Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 10

Jambo,

Well this will be my last journal entry. It is Sunday night about 8:00pm and we just arrived back at LJS we were 80km into the bush. The roads were much better than what we had experienced from our previous trips into the bush. Sorry I didn't get a chance to journal yesterday but on Saturday's there is no electricity until evening time and when I came to use the computer it was already in use by others. We went to Mukumi National Game Park on Saturday. It was very nice. We were able to see and take pics of many different animals; Hippos, Giraffes, Reebok, Impala, Baboon, Elephant, Zebra, Wilda Beast, Cape Buffalo...

We had to leave very early in the morning to get there early in hope of seeing the most animals. The park is an awesome place and you can actually rent bungalows and stay there. They had a very nice restaurant and small pool a true resort. We did not eat at the restaurant but we did enjoy a cold soda and relaxed on the patio and watched Zebras near by drinking in a watering hole. Our one and only night on the town was Saturday and we went to a Pizza Restaurant. It was very nice and the pizzas were brick oven and quite tasty. We also had COLD soda which is quite the luxury. I never realized how good a cold beverage taste until this trip.

Now how do I put into words one of the most special days of my life. We started early this morning, packed into a sport utility heading into the bush. Robert and I went with Herb Hofferman and 4 Wort Bird University students for a day of worship. Let's get one thing straight when I say a day of worship - that's exactly what I mean. We left LJS at 8:00am and arrived back home at a little after 8:00pm. I can't begin to tell you what all happened. Jjust understand it was truly unbelievable; food, music, music, music, music, preaching, family blessing, communion, offertory and I promise one like you have never seen unless you have been to Tanzania before. We started with the usual, money, and everyone and I do mean everyone gave something, may not have been much but by golly they gave what they could. Then the interesting part; bananas, 2 cases of soda, cookies, cloth, soap, rice, corn, maize and the always popular live chickens. They also had a goat but we ate it for lunch. Oh, did I mention one of those live chickens rode home with us in the car, yep you got it, he was a passenger...

They had the auction where people bid on all the offering stuff and at the end they even auctioned off the 2 paper envelopes that the cloth came in, and some newspaper that had been used for packing... I'm telling you I just can't believe what these people need and use in their lives just to survive. Robert and I were talking about these people don't live in poverty, this is survival of the fittest in every since of the term. Everyday when they wake up it's about what are we going to do today to survive... Again I have to mention that what little these people had they insisted on giving us the Lion's share of everything. Even if it may have meant they might do with out. Remember too, you need to eat their food, drink their drinks, or you will dishonor them and rob them from Blessing you. This county takes its hospitality very seriously.

People walked for hours to come worship today. The songs they sang were indescribable. One of the songs was about AIDS and how if you turn your life over to "YESU KRISTO" (Jesus Christ) you will not want to or be involved in the things that lead to death and life with AIDS. They sang about young people needing prayers because they are going down the wrong path. Their songs have very deep meaning, about today's issues and answers. There were 4 choirs today from 4 different locals; I would say all together we heard or sang approximately 40 songs. Robert and I decided during service we know there were more than 20 songs. Dub and Heart eat your hearts out (no Pun intended) how would you all like to prepare for that each week...

Well, it's getting late and I need to go pack up the things I am taking home. We are leaving for Dar in the morning (Monday) but won't be leaving the country until 11:00 pm. We arrive home on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30pm so just another quick flight home... haha

One final thing I don't know if I mentioned it or not but if you have not been on a mission trip WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? If you have, I hope that I have inspired you to sign up and go again. I guarantee you will receive the blessing far over what you are able to give to those you are serving in the name of Jesus. If you haven't been apart of this work of our church please get involved.

Last but certainly not least; I want to personally thank all of you who made this trip possible for me with your financial support, and all of you who have prayed for me and the rest of the team while we have been gone. We have felt your prayers and appreciate knowing that we are covered in prayer while we are here... God Bless you all, I can't wait to share my experience with al who will listen. See ya soon!!! Bwana Asufiwe

In His Grip,
Glen Grusendorf Jr.