Jubilation and Sadness
By now you should be familiar with our separation and rejoining routine and today follows the same pattern. Rob and John are determined to get one more well drilled and they rise and leave early with Robert driving them to Dete.
Mary Ann takes Earl and me to St. Mary’s hospital to look at the ultrasound machine. Mary Ann has been told that it is not working. After a few minutes, Earl diagnoses the problem and we start the application correctly. Mary Ann takes an ultra sound of my abdomen to verify that the equipment works and yes, my gall bladder is still gone.
To skip ahead a bit, a separate set of doctors used the equipment earlier this year. They had moved it into a different room and did not assemble it correctly. They told the local nursing staff the machine was broken and since those doctors were supposedly wise, there was no follow up – only relating the story of the broken machine to Mary Ann. This is troubling for many reasons. First is that for a few months the machine has been idle and some patients did not come to the hospital as the “magic machine” was not working. Strange to us as most of their symptoms did not need an ultra sound to diagnose. Second, is the power we “enlightened” people have over some of the people here. They believe what we tell them and don’t have the experience to verify for themselves. Finally, the people here do not expect hand outs but they also get discouraged easily. If a gift is provided and then breaks they do not have the deep seeded urgeny to try alternative methods to diagnose or fix the item. (See the bee story from the 20th). I’m sure many of us can relate to this by thinking to our use of personal computers (or how many of you still has the light blinking on your VCR or DVD player?)
This is simply to say, that change here is hard and will be generational so our continued efforts are encouraged. By the end of our visit the machine was “fixed” and we showed the nurse how to properly assemble, start, and shutdown the equipment. She was fully engaged and understood how to take care of it for the next time.
During this time Mike and Alan were breaking several drill bits while assembling some of the benches that had been cut out previously. After lunch, Mary Ann, Mike, Alan, Earl, Linda and I gather for a fun day as we planned to spend the night at Mikumi game park.
Mikumi is about an hour and a half south west of Morogoro and is a fairly easy drive. However, it continues to show us the poverty of the country. Mud huts and some brick homes speckle the country side and villages are basically open markets along the highway. I remember riding in the car as our family drove across Mississippi and Arkansas to visit Tulsa in the late 50’s and early 60’s and there is some parallel. I was in awe of the neatly aligned rows of cotton, soy bean, and other crops and saddened by the wooden shacks intermingled with the land. I could not imagine living in those homes at that time and felt sad for those isolated people who did. I have those same, yet even deeper feelings, with these people now.
As we drive to the resort each of has mixed feelings. We will surely enjoy our visit but also harbor feelings of guilt about our extravagance. Mission trips are a good time to confront our realities reset our priorities in life.
Mikumi is beautiful and large but it has been scorched by man set fires hoping to rid the old dead grass and rejuvenate some new. While much of the area is blackened and does provide excellent view of warthog and antelope, those who had been here before are sad as we compared the depth of green that we had seen after the long rains with the brown and black of this season.
The treats for staying at Mikumi are many. First is the evening safari where animals graze into twilight and then gather at the water holes. We had two amazing experiences as we came upon a few giraffe, who instead of running away, gracefully loped beside our vehicle for several hundred yards. The second was surprising a small herd of elephant as we topped a hill next to a water hole. They bellowed and moved about and danced into and out of the water hen quickly and then vanished in the darkness.
The next thrill of staying in the park is the evening meal which is served by candle light under the evening stars. There is also a lighted water hole a few hundred yards away and we watched water buffalo come for a long drink. The meal is good but the beauty of the surroundings and the ease of conversation thrills the soul.
Rob sends us a text message that there is abundant water at Dete. What an awesome God!
After warm showers, comfortable beds, and lions growling in the night, we rise for another trek through the park. Hundreds of impala, several herds of zebra, water buffalo, wildebeest and warthog are digitally captured. We see a few elephant then hippopotamus and crocodile at the water hole. Near the end we see more giraffe and are able to watch a few in beautiful ballet.
After a breakfast with entertainment by the server we return to the seminary. You must ask Mary Ann about the baboon that wanted to join her in the back seat of the van! Upon our arrival we gather with Rob and John must leave today. We are sad to see them go but thrilled that their hard work paid off in such good success. We all huddle and pray for their safe travels, hug, smile and say good-bye.
A final trip to St. Mary’s allows Earl and I to provide some documentation and training on the ultra sound machine. Robert takes us through a walking expedition of Morogoro as we look for several items of need. Many locations are becoming familiar now and we all feel at ease with the people here.
The evening is another occasion to celebrate the success that has occurred over the decade that Asbury has been involved in the region. We hear some of the changes and talk about possibilities for the future. Again, we find ourselves lingering out late into the evening, not wanting the day to end. Hoping and praying for more personal connections with the people tomorrow when we will assist in the children’s day camp.
I know each of us has something in our lives that brings us to joyful tears. For many it is Tanzania or Central Asia, or serving at John 3:16 or .… God knows how to break a heart in a really good way. Ours are shattered and rebuilt by all the love that is around us in Tanzania.
Brett Tabler
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Team, Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Breaking up is hard to do!
What began as one team is now four as we subdivide again to get some additional tasks completed. Rob, Alan, and John head out with Robert to monitor the water well drilling at Maseyu and hope to complete it quickly then move on to another area. Mike and Luca go shopping in Morogoro for a variety of items. Earl and I head to the wood shop to cut strips to frame the blackboard material and cut the pieces for church benches. Mary Ann meets with Linda Spitaleri and then heads for other meetings of the day. She will end with Alan, Mike, Herb Hafermann, and Luca at Tuka for dedicating the church.
The dividing and rejoining is common for short term mission trips. Each of us must be flexible as circumstances change on an almost moment-by-moment basis. This is not due to lack of planning but on the abilities of the teams to identify activities which will harvest more good than those initially planned. For too many individuals this causes significant frustration and causes friction within the team. For the group who was brought together for this mission trip it has only provided satisfaction as we quickly reset our commitment to the new tasks at hand.
An additional problem with many short term mission trips is the leadership. Not the team leader’s but each of our own desires to be in control and have our ideas be the ones used to design the truss, or bench, or put the stake in the ground for where to drill. We are professionals who have run multiple projects, supervised many people, and made important decisions on our own. With this group we have all volunteered our suggestions, added comments as to why those should be chosen, then wisely backed off and enabled one person to lead the specific task allowing many happy hands to finish the project. What a blessing as each of us has had an opportunity to provide input or to lead, or more importantly to assist another team member.
We are now about half way through our mission trip are enjoying our dependence on each other’s capabilities and forgiveness from each as we laugh at our silly mistakes. We are absolutely operating under God’s grace and receiving his rewards as our infectious attitude spreads through the villages and endears the people to us. I personally believe this is more important than the tasks we complete. Setting aside personal difficulties or desires allows God the opportunity to show himself through us and to the villagers. It ensures his work is being accomplished and strengthens the people here to take on more work through faith in him.
It was late this evening as we gathered: dirty, tired, disappointed yet grateful, and recounted the many stories of the day. We had physically and emotionally touched and been touched by many of the local people. Our group was like those close friends who remain after the party guests leave so we can linger over deeper conversations and prolong the satisfying emotions which bind us together.
We shared about the people at the seminary who talked and shook hands with Earl, Jim and I and expressed satisfaction about our wood working capabilities but who dwelled on their thanks for our visiting their country and helping their friends in the villagers. We laughed at how Earl tried his best to teach English to Jim, Luca’s employee, by continuously instructing Jim on the wood working steps. While Jim did not understand each word, he did understand Earl’s intentions and the two worked well together. By the end of the day the blackboard materials had all been cut and five completely framed ready for painting. Our design for the benches provided nine long, sturdy benches instead of six and all the materials were cut and ready for assembly.
Maseyu produced a dry hole and the team and village was saddened by the event but reinvigorated by the backup plan to design and construct a water harvesting system from the church roof. This project would be completed later but the immediate discussion allowed everyone to regain hope.
Rob, John and Robert managed to get the drilling rig to Mazizi to attempt another well at that location. Upon inspection of the original well they found it to have mechanical problems and still had water in the well. They made arrangements for a mechanical service to come next week to determine and most probably make the needed repairs.
Alan was picked up at Maseyu by Herb, Luca, Mary Ann, and Mike and they headed back to Tuka for a dedication service for the building that is being erected. The current tiny thatched roof structure was bursting at the seams as more than 50 people squashed into the shelter and huddled around the outside perimeter. If nothing else, the quantity of people showed that the new building is appropriate for the people of Tuka.
As well, those in Mazizi were highly encouraged about being able to repair a working apparatus instead of throwing it away and starting over. This is incredibly important as the peoples are learning the value of long-term maintenance and ownership. For a village such as Mazizi who sits on top of a blanched hill, has no natural resources, and even with a water well has to carry it a long distance to the huts, hope is fragile and is directly associated with their faith in Christ. As projects fail, they can easily think Christ is failing them. Certainly a similarity in this culture and the immature Christians of the early church who needed the letters from the apostles to remain encouraged. Our short term mission teams here are living letters of this age.
We all miss our families back at home but are so well loved by the people here that we rest peacefully in the hands of Christ each night. Nothing can express enough our thanks to each of you who has either gone before us, will come after us, or who is supporting us through finances, service or prayer. We are overwhelmingly blessed to be here and acknowledge you as our extended team.
Bwana Safiwe!
Brett Tabler
What began as one team is now four as we subdivide again to get some additional tasks completed. Rob, Alan, and John head out with Robert to monitor the water well drilling at Maseyu and hope to complete it quickly then move on to another area. Mike and Luca go shopping in Morogoro for a variety of items. Earl and I head to the wood shop to cut strips to frame the blackboard material and cut the pieces for church benches. Mary Ann meets with Linda Spitaleri and then heads for other meetings of the day. She will end with Alan, Mike, Herb Hafermann, and Luca at Tuka for dedicating the church.
The dividing and rejoining is common for short term mission trips. Each of us must be flexible as circumstances change on an almost moment-by-moment basis. This is not due to lack of planning but on the abilities of the teams to identify activities which will harvest more good than those initially planned. For too many individuals this causes significant frustration and causes friction within the team. For the group who was brought together for this mission trip it has only provided satisfaction as we quickly reset our commitment to the new tasks at hand.
An additional problem with many short term mission trips is the leadership. Not the team leader’s but each of our own desires to be in control and have our ideas be the ones used to design the truss, or bench, or put the stake in the ground for where to drill. We are professionals who have run multiple projects, supervised many people, and made important decisions on our own. With this group we have all volunteered our suggestions, added comments as to why those should be chosen, then wisely backed off and enabled one person to lead the specific task allowing many happy hands to finish the project. What a blessing as each of us has had an opportunity to provide input or to lead, or more importantly to assist another team member.
We are now about half way through our mission trip are enjoying our dependence on each other’s capabilities and forgiveness from each as we laugh at our silly mistakes. We are absolutely operating under God’s grace and receiving his rewards as our infectious attitude spreads through the villages and endears the people to us. I personally believe this is more important than the tasks we complete. Setting aside personal difficulties or desires allows God the opportunity to show himself through us and to the villagers. It ensures his work is being accomplished and strengthens the people here to take on more work through faith in him.
It was late this evening as we gathered: dirty, tired, disappointed yet grateful, and recounted the many stories of the day. We had physically and emotionally touched and been touched by many of the local people. Our group was like those close friends who remain after the party guests leave so we can linger over deeper conversations and prolong the satisfying emotions which bind us together.
We shared about the people at the seminary who talked and shook hands with Earl, Jim and I and expressed satisfaction about our wood working capabilities but who dwelled on their thanks for our visiting their country and helping their friends in the villagers. We laughed at how Earl tried his best to teach English to Jim, Luca’s employee, by continuously instructing Jim on the wood working steps. While Jim did not understand each word, he did understand Earl’s intentions and the two worked well together. By the end of the day the blackboard materials had all been cut and five completely framed ready for painting. Our design for the benches provided nine long, sturdy benches instead of six and all the materials were cut and ready for assembly.
Maseyu produced a dry hole and the team and village was saddened by the event but reinvigorated by the backup plan to design and construct a water harvesting system from the church roof. This project would be completed later but the immediate discussion allowed everyone to regain hope.
Rob, John and Robert managed to get the drilling rig to Mazizi to attempt another well at that location. Upon inspection of the original well they found it to have mechanical problems and still had water in the well. They made arrangements for a mechanical service to come next week to determine and most probably make the needed repairs.
Alan was picked up at Maseyu by Herb, Luca, Mary Ann, and Mike and they headed back to Tuka for a dedication service for the building that is being erected. The current tiny thatched roof structure was bursting at the seams as more than 50 people squashed into the shelter and huddled around the outside perimeter. If nothing else, the quantity of people showed that the new building is appropriate for the people of Tuka.
As well, those in Mazizi were highly encouraged about being able to repair a working apparatus instead of throwing it away and starting over. This is incredibly important as the peoples are learning the value of long-term maintenance and ownership. For a village such as Mazizi who sits on top of a blanched hill, has no natural resources, and even with a water well has to carry it a long distance to the huts, hope is fragile and is directly associated with their faith in Christ. As projects fail, they can easily think Christ is failing them. Certainly a similarity in this culture and the immature Christians of the early church who needed the letters from the apostles to remain encouraged. Our short term mission teams here are living letters of this age.
We all miss our families back at home but are so well loved by the people here that we rest peacefully in the hands of Christ each night. Nothing can express enough our thanks to each of you who has either gone before us, will come after us, or who is supporting us through finances, service or prayer. We are overwhelmingly blessed to be here and acknowledge you as our extended team.
Bwana Safiwe!
Brett Tabler
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tanzania Water Well and Construction Team, Tuesday, September 22, 2009
“There be water in them thar hills.”
The drilling in Lubayu was a success as water flowed from the newly drilled well. During the next week, a new set of contractors must poor the concrete and set the pump to complete the processes so the villagers may easily obtain the desperately needed clean, fresh water.
Rob and Robert have spent several months coordinating with the different people involved so this is a triumph of several magnitudes. First a gift from God who provided much grace for the community, a blessing to Rob and Robert’s consistent and determined efforts, and a success for Jon and Alan on their first Tanzanian short term mission trip.
Much more should be asked of Rob and Robert’s efforts in facilitating the contractors and villages to select locations, set schedules and communicate through thousands of miles and multiple languages. Their efforts should not be under estimated nor should their commitment. During morning and evening meals Rob presented calm determination to remain on schedule by leaving early, returning late and garnering support of the contractors and our team members. Being around him and Robert was a positive experience as the determination was with prayerful commitment and not by western style type A personality flaws.
It is truly a joy to be around Rob and Jon who worked daily at the drilling sites. Alan was able to attend with them for two days and all three would relate good work stories each evening but would most deeply dwell on the villagers and their desperate need for water and their eager desires to share all they had to show their appreciation.
While drilling at Lubayu, the four team members were asked by Massai to walk to their village and discuss drilling a well. The walk would be short by the Massai standard, only a little over an hour. Hot and thirsty, the group assembled with the village leadership and discussed the options. The Massai wanted the team to begin drilling immediately as the rig was nearby. They also believed it should be done for free as they believed the westerner missionaries could provide such a thing. After much haggling and posturing, both sides agreed upon a fair price and schedule. While much is required before any drilling is started, each group felt confident in the other’s commitment and ability to complete the project.
By the time the group returned to Lubayu the hole had been lined with proper casing and rock and was ready for the next steps which would include the insertion of a pump and pouring a concrete base around the immediate area. The drilling crew had packed up their gear and was now ready to head to the next location. The villagers had new hope gleaming in their eyes and were still gathered at the site wanting the jubilation to continue as long as possible. Soon, however, the team had to leave yet each person had a strong satisfaction in their heart.
This is in contrast with the second drilling company who had been contracted. Although they had also been involved in the long negotiations and confirmed schedules they were not at their job site. Later they stated they would not be available until Thursday as they needed to get some additional permits or insurance. Another disappointment but one must handle in stride as this is not uncommon. Just disappointing. Again, Rob, Robert and Jon handled everything with a positive attitude and made the best of things, a true testament to their desires to serve.
The three on the construction detail met with Luka and began the typical day of reviewing the materials list, driving to Morogoro, searching for and purchasing the items, then driving to the job site. During this shopping spree, the team went to a location with lumber for sale and many craftsmen working on doors, beds, cabinets and other furniture. Earl and I walked through the area admiring the skills in which the men used the old equipment.
While we stick out like a sore thumb, I wonder how attentive and polite we Americans are to people from foreign lands. For each time Earl and I stopped to inspect the activities of the craftsmen, we received a smile, nod, or wave. Mr. Hising walked up to us and introduced himself and we responded in kind. He allowed us to ask many questions and through it all kept stating he and Tanzanians were pleased that we visited their country. Throughout the small talk we made jokes and had many hand slaps – short, finger only handshakes – acknowledging each other and showing kindness.
We explained our role for the short term mission trip and he again provided positive reinforcement stating that the villages are very poor and deserved assistance. He told us that Morogoro was growing but that work was hard to come by and he was pleased to have been manager at this location for ten years. He and his crews make many pieces of furniture and he was pleased with their abilities. One question that could not escape me was how they handled the rainy seasons as their electrical equipment is all outside and only some of it under a roof of any type. Mr. Hising simply stated they worked through it and used tarps or carried the equipments far inside as possible. But, yes, they must work through the rainy seasons independent of any safety or personal reasons to stay away from the water.
James rode in the back of the truck with us as we headed down the highway to Tuka. The variations of deep heat and fall coolness alternated without pattern. It felt somewhat as if we were on display as dozens of different people waved and children shouted to us as we bounced down the road deeper into the bush. As we came close to Tuka, Luka stopped and allowed a handful of locals onto the truck. We exchanged greetings (Habari / Nizuri) with some and one man actually spoke Spanish to us. They were all glad for the ride and happier to be part of the work crew for the day.
While all the villages are poor, this one did not have the resources to feed us. We had previously made arrangements that we’d provide food if they would cook. So, with the rooster from Monday and the rice and beans we purchased today, the women began preparing lunch that would take several hours to prepare.
At first our crew was surprised as the extra building materials had vanished. After a few minutes we realized the villagers were carrying the wood from a safe place back to the work area. They weren’t really afraid it would be stolen but just wanted to be sure and show us they respected the efforts. It took about ten minutes to organize and this confused our extended crew. However, it was only a few minutes later that people were joining in and helping to lift, position, hammer, and saw. Although we wanted as much inclusion as possible, we determined that fingers and toes were more important that the inclusiveness and we kept the power tools within our hands. We can say that we’ve had over 200 man hours without a single lost work day and over 160 hours without an accident. One of the village men did hit his thumb with the hammer and Mike attended to his needs immediately. It was only a few minutes later that he was back on the job site: A first aid and not an OSHA recordable.
We completed the truss work fairly quickly. Lunch was still being prepared so we went with Luka, his helper, and about six villagers to the local sand pit. Once there, they began shoveling the truck full of sand for making the mortar for the brick walls. Mike, Earl, and I sat in the shade and marveled at the strength of the young men as they chattered and loaded the two ton truck. An interesting aside is that the men will wear T shirts and outer shirts. They will take off their outer shirt while working hard and sometimes will take off their “good” pants and work in their boxer shorts. This actually makes sense as they have very few clothes and this prevents additional wear and tear on their outer garments.
Heading out of the sand pit we reached a make shift gate close to the road to the village. There were two sticks, planted in the ground and a third hung on them making a barricade. Obviously Luka could have driven around or through this frail barrier, but he stopped and waited for the person to appear and then pay the 100 shilling (one dollar) payment for the sand. Our group found this interesting as the gate was open when we entered but shut when we were ready to exit. The man must watch the entrance very carefully.
After the truck was unloaded we washed up and prepared to eat. The local evangelist joined Luka, James, Earl, Mike and me for the meal. He even introduced the women who cooked to us and they allowed us to take their pictures. During the meal we discussed a serious event that occurred earlier in the day.
As is typical, we bring toys for the kids and today included a soccer ball. A Muslim boy became angry about not being able to play with the soccer ball. He was so angry that he took a rock and began shouting at the young evangelist for the village. The evangelist is only about 21 and in this position for a few months, but he remained calm and responded that angry teen could not have the ball. Many, if not all of those working with us, came to the evangelist’s aid. They shouted at the angry teen and successfully disarmed him. Several shouted and made signs for him to retreat and eventually he did so. Eventually, one of the elders visited with the angry teen and appeared to calm him down.
The Muslim was angry because he could not have access to the soccer ball unless he attended church. The Christians believe that special gifts from short term missionaries are for them and not necessarily the whole village. While we were troubled by this situation, neither the evangelist nor Luca who is a trained evangelist believed the event to be any big deal and was actually a good experience as the Christians stood together. They also told us the Muslim has been invited to their services and told he can play if only he would attend.
After a good day, the construction and water well teams met at Maseyu to prepare for the next drilling project. Many of the villagers at streamed down to the drilling location and marveled at the drilling equipment. Anticipation was high and spirits were soaring after everyone heard about the success at Lubayu. As the sun was setting, the drilling equipment was in place and the two teams headed down the highway on the thirty minute drive back to the seminary.
Late to dinner, dirty, and tired we all joined together for dinner. It had the atmosphere of a dwindling party as the final, close friends gather in the kitchen to continue talking. No one wanting to leave. Everyone wanting the feeling to linger. After many stories of excitement and hope we finally exited the dining area, lumbered near our personal quarters and stood under a clear night sky to continue the camaraderie.
Plans were made for the morning and we all joined together in a prayer of praise for the work the Lord had completed for this day. It is God’s glory and we are blessed to enjoy being included in his master plan.
By Brett Tabler
The drilling in Lubayu was a success as water flowed from the newly drilled well. During the next week, a new set of contractors must poor the concrete and set the pump to complete the processes so the villagers may easily obtain the desperately needed clean, fresh water.
Rob and Robert have spent several months coordinating with the different people involved so this is a triumph of several magnitudes. First a gift from God who provided much grace for the community, a blessing to Rob and Robert’s consistent and determined efforts, and a success for Jon and Alan on their first Tanzanian short term mission trip.
Much more should be asked of Rob and Robert’s efforts in facilitating the contractors and villages to select locations, set schedules and communicate through thousands of miles and multiple languages. Their efforts should not be under estimated nor should their commitment. During morning and evening meals Rob presented calm determination to remain on schedule by leaving early, returning late and garnering support of the contractors and our team members. Being around him and Robert was a positive experience as the determination was with prayerful commitment and not by western style type A personality flaws.
It is truly a joy to be around Rob and Jon who worked daily at the drilling sites. Alan was able to attend with them for two days and all three would relate good work stories each evening but would most deeply dwell on the villagers and their desperate need for water and their eager desires to share all they had to show their appreciation.
While drilling at Lubayu, the four team members were asked by Massai to walk to their village and discuss drilling a well. The walk would be short by the Massai standard, only a little over an hour. Hot and thirsty, the group assembled with the village leadership and discussed the options. The Massai wanted the team to begin drilling immediately as the rig was nearby. They also believed it should be done for free as they believed the westerner missionaries could provide such a thing. After much haggling and posturing, both sides agreed upon a fair price and schedule. While much is required before any drilling is started, each group felt confident in the other’s commitment and ability to complete the project.
By the time the group returned to Lubayu the hole had been lined with proper casing and rock and was ready for the next steps which would include the insertion of a pump and pouring a concrete base around the immediate area. The drilling crew had packed up their gear and was now ready to head to the next location. The villagers had new hope gleaming in their eyes and were still gathered at the site wanting the jubilation to continue as long as possible. Soon, however, the team had to leave yet each person had a strong satisfaction in their heart.
This is in contrast with the second drilling company who had been contracted. Although they had also been involved in the long negotiations and confirmed schedules they were not at their job site. Later they stated they would not be available until Thursday as they needed to get some additional permits or insurance. Another disappointment but one must handle in stride as this is not uncommon. Just disappointing. Again, Rob, Robert and Jon handled everything with a positive attitude and made the best of things, a true testament to their desires to serve.
The three on the construction detail met with Luka and began the typical day of reviewing the materials list, driving to Morogoro, searching for and purchasing the items, then driving to the job site. During this shopping spree, the team went to a location with lumber for sale and many craftsmen working on doors, beds, cabinets and other furniture. Earl and I walked through the area admiring the skills in which the men used the old equipment.
While we stick out like a sore thumb, I wonder how attentive and polite we Americans are to people from foreign lands. For each time Earl and I stopped to inspect the activities of the craftsmen, we received a smile, nod, or wave. Mr. Hising walked up to us and introduced himself and we responded in kind. He allowed us to ask many questions and through it all kept stating he and Tanzanians were pleased that we visited their country. Throughout the small talk we made jokes and had many hand slaps – short, finger only handshakes – acknowledging each other and showing kindness.
We explained our role for the short term mission trip and he again provided positive reinforcement stating that the villages are very poor and deserved assistance. He told us that Morogoro was growing but that work was hard to come by and he was pleased to have been manager at this location for ten years. He and his crews make many pieces of furniture and he was pleased with their abilities. One question that could not escape me was how they handled the rainy seasons as their electrical equipment is all outside and only some of it under a roof of any type. Mr. Hising simply stated they worked through it and used tarps or carried the equipments far inside as possible. But, yes, they must work through the rainy seasons independent of any safety or personal reasons to stay away from the water.
James rode in the back of the truck with us as we headed down the highway to Tuka. The variations of deep heat and fall coolness alternated without pattern. It felt somewhat as if we were on display as dozens of different people waved and children shouted to us as we bounced down the road deeper into the bush. As we came close to Tuka, Luka stopped and allowed a handful of locals onto the truck. We exchanged greetings (Habari / Nizuri) with some and one man actually spoke Spanish to us. They were all glad for the ride and happier to be part of the work crew for the day.
While all the villages are poor, this one did not have the resources to feed us. We had previously made arrangements that we’d provide food if they would cook. So, with the rooster from Monday and the rice and beans we purchased today, the women began preparing lunch that would take several hours to prepare.
At first our crew was surprised as the extra building materials had vanished. After a few minutes we realized the villagers were carrying the wood from a safe place back to the work area. They weren’t really afraid it would be stolen but just wanted to be sure and show us they respected the efforts. It took about ten minutes to organize and this confused our extended crew. However, it was only a few minutes later that people were joining in and helping to lift, position, hammer, and saw. Although we wanted as much inclusion as possible, we determined that fingers and toes were more important that the inclusiveness and we kept the power tools within our hands. We can say that we’ve had over 200 man hours without a single lost work day and over 160 hours without an accident. One of the village men did hit his thumb with the hammer and Mike attended to his needs immediately. It was only a few minutes later that he was back on the job site: A first aid and not an OSHA recordable.
We completed the truss work fairly quickly. Lunch was still being prepared so we went with Luka, his helper, and about six villagers to the local sand pit. Once there, they began shoveling the truck full of sand for making the mortar for the brick walls. Mike, Earl, and I sat in the shade and marveled at the strength of the young men as they chattered and loaded the two ton truck. An interesting aside is that the men will wear T shirts and outer shirts. They will take off their outer shirt while working hard and sometimes will take off their “good” pants and work in their boxer shorts. This actually makes sense as they have very few clothes and this prevents additional wear and tear on their outer garments.
Heading out of the sand pit we reached a make shift gate close to the road to the village. There were two sticks, planted in the ground and a third hung on them making a barricade. Obviously Luka could have driven around or through this frail barrier, but he stopped and waited for the person to appear and then pay the 100 shilling (one dollar) payment for the sand. Our group found this interesting as the gate was open when we entered but shut when we were ready to exit. The man must watch the entrance very carefully.
After the truck was unloaded we washed up and prepared to eat. The local evangelist joined Luka, James, Earl, Mike and me for the meal. He even introduced the women who cooked to us and they allowed us to take their pictures. During the meal we discussed a serious event that occurred earlier in the day.
As is typical, we bring toys for the kids and today included a soccer ball. A Muslim boy became angry about not being able to play with the soccer ball. He was so angry that he took a rock and began shouting at the young evangelist for the village. The evangelist is only about 21 and in this position for a few months, but he remained calm and responded that angry teen could not have the ball. Many, if not all of those working with us, came to the evangelist’s aid. They shouted at the angry teen and successfully disarmed him. Several shouted and made signs for him to retreat and eventually he did so. Eventually, one of the elders visited with the angry teen and appeared to calm him down.
The Muslim was angry because he could not have access to the soccer ball unless he attended church. The Christians believe that special gifts from short term missionaries are for them and not necessarily the whole village. While we were troubled by this situation, neither the evangelist nor Luca who is a trained evangelist believed the event to be any big deal and was actually a good experience as the Christians stood together. They also told us the Muslim has been invited to their services and told he can play if only he would attend.
After a good day, the construction and water well teams met at Maseyu to prepare for the next drilling project. Many of the villagers at streamed down to the drilling location and marveled at the drilling equipment. Anticipation was high and spirits were soaring after everyone heard about the success at Lubayu. As the sun was setting, the drilling equipment was in place and the two teams headed down the highway on the thirty minute drive back to the seminary.
Late to dinner, dirty, and tired we all joined together for dinner. It had the atmosphere of a dwindling party as the final, close friends gather in the kitchen to continue talking. No one wanting to leave. Everyone wanting the feeling to linger. After many stories of excitement and hope we finally exited the dining area, lumbered near our personal quarters and stood under a clear night sky to continue the camaraderie.
Plans were made for the morning and we all joined together in a prayer of praise for the work the Lord had completed for this day. It is God’s glory and we are blessed to enjoy being included in his master plan.
By Brett Tabler
Tanzania Water Well and Construction Team, Monday, September 21, 2009
Author’s Notes, The Parable of the Minas, Village Life
These updates are not necessarily the views of the church or other team members. These posts are simply my stories and I hope you enjoy reading them and are encouraged by the ways you help us serve our Lord. Each of the other team members has wonderful things to relate, they simply have provided me the opportunity to inform you of some of the occurrences during this short term mission. This is appreciated and I encourage each of you readers to find time to ask probing questions of any short term missionary about the life changing events on their trip.
In yesterday’s sermon Pastor Hafermann was ministering on Luke 19:1-9 Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. I think the chicken we purchased at the auction after church was a week ahead and had been studying Luke 19:11-27 The Parable of the Ten Minas. From, yesterday’s post you read about the auction and our purchasing several items including a chicken which was invited to lunch as part of the team on Monday. Well, Sunday night, the chicken was bound around the legs and placed outside one of our rooms. In the morning the chicken was still there but so was a new egg! As the team gathered for final instructions before their departures, Pastor Mwimbe saw the hen and her talent and asked if we would trade for one of his roosters. The hen behaved wisely; therefore, saving her life as the rooster was resting on his laurels and losing his.
Before, the exchange of the hen for the rooster, the hen noisily traveled to Morogoro with the construction crew to help purchase nails, lumber, and other items needed for the roof trusses at Tuka. While this was an important Ramadan holiday, most of the stores were open for business and the streets were full of traffic. We saw typical sites of men pulling carts full of heavy sacks of grain, women carrying heavy items on their heads, and men with no shoes loading trucks with lumber.
Luca circled the town picking up two of his helpers and they joined Earl and me in the back of the truck as Mike, Alan, and Luca rode in the cab. The ride was almost two hours with half of it in very rural yet well maintained dirt roads. The entire trip was enjoyable as it provided a full view of our surroundings which had grayness due to smoke and trees emptied of leaves. It was similar to views of rural Oklahoma in the dark gray winter months. The air was cool and riding in the back provided Earl an opportunity to recall times in his youth when he worked on the farm. His alert eye also provided us with views of monkey and baboon along the road.
As we drove deeper and deeper into the bush we continuously passed by small groups of thatch huts and a few brick ones. We saw many people and often we waved and didn’t receive a response. However, most of the time we did receive waves and almost all little children smiled and called out to us. They may be poor in worldly items but are certainly full of human compassion and desirous to make connections.
Upon arrival at Tuka, Mike stated he needed to sit and rest in the shade. Knowing he is not one to complain the rest of us knew this could be serious so we made sure he had plenty of water and had him rest inside the 10 by 12 feet church. The structure has no walls, a thatch roof and few rows of benches made of sticks. Mike gallantly tried to join the activities of the day but after a few minutes in the sun his symptoms returned and we escorted him back into the church to rest next to the rooster whose fate had been sealed by the chicken who laid the egg. They were both lying flat out as if they were an attraction on a WWF match where both contestants were down for the count. Fortunately, Mike was the one who rose victorious. To move ahead in the story, Mike did recover in the evening and by the next morning was fairly much back to normal. However, he kept asking about the other paved roads that we traveled during the day. This was a bad sign as there are no other paved roads in this area. It was good Mike stayed out of the heat that day.
Immediately upon our groups arrival at Tuka, several local people began unloading the truck and moving the lumber into piles. Our group worked with Luka to draw up the dimensions of the trusses and began the process of laying out the first set. We used the interior area of what would become the church. The stem wall was already in place and they had marked out the brick lines. About twenty-five villagers sat on the stem wall of the new church building and watched us work. After Luka’s team and we set a few first boards in place the villagers understood the process and were able to hammer, saw, and change out wood pieces with us. Lots of pointing, whistling, tugging, and laughing at each other broke any language barriers as the villagers worked hard and began to anticipate the next steps in the construction process.
This church building is obviously important to the village and they wanted to show not only their appreciation for our support but more importantly their full commitment to raising and caring for the building. During the afternoon, there were plenty of times for smiles, bad Swahili, poor English and perfect love. As we closed for the day there were many hand clasps and broad smiles.
Both Roberts and John arrived at Tuka in the early afternoon as they were still waiting for the water drilling company to arrive on site. They were not upset as things move differently here and they were now operating on Tanzania time. After a short visit they returned to Lubayu where their drilling would commence.
In the evening the team described the parade of the Lubayu villagers upon their arrival. It appeared as the entire village turned out to watch the drilling process and to offer food to those who came to help provide life giving water. Rice, beans, meats, and tea were provided the team and their hosts eagerly gathered to share smiles and cheer on the drilling process. While not disappointing the day would up being a setup day and not a drilling day. However, at the end of the long day, the drilling crew was on site and their equipment completely prepared to start the drilling process early on Tuesday morning.
Back at the Lutheran seminary, the team gathered for dinner and told stories of the day. Each person recalled something that touched them in a meaningful way. We received each other’s stories well and aided in punctuating them with similar thoughts. We are all pleased to be here and thrilled about making connections with the local peoples.
A final thought for the day. The days dawn cool and end with quiet breezes bringing fresh breezes. But, from noon until three the sun’s rays penetrate our bodies and extract strength and vital fluids. While we Americans break frequently for sun screen, water and shade, the local people did not – ever. Our entire group is bewildered as to how their bodies can sustain themselves with so little food and water. They are amazing.
By Brett Tabler
These updates are not necessarily the views of the church or other team members. These posts are simply my stories and I hope you enjoy reading them and are encouraged by the ways you help us serve our Lord. Each of the other team members has wonderful things to relate, they simply have provided me the opportunity to inform you of some of the occurrences during this short term mission. This is appreciated and I encourage each of you readers to find time to ask probing questions of any short term missionary about the life changing events on their trip.
In yesterday’s sermon Pastor Hafermann was ministering on Luke 19:1-9 Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. I think the chicken we purchased at the auction after church was a week ahead and had been studying Luke 19:11-27 The Parable of the Ten Minas. From, yesterday’s post you read about the auction and our purchasing several items including a chicken which was invited to lunch as part of the team on Monday. Well, Sunday night, the chicken was bound around the legs and placed outside one of our rooms. In the morning the chicken was still there but so was a new egg! As the team gathered for final instructions before their departures, Pastor Mwimbe saw the hen and her talent and asked if we would trade for one of his roosters. The hen behaved wisely; therefore, saving her life as the rooster was resting on his laurels and losing his.
Before, the exchange of the hen for the rooster, the hen noisily traveled to Morogoro with the construction crew to help purchase nails, lumber, and other items needed for the roof trusses at Tuka. While this was an important Ramadan holiday, most of the stores were open for business and the streets were full of traffic. We saw typical sites of men pulling carts full of heavy sacks of grain, women carrying heavy items on their heads, and men with no shoes loading trucks with lumber.
Luca circled the town picking up two of his helpers and they joined Earl and me in the back of the truck as Mike, Alan, and Luca rode in the cab. The ride was almost two hours with half of it in very rural yet well maintained dirt roads. The entire trip was enjoyable as it provided a full view of our surroundings which had grayness due to smoke and trees emptied of leaves. It was similar to views of rural Oklahoma in the dark gray winter months. The air was cool and riding in the back provided Earl an opportunity to recall times in his youth when he worked on the farm. His alert eye also provided us with views of monkey and baboon along the road.
As we drove deeper and deeper into the bush we continuously passed by small groups of thatch huts and a few brick ones. We saw many people and often we waved and didn’t receive a response. However, most of the time we did receive waves and almost all little children smiled and called out to us. They may be poor in worldly items but are certainly full of human compassion and desirous to make connections.
Upon arrival at Tuka, Mike stated he needed to sit and rest in the shade. Knowing he is not one to complain the rest of us knew this could be serious so we made sure he had plenty of water and had him rest inside the 10 by 12 feet church. The structure has no walls, a thatch roof and few rows of benches made of sticks. Mike gallantly tried to join the activities of the day but after a few minutes in the sun his symptoms returned and we escorted him back into the church to rest next to the rooster whose fate had been sealed by the chicken who laid the egg. They were both lying flat out as if they were an attraction on a WWF match where both contestants were down for the count. Fortunately, Mike was the one who rose victorious. To move ahead in the story, Mike did recover in the evening and by the next morning was fairly much back to normal. However, he kept asking about the other paved roads that we traveled during the day. This was a bad sign as there are no other paved roads in this area. It was good Mike stayed out of the heat that day.
Immediately upon our groups arrival at Tuka, several local people began unloading the truck and moving the lumber into piles. Our group worked with Luka to draw up the dimensions of the trusses and began the process of laying out the first set. We used the interior area of what would become the church. The stem wall was already in place and they had marked out the brick lines. About twenty-five villagers sat on the stem wall of the new church building and watched us work. After Luka’s team and we set a few first boards in place the villagers understood the process and were able to hammer, saw, and change out wood pieces with us. Lots of pointing, whistling, tugging, and laughing at each other broke any language barriers as the villagers worked hard and began to anticipate the next steps in the construction process.
This church building is obviously important to the village and they wanted to show not only their appreciation for our support but more importantly their full commitment to raising and caring for the building. During the afternoon, there were plenty of times for smiles, bad Swahili, poor English and perfect love. As we closed for the day there were many hand clasps and broad smiles.
Both Roberts and John arrived at Tuka in the early afternoon as they were still waiting for the water drilling company to arrive on site. They were not upset as things move differently here and they were now operating on Tanzania time. After a short visit they returned to Lubayu where their drilling would commence.
In the evening the team described the parade of the Lubayu villagers upon their arrival. It appeared as the entire village turned out to watch the drilling process and to offer food to those who came to help provide life giving water. Rice, beans, meats, and tea were provided the team and their hosts eagerly gathered to share smiles and cheer on the drilling process. While not disappointing the day would up being a setup day and not a drilling day. However, at the end of the long day, the drilling crew was on site and their equipment completely prepared to start the drilling process early on Tuesday morning.
Back at the Lutheran seminary, the team gathered for dinner and told stories of the day. Each person recalled something that touched them in a meaningful way. We received each other’s stories well and aided in punctuating them with similar thoughts. We are all pleased to be here and thrilled about making connections with the local peoples.
A final thought for the day. The days dawn cool and end with quiet breezes bringing fresh breezes. But, from noon until three the sun’s rays penetrate our bodies and extract strength and vital fluids. While we Americans break frequently for sun screen, water and shade, the local people did not – ever. Our entire group is bewildered as to how their bodies can sustain themselves with so little food and water. They are amazing.
By Brett Tabler
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Team, Saturday, September 26, 2009
The internet is still down. We just got back from the kids camp. We are hot and dirty, but we had a good time with 90 kids from Gezaulole, Mazizi, and Maseyu.
By Mary Ann Smith
By Mary Ann Smith
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Update, Friday, September 25, 2009
All the team members are doing well and it is a great group. We visited the game park and they had fewer animals because it has been so dry. Jon and Rob got water going at Dete! We are also excited about doing kids camp. Hopefully Bret will be able to post tomorrow (the internet has been down).
By Mary Ann Smith (by text message)
By Mary Ann Smith (by text message)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Team, September 20, 2009
What do Speed Racer, UFOs, Marching Bands and Sothebys have in common? A Sunday in New Land, Tanzania!
A few of us had a good night’s sleep while several team members suffered through hours of wakefulness. It was probably because they were concerned about arriving at breakfast on time. Breakfast was really important this morning as we only had three other meals during the day and were too late to receive evening tea at the seminary. Thankfully, the staff allowed us to have coffee and tea with our dinner. Whew! There will continue to be more bad jokes about our eating but the real story is the giving nature and service of the Kami people.
Today our team was joined by more familiar faces, Luca and Pastor Haferman, and two Korean-American ladies. We reacquainted with Pater Haferman yesterday but seeing Luca today was a good surprise. Robert Schaffitzel immediate recognized him as he walked toward our meeting place. We exchanged smiles and warm embraces before we divided into two vehicles and set off for New Land.
Our group cheered Robert Spitaleri as he donned padded racing gloves for the drive. We knew the seven of us would help him steer through the troubles and set a new speed record across the ravines and bumps in the “good road” from the highway to the village. As we bumped and jostled our way along Mike Mastraccio called off our chiropractic session for the day as we had just received our physical therapy.
All the other villages have Swahili names. This one gets its name from the people who took possession (being from the Sooner state we know what that means) after a sisal plantation failed. The land became unoccupied; therefore was new land to settle. A short while later other peoples (Arab background) stated they were going to move onto the land. With the help of some wise friends, the Kami’s solicited a well known political person to come lay the cornerstone on their building. This cemented the relationship between the new village and the Tanzanian government and the Kami’s stayed on the land without any further problems.
The village church is in good shape with new wood doors and a building campaign to add (brick) decorative windows. The water well drilled through Asbury’s help is five years old tomorrow and is still providing life giving water. The local bee hives, a good source of opportunity and revenue, have had a significant setback. One if not many bee badger attacked the hives, tearing off the lids and stealing the combs. These animals have the ability to emit a scent similar to a skunk that not only protects them from the bees, it can kill them. Therefore, much concern and frustration arises from the New Landers as they don’t know how to fend off the badger. As Pastor Haferman so appropriately stated, “every worthy project has its enemy.” Robert Spitaleri and the local evangelist spent several minutes talking about options and they will visit with some experienced bee keepers to determine solutions.
Sadly, this is typical as the villagers are smart but without education in new methods and without resources to counter act local problems. We Tulsans would just go to Home Depot and buy a six foot steel post, put it in the ground and place a new bee hive on top. Not a single one of these steps can be accommodated here without significant effort and funding.
We obviously had some time to visit and play this morning as we waited for the people to arrive for church service. Robert Schaffitzel and John Greenhaw discussed water well drilling with our group and others. Alan Roark reminded us of Frisbees and nerf footballs (American style) that we brought and got us started playing with the kids. The Frisbees turned out to be of high quality as one was stuck on the roof of the pastor’s house for a while before someone got it down. The kids learned quickly from Mike and John who played with the kids across the village. Earl Stutzman ventured around the village and leapt up the rickety ladder to the top of a large water tank that was installed by Italians in 2005. Mary Ann Smith worked the crowd as many people were glad to greet her and converse in broken English.
The service was good with the Mazizi choir marching into the village just as the service had started. The 21 young people had walked the 10 kilometers this morning to assist with service and show their appreciation for us, their guests. Their music was wonderful and several of them had large smiles and joyful animations moving in rhythm of the songs. During the service the pastors inaugurated one new girl into the congregation and baptized a baby. Pastor Haferman introduced Mary Ann as the midwife for many people in the area. He praised her for raising so many good children – a way of stating she’d helped so many people come to Christ. He is correct in stating this, but all of you who have helped over the past decade plus need to share in this comment as through your wonderful works, the Word is being spread and accepted!
The people are poor and this year’s rain was small so crops did not provide much at harvest. Neither did the trees with their normally abundant fruits. But even in the drought the villagers brought forth money, bags of corn, sunflower seed, fruit, eggs, sugar cane, chickens and a goat and her kid. After we filed out of church and enjoyed the customary process of shaking each person’s hand we were provided seats in the shade for the auction.
The auctions are a jubilant affair with people crying out, helping others bid, driving up the price between friends, and in some cases shouting out a price then saying “going, going, gone” quickly so no one else could bid. Obviously, the auctioneer wouldn’t let the person get a low bid but did keep the auction fun and lively. Our team is now the proud owner of a goat, kid, chicken, few sacks of corn, sugar cane and some other items. Except for the chicken who will be our lunch tomorrow or Tuesday, all the other items were donated back to the villagers through the pastors and evangelists. All in all, a wonderful afternoon of fun and Spirit raising.
Each day here has many activities and too many stories to tell in such a condensed manner. It would be great if there were time to compare this season before the short rains with its bare trees and brown hills with the season of last May after the long rains when everything was green or blooming in full color and fruit was ripe on almost every tree. But that cannot be done here, so please ask any of this or previous team members to tell you a story about Tanzania. They will no doubt smile, tell you something wonderful, then cry and tell you something even more amazing. Perhaps the best way to end for this night is to pass on the Butterfly Effect to you. The theory states a simple act in one part of the kingdom can make a tremendous impact on another seemingly unrelated part. We who have been blessed to come on this trip have seen your works and are grateful of the effects you are making in Tulsa, Tanzania, and around the world.
By Brett Tabler
A few of us had a good night’s sleep while several team members suffered through hours of wakefulness. It was probably because they were concerned about arriving at breakfast on time. Breakfast was really important this morning as we only had three other meals during the day and were too late to receive evening tea at the seminary. Thankfully, the staff allowed us to have coffee and tea with our dinner. Whew! There will continue to be more bad jokes about our eating but the real story is the giving nature and service of the Kami people.
Today our team was joined by more familiar faces, Luca and Pastor Haferman, and two Korean-American ladies. We reacquainted with Pater Haferman yesterday but seeing Luca today was a good surprise. Robert Schaffitzel immediate recognized him as he walked toward our meeting place. We exchanged smiles and warm embraces before we divided into two vehicles and set off for New Land.
Our group cheered Robert Spitaleri as he donned padded racing gloves for the drive. We knew the seven of us would help him steer through the troubles and set a new speed record across the ravines and bumps in the “good road” from the highway to the village. As we bumped and jostled our way along Mike Mastraccio called off our chiropractic session for the day as we had just received our physical therapy.
All the other villages have Swahili names. This one gets its name from the people who took possession (being from the Sooner state we know what that means) after a sisal plantation failed. The land became unoccupied; therefore was new land to settle. A short while later other peoples (Arab background) stated they were going to move onto the land. With the help of some wise friends, the Kami’s solicited a well known political person to come lay the cornerstone on their building. This cemented the relationship between the new village and the Tanzanian government and the Kami’s stayed on the land without any further problems.
The village church is in good shape with new wood doors and a building campaign to add (brick) decorative windows. The water well drilled through Asbury’s help is five years old tomorrow and is still providing life giving water. The local bee hives, a good source of opportunity and revenue, have had a significant setback. One if not many bee badger attacked the hives, tearing off the lids and stealing the combs. These animals have the ability to emit a scent similar to a skunk that not only protects them from the bees, it can kill them. Therefore, much concern and frustration arises from the New Landers as they don’t know how to fend off the badger. As Pastor Haferman so appropriately stated, “every worthy project has its enemy.” Robert Spitaleri and the local evangelist spent several minutes talking about options and they will visit with some experienced bee keepers to determine solutions.
Sadly, this is typical as the villagers are smart but without education in new methods and without resources to counter act local problems. We Tulsans would just go to Home Depot and buy a six foot steel post, put it in the ground and place a new bee hive on top. Not a single one of these steps can be accommodated here without significant effort and funding.
We obviously had some time to visit and play this morning as we waited for the people to arrive for church service. Robert Schaffitzel and John Greenhaw discussed water well drilling with our group and others. Alan Roark reminded us of Frisbees and nerf footballs (American style) that we brought and got us started playing with the kids. The Frisbees turned out to be of high quality as one was stuck on the roof of the pastor’s house for a while before someone got it down. The kids learned quickly from Mike and John who played with the kids across the village. Earl Stutzman ventured around the village and leapt up the rickety ladder to the top of a large water tank that was installed by Italians in 2005. Mary Ann Smith worked the crowd as many people were glad to greet her and converse in broken English.
The service was good with the Mazizi choir marching into the village just as the service had started. The 21 young people had walked the 10 kilometers this morning to assist with service and show their appreciation for us, their guests. Their music was wonderful and several of them had large smiles and joyful animations moving in rhythm of the songs. During the service the pastors inaugurated one new girl into the congregation and baptized a baby. Pastor Haferman introduced Mary Ann as the midwife for many people in the area. He praised her for raising so many good children – a way of stating she’d helped so many people come to Christ. He is correct in stating this, but all of you who have helped over the past decade plus need to share in this comment as through your wonderful works, the Word is being spread and accepted!
The people are poor and this year’s rain was small so crops did not provide much at harvest. Neither did the trees with their normally abundant fruits. But even in the drought the villagers brought forth money, bags of corn, sunflower seed, fruit, eggs, sugar cane, chickens and a goat and her kid. After we filed out of church and enjoyed the customary process of shaking each person’s hand we were provided seats in the shade for the auction.
The auctions are a jubilant affair with people crying out, helping others bid, driving up the price between friends, and in some cases shouting out a price then saying “going, going, gone” quickly so no one else could bid. Obviously, the auctioneer wouldn’t let the person get a low bid but did keep the auction fun and lively. Our team is now the proud owner of a goat, kid, chicken, few sacks of corn, sugar cane and some other items. Except for the chicken who will be our lunch tomorrow or Tuesday, all the other items were donated back to the villagers through the pastors and evangelists. All in all, a wonderful afternoon of fun and Spirit raising.
Each day here has many activities and too many stories to tell in such a condensed manner. It would be great if there were time to compare this season before the short rains with its bare trees and brown hills with the season of last May after the long rains when everything was green or blooming in full color and fruit was ripe on almost every tree. But that cannot be done here, so please ask any of this or previous team members to tell you a story about Tanzania. They will no doubt smile, tell you something wonderful, then cry and tell you something even more amazing. Perhaps the best way to end for this night is to pass on the Butterfly Effect to you. The theory states a simple act in one part of the kingdom can make a tremendous impact on another seemingly unrelated part. We who have been blessed to come on this trip have seen your works and are grateful of the effects you are making in Tulsa, Tanzania, and around the world.
By Brett Tabler
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Team, September 19, 2009
When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes; Happy Birthday; Visiting Friends; Can We Go To Bed Yet?
I have two dogs. They are cute and friendly but they are barkers. I really don’t like barking dogs. This morning at 4:00 a.m. they woke me up! Actually I was dreaming about their barking and when I fully awakened it was not them but several crows that were caw, caw, cawing. Their cawing continued until 6:00 when it was time to prepare for the day. Half the team was fortunate to have slept through the bird songs but other half was not.
As we gathered downstairs the crows were the first story of the day. Then Mary Ann told of how she remembered Tanzania as it has a wonderful smoky smell. Once you get home you re-enjoy the scent as your clothes have it blended into them. She is right as many people cook over open fires. However, this is also one of the problems in the country as people are cutting down so many trees to create charcoal that deforestation is a significant problem that doesn’t have easy answers. People need to cook and they need to create income. The two are in direct conflict here.
After a breakfast of eggs, toast, tea and coffee we dash to the vehicles and exit the Catholic house at 7:30 a.m. However, this was Saturday, market day, and the roads were more than full. What is typically a few hours’ drive, turned into a four and a half hour trek across East Africa. We did stop along the way and purchase some cashews and soda. The break was good and gave the group a time to sing happy birthday to me. It was wonderful. Hart Morris would have been proud.
Before reaching the seminary, we stopped for a quick visit with Pastor Leonard Mwimbe in Maseyu. He has several ties to Asbury and our short term missionaries. He worked alongside Mike and me in May 2008 during our time here. I was thrilled that he remembered and he gave me a big smile and warm hug. Honestly, this is why I came back. It is not the manual labor we provide but the love we give (receive) that lightens everyone’s heart. We visited for a few minutes and were able to see the pastor’s children, Isaac and Rebeka, who Mike and I got to hold through church service last year. The pastor’s wife fixed tea and shortbread for all of us. It was great to visit, laugh, and enjoy stories from last year.
The seminary is a short drive from Maseyu and we arrived in time for lunch. After unpacking all nine of us loaded into the land rover to head into Morogoro to visit Bishop Mameo. The greetings were warm and personal. Mary Ann and the Bishop enjoyed seeing each other for the first time in a few years. Earl told the story of the families he’d met in Amsterdam and passed on their greetings. The Bishop told us about his friendship with the other Americans and we all enjoyed easy conversation and smiles.
Our group loaded into the land rover and drove into Morogoro for shopping. Bread, eggs, and peanut butter were purchased so we’d have lunch in the field for the first few days of work. We drove past some familiar storefronts, furniture makers, and hardware stores. The city was crowded as a football (soccer to us) match was scheduled for the evening. Robert Spitaleri drove to the lumber yard to determine if they would be open for business on Monday as Ramadan is being observed in this highly Muslim population. No one knew for sure and they stated they’d call Robert on Monday if they would open to make a sale.
The conversation gave Earl and me a few minutes to take pictures of some three story building being constructed. We were most interested in the scaffolding which is simply tree branches laced together with twine. This is also true about their ramps between the floors. It is easy to imaging a wheel barrel crashing through or someone toppling off a non-secured edge of the building.
The short trip back to the seminary was cool as the sky darkened by the clouds rolling over the Uluguro Mountains. Our timing was perfect as we arrived at the seminary just as afternoon tea was being served. Our team sat together and talked of the day and made some plans for communicating with the water well drilling companies and for the next few days. We sat for so long that there was only thirty minutes before dinner and each of us used the time for preparing our room for the duration of our stay.
I am saying a lot about food. Don’t plan on coming here to lose weight. You are fed multiple times on the flights, everyone you meet wants to break bread with you, and the seminary’s schedule of meals and tea times are always precise. So, we learn to eat light as we eat often.
This evening the Asbury team met to pray for our mission, coordinate the distribution of shoes, eye glasses, and kids’ items as well as discuss the upcoming events. Tomorrow’s visit to New Land will allow us to be in their church service and possibly take part in an auction. We also discuss our first thoughts from our journey. John Greenhaw and Alan Roark are excited to be here and have enjoyed the unique experiences from today. Robert Schaffitzel is glad to be back and ready to begin drilling new wells. Earl Stutzman is happy to see progress the country and villages have made since his last trip in 2000. Although Mike Mastraccio has some concerns about the health of family members at home, he and Mary Ann Smith are providing wonderful leadership and enjoying their time reconnecting with the people here. Personally, I’m thrilled to be here and forge deeper relationships with the team members. We are all hoping to achieve the only goal - to show God’s love to our Tanzania brothers and sisters in whatever task He lays out for us.
Again, we ask that you keep us, our families, and our Tanzania friends in your prayers.
And now, after our first day with feet on the ground, we can peacefully enjoy a night of refreshing sleep. (Only nine hours until breakfast!)
By Brett Tabler
I have two dogs. They are cute and friendly but they are barkers. I really don’t like barking dogs. This morning at 4:00 a.m. they woke me up! Actually I was dreaming about their barking and when I fully awakened it was not them but several crows that were caw, caw, cawing. Their cawing continued until 6:00 when it was time to prepare for the day. Half the team was fortunate to have slept through the bird songs but other half was not.
As we gathered downstairs the crows were the first story of the day. Then Mary Ann told of how she remembered Tanzania as it has a wonderful smoky smell. Once you get home you re-enjoy the scent as your clothes have it blended into them. She is right as many people cook over open fires. However, this is also one of the problems in the country as people are cutting down so many trees to create charcoal that deforestation is a significant problem that doesn’t have easy answers. People need to cook and they need to create income. The two are in direct conflict here.
After a breakfast of eggs, toast, tea and coffee we dash to the vehicles and exit the Catholic house at 7:30 a.m. However, this was Saturday, market day, and the roads were more than full. What is typically a few hours’ drive, turned into a four and a half hour trek across East Africa. We did stop along the way and purchase some cashews and soda. The break was good and gave the group a time to sing happy birthday to me. It was wonderful. Hart Morris would have been proud.
Before reaching the seminary, we stopped for a quick visit with Pastor Leonard Mwimbe in Maseyu. He has several ties to Asbury and our short term missionaries. He worked alongside Mike and me in May 2008 during our time here. I was thrilled that he remembered and he gave me a big smile and warm hug. Honestly, this is why I came back. It is not the manual labor we provide but the love we give (receive) that lightens everyone’s heart. We visited for a few minutes and were able to see the pastor’s children, Isaac and Rebeka, who Mike and I got to hold through church service last year. The pastor’s wife fixed tea and shortbread for all of us. It was great to visit, laugh, and enjoy stories from last year.
The seminary is a short drive from Maseyu and we arrived in time for lunch. After unpacking all nine of us loaded into the land rover to head into Morogoro to visit Bishop Mameo. The greetings were warm and personal. Mary Ann and the Bishop enjoyed seeing each other for the first time in a few years. Earl told the story of the families he’d met in Amsterdam and passed on their greetings. The Bishop told us about his friendship with the other Americans and we all enjoyed easy conversation and smiles.
Our group loaded into the land rover and drove into Morogoro for shopping. Bread, eggs, and peanut butter were purchased so we’d have lunch in the field for the first few days of work. We drove past some familiar storefronts, furniture makers, and hardware stores. The city was crowded as a football (soccer to us) match was scheduled for the evening. Robert Spitaleri drove to the lumber yard to determine if they would be open for business on Monday as Ramadan is being observed in this highly Muslim population. No one knew for sure and they stated they’d call Robert on Monday if they would open to make a sale.
The conversation gave Earl and me a few minutes to take pictures of some three story building being constructed. We were most interested in the scaffolding which is simply tree branches laced together with twine. This is also true about their ramps between the floors. It is easy to imaging a wheel barrel crashing through or someone toppling off a non-secured edge of the building.
The short trip back to the seminary was cool as the sky darkened by the clouds rolling over the Uluguro Mountains. Our timing was perfect as we arrived at the seminary just as afternoon tea was being served. Our team sat together and talked of the day and made some plans for communicating with the water well drilling companies and for the next few days. We sat for so long that there was only thirty minutes before dinner and each of us used the time for preparing our room for the duration of our stay.
I am saying a lot about food. Don’t plan on coming here to lose weight. You are fed multiple times on the flights, everyone you meet wants to break bread with you, and the seminary’s schedule of meals and tea times are always precise. So, we learn to eat light as we eat often.
This evening the Asbury team met to pray for our mission, coordinate the distribution of shoes, eye glasses, and kids’ items as well as discuss the upcoming events. Tomorrow’s visit to New Land will allow us to be in their church service and possibly take part in an auction. We also discuss our first thoughts from our journey. John Greenhaw and Alan Roark are excited to be here and have enjoyed the unique experiences from today. Robert Schaffitzel is glad to be back and ready to begin drilling new wells. Earl Stutzman is happy to see progress the country and villages have made since his last trip in 2000. Although Mike Mastraccio has some concerns about the health of family members at home, he and Mary Ann Smith are providing wonderful leadership and enjoying their time reconnecting with the people here. Personally, I’m thrilled to be here and forge deeper relationships with the team members. We are all hoping to achieve the only goal - to show God’s love to our Tanzania brothers and sisters in whatever task He lays out for us.
Again, we ask that you keep us, our families, and our Tanzania friends in your prayers.
And now, after our first day with feet on the ground, we can peacefully enjoy a night of refreshing sleep. (Only nine hours until breakfast!)
By Brett Tabler
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Tanzania Water Well & Construction Team, September 18, 2009
Wherever you go, there you are.
We’re all safe at the Catholic House in Dar Es Salaam. Three, Mary Ann Smith, Mike Mastraccio, and Alan Roark flew from Tulsa through Detroit and Robert Schaffitzel, John Greenhaw, Earl Stutzman, and Brett Tabler flew from Tulsa through Houston to meet the rest of the team in Amsterdam. Our flight had a cold cabin with John and Robert wearing their jackets most of the way to Amsterdam. Both sets of flights were long with little if any sleep. With your eyes weary and your brain tired, it is difficult to concentrate on reading so it is an opportunity to watch a movie or two.
Some of us had to confirm tickets in Amsterdam and with the help of a KLM agent we were able to use the kiosk to complete the transaction. A woman tapped Earl on the shoulder and asked questions about the process and our destination. She and her husband with another couple were stopping at Kilimanjaro on their way to Arusha to watch some exchange students graduate. The couples were from Seattle, Washington and knew Bishop Mameo and also knew Pastor Haferman. Earl took their names down on a card so he could relay the bright spot in our travels to both men.
During our flight across the African desert several of us stood in the back galley and peered out the small portal to view the vast expanse of brown sand. The desert is a desolate yet beckoning site with no houses, roads, or vegetation and void of color except a few hues of brown that highlight a rare mound or land fault. We flew directly over Nairobi which looked large from the air. I counted one bridge going east to west across the Nairobi river and four stretched from north to south as the river snaked its way east then back south past the city. The river is large, and brown, and splits into multiple channels then rejoins together a few miles to the north. In this split, there are large green areas probably for crops. A few other green areas cling tenuously to the river and except for a single green area within the city that looks like a soccer stadium there are no other colors visible from the 35,000 foot altitude.
At Dar, we only had one small problem which was with Robert’s luggage. His personal items were left in Amsterdam but the airline had already alerted the staff at Dar Es Salaam and after completing a few forms he was promised the luggage would be delivered to the Lutheran Jr. Seminary in a few days. Robert stayed in good humor and just stated that we’d be seeing him in the same clothes for a few days. He did express his new wisdom of keeping a spare set of clothes in his carry-on bag.
Robert and Linda Spitaleri were in typical form. They greeted us warmly, helped us stow the luggage into waiting vehicles and had already checked us into the rooms at the Catholic house where we’d stay the night. After spending 31 hours in airports, 24 of which were on (in) the jets, it was great to hear that we were mere minutes from a warm shower, cool ceiling fan, and mosquito netted bed.
The past hours are a blur and any pains that may have been endured along the way have slipped into blurry memories. Another short night separates us from the next meal at seven a.m. I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring – a day to rest, a day to confer with the drilling companies, or a day meet new friends are all possible. Whatever it is, we will all be glad to take our next steps in Tanzania.
We praise the Lord for our safe journey and thank you for all the prayers and help to get us here.
By Brett Tabler
We’re all safe at the Catholic House in Dar Es Salaam. Three, Mary Ann Smith, Mike Mastraccio, and Alan Roark flew from Tulsa through Detroit and Robert Schaffitzel, John Greenhaw, Earl Stutzman, and Brett Tabler flew from Tulsa through Houston to meet the rest of the team in Amsterdam. Our flight had a cold cabin with John and Robert wearing their jackets most of the way to Amsterdam. Both sets of flights were long with little if any sleep. With your eyes weary and your brain tired, it is difficult to concentrate on reading so it is an opportunity to watch a movie or two.
Some of us had to confirm tickets in Amsterdam and with the help of a KLM agent we were able to use the kiosk to complete the transaction. A woman tapped Earl on the shoulder and asked questions about the process and our destination. She and her husband with another couple were stopping at Kilimanjaro on their way to Arusha to watch some exchange students graduate. The couples were from Seattle, Washington and knew Bishop Mameo and also knew Pastor Haferman. Earl took their names down on a card so he could relay the bright spot in our travels to both men.
During our flight across the African desert several of us stood in the back galley and peered out the small portal to view the vast expanse of brown sand. The desert is a desolate yet beckoning site with no houses, roads, or vegetation and void of color except a few hues of brown that highlight a rare mound or land fault. We flew directly over Nairobi which looked large from the air. I counted one bridge going east to west across the Nairobi river and four stretched from north to south as the river snaked its way east then back south past the city. The river is large, and brown, and splits into multiple channels then rejoins together a few miles to the north. In this split, there are large green areas probably for crops. A few other green areas cling tenuously to the river and except for a single green area within the city that looks like a soccer stadium there are no other colors visible from the 35,000 foot altitude.
At Dar, we only had one small problem which was with Robert’s luggage. His personal items were left in Amsterdam but the airline had already alerted the staff at Dar Es Salaam and after completing a few forms he was promised the luggage would be delivered to the Lutheran Jr. Seminary in a few days. Robert stayed in good humor and just stated that we’d be seeing him in the same clothes for a few days. He did express his new wisdom of keeping a spare set of clothes in his carry-on bag.
Robert and Linda Spitaleri were in typical form. They greeted us warmly, helped us stow the luggage into waiting vehicles and had already checked us into the rooms at the Catholic house where we’d stay the night. After spending 31 hours in airports, 24 of which were on (in) the jets, it was great to hear that we were mere minutes from a warm shower, cool ceiling fan, and mosquito netted bed.
The past hours are a blur and any pains that may have been endured along the way have slipped into blurry memories. Another short night separates us from the next meal at seven a.m. I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring – a day to rest, a day to confer with the drilling companies, or a day meet new friends are all possible. Whatever it is, we will all be glad to take our next steps in Tanzania.
We praise the Lord for our safe journey and thank you for all the prayers and help to get us here.
By Brett Tabler
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Estonia-Celebrate Recovery-August 2009
Celebrate Recovery – Estonia
Glen Grusendorf and Cavett Binion traveled to Parnu, Estonia, August 24-31 to conduct training for Celebrate Recovery to begin in the Methodist Church in Estonia. There is much secularism, alcoholism, and drugs in use in the country making this a timely program for the church. Pray that groups would start in several areas of the country as a result of the training conducted. There were 52 people who attended the training! In addition, Glen and Cavett were privileged to speak and lead worship in the Agape Church, Asbury’s sister congregation.
Glen Grusendorf and Cavett Binion traveled to Parnu, Estonia, August 24-31 to conduct training for Celebrate Recovery to begin in the Methodist Church in Estonia. There is much secularism, alcoholism, and drugs in use in the country making this a timely program for the church. Pray that groups would start in several areas of the country as a result of the training conducted. There were 52 people who attended the training! In addition, Glen and Cavett were privileged to speak and lead worship in the Agape Church, Asbury’s sister congregation.
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