(the following submitted by Tracy on Tuesday, June 22)
Happy Birthday Gary! Yesterday we were in Iringa doing what a tourist does---shop….but this was an open air market. Dean and I went into a large roofed area where they sold beans and rice. We had such a thrill spending the money raised by all of you at St. Stephens! We bought 50 kilos (110 pounds) of rice for 50,000 shillings, and we bought 20,000 shillings of beans. I do not remember the amount but it was a big bag that you will see Dean carrying in the picture.
After measuring the rice and beans, the seller put the rice into a large bag, which Dean was getting ready to pick up. The young man starting waving his hands….50 kilos of rice in an open bag! The man proceeded to get a hooked needle and thick thread, and he sewed the top closed! Probably better than the white man carrying a large bag with rice spilling all along the street!
Rice and beans are 2 of the gifts we purchased with your donations, and it will be great to take that to our village in 2 days. The other purchase was made at a Danish Bookstore----we bought the bibles for the students (Swahili and English). Because of the cost we also were able to get 6 bibles i(Swahili only) for the evangelists. I am excited to bring your gifts!
Huruma Orphanage – Tuesday, June 21
(the following submitted by Judy)
Yesterday we also visited Huruma Orphanage, an orphanage supported by the Bega Kwa Bega partnership. Forty children living together, ages 5-15, often with no supportive relatives, children found on the street. We were visiting along with a group from Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeville.
The joy of the morning—we shared Jesus Loves Me; immediately they responded, eyes shining, singing in beautifully clear voices. And then—Jesus Loves Me in two languages, sung together, looking at each other and celebrating Christ’s love for us all.
Our messages of greetings from you were translated for the children by a boy of about 13, and he later shared with me that he is as fond of his school uniform as many of Gethsemane’s middle school students are of theirs ;). We saw ears of corn piled on the ground that the students will shell and grind for their food. Tracy joined in jump rope play, and the teenagers from Lakeville played on the dirt “soccer field,” amazed at the ball handling skill of the boys. And we all heard the exhausted frustration of the orphanage head, a woman committed to raising young men and women who will be able to make good decisions when they leave, armed with knowledge and love. We pray God’s blessings on her work. We pray for the children.
Image Secondary School – Tuesday, June 21
(the following submitted by Tracy)
On Tuesday morning we toured Ilula Hospital, which is about 40 miles northeast of Iringa. After the hospital visit, we went to Image School. This is a Lutheran school that villages send their students to through the support of student scholarships. It was a long drive, 25 miles+ north of Ilula, down a red clay dirt road that we would consider a one lane road--- but when another vehicle passed (we met two or three) we each had to squeeze to the side. It was very rutted, and we bumped along knowing we might see some of our students at the end. I was holding the gifts that were packed in Minnesota---the letters and pictures and solar calculators.
After the long drive we were told that all the students were on a break from school. We were slightly disappointed, but knew that we should be able to see the students in our village when we arrive there. We had a wonderful tour and a surprise lunch and then the teachers danced for us (I have a short video). After lunch we were heading to the bus when we were told that 2 students from our village were there! Those that know me know that my eyes got misty as I delivered the letters, bibles and calculators for these students. Yes, I also gave hugs and smiles! The students we met at Image School were Wilbert Luhwago (sponsored by the Johnson’s) and Arzon Sarah (Swanbergs). We will take pictures of each student; then you will have their picture with you.
It was overwhelming to know that I had come halfway around the world and delivered personal messages from you to them-----so I left the area with tears! Oh well, when you cry at Hallmark commercials what do you expect!
(the following submitted by Dean)
Hello... miss and love everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment