non med team went to the new hospital, and the old hospital. It is so dramatically different, only pictures will explain.
Judy Valen will be blogging under my account-she will sign her name when she does.
Must go now-- Lyn
Thank you all for your prayers! It is just so overwhelming the things we've seen and done. Today the non med team went to the new hospital, and the old hospital. It is so dramatically different, only pictures will explain.
Judy Valen will be blogging under my account-she will sign her name when she does.
Must go now-- Lyn
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Update on the STEMM Team
I talked to Wilson and Dr. Steve Meyer today, so wanted to give you an update on how the STEMM team is doing. Wilson said the orphanage team finished building the kitchen at New Paradise Orphanage. Wilson said it is beautiful and built with perfection and the children and Mamas at the orphanage are very thankful and excited at the completion of the project. Wilson said he has very good carpenters and very hard working people.
Dr. Steve Meyer said the medical team has performed many life-changing surgeries, especially on some severely crippled children. Dr. Sinnott gave a teaching session today to all the physicians on Rheumatoid Arthritis that went very well. Steve said the team is fantastic and they are all enjoying themselves and really touching many lives in Africa.
All of the team members are well and sounds like they are all working hard and really enjoying themselves. Let us all continue to pray for them.
Gayle Stroschein
STEMM Medical Educational Director
Dr. Steve Meyer said the medical team has performed many life-changing surgeries, especially on some severely crippled children. Dr. Sinnott gave a teaching session today to all the physicians on Rheumatoid Arthritis that went very well. Steve said the team is fantastic and they are all enjoying themselves and really touching many lives in Africa.
All of the team members are well and sounds like they are all working hard and really enjoying themselves. Let us all continue to pray for them.
Gayle Stroschein
STEMM Medical Educational Director
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Team has Arrived in Tanzania
Hi Everyone,
I just talked to Wilson, our STEMM director in Africa and he said everyone is doing great and it is a fantastic hard working team. He said they have great hearts and are so kind and giving to his people. We scheduled 3 days to build a kitchen at New Paradise Orphanage. He was amazed that today they got all the walls up and only have the roof to put on tomorrow. They are having internet problems at the place that they are staying, so I was to tell everyone that they will go to an internet cafe tomorrow and would email and blog. Everyone is doing great and they had a good flight. Both Wilson and Dr. Steve Meyer said that this is a remarkable team and they are so enthused about doing God's work in Africa.
The medical team did many surgeries today and all went well. The team was just leaving to go out for the best Chinese food I have ever had--yes and it is in Arusha, Tanzania.
Just wanted to let you all know they are doing great and will be in contact via email and blog tomorrow. Please feel free to call if you have questions. My cell phone # 712-204-6148
Gayle Stroschein
STEMM Medical Educational Director
I just talked to Wilson, our STEMM director in Africa and he said everyone is doing great and it is a fantastic hard working team. He said they have great hearts and are so kind and giving to his people. We scheduled 3 days to build a kitchen at New Paradise Orphanage. He was amazed that today they got all the walls up and only have the roof to put on tomorrow. They are having internet problems at the place that they are staying, so I was to tell everyone that they will go to an internet cafe tomorrow and would email and blog. Everyone is doing great and they had a good flight. Both Wilson and Dr. Steve Meyer said that this is a remarkable team and they are so enthused about doing God's work in Africa.
The medical team did many surgeries today and all went well. The team was just leaving to go out for the best Chinese food I have ever had--yes and it is in Arusha, Tanzania.
Just wanted to let you all know they are doing great and will be in contact via email and blog tomorrow. Please feel free to call if you have questions. My cell phone # 712-204-6148
Gayle Stroschein
STEMM Medical Educational Director
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hi Everyone,
For those of you who are following the blog from the STEMM team, I wanted to let you know I met them at the airport and they were full of excitement for their journey. Let us all say a special prayer for them that they will have a safe journey. There hearts are open and they are ready to do God's work in Africa. They said they would post a blog upon arrival.
For those of you who are following the blog from the STEMM team, I wanted to let you know I met them at the airport and they were full of excitement for their journey. Let us all say a special prayer for them that they will have a safe journey. There hearts are open and they are ready to do God's work in Africa. They said they would post a blog upon arrival.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Can't wait
Counting down the hours until we are bound for Africa. Our lives will be so richly touched, we can't even imagine. Right now, we may think we are going to make a difference in other people's lives, but we will be blown away by how much the local people will make a difference in us. It will be a life changing experience. See you at 6am as we depart the Lakes area. God Bless. Aileen S.
I want to let all the January STEMM team members that myself and all of the STEMM board members thank you so much for giving of yourself to do God's work in Tanzania. I know you will all enjoy your trip and God will bless you in so many ways spiritually and personally. See you all at the airport tomorrow. Thanks for setting up this blog and I look forward to hearing from all of you. My prayers will be with all of your that you have a safe and pleasant journey. I just talked to Wilson, our STEMM Director in Tanzania, to finish the final things for the trip. He said to send his love and prayers and he is excited to see you all the airport. He is so mumbled by all of your generousity to help his people and is forevery grateful to all of you.
God be with all of you.
gayle
God be with all of you.
gayle
Saturday, January 10, 2009
STEMM
STEMM Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministries - Serving the Lord by addressing the educational, medical and spiritual needs of the children of Tanzania.
The Jan team will be leaving the 15th and most of us home again Feb. 2.
This is my first trip w/STEMM. God has provided me with the opportunity, time and money so how can one say "no". I'm not sure what His plans for me are on this trip, but Know that He is (and will be) at work in me and through me during my time in TZ.
Thank you all for the prayers, support, and interest for the members of this team. We will, if electricity and web connections permit, make posts and uploads of pictures while we are there.
The Jan team will be leaving the 15th and most of us home again Feb. 2.
This is my first trip w/STEMM. God has provided me with the opportunity, time and money so how can one say "no". I'm not sure what His plans for me are on this trip, but Know that He is (and will be) at work in me and through me during my time in TZ.
Thank you all for the prayers, support, and interest for the members of this team. We will, if electricity and web connections permit, make posts and uploads of pictures while we are there.
Friday, January 9, 2009
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