Sept. 12 2023
It will be two months soon since we arrived in Tanzania. From a humanitarian perspective it feels like we are babes learning to crawl for the first time. Not only are we learning about what to do as far as what types of humanitarian are the most effective, but how do we use the software to document everything.
We have never been project managers before and so learning about receiving quotes for services and equipment or buildings, having pre-bid meetings, receiving bids, and project follow-up are all new.
We are learning a great deal. This week, we went to the Ubungo Municipal Offices and were privileged to meet with the Municipal Director, the Director of Health, and the Director of Education as well as the chief engineer and the engineer overseeing some of the projects we are preparing for presentation to the Area Office in Kenya. They were all very kind. Ubungo is a very large population area. We explained what we were doing and what types of projects we are looking to do.
There is need everywhere, but which things have the most impact to a vulnerable population now? We get approached every week by people wanting to be sponsored for education, job opportunities, food or business ventures. This week I received a proposal to see if I would help start an international business of worldwide trade of traditional African art! All this person needed was about $200,000 in start-up money. Yep, we had to scramble to come up with money last night because the restaurant the senior couples ate at would not take a credit card.
We have submitted two proposals for additions and furnishing for medical facilities. We also got to spend part of a day with a contractor who builds various projects in several cities around the country. We took a man who helps us get around and he interprets for us when needed. I was expecting an office building with computers, scanners, printers and plotters, but we ended up driving through bumpy, narrow dirt roads, (four-wheel drive) type and came to a little office with two very small rooms and no sign on the building, well, and not really a building either. This was the place! Brigham Young was more certainwhen he phrased something similar.
You do not find places with street signs, addresses etc. I’m not sure we have a picture of this. The contractor was very friendly and took part of his day to go and look at a school project and he explained what challenges are specific to this country and culture. Every day we are learning something new and we love it.
When I glance at the news for Tanzania, it is filled with articles about efforts to provide education, clean water, agriculture production, countrywide polio vaccinations near vulnerable population centers, malaria prevention and health. It could feel almost suffocating if we let it, but we see the people. They are friendly, they make do with what they have, they are proud of their Swahili language and love it when we try to learn from them.
Many cook everyday with a small propane stove or over charcoal. Some are out early in the morning gathering giant bags full of leftover plastic bottles that they carry to somewhere they can make a few shillings from recycling. The government hires people who sweep the sides of roads including major highways because it provides more jobs.
Sometimes I wonder if prosperity is really a blessing if we don’t take time to thank God for every little tender mercy and if we start to see others as less than who they really are. Are we not ALL children of God? I love these people.
On another note, we talk about going on a senior mission with our favorite companion and it is wonderful, but to be honest, it is an adjustment when we are working together on the same projects and we have different ideas and priorities and ways of communicating. I am humbled beyond belief by my own inadequacies and I am trying to learn how to communicate in a more kind and patient manner.
These are small moments in total, but take work, and perhaps in the process of being molded, bent, re-sculpted and fired in a hot oven, I will emerge better, if I let the Savior be my artisan.
We love being together and are becoming even more “one” as we work together. Is it worth it? Oh, yes!
Pictures
There are quite a few fruit stands.
As we go on drives to our visits, there are little shops and tiny homes everywhere. There are some very nice highways and then the road suddenly becomes dirt and often becomes narrow and very bumpy. We see the people living in very humble conditions. it has been very different for us. We are realizing that different isn’t bad or wrong. It’s just ….different . We realize that it is normal for them. They are hardworking, intelligent, kind, resilient and often we see people laughing and visiting. We love these people and are grateful for this opportunity to be here.
These flowers are so little but so vibrant and bring joy to others.
We love the Savior’s creations. It lifts us. We caught a sunrise the other morning on a morning walk.
As I saw this little truck, it reminded me of when we first got married and was moving to Utah. Everything we owned was in the back Farrell’s dad‘s truck. As I looked at this little truck I realized that someone must be moving. They had their big pots to cook in, the table and other items that would be needed.
The night before the marathon we got to have four Missionaries stay with us. We really enjoyed it. The next morning. We had to leave at 5 AM , two of tthe Missionaries didn’t hear their alarm so we were running late. And then, I looked down and saw a Missionary starting to lace up his tennis shoes. I was a little concerned about being late. We made it and everything was fine. Later that day after Farrell had taken them home, they live sn hour away, we came to our apartment. As we walked in our door we looked down and there were these shoes . The missionary had forgotten to take them. The shoes were worn and we realized that he didn’t have laces for both pairs of shoes.
There are about 120 missionaries in Tanzania right now. They are good.
There was alot of enthusiasm and energy.
Some of the missionaries were able to run with the children.
Love their smiles
Goodtimes!
We had the opportunity to attend a marathon fundraiser for a school for special needs. The missionaries were invited to help with it. It was great being able to watch these sweet children participate and to hear them sing.
Malik our guard shared his clams. He was so excited. We were grateful but I did go through a process of chsnging my perspective and thinking pattern. I appreciated dad so much that he was able to clean them and fix them where they tasted so good!
See that little pile? It was good.
This is one of the chapels here. Our guard is in the blue shirt. He Kind of reminds me of grandpa Joey. He is very kind and always happy to see us when we come and go into our apartment complex. He works every day of the week except for Monday. I just met the branch president who loves music. When he was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist, he enjoyed singing. He wants to learn to play the piano so he can play the hymns. He says that he has started coming and practicing a little every day. He speaks very little English. I told him I would help him learn, so I will start going a half hour early before we meet our guard and the missionaries . It is exciting to have someone who really wants to learn to play the piano, but there will be that language barrier. I have learned more Swahili, but will keep trying. More adventures ahead.
Videos
The children from the school performing
