Arusha Times reports Ngateu Well Dedication

Bishop Thomas Laizer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Northern Central Diocese in a group picture with members of the Arusha Rotary Club and Pastor David Nelson and his wife Mary after commissioning a US$ 25,000 borehole at Ngateu Secondary School on October 23. The project was made possible courtesy of Safi School Project, International Rotary, and Lacey Rotary WA, USA (Photo by Raymond John)

Basking in the warmth of the Tanzania sun

and the warmth and the hospitality of the Tanzania people. The warmth and greetings we receive each time we return, from Yolanda and Jennifer and Suzanne and Geoffrey and Norah. The gentle reminders from the teachers at Ngateu, when we go in - ready for action , to greet each other first. Amazing hospitality from our friends Farida and Saif, at cooking lessons and dinner complete with Grandfather and grandmother and son. Cricket instruction, [ the team is having problems blogging due to internet connectivity and lack of electricity stay tuned]

Arusha factoid

Do you know there is 2.5 million people in Arusha, and only 2 street light, it was very exciting driving in downtown yesterday, there a so many motorcycles now

The day of rest that wasn't.

Sunday we rose early and walked from Freedom Lodge up the hill to the school, and to the church next to the school. We were to attend worship with in the church whose diocese owns the school. After church we were to attend a dedication of the new clean water well.

There is a small church next to the school and a larger worship space under construction. The local Bishop was to lead the worship service, so they decide we would use the “under construction” space for worship. A large white, satin backdrop was hung in front of the alter wall. Benches and resin chairs were brought in from the church and a PA system was assembled. The service was ready to start. Now, realize that this worship space is open to the sky as the walls are done but the roof has not been installed yet.

The Bishop welcomed all the worshipers and announced that the Safi Volunteers were visiting and that there would be a well dedication after the service. The service itself included a baptism, confirmation ceremony, lots of singing and a sermon/homily from the bishop. The travelers enjoyed the service even the one who got a sunburn because he just couldn’t bring himself to put on a hat in church, even a church without a roof. (OK, he is me.)

The clean water well dedication took place right after the Mass and was attended by the Safi Volunteers, staff at the school, school board members, Arusha Rotary Club members and of course the students,. After the dedication, all had the chance to draw clean water for our water bottles.

The Students that were at the school for the dedication were happy to meet new travelers and get reacquainted with the Safi volunteers that they met before.

we're here, part 2

Saturday, 22 Oct.

I do not see my posted blog so I'll try again. ( Admittedly, technology is not me, but I do have expert help. )
Safe arrival , 45 minutes in and out of the airport - a new record!
Time to have snacks and refreshments at the lodge. met by Geoffrey ( formerly Karim), Yolanda, Nora, Elizabeth ( cook - hurray! ) ,Mika, Jennifer and Susan - all giving us hugs and cheers. It feels good to arrive here.
Good sleep had by all and we're all delightfully pleasant this morning. Jacaranda trees are out, rain has come so it's green here, Meru is "out", roads are not dusty. However, the Sekina road to the lodge has not improved. We appreciate our drivers! Relaxing day today, late breakfast, unpack, into town for ATM and shillings ( 1690 per $), lunch at Selma's - yes, Nancy, there was pumpkin soup), Shoprite - 400Tsh for a loaf of fresh bread, (that's about $.25) Now, we're going to unpack the "Larry bags" - eat and sleep early.
Tomorrow is church and well dedication - we'll report.
we're happy, healthy and excited for the next days.
Salama, Mary