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