Texans in Tanzania

The Legend of Pancho Villa

2011-10-30T13:37:00.001-05:00

This is Pancho Villa, one of our Rhodesian Ridgebacks. He came to live with us about a year ago (October 2010)and is a full brother to Hector. When he arrived, he contracted Parvo and came very close to death. Two friends who were visiting at the time, laid hands and prayed over him. He recovered completely and has become quite a character.

Because one of Pancho's older brothers had an aggression disorder, his overzealous behavior gave us cause for concern, so we determined it was probably best to neuter him. Ed assumed the procedure was much like that of cattle and pigs, but was told by a veterinarian friend that was definitely NOT the way to do dogs.

So, she invited us to sit in on a couple of procedures at her clinic in Arusha. She showed us exactly how it was done, gave us both a little hands on experience. Snip, snip, cut, tie, stitch....very little blood....seemed simple enough. When we finished, Dr. Lieve sent us on our way back to to Dodoma with surgical supplies, sedatives, and post-op medication. Everything we needed.

By now, Pancho is 10 months and weighs about 80 pounds.
Thank goodness there are no pictures to post from the operation.
With Pancho sedated and asleep and our trusty guard, Amos standing by, our veranda became a surgical theater......and as the procedure progressed resembled those you see on television shows like ER or Grey's Anatomy. You would have heard the following conversation.

Me: Looks good..(as I am tying off an artery).....(pause)
Oh, Ed, that's a lot of blood....(pause)
Where's all the blood coming from?......(Ed still hasn't said a word)
This isn't good, Ed.
Ed....something's wrong.....(by now,the blood is squirting out and is now all over me, Amos, and Ed.

Amos: Babu (Ed) this is very bad......(Ed is still silent and working)

Me: (Panicking)...Ed, we need to call someone.

Ed: (Rather brusquely) Debra, this is Tanzania.....there is no one to call. Tie off the vein again.

Our poor little Pancho.....and there was nothing to do but stitch him up and wait. Amos was pacing around the veranda, shaking his head and saying "Babu, this is very bad". By now our houselady, Emme, has joined us and is wringing her hands. Pancho is resting and, thankfully, breathing. Emme and I lay hands on him and pray for healing. I went a step further and put on a CD with healing scriptures being read in both ENGLISH and HEBREW. Emme and I sat and waited for about 3 hours with the scriptures being spoken over him. It wasn't long before he began to stir and, understandably, he was a bit shaky. By the following day he was moving around and eating well. Ten days later we removed his stitches and he's been great since.

His bark and growl are still not quite as low as his brother, Hector, though.

This is Pancho today.

Psalm 36:6 (NLT) You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.

Lunch in Chloe's Garden

2011-10-30T13:14:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon, we were invited to have lunch in Chloe's garden. Chloe is a delightful young woman from Belgium who is working as a speech therapist here in Tanzania. We have met her at several international gatherings and she has become one of our "adopted" family. She has, not only, mastered Kiswahili in a few short months, but also has learned the Tanzanian version of sign language.

Chloe is also a vegan, which is no problem for me. Ed usually likes a little more protein with his meal, but he joined in and ate everything served.

Other guests included a Caroline, a medical student from Holland, and Judy, a special needs teacher from England.

We heard rumors that Chloe's specialty was baking breads. She didn't fail us today and made croissants for the first time. She was so proud of them and made sure photos were taken as proof of her culinary abilities.

We've learned in Tanzania that it's not the elaborate meals and beautifully laid tables that make a difference in getting together. Pots of beans and leftovers have often been on the menu. It's the time spent in sharing one another's company that makes our gatherings truly memorable.

Acts 2:46-47 (NLT) They worshipped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity--all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.

To Blog or NOT to Blog....That is the question

2011-10-30T12:43:00.000-05:00

So take a look at how long it's been since I posted anything to this blog. I loved doing it, but 2010 got a little crazy and I just fell behind. Plus, Facebook seemed to be a great way to stay in touch.

But then, I realized there are so many of our friends who don't Facebook and, so don't get updates on what is going on in Tanzania.

Another reason is that a blog gives a little more insight into what life is like for these Texans in Tanzania.

So bear with me as I get started again...

Tanzania 2010

2011-03-17T17:21:00.000-05:00

The last 6 months of 2010 was crazy. I will try and do a better job keeping the blog current this year. Here is the video we created re-cappping the year.

We want to thank everyone who has given so unselfishly to the OMEGA projects in Tanzania.

TRIMBLE FAMILY-Ntyuka

2010-09-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

Meet the Trimble Family from St. Paul Minnesota. A 10 year dream of a family mission trip to Africa was realized this summer. There were many obstacles the family had to overcome, but
THEY FINALLY MADE IT.

They raised funds to install windows at a church in the village of Ntyuka. The entire family went to work installing windows, patching with mud mortar, and then painting.

It was not all work and no play, as the family organized games with the village children each day.

The happiness stimulated in play carried over to their work.

TEACH IT TEAM-Journey's End

2010-09-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

After 2 weeks of hard work, the Teach It Team, set off on safari in Mikumi National Park.

It was a great safari which sported a rare shot of a lion soaking up the warmth of an early morning sunrise. He wasn't too excited by our presence. In fact this was one of the few shots I got with his eyes open.

The team then opted for a day trip to the island of Zanzibar. It has a completely different feel than mainland, Tanzania. After touring a spice plantation and the old slave market, they strolled through the market.

The streets of Zanzibar are narrow and many passable only by foot.

Back in Texas, Susan will return to her home-bound teaching, Heidi to her 2nd grade classroom, and Sara will continue her teacher training. All agree their lives will never be the same.

TEACH IT Team - SAFINA

2010-09-19T09:35:00.000-05:00

The Teach It Team came bearing suitcases of books. When combined with many other books already donated to the Safina Street Network program, they undertook the job of cataloging over 400 books, building and installing bookshelves, and opening a new library for the street kids.

The new bookshelves were funded by the Teach It team and built by Ed.
They filled every possible corner and space with shelf space, anticipating a room one day filled with books.

Susan, Sara, and Heidi did a great job on the library, but their passion lay working with kids at the center.

Susan loved spending time reading and working with the Safina nursery kids. Heidi spent a great deal of time working with the older boys on their English skills.

Sara was a great playmate for the kids.

TEACH IT TEAM - VILLAGE LIFE

2010-09-19T08:52:00.001-05:00

Susan Brown, from San Antonio, came to Tanzania 2 years ago with a group of special educators and left with a dream of returning to Tanzania and giving more.
This summer she returned, with her daughter, Sara Brown, and co-worker, Heidi Enrado.
The first week of their visit was spent experiencing life in villages.
Susan and Sara worked in a classroom for special needs students in the village of Mpunguzi.

Heidi worked with upper primary school students on their English skills as they prepared for their Standard VII National Examination.

Tikvah is a ministry under the direction of our Tanzanian friends Patrick and Necksan. The ministry focuses on widows and orphans. During their visit, the Teach It team was able to assist Necksan with the distribution of school supplies, blankets, and clothing to orphans in the village of Mkulabi.

The shirts were all new, all the same size, and all a blessing to these children.

GRIFFEY GUYS

2010-09-19T08:31:00.001-05:00

During the summer of 2009, Jim Griffey brought his entire family to Tanzania to see what Omega was all about. Jim left, knowing he would be returning.
Over the ensuing year, he stayed in touch with his new friend, Stephano and was able to come back to Tanzania to focus on some of his favorite stops.
Brad, Jim's son, was able to join him on this return journey.
Deepening the friendship with Stephano, Brad and Jim were able to meet Stephano's extended family.

They spent several days at Sambasha, visiting village homes and encouraging people to come to church. There was painting to be done at the church, so the Griffey guys put their hands to putting some of the finishing touches on the new sanctuary.

The children at Sambasha flocked to Jim and Brad to receive crayolas to use at school.

After making a stop to visit friends in the village of Mswakini, we made the 9 hour drive to Dodoma.

Jim and Brad were able to to share their basketball skills with the Safina Street kids.

Now that the refurbishment of the Safina building is progressing, there was a great need for shelving in several of the rooms. Jim and Brad spent a day working alongside the boys there, building shelves and just having a good time.

Jim says he'll back next year. We certainly hope he does return. The Griffey Family has blessed Omega and Tanzania......sana, sana, sana.

...and we pause for a commercial break

2010-09-19T04:28:00.000-05:00

We loved hosting the team from Victory Life and, upon their departure, were blessed to be invited to stay at a new beach resort, owned by friends.
The best part is that it was "free of charge".

So here's a picture you won't often see....
ED on the beach

And then there's ME on the beach....

And US on the beach....

VICTORY LIFE-TIME FLIES

2010-09-19T04:16:00.001-05:00

The time just flew by and it was time to head back to Texas.
But not before a quick photographic safari.

To experience a little "wildlife"

And a break on the beach

And then it was time to go.

VICTORY LIFE - SAFINA STREET NETWORK

2010-09-19T04:03:00.000-05:00

The team moved on to work with the Safina Street Network for only one day.
The ladies painted hallways to bring new light into a dark and dreary building.

The men worked to construct and raise a basketball goal for the boys.

In the afternoon as the boys gathered for a Bible lesson, the team shared the plan of salvation with them.

And then it was time to serve the meal which Safina provides daily to the street children of Dodoma.

Matthew 25:40 (NLT): "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"

VICTORY LIFE - HONORED

2010-09-19T03:45:00.001-05:00

At the end of the week at Nghon'ghona, the people of the village honored each team member with traditional gifts of shukas for the mean and khangas for the women. They were humbled by the generosity of the villagers.

Many came out on the last day to dedicate the church and bid the team a loving farewell.

VICTORY LIFE-CRUSADING

2010-09-19T03:38:00.000-05:00

When the Victory Life started planning their trip to Tanzania, their focus was always to proclaim the Good News.
Well, they certainly partnered with the right pastor. Pastor Erasto Mwambeje immediately grasped their vision and planned a crusade for the week the team was working with his church.
Over loud speakers, the Word of God was proclaimed as Charles Abuyeka preached and Pastor Erasto translated. They were definitely a "dynamic duo".

Every afternoon the crowds grew.

And every afternoon there were more and more responses as people received Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

And every afternoon the celebrations became more exciting and joyful.

VICTORY LIFE-PROCLAIMING

2010-06-23T01:40:00.002-05:00

The team members had no hesitation about sharing the love of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.

The children were captivated with the stories and songs telling about Christ.

Language was no barrier when it came to the Prayer of Salvation.

Adults loved the sincerity when a heart was shared.

VICTORY LIFE--AND MORE WORK

2010-06-23T00:08:00.003-05:00

The team met every day with renewed energy and tackled their work vigorously. The Tanzanians who worked alongside them admired their fortitude. The job was truly "manual labor". All the cement for the floor was hand mixed with sand and gravel and then carefully poured. After the first rough layer of cement was dried, a second layer was applied to smoothe out all the imperfections.

The ladies did their part too.....

Even the water had to be retrieved and hauled a distance.

VICTORY LIFE--PLAY TIME

2010-06-21T23:11:00.001-05:00

It's not "all work and no play" for this team from Victory Life.
Chris demonstrates his batting skills.

You don't need a translator to tell kids how to kick a ball.

Balloons by the bunch.........Billy was huffing and puffing by the time all the kids got a balloon.

Teaching the kids to color was great, but seeing them excited about taking the crayons home with them was even better.

VICTORY LIFE-THE WORK BEGINS

2010-06-21T23:00:00.001-05:00

The Victory Life team raised funds to raise the walls and install a floor on the Beroya Church in Nghon'ghona. This is the church before the walls were built.

Pastor Erasto so wanted the building to be near completion by the time the team left, so the actual walls were erected prior to the team's arrival, leaving only the floor to be poured.

So the work begins........

VICTORY LIFE--DAY 1--SURVEY

2010-06-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

The first day on the ground,the team from Victory Life spent in seeing the scope of Pastor Erasto's vision for sharing Jesus and providing a solid educational foundation for pre-school age children.
The students at the pre-school in Ipagala were excited to have the team visit. The classrooms here also serve as a church for the community of Ipagala.

Not far away, is the site for the future building of the Shekinah Miracle Center. Pastor Erasto invited the team to bless the grounds by doing a "prayer walk" around the acreage. The team partnered up and walked the perimeter several times, praying continuously.

Later in the day, we headed out to Nghon'ghona to see where we would be working. The enthusiastic community gathered to greet us.

VICTORY LIFE-HEADED TO DODOMA

2010-06-21T22:26:00.003-05:00

There were 15 of us to get to Dodoma, so after the Landcruiser was loaded, 4 traveled with Ed and 11 of us went by the prestigious SHABIBY bus line (a 7 hour ride).

The beginning of the ride was all smiles.

A rest stop in Morogoro introduced everyone to Tanzanian "rest stop facilities"

Finally arriving in Dodoma, we were greeted at the bus stand by Pastor Erasto Mwambeje....with whom the group will be working during the next week.

VICTORY LIFE TEAM-ARRIVAL

2010-06-05T16:33:00.006-05:00

The team from Victory Life Church in Lubbock arrived safely in Tanzania late in the afternoon. After over an hour getting through customs and gathering their luggage(minus one piece that was left in Houston) they exited Julius Nyerere International Airport with smiles and laughter ready to meet the challenges of the days ahead.

With 16 of us in all, we had to use a bus to reach our accommodations for the night. Rather than take a shorter route to the hostel, the driver chose to drive through downtown Dar es Salaam in 5 o'clock traffic. We arrived nearly 3 hours later........just in time for dinner..........and to get to bed for an early wake up call.

TO VICTORY LIFE TEAM FAMILY MEMBERS

2010-06-05T16:01:00.003-05:00

Dear Loved Ones,
I know you are anxiously waiting for some posts about your friends and family who are on the Victory Life Team in Tanzania. Tonight is the 4th night they have been in Tanzania and we have had a great time. With the early mornings/late nights we have had, I haven't gotten anything posted on the blog. Tonight I have been on the internet for an hour and it is "SUPER" slow, so that's why there are no photos on this blog. Please bear with us and know that your loved ones are all safe and having a great time. I will try again tomorrow.
But for now am signing off at 12:08 Sunday morning.

Blessings to you all.
Ed & Debra Lloyd and the Awesome Victory Life Team

Pulling At My Heart Strings

2010-05-27T15:31:00.003-05:00

This is my grandson, Zachary Clint. He smiles most of the time, but also has a very serious manner about himself, especially when he is focused on a task. Just like all our kids and grandchildren, I miss him terribly.

I first saw the little boy in the picture below last year. He was presenting a gift to an Omega team who had been working at the Safina Street Network Center. He didn't say a word, but was determined to do the task which he had been assigned. So many things about him reminded me of our little Zachary Clint. His age (6), size, intensity, and smile. My heart was immediately drawn to him.

Until recently, he had not spoken at all. He is one of 4 children of a blind woman who begs on the streets of Dodoma. They all live in a one-room, mud-brick, structure of which the back wall collapsed during this year's rainy season. Thankfully, through Safina support, Ed and 2 of the older street kids are re-building that wall.
February brought the opening of the Safina pre-school class and guess who is a student? What a difference it has made in this precious one's life. He got a uniform, underwear, new flip-flops, an exercise book, and a good "scrubbing down" a couple of times a week.

He's talking now and even participates in the older boys choir when they practice their choreographed steps and songs. He openly greets Ed and me when we show up at the center and calls us "Babu" and "Bibi" (grandfather & grandmother).

He's no longer "pulling at my heart strings", but is playing a full-blown tune.

And his name is.....

ZACHARIA

NOTE TO SELF....

2010-05-27T14:09:00.001-05:00

Don't send Ed to the paint store..............unattended.

VICTORY LIFE TEAM-GETS SOME PRESS

2010-05-26T23:01:00.005-05:00

The OMEGA team from Victory Life Church in Lubbock is due to arrive next week. We have been cleaning house, changing sheets, cooking, getting building materials are on site, making arrangements for meals in the village, and probably some other things I didn't think about. As excited as we are for the team to get here, it cannot compare with the excitement that is building in the village of Nghon'hona, where the team will be completing the building of a church, witnessing in the community, with culmination of a 3 night CRUSADE.
Recently Pastor Erasto Mwambeje asked for a photo of the team so he could make a poster announcing the team's arrival and the nights of "CRUSADE".
We picked up the finished product yesterday.

On Sunday and Monday before the team's arrival, we have been recruited to transport a gentleman around the community, armed with a loud speaker, bearing a "Come One...Come All" announcement.
Stay tuned for more updates as the team arrives and gets to work.
This is gonna be good!!!!!

Proclaimer--Faith Comes by Hearing

2010-05-08T01:40:00.004-05:00

Before we left the states in January, Barry Cowart, from Muleshoe, contacted us and said he wanted us to take a look at something and see if it is something we wanted to bring back to Tanzania. It was a Proclaimer, developed by Faith Comes By Hearing(http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/) , an MP3 player loaded only with the New Testament...........in Kiswahili. It is a dramatized version and not just reading and can be charged by electricity, a solar panel, or by winding it up. Well, of course, we thought it would be a great tool, but the hardest part was deciding where to place the 3 units.

The first unit, we gave to the Safina Street Network, which ministers to street children. They place it in their eating area and play it while the kids are eating their daily meal.

Earlier last year, we had the privilege of replacing a pump at the Buigiri Blind Rehabilitation Center for Adults. The pastor gathered everyone together, with Unit #2 in hand, and they listened, spellbound, to the Proclaimer, amazed at "the talking Book".

Unit #3 is multi-purpose. We have placed it in the work area and turned it on while working on pump repairs. Our houselady, Emmi, excitedly turns it on each day (and I might say loudly) for the listening pleasure of herself and the watchman, thrilled that our home is being filled with the Word of God. She takes it to her home on the weekends and said the radios blaring in the surrounding homes are silenced as everyone near can hear the Word PROCLAIMED.

Thank you Barry Cowart for connecting us with "Faith Comes by Hearing"

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17 NKJV)

EASTER--Resurrected !!!!

2010-05-08T01:02:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am a little delayed on my posts, so I wanted to go back to Easter and share what a great time we had celebrating.
Of course, we all went to church, but then the Americans, here in Dodoma, all decided to get togethter for an old fashioned "pot-luck" dinner.
We enjoy sharing meals with one another, and it's usually something simple, like beans and rice, or beans and rice, or beans and rice. Oh, and beans and rice..............we love beans and rice.
This time we went all out and made all kinds of special stuff: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, jello with bananas (just like my grandmother's), mac & cheese...it was a feast.
There were 22 of us in all.
What a blessing each and everyone of these precious friends are to us here in Dodoma.

We just installed mosquito netting on the back veranda, so the tables and chairs were lined up and we served away.

"They worshipped together;....met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity---all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people." (Acts 2:46-47 NLT)

Getting Ready-Victory Life Baptist Church

2010-05-08T00:10:00.001-05:00

Well, it's just a few short weeks and we will be welcoming OMEGA's first team for 2010. Victory Life Baptist Church (Lubbock) is bringing a group of 13 to work at Beroya Church. They will be erecting walls on the church and doing evangelism in the community, as well as partnering with the team from Book of Hope.

Pastor Erasto is calling the work they will be doing: "Building & Proclaiming"
There are lots of preparations to make prior to a team's arrival.

#1 IS PRAYER
But there are lots of other things.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Beroya Church at Nghon'ona measuring and making estimates for the building materials needed for the project.

The church members started early with the construction of a "choo" (outdoor toilet facilities). Bear in mind....there will be more to it than just this hole.

The children in the area are aware something exciting is going on as they gathered to practice some songs.

I haven't been very faithful with my blogging recently, but check back in.
The team will arrive June 2, so stayed tuned to see what they will be doing in Tanzania.

Wake Up Call

2010-03-20T22:09:00.001-05:00

It's not unusual for me to wake up around 5:00 in the morning. I usually get a cup of coffee and sit in the dark. Sometimes God will give me a scripture to read or a song will begin to run through my mind. Sometimes, I just sit.
Promptly at 5:00 a.m, the Muslim call to prayer begins, through loud speakers. We get a variety of "choruses" from smaller mosques in our immediate area. I would like to tell you it is melodious, but those of you who have visited Tanzania can attest, it is not "music to the ears".

The construction of the largest mosque in East Africa is near completion about a mile away "as the crow flies". I don't think their speaker system is up and running yet, but I'm sure it will be before long. ..........which is beside the point.

So, I joined the chanters this morning as the words from a song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean ran through my mind:
Like oil upon Your feet
Like wine for You to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I lavish mine on you
Til every drop is gone
I pour my love on you

Psalm 48:10: "Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the end of the earth."

Little Things---Big Problems

2010-03-05T02:26:00.003-06:00

Ed says that the first question he's going to ask God when he gets to heaven is, "Why do kids feel compelled to put stuff into a hole?"
We have encountered many bore holes which were filled with a variety of things. The bore holes had no covers and offered an open invitation to children to see if the hole could be filled with ANYTHING: rocks, trash, pens, leaves, sand.....and the list goes on.

Upon return to Dodoma, we were asked to return to a village in which we had installed a pump several months ago. It was not working.
I will not go into the mechanics of the well casing, pipes, and rods. But I will tell you, it was a full day's work as we pulled about 120 feet of rods to get the pump out. Then the same length of pipe to see if there were leaks in the pipe. Ed and Lance re-worked the foot valve and pipes then re-installed it.
Not just once, but 3 times.
They finally made the decision to install all new pvc pipe.
The last time the pump was pulled, they noticed a brand new "o-ring" had been destroyed and the culprits which destroyed the "o-ring" were Baobab tree seeds, which kids had put into an opening at the top of the pump. As the water was pumped, the seeds were pulled into the pipe, destroying the "o-ring".

Since this pump was initially installed, a plate has been designed to prevent this from happening. However, it does not get the seeds out of this well.

So, with a little "Ed-gineering", the seeds cannot get into the pipe as the water is pumped.

There are some discussions with a "drilling" friend who has the capabilities of cleaning out some of these bore holes. We look forward to seeing how this all comes about. Rehabilitating these wells, would be more cost effective than drilling new ones.

As for Ed asking God his question......we have laughed knowing that when we are in the presence of the Father, we won't remember one of those questions on our list.

Won't that be a glorious day?

Those little things....will no longer be big problems.

Mbuzi to Mpunguzi

2010-03-04T09:16:00.002-06:00

That is Nexan on the far right in the photo below. She is an amazing woman and wears many hats. She supports her husband and his work with the street children of Dodoma. Their home is now home to 6 street children in addition to their own 4. In her spare time, she has a ministry to widows, helping them find ways to generate income and encouraging them with ideas.
Several months ago, when we were being given goats in appreciation for working on water pumps, Ed suggested to Nexan that a goat project might be a good money making venture for some of her ladies and he just happened to have a goat to get them started.
Naturally, the women had concerns about feeding the goat and fears someone would steal it. Ed suggested they take the goat, keep it for a few months, and see how things worked out.
You can barely see Goat #1 in the lower portion of this picture.

Flash forward 6 months. The "seed" goat has not been stolen. She is being fed. Nexan receives word the women are ready for a male goat to start producing.
She locates one at a good price in Ihuma. We leave at 8:00 this morning and drive 15 kilometers to "collect" the goat.
Yes, that's the goat in the back of our Landrover.
This very special "mbuzi" is going to Mpunguzi, about an hour's drive from where we are. So, we headed out.

It was hot and the goat had a "nervous stomach"...........enough said. I declined taking photos of that.

The happy ending is that several ambitious widows in Mpunguzi are now in the "goat business".

My Utmost for His Highest--March 4

2010-03-04T08:25:00.003-06:00

This is Oswald Chambers classic devotional "My Utmost for His Highest". I gave a copy of this to Ed, before we married, in 1991. We have been reading it each year since....not each and every day, but most of it. Next to the Bible, many of the devotions have given insight to who Jesus is and who we are in Christ.

Many pages are underlined, highlighted, and often notes written in the margins as a reminder of what was happening in our lives at the time. I have come upon one of the grandkids pretending to read and carefully marking the page, just as they had seen me do.

Today, I turned to March 4 and found one devotion which spoke profoundly to me as I wrestled with joining Ed in Tanzania in 2007. I loved my job and everything about it.....especially the friends I had there.

PRACTICALITY told me:
You are needed here.
You love this job.
You would be giving up great benefits.
You love this job.
It's wonderful pay.
You love this job.
You can retire in 7 years.
You love this job.

But I found that God wanted to speak something else to me through this devotion on March 4, 2007.
"Practical work may be a competition against abandonment to God, because practical work is based on this argument---'Think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.' That attitude does not put Jesus Christ as the Guide as to where we should go, but our judgment as to where we are of most use. Never consider whether you are of use; but ever consider that you are not your own but His."

The following day, I let my supervisor know, I would be joining Ed in June.

Disclaimer

2010-02-24T04:28:00.003-06:00

I want everyone to be sure and know that Ed and I DO NOT oversee the Safina Program (see the following post). We are, however, privileged to be around to partner with and support Safina Street Ministry personally and through our work with Omega Mission. There are other families in Dodoma who give of themselves also. The staff of Safina are "in the trenches" each and every day and continue to do an amazing job, working tirelessly for these children.

Prayers for Mathayo

2010-02-23T23:13:00.002-06:00

The director's of the Safina Street Network work around the clock, challenged by countless tasks on a daily basis. When one child hasn't been around, Andrea and Patrick immediately go to work to find that child.

Mathayo's absence was no exception. Andrea eventually found him in the hospital. He had been beaten by a gang of boys and left to die at the rail road tracks. Injuries to his head and his back, left him unconscious and unable to move.

Hospitals here do not provide food. It is up to family members to bring food. No family...no food. The day Andrea found Mathayo, the hospital had just then hooked up an IV. He had not been turned and his muscles were atrophied. He was slowly becoming conscious. Andrea and Patrick returned daily and fed him by hand since he was still unable to feed himself.

Safina only has approval to house children who are sick, so Mathayo, still unable to walk, was taken to the facility where he has been attended to by 3 older boys who live on site. Each day, they get him up, make sure he is fed and clean and then attempt to help him walk. Cha-cha, the oldest boy, has a heart for caring for the sick. Mathayo has made some progress walking supported on each side by another boy.

I had heard a new physiotherapist, from Australia, was now serving Dodoma, through the Anglican church, so I called Jane and found she was most willing to come do an evaluation on Mathayo. Yesterday, I picked her and her translator up and we headed to Safina. Mathayo was anxiously anticipating her visit.

All the boys gathered around and watched as Jane did an assessment and confirmed his back and possible hip injury, but feels recovery looks very promising. Cha-cha took in everything as Jane demonstrated massaging Mathayo's back, stretching, and other exercises. Jane will come to the center to monitor his progress a couple of times a week. I had pulled out my camera to start documenting his progress from the beginning and found I had not replaced the memory card.

The word has been sent out to the Dodoma "ex-pat" community to locate a walker for Mathayo. Prayers for healing are being prayed and we are convinced he will make a full recovery. Will you join us in praying for Mathayo? Also, in praying for the Safina program as they minister to the street children of Dodoma.

Creative Cooking

2010-02-20T08:57:00.000-06:00

I love my man and when he's returning from a long trip, I love to have a good meal made for him when he gets home. Today was no exception. He's been in Babati (6 hours away) most of the week. In the freezer, I discovered some pork ribs from a pig we had butchered a few months ago and decided to do them up right.

I found a tasty sounding recipe and went to work only to discover the ribs wouldn't fit into my pan. So if you don't have "short ribs"...what do you do?........You make them into short ribs.

We brought a wonderful selection of new, SHARP, knives back from the States, only to be wounded numerous times by those slippery utensils. After slicing my thumb, I discovered, this shiny new knife was not what I needed to break those ribs.

Next, I retrieve my trusty panga (see the following story) from under the seat of the truck, wash it up good with bleach and start pounding away at those bones. This was not successful.

By now, our watchman is doubled over, laughing at me and I am all the more determined to get those ribs into a pan. I tell him to get a saw and he laughs even harder. Again, I go through the bleach washing and start sawing away at those ribs. It worked.

Ed will be home in just a few minutes and will be able to smell those ribs when he pulls into the drive way.
By the way.......I'm off to play Bunco, so he'll have to dine alone........that man that I love.

Panga Protection

2010-02-20T08:23:00.004-06:00

We recently had a flat on the hiway between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. It's hard to find a "shoulder" or "pulling off" place , but this time, we were fortunate to find a little side road where we pulled over to change the tire. The area was a little isolated and not visible from the road. We have heard stories of people getting robbed, so I was already imagining all sorts of things.
Ed started to work immediately......just the way you would expect him to do.
I could hear voices of men in the bushes and could hear the the word "wazungu" (white people) used. Then.........it got REAL quiet. And I got REAL scared. Ed just kept working.

So, I decided if he was going to be in a vulnerable position of changing the tire, I would protect us....by golly.
So, I pulled out our trusty panga, unsheathed it and laid it in plain sight on the seat of the truck and stood close by. This should scare those thieves.

Shortly, 4 men appeared out of the bushes. All of them so drunk they could hardly stand up. Taking all this into consideration, I am pumped to defend us with my panga if called to do so.
The men stood (I mean swayed) around and watched Ed, trying to help, and then eventually stumbled back into the bush.
So, now the tire is changed and Ed walks around to his side of the truck and sees the panga.
"What's this for?", he says.
"To protect us", I say.
He just rolled his eyes, re-sheathed the panga, and replaced it under the seat of the truck.....to protect us another day.
I love my panga.

USA Bound

2009-11-22T09:39:00.001-06:00

After delivering Jerry and Charles to the airport, we hurried back to Dodoma to complete our move to another house and pack for our return to the US. Our friends, Jonathan and Rachel Morgan, got up early in the morning to get us to MAF to meet the lst of 4 flights before reaching Lubbock.

MAF (Mission Avionics Fellowship) makes a weekly flight to Arusha. Instead of making the 9 hour drive over mostly dirt roads, we opted to "hitch a ride" with MAF and shorten the trip to 2 hours. The weather was clear as we took off from Dodoma. Along the way we encounted rough weather and 7 miles from the Arusha airport, had to turn back to Lake Manyara air strip to wait out a thunderstorm. The turbulance caused me to go in search of the little blue bags conveniently located in the pocket of the seat in front of me. I began thinking the 9 hour drive might have been better.

Lake Manyara air strip is on the top of the escarpment of the Rift Valley and stops abruptly at the edge. Upon take-off, there are no "do overs", as you go sailing into mid-air at the end of the runway. The pilot was a friend named Marcus....he kept looking back and apologizing. It's hard to say "it's OK" with your head in a blue bag. I got no sympathy from Ed.

AHHHHHH....Arusha......and solid ground. My legs were shaky, my face was green, and my carry-on's had increased by 2 blue bags.
We arrived in Lubbock 46 hours later to the open arms of family and friends.......the "blue bags" long forgotten.

HALE of a Trip-TIA

2009-10-23T11:53:00.002-05:00

TIA means "THIS IS AFRICA" and is usually spoken as a final expression when things just don't go as you expected them to. It's not usually a big surprise when there is a "shida" (problem)...just TIA.

As we made our way to Dodoma there were TIA's at many turns:
* drove 6 hours over dirt roads to get to Dodoma
* the steering went out on the Landrover
* there was dirt in my camera and it ceased to work
* the power was out at the house when we arrived after driving 6 hours on rough, dirt roads
* Sunday, we had to tow a car load of Tanzanians in a broken down car to church and then back to Dodoma (about 15 kilometers each way)
* We were invited for a fish dinner at friends on Sunday. I assumed it was evening....it was lunch. We had lunch at the Tanzanian church and rushed down the mountain (towing a car with Tanzanians) to eat fish with the Sprinkels, after receiving a call asking where we were.
* Monday had to hire a car and driver to take Jerry and Charles to see water projects
* Tuesday had to hire another car and driver to take Jerry and Charles to Dar es Salaam to catch their plane.

I think Jerry and Charles have pictures from those days..........I don't........I have a "shida" with my camera.............

Today........the Landrover is fixed and we can now steer with confidence. I am packing to go back to the States on Monday and my clothes look horrible from many days of hanging on a clothesline with blowing red dirt and a merciless sun............TIA.

HALE of a Trip--Future Partners

2009-10-23T00:43:00.001-05:00

Once we reached Dodoma, we were anxious to show Jerry and Charles 2 projects with which Omega will be partnering in the future.
Omega has already sent a team to work at Safina Street Network so the directors readily welcomed Jerry and Charles to give them a tour of the facility.

We had an opportunity to share with the street kids during their daily devotional and helped serve the daily meal provided by Safina. The kids at Safina are always excited to receive visitors.

On Sunday, we worshipped at Beroya Church in Nghon'ghona. Once this church is complete, it will also serve as a nursery school for the community.

HALE of a Trip--Great White Hunters

2009-10-23T00:11:00.001-05:00

On safari, these two avid hunters shared hunting tales, and were still re-living those shared stories as we arrived in Dodoma.

When a mouse ran through the house, you can imagine the thrill as they set out to capture this African "trophy".

I did not take a picture of the "kill", but the mice population in Tanzania is now reduced by one.

Basking in the excitement of this fete, these 2 "great white hunters" turned to more mundane tasks.

HALE of a Trip--Safari

2009-10-22T23:55:00.001-05:00

Before heading to Tarangire National Park for safari, stopping to greet the Yohanna family was a priority. This family has graciously provided land on which Omega teams set up camp while they are working in the community.
This is Jerry with brothers, Israel and Justin.

Every good safari vehicle has a removable roof for optimal animal viewing. After some pushing, shoving, and a smashed finger, Ed, Jerry, and Charles managed to get the top off.

Although Charles is an avid hunter, nothing prepared him for the sights he beheld in the wilds of Tanzania.

HALE of a Trip-Drought-Stricken Community

2009-10-22T23:28:00.002-05:00

The Maasai community of Mswakini has been a victim of drought conditions for years, but this year seems to be particularly bad. There were countless cattle carcases as we traveled the roads to reach this parched community. Water is a huge problem here and the various remedies sought have not been successful to date.

Arriving at the school, the children came running and enjoyed having their photo taken and seeing the view captured. The building in the background is the original school and is still being used as classrooms for pre-school.

Several Omega teams over the past 3 years have completely built these 2 classrooms at the school at Mswakini. There are over 400 students with only 6 teachers and 6 classrooms.

HALE of a Trip-Significant Impact

2009-10-22T23:14:00.001-05:00

As our trip proceeded, we visited 2 projects where Omega has made significant impacts on the lives of Tanzanians.

Step by Step Learning Center is a school for special needs children. Omega donors and teams have contributed significantly to the construction and establishment of this school. Margaret Kenyi and Milcha Mrema were thrilled to welcome Jerry and Charles and show the progress of the school construction.

The community of Sambasha now boasts a beautiful new church and 4 classrooms used for an adult literacy program, nursery school, and Compassion program. Omega teams which have had opportunities to work in the community are touched by the hospitality shown by these Maasai, living on the slopes of Mt. Meru.
Pastor Saitoti, a man of vision, shares his joy as he shows Jerry the new church.

Charles was immediately welcomed into the community........as so many others have been.

HALE of a Trip-Personal Observation

2009-10-20T22:17:00.001-05:00

As Omega project managers, we have been blessed to host some wonderful people. EVERYONE, without exception, has been a joy to watch as Tanzania touches their hearts. This was our first day with Charles Rateliff of Arkansas. Watching him with the children at Help for Maasai was all it took to know he was a man of God with a compassionate heart.

These little girls held his hands and made him fell welcome in their home. I know, without a doubt, it was his loving spirit that drew them.

HALE of a Trip--Stops Along the Way

2009-10-20T04:36:00.001-05:00

Still in our first day of project visits, we traveled to Wari Secondary School, also in Machame. This is a community-supported secondary school. Omega teams which have worked here contributed to the maintenance of the school by painting and landscaping.

Then we headed into USA River to meet the orphan girls living in the Help for Maasai home. We were entertained by their tribal singing and joyous laughter.

Many wanted to go on with us. Help for Maasai is doing some amazing work with the precious young ladies.

HALE of a Trip-Back to the Beginning

2009-10-20T04:04:00.001-05:00

Imagine the beauty and peacefulness of waking at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was an unbelieveable sight as the sun rose on the world famous mountain, highest in all of Africa. We spent the night at a hostel in Moshi with plans to travel to Machame, a village in the foothills of "Kili".

OMEGA's first team visited Tanzania in October, 2005........exactly 4 years ago. A group from Aldersgate United Methodist Church, in Lubbock, Texas, was the first of many teams for OMEGA. Hosted by Jerry Hale, the group worked alongisde local members of the community to build the walls of a hostel used by the Nkweseko Church in Machame. They also painted dingy walls bright colors and through many other activities developed friendships with the people of this village. When they departed, the newly erected walls were bare brick. In the four years since the trip, the community has completed the hostel which will be open to the public in January, 2010.

Jerry and Ed standing in front of the completed hostel.

That first trip had significant impacts on the lives of those who came. The Lloyd's now live and work full-time in Tanzania, 5 of those team members have made repeated trips as team leaders or members, sharing the OMEGA vision. Three continue their support of OMEGA by serving on the Board of Directors.
Watch for before and after pictures in future blog posts.

HALE of a Trip--The Journey Begins

2009-10-20T03:00:00.001-05:00

For several months we have anxiously anticipated a visit from Jerry Hale (founder of Omega Mission) and Charles Rateliff of Arkansas. The purpose of this visit was for Jerry to visit some of Omega projects with which we have been associated since Omega's inception in 2005.
Ed and I drove separately so we could deliver a friend's car to him in Katesh. The route we took is a 9 hour drive to Arusha where we were to meet Jerry and Charles. There are two 2 1/2 hour stretches of paved road at the beginning and end of the trip.
I guess Ed wanted to make good use of the time on pavement and got a little overzealous. Yes, that's him on the right getting "written up" and making a contribution to the police force of the Dodoma Region.
They wouldn't take a Bible this time.

The road we traveled is under construction with plans for eventual paving and is heavily traveled by large trucks. When the road narrowed down, passing through Manyone, it was a little congested and sometimes a tight squeeze.

Some trucks were a little tall and this helpful young man held up the electrical lines for the trucks to pass under. Guess the electricity was off on this day.

We finally made it to roads not so frequently traveled by the larger vehicles, but even those roads presented a different set of obstacles.

Eventually, we arrived in Arusha and retrieved our visitors from the airport late that night.

Weather.......Or Not

2009-10-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

One of the things I miss about Lubbock is the amazing skies and seasons. Sunrises....sunsets.....storms.....clear days...leaves turning...trees budding.....thunder storms......sweltering summer days....and icy cold winters. They are all just amazing.
In Tanzania we have "rainy" and "dry" seasons, but there are times of the year when the sun is at a certain angle, for an instant, I think : "that feels like fall".....or like a " spring afternoon".
We are returning to Texas for a visit in a few days and I am looking forward to the fragrance and sites of fall.

Lest I forget.............there are days like this..

This is a dust storm....not a snow storm.

Fine Dining--At It's Best

2009-10-02T12:25:00.001-05:00

When we are working in villages, there is often not many choices of places to grab a bite to eat. Personally, I would be happier if we just carried a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter, but Ed likes the diversity of the places we have tried. The menu however, rarely varies. Sometimes you have to find a "mama" to cook for you.

We like dining "on the patio"..........

But if there is no patio available......

And then there is "fast food".............

They cook it while you wait............and you can eat it on the go.

Gratefully, neither of us has been sick.........................I still prefer peanut butter.

Second Hand Lions

2009-09-22T02:08:00.004-05:00

Lance Whyle is from San Antonio, Texas and has been working with Living Water International in Tanzania for about 6 years. Ed met Lance's daughter and son-in-law, missionaries in Katesh, at language school. They told Ed he really needed to hook up with Lance on his next visit to Tanzania. That was nearly 3 years ago. Lance, a State Farm Insurance agent, comes to Tanzania 3-4 times a year for about 6 weeks at a time. Since 2007, each time he has come, Ed has joined him traveling all over Tanzania working on water projects. They have formed a fast friendship, with a common passion for bringing water to Tanzania.
Their personalities are dramatically different in that Lance is a talker and people person, and well...........you know Ed....just the opposite.

Tanzanians refer to them as "Mzee Lance" and "Mzee Edward", which is a respectful way of saying "old man".
They have been labeled "Second Hand Lions".
They don't always stick to a schedule.
They don't always expect their job to be easy.
They don't always expect comfortable accommodations.
They don't always expect cooperation from everyone.
They don't always follow the rules.

On the other hand............
They are always thankful for a home-cooked meal, clean clothes, and good bed after they have been traveling.
They are always thankful for strength and ability to accomplish their work.
They are always excited to go to work.........regardless of where it is.
They are always humbled that God called them....warts and all...these "Second Hand Lions".

Built Ford Tough

2009-09-22T01:04:00.001-05:00

Yes, that is a Ford F-250........in Tanzania. Actually the Tanzanian military purchased 14 of these trucks, which were built and customized in Brazil. They only took 12 of the fleet and our friend, Lance Whyle, found this one on a car lot. He had it "outfitted" to accommodate hauling pipes, pumps, tools, and all the stuff associated with the water work. The sad thing is there are no Ford parts in Tanzania. Occasionally, we have been able to secure parts from Kenya or South Africa, but for the most part, Lance has to bring parts when he comes to Tanzania. This includes parts needed for routine maintenance. I keep wondering what the Tanzanian military is doing for parts????????
With Lance's coming and going, he leaves the truck with us, so we can continue the water work in his absence.

If you look closely, you can see that the truck is further customized with a "Don't Mess With Texas" bumper sticker.

Tanzanians are fascinated with this monster truck and often have made the comment...."Oh yes, I hear that Texans like 'big cars'." (If they only knew....)

The bottom line is that this truck is "built FORD tough".
It has traveled roads which were nothing more than a path into remote villages, bringing life giving water to hundreds of people.
And it has carried nearly 2,000 Bibles, bringing the Word of God to those same people.

An All Nighter

2009-09-20T13:44:00.001-05:00

I wrote about these kids in May in "Come as Children". These are the 4 Sprinkel children and their friend Amelia. Their family has been such a blessing to us since we came to Dodoma. There is not a lot to do for kids in Dodoma. They have climbed every mountain and hiked countless trails. They are dedicated in their ministry in the village of Ntuyka where they play sports and participate in a weekly Bible study in a local school.
I had been promising we would have a sleep over and all night movies some night. The Webb's (the people in whose home we live) have an amazing DVD collection so the Sprinkel's were anxious to watch a few. With Ed traveling the past 2 week, we set the date and told their parents to plan a night out.
We made popcorn, then each made our own individual pizzas, baked cookies.............and ate cookie dough while the cookies were baking.
I went to bed around 2:00 a.m. and when I got up at 6:30 they were still going strong. Their mom cooked breakfast for us at their house and they were fast asleep before we finished our 2nd cup of coffee.
It was great having these kids around.

Little Boys and Their Toys

2009-09-17T00:23:00.001-05:00

As we have been out in the villages, kids come from all around to see what is going on as we are working at a well site. Some are just out playing with their toys and "drop by". There are no Gameboys, MP3 players, action figures, or even the old fashioned six-shooters.

The toys we have seen are hand-crafted, using items which we would have discarded in the trash.
This little boy's car was made from an old bottle with water bottle lids as wheels.

A ring from the top of a damaged plastic water bucket and stick is great fun. There is fierce competiton when several get together for a race.

This little guy had a sling shot and actually could shoot a pebble with some accuracy. He couldn't have been more than 3 years old.

It's easy to role play as a driver with a stick and lid from a plastic container. We have even seen something round attached to the top of the sticks that resembles a steering wheel.

Imagination is a wonderful thing.

Dagaa

2009-09-13T09:17:00.001-05:00

This is dagaa. And this is not just any dagaa. This is from Lake Tanganyika, in Kigoma, where only the best dagaa can be found.
If you can't tell from the picture, it is small, dried fish, which could be compared to sardines.
This particular bag of dagaa was given to us as a gift from our friend, Willie, whose mother sent it by train from Kigoma.
Although this special variety is not available in our area, lesser quality dagaa can be found in the the market, in large baskets, where the aroma is easily detected. It is served with tomatoes and onions.....or chopped in ugali (Play-Doh-like substance made from corn flour).
We buy dagaa and mix it with ugali and it makes a healthy dog food, in the absence of Purina Dog Chow.
Although Ed has tried it and says it's not bad, I have been able to avoid it.
The day will come.......................................

Looking Back--Joe and Amanda

2009-09-12T00:55:00.001-05:00

Our for first OMEGA volunteers........we just weren't sure how this would work for 6 weeks.

Close friends, Joe and Amanda, came from Michigan. Joe taught English at a secondary school and junior college and wanted to work in a school. The school in Babati was excited to have him, but we prepared him for the possibility the school probably wouldn't make "preparations" for him. He was somewhat frustrated when he was given a classroom and little instruction on what to teach. After much research, Joe discovered the one piece of American literature which appeared on national examinations was "Death of a Salesman". He jumped right in and the students loved him. Joe created his own experience and spent a lot of time in the town talking to people and making friends.
Over a year later, Joe has found himself immersed in ministry to African refugees in Michigan, helping them with English, working through mounds of governmental paperwork and just loving them in a strange new land.

Amanda worked in Arusha for a few weeks with a class for special needs children. When she arrived, she shared she was going to change her career path from primary school education and planned to enroll in nursing school when she returned to the states. Watching Amanda with children, it was obvious she was passionate about working with little ones. She was able to join us in Babati for the last 2 weeks of her stay and worked with the children at the primary school there. Her love was so apparent as she spent time with boarding students confined to the dormitories because of illness.
Today, Amanda is in Colorado.........not in nursing school...........but teaching and loving children.

After a tearful good-bye at the airport, Ed said, "Well, there will be other volunteers...........but never another Joe and Amanda".

And then there was Tisha.................read on.

Looking Back--Then There Was Tisha

2009-09-12T00:17:00.001-05:00

And then there was Tisha........Tisha came to Tanzania wanting to be involved in sports activities at a school and to get a taste for what life as missionary might be like. She was with us for 6 weeks in Babati, working at the primary school. Tisha fit in beautifully at Aldersgate School and went to work immediately with an exercise program for the kids. During the evenings, she would walk down and have worship time with the kids and spent time talking to the girls about hygiene............and treated them to painted toenails.
The culmination of her time at the school was an all day inter-mural competition between schools. The night before the competition, it rained for 12 straight hours. We had not had rain for 6 months............and the games went on...........in the mud.

Prior to Tisha's arrival, I learned that Tisha had a career as an esthetician, with a specialty in make-up application. I had visions of a "girly-girl" who would freak if she broke a nail. Well, I was wrong. Her gifts in this area were a blessing to many women as she demonstrated the art of make-up application. One afternoon was spent at a local "salon" treating the women to make-overs..

So many were enchanted by Tisha's beautiful smile and captured by her sweet spirit. Everyone loved her. Mr. Isaka even tried to negotiate a bride price so that Tisha could marry his grandson.

Yes.......then there was Tisha.

Animal House

2009-08-31T10:28:00.001-05:00

Our water work took us all over the Dodoma area the past 2 weeks. Just as soon as one pump was installed or repaired, we went to another, working all day long Monday-Saturday. What a blessing though to see these people so happy to get their water. In return, we have been blessed with to be a part of their celebrations as they offer traditional music and dancing and always a gift of some kind.....a Maasai shuka for Ed, fabric for me, a bag of bell peppers.....and a few........(ahem) animals.
Three goats, 2 roosters, and 1 hen.
The first chicken we gave to our guard and house lady, thinking they would cut it in half and put in their pots. They decided to take it to one their homes and start a little chicken business.......and low and behold, we had a rooster to add to their chicken business the next day. And then another rooster......which Ed processed and put into our freezer.
And the goats?.........
GOAT #1 was pregnant, so we took it to the street children ministry, thinking they would enjoy taking care of it.......sure enough, they are thrilled and it is cohabitating peacefully with their dog.
GOAT #2 is in the freezer with the rooster..........and we are having some for dinner tonight.
GOAT #3 served as a "seed" for some widows in Mpunguzi to start raising goats. We are anticipating future goats will be added to their collection

Ed, his "shuka" and Goat #2

Me and chicken #2

And the rooster that crowed at all hours of the day and night..........and ended up in the freezer.

Bubble Trouble

2009-08-28T09:50:00.001-05:00

When working on water projects, sometimes there are so many people around to help, there is nothing for me to do, but take pictures. There are always children there to see what is going on, so I try and interact with them. Having a bunch of bubble gum did a great job to break the ice with this bunch of kids in the village of N'ghon'hona. My bubble blowing abilities generated lots of laughs, especially when one really big bubble popped on my face. That is not broken veins on my check in the picture........it is bubble gum.

My first reaction was to use the bubble gum and dab it around on my face and get it off........but considering all the hands I had shaken earlier, this simply was not an option..........so it stayed.

I just could not communicate to these precious children the art of blowing a bubble. One little girl caught on to the "stretchiness" of the gum and before we knew it everyone had their gum stretching it as far as it would go.
I can still hear Mama scolding me for doing this.

This brought back so many fun memories of blowing bubbles, popping them, getting the gum out of my hair, off my face, and going to sleep with it in my mouth only to find it my hair the next morning.

Here's Yer Sign - #6

2009-08-26T16:24:00.001-05:00

Most "hair salons" in Tanzania are decorated with lavish paintings of people with all kinds of "looks". I've seen depictions of large women and men, elderly people, children, and always tough looking guys. Frequently the sign will read "saloon" rather than "salon".

This particular building caught my eye recently, in the village of Ihumwa, near Dodoma.

Take a closer look at the guy on the right......I'm not sure if the spot on his lip was painted there intentionally, or if it's a chip in the paint.......maybe it's a "fly on the wall"........or a fly on his lip.

Do you think he'll get it?????

Little Things = Big Problems

2009-08-26T15:41:00.001-05:00

Sometimes the smallest things lead to big problems. The protective casing over the base of a pump in Mzakwe was not kept tightened and somehow this coin became lodged in the riser pipe where the actual pump is housed. Over 1 year ago, the rod which lifts the pump broke and there has been no water since, resulting in long walks each day to retrieve water.

After disassembling the pump, the rod was taken into the village where it was welded and re-installed into the borehole.

As word spread through the area, buckets were lined up to be filled.

Gone Fishing

2009-08-26T15:14:00.001-05:00

Finding the wells to work on involves more than just getting a person to go with you. Sometimes it involves actually digging through overgrown brush and getting it cleared away before work can even begin.

Once the brush was cleared, it was determined that the pump had dropped into the well and needed to be 'fished" out.

And "fishing" involved this handy-dandy tool made by Ed. I call it "Ed-gineered". The idea is to push the tool into the PVC pipe in the well, give a twist, and the "teeth" will grab the pipe and hold it as it is hoisted from the well using the tripod we carry in the truck.

Several hours were spent "fishing" then hoisting, but our attempts were unsuccessful because the pump was so embedded in the mud at the bottom of the well.

Flowing Water

2009-08-26T14:51:00.001-05:00

When we arrived in Dodoma and finally received the container of pumps and spare parts, Ed immediately began to network with the 3 area water districts. His pitch was: show me the villages, the wells, and the pumps and we can get them fixed and get water to your villages. The response he received was disheartening as the "officials" wanted Ed to pad their pockets for them to show him these work sites. One particular brazen official wanted him to pay the equivalent of $150. Ed got mad and walked out of the office.

Then we made contact with a couple of pastors who were excited to show him some places that needed help. Of course, the actual village officials were thrilled to get the help. All we needed was a introduction into the village from the pastors instead of the water district representatives. After putting on 2 pumps, the excitement began to build. Eventually, one particular job required a return visit to the office from which Ed made his earlier exit to get specs on the well. They welcomed him with open arms and have now assigned a man (who, by the way, Ed really liked from the start) to work with him and identify and do pump repair and installation. His name is Willie and he is passionate about getting water to these people.

So, for several weeks, now, we have traveled with Willie to villages in the Dodoma area doing just what we came to Dodoma to do.

FIND CUISINE

2009-08-19T04:49:00.000-05:00

Sent by my daughter-in-law, Christel, as seen on URBAN Dictionary.
Sounds like the cooking that goes on in our house.

August 9: FIND CUISINE: To create a fine meal using random items around the kitchen . This includes never before used spices and the culmination of three different pasta noodles and a can of diced tomates thus creating the pasta stew mess.

Stephanie: "What you cooking there?"
Nadine: "Some randomness with pasta. Kind of like a pasta stew. But messier."
Stephanie: "I love your find cuisine, Nadine."

Only the conversation in our house would be something like this:
Ed: What you cooking there?
Debra: Some randomness........we'll wrap it in a tortilla, and season it with hot sauce, and maybe even dip a little in some Ranch Dressing.
Ed: I love your find cuisine, Debra

MMMMM, good!!!!

Yes, Even in Tanzania

2009-08-18T15:44:00.001-05:00

Tanzanians love Barack Obama. His pictures are everywhere.

This is a huge "18-wheeler" dripping with patriotism.

Sign painters are even advertising they can paint Pres. Obama's picture for you.

Here's Yer Sign #5

2009-08-18T15:35:00.001-05:00

Seen at Mikumi National Park Entrance.
Other parks clearly state "Trash In / Trash Out"
I think the "spell-check" wasn't working when this sign was made.

The Friendly Pepper Upper

2009-08-16T10:21:00.001-05:00

I have been drinking Dr. Pepper since I was a little girl. My precious Uncle Price had a Dr. Pepper bottling plant in Pecos, Texas. Dr. Pepper, along with Nehi Grape were the only beverages served when we had family gatherings. I have never strayed from my faithfulness to DP and was appalled when my children, at some point chose the other "coke" as their beverage of choice.

Each time we return to the US, business at Sonic increases as I make my daily run for my DP with "good ice". I heard rumors, which I came to Tanzania, that Dr. Pepper was spotted occasionally in Nairobi, Kenya and sometimes in Dar es Salaam. After 2 years, I made my first trip to Dar es Salaam a few weeks ago. We happened on a small grocery store that caters to "ex-patriots" and imagine my surprise when I found Dr. Pepper in a 1.5 litre bottle.....priced at $5. I could only bring myself to purchase one bottle. It tasted so good..........more like the Dublin Dr. Pepper we get in Texas. I did my best to stretch it out over several days and it eventually went flat............but even that was good.

"I'm a Pepper....you're a Pepper.......wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too???"

In the Yard

2009-08-16T09:59:00.001-05:00

There are so many beautiful plants in Tanzania. Many plants which are common house plants grow wild here. Lantana, which is a common bedding plant in Lubbock, grows wild on the road side in the greener areas. The same with the purple variety of wandering jew. Ficus trees are huge trees, not the small silk or plastic versions we use in the US to fill in an empty corner in a room.

In the yard of the house in which we are living is a huge poinsettia tree that blooms year round. They were especially beautiful this morning.

I had never seen a franjipani bush before. I know it must be related to a magnolia or gardenia. The fragrance is amazing. One bush grows outside the living room window and in the evening when there is mild breeze, the room is filled with the perfume from these beautiful blooms.

Lubbock Team---Don't Forget Safari

2009-08-12T10:32:00.001-05:00

I thought I was just about finished documenting the visit from our girls from Lubbock and totally forgot about the safari. This safari was a first for all of us as we paid our first visit to Mikumi National Park.
The open safari vehicle was lots of fun.

We had spied a pair of lionnesses early in the morning, sunning under a tree. On a late afternoon drive, the two stood and walked right over to where we were parked by a pond.....in our "open-sided vehicle", I might add!!!!
This particular lady, stopped right next us, laid down and proceeded to stretch and roll. She was not interested in us in the least.

We reached Dar es Salaam and were able to spend a few hours on the beach of the Indian Ocean before catching their return flight.

Lubbock Team--The Work Continues

2009-08-12T09:50:00.001-05:00

Lubbock Team, the Safina team sends their greetings and wants you to see that the work is continuing on the roof. All the wood in the rafters has to be treated with "used motor oil" to combat termite and Pastor Patrick and Andrea and undertaking the job themselves.

Do you recognize that smile?

Andrea in pants......you know she must be hard at work.

The completed trusses........ready for "mabati" (metal sheets).

Lubbock Team-Raising the Roof

2009-08-12T09:35:00.001-05:00

Everyone wanted in the picture as the team said their good-byes on the last day of work.

The Lubbock team raised funds to build and erect trusses for a roof on the center's 2 story building. There is extensive renovation to be done before the building is usable.

Ladies, you did a great job "raising the roof" in Tanzania.

Lubbock Team-Bus Stand Boys

2009-08-09T05:17:00.001-05:00

Many of the homeless children in Dodoma hang out at the bus stand. There are opportunities to earn a coin or 2 and then the boys will rent a room for the night for around $1 usd. Often there are handouts. Sometimes they get drugs.

Once a week, the team leaders of Safina go to the bus stand to check on the boys there and spend time with them. They love the attention and the fact that someone cares enough to check on them. Because these boys had been around the team from Lubbock through the week, they were thrilled when they showed up for a visit...............

And to share a cup of "chai" and "maandazi" with them.

Lubbock Team-Walk in My Shoes

2009-08-09T04:51:00.001-05:00

There was no "fluff" as the team from Lubbock went through their days working with the kids from Safina Street Network.

The team went to them where they lived

Where they hang out

Where they played

And where they were given a hot meal each day

Taking home with them the knowledge they made a difference in these children's lives in Tanzania.

Lubbock Team-Bling with a Message

2009-08-09T04:25:00.001-05:00

Everyone likes "bling". Especially the homeless boys of Safina Street Ministry. Each afternoon before lunch, the boys gather for a devotional time. They really enjoy this time singing, praying, and just having fun. The Lubbock came prepared to share in this time and brought supplies to make Salvation Bracelets with the boys. Each boy had a strip of leather and 5 colored beads:

Black for the sin of the world
Red for the blood shed by Jesus on the Cross
White for the his resurrection and making us free from sin
Green for growing in our relationship with God
Yellow symbolizing we are heirs to the kingdom with Jesus

Lubbock Team- Reality

2009-07-31T15:16:00.001-05:00

Today the team from Lubbock joined the team members of Safina Street Network as they made a weekly visit to the local dump. Many of the street children either sleep or stay at the dump during the day looking for food or for something to sell. During these visits, a devotion is led by a team member for both the children and any adults who wish to participate. Today, during the devotion time, they explained how the team came from America and was working to build a roof on the center. They welcomed us as warmly as all Tanzanians and were thrilled to find the girls had brought candy.

The reality of life as a child of the streets was seen first-hand.

Lubbock Team-Matthew 25:35

2009-07-30T23:52:00.001-05:00

In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says "for I was hungry and you fed me....." During our visits into a village 30 kilometers out of Dodoma, this is exactly what this OMEGA team did. Pastor Frank escorted us as we made the trip to Mpunguzi and visited several homes in there. The team came bearing gifts for each home and then determined that "trinkets" were secondary to the need for food. We had already stopped at each home and after a trip to the "village center", returned to each home with a "debe" of corn and a kilo of sugar. Our hosts were overwhelmed when we returned with food.

This man is disabled and his wife had left for the morning to find firewood. Being "disabled" for a man in Tanzania holds a negative stigma because he is unable to provide for his family. Imagine when his wife returned and he was able to tell her they had food for the next several days.

Milika was a widowed woman who was overjoyed with her visit with the team. She connected with Stephanie and called her "my daughter". During our visit, she shared that she travels 2 kilometers and fetches water herself. On this day she was also caring for a grandchild (tied to her back). Having the corn and sugar delivered to her gives new meaning to a term common to us Americans............."do you deliver?"

Helping to serve meals to the homeless boys has been fun. They love having their picture made while they are eating. We are still trying to figure that one out.

Lubbock Team--Servant's Hearts

2009-07-29T15:18:00.002-05:00

We have anticipated the arrival of an OMEGA team from our home church (Aldersgate) in Lubbock, since the first of the year. Lori, a dear friend, lead the team of 5 and arrived July 26. After the long drive from Dar Es Salaam to Dodoma, the team was ready to get to work constructing a roof for a facility which is the program headquarters for the Safina Street Children's Ministry in Dodoma.

Ed and one of the director's of the program had already transported materials when the team arrived, but there was still more "transporting" to be done to get the boards to the second story where construction of the trusses would be done.

At noon, the team took a break and served lunch to approximately 60 boys.

After work finished, the team wanted to get a look at some of the "hot shopping spots" in Dodoma.

This was just the first day............stay tuned for more updates!!!!

Wedding Anniversary--18 years

2009-07-21T15:31:00.001-05:00

Since moving to Tanzania, I've wanted to see the coast which is on the Indian Ocean. Ed, not being a "beachy" kind of guy hasn't been too interested. Through a string of events, the beach is where we ended up to celebrate a belated 18th anniversary.

We had stayed at a fairly nice hotel in Dar with an OMEGA Vision Team and spent the night on the 13th floor in 87 degree weather, with no A/C, or open window. As we prepared to return to Dodoma the following day, we realized we were having problems with the springs on the truck, necessitating another overnight stay.
The staff from the hotel was trying desperately to make up for the previous sleepless night and offered a drastically reduced price at one of the sister lodges on the beach.
The beach was beautiful and we had a very relaxing time.

As we were reflecting on the past 18 years, he asked me if I had known that we would end up in Africa, would I have still married him.
I asked him how he would have felt if I told him I planned for us to be in Africa in 18 years.
We both just laughed.

Eavesdropping

2009-07-21T14:02:00.002-05:00

If you were a "fly on the wall"......or better yet a "mosquito", recently you would have overheard some of the following as we traveled around. Keep in mind some of the villages have limited overnight accommodations and eating establishments.

Are the rooms self-contained? (meaning are there bathrooms in each room)

There is no electricity tonight.

There is no water tonight.

There is no HOT water tonight.

There is hot water....just no cold.

I would call that shower a "dribble".

There is no restaurant in the village.

Where can I find a lady who can cook for me tonight?

Your meal will take a while, she has gone to find a chicken.

There is no separate shower in the bathroom..........it's all one big room.

The water hasn't drained yet...... from the room where the shower is not separate

Is there secure parking?..........meaning "Is there a guard, who will probably be sleeping through the night, but who is actually paid to guard the cars?

There is a problem with TANESCO (national electricity company)....we have electricity, but no A/C....... in 87 degree weather, 87% humidity............and the windows don't open.

Your menu choices are: chicken and ugali, chicken and rice, chicken and chips, beef and ugali, beef and rice, or beef and chips. OK, I'll have the beef and rice. Sorry, there is no beef tonight.

And my favorite.....

I don't care if the room is only 15,000 tsh ($11.49) per night......

I will sleep in the truck before I sleep in that place.

Here's Yer Sign #3 & #4

2009-07-21T13:49:00.002-05:00

I have been seeing this little restaurant adjacent to the place where we purchase fuel in Arusha.
WELL.........COME...........to the WIMPY RESTAURANT

This was in a village about 50 miles into the bush............Maybe it should say
Y'ALL............COME........to the TEXAS CAFE

I see signs I just love everywhere and more often than not can't get Ed to slow down or turn around to get a picture. My favorite "missed' sign was on a place outside of Singida on a "grocery store" that said................ GROSSERY STORE.

Now You See It.....Now You Don't

2009-07-21T13:36:00.001-05:00

I will make a correction....
Now you don't see it.
This is the view from the look-out at Ngorongoro Crater rim in a dense fog as we were traveling to the conservation area

Now you do....
Later in the day...same look-out...same view

Now you REALLY see it.
In the same early morning fog.....what should cross the road but this young male lion. That is the hood of our truck at the bottom of the picture. This was not in the conservation area, but on the crater rim road.

OMEGA Vision Trip

2009-07-21T13:07:00.002-05:00

In addition to hosting OMEGA work teams, we also have the opportunity to host guests who wish to experience an OMEGA Vision Trip. This is "an opportunity for those who share a desire to serve in Africa and also want to personally experience our projects, the culture, and the beauty Tanzania has to offer".

The following 2 blogs tell a little about 2 very different "Vision Teams" we hosted in June and July. These trips provide an opportunity for people to truly experience the "real" Tanzania, as well as get a glimpse of the projects in which OMEGA teams have been involved since 2005.

As we traveled around, it was personally refreshing for us to view the projects and Tanzania through new eyes. Believe it nor not, we experience day to day "drudgery" just like we did in the States. Hosting these 2 groups restored the "vision" to which God has called us.

If you are interested in an OMEGA Vision Trip, you might want to check out this link: http://www.omegamission.org/whatyoucando_visiontrip.shtml

Visioneering-West Texas Style

2009-07-21T12:47:00.002-05:00

Just like the "dirt devils" in West Texas, these 3 men from Muleshoe, Texas blew into Tanzania to get a "vision" for how OMEGA was partnering with Living Water on water projects in Tanzania. Because of the remote areas, it was decided to enlist the services of Mission Avionics Fellowship(MAF), which caters to missionaries. MAF picked us up on the coast, in Dar Es Salaam, and flew 2 hours to Haidom, where we were transported to view the impact of water projects in the Hanang District.

It was a "whirlwind", viewing 5 wells and spending a few minutes with the people in each community. These men were a major attraction when they pulled out the "pipi" (candy) and started handing it out to everyone at the wells.

Although, they were a little shy at first, the residents loved having their picture taken. If they were hesitant.......the candy was a good enticement.

As with all OMEGA groups, they came with their "official" OMEGA t-shirts in hand and posed for a picture with these Maasai at a village of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River).

Seeing first hand the desperate need for water in Africa, truly gives one a new "vision". It was great being with these guys from West Texas and hearing someone else say "y'all".

Visioneering-Colorado Style

2009-07-21T12:21:00.001-05:00

Our first OMEGA Vision team could not have been better, as we hosted a family of 4 from Colorado. They arrived after having traveled 2 weeks in Europe and were ready to continue to catch OMEGA's Vision. There was no hesitation with their involvement. The entire family wanted to experience and see everything they could.

Sharing roasted corn with a Maasai family in the village of Mswakini, where OMEGA has partnered in building a government school for Maasai children.

Viewing first hand the difficulties in getting water in some communities

Eating real Tanzanian food and wanting more

Giving a helping hand wherever they went

We fell in love with this family. Seeing Tanzania and the OMEGA projects through their eyes was a "vision" experience for us too.

Just Like Home

2009-07-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

After 5 days working on installing and repairing water pumps in the Singida area, we headed to Arusha. Along the way, we were invited to spend the night with friends in Katesh. Ed met the Wolfes in language school when he first came to Tanzania in 2006 and we continue to see them every now and then. We spent a relaxing Friday evening with the Wolfes and Hendersons........

Sitting outside and watching the kids

Hanging out and talking by the fire pit.

Roasting hotdogs on a fire

Yes............it felt just like home. Kids and grandkids, we love you and miss you "bunches and lots".

Birds of a Feather

2009-07-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

With sitings of larger game, we often overlook the birds. Here are a few pictures I snapped this past week.

I don't know the name for these beautiful creatures, but they were making a meal out of termites on this termite mound.

These are vulchers, in early morning, with a fresh kill nearby.

This beautiful bird has the most beautiful iridescent coloring. They are found all over Tanzania. This one joined us for breakfast one morning.

Here's Yer Sign #2

2009-07-07T14:28:00.000-05:00

MARKETING 101: Know your target market.........

Waiting For Water

2009-07-07T14:17:00.000-05:00

Part of the pump installation process is the pouring of a concrete pad in which the pump cylinder is set. Naturally, to mix concrete, you need water. However, if water was easily accessible, there would not be a need for a well and pump. So, this particular day,we waited several hours while some young boys retrieved a sufficient amount of water from the river and brought it to the site via oxen cart.

Village Dispensary

2009-07-07T14:04:00.000-05:00

Water projects are usually located near a school, church, or, in Yulansoni, adjacent to a dispensary. Yulansoni is about 55 miles from the nearest town (Singida). We traveled to Yulansoni last week to install a pump on a well financed by a ministry from California. While Ed labored at pouring a concrete pad on which the pump would be installed, I was invited to tour the dispensary.

Lois, my host, was delighted to show me examination rooms, the doctor's office, pharmacy, and lab where they are able to test for malaria. This is the room in which injections are administered.

One patient was admitted for treatment of malaria with a quinine drip. Lois was very proud that she was trained to insert an IV and insisted that I accompany her and take photos as she admitted the patient and inserted his IV.

With the well and new pump, the dispensary now has clean and accessible water......and a wonderful and caring nurse named Lois.

Flying Safari

2009-07-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

Mission Avionics Fellowship (MAF) is a worldwide ministry providing assistance to missionaries in countless ways. One of the fun things they do is provide access to remote national parks at very low fees for missionaries. Several weeks ago, we were invited to join a group of Australians on their "flying safari" to Ruaha National park. A group of 12 of us departed at 7:00 a.m. and made the 1 hour flight to this remote area, southwest of Dodoma.

This is Dodoma from the air. We live near the base of the rock formation.

Upon landing, we were met by an open safari car which transported us through the park.

Sometimes there are "bigger" worries than birds flying into the engine of a plane. These elephants were next to the runway as we were about to take off.

MAF provides a wide variety of services to missionaries in Tanzania. It varies from helping with "red tape" to get a work permit to flying mission groups into remote areas, and even helping missionaries get emergency medical attention. The offices in Dodoma are staffed by people from France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Australia, Tanzania, Germany, and Switzerland....to list a few. We have personally been blessed in the friendships we have made with many of these people.

Safari First-Ruaha

2009-07-07T12:53:00.000-05:00

We never tire of going on safari. Sometimes, we get to see a particular animal for the first time, like this crocodile.

Many times we see animals in different environments, like seeing this male lion up close. He is not "roaring" at us. Actually, he is yawning. He had just eaten, so he wasn't interested in us "for lunch". The picture is cropped a bit, but we were actually only about 10 feet from him when this was taken.

Another first and sometimes rare is a photo of a giraffe drinking. They are usually pretty shy and don't want to be in a vulnerable position.

Regardless of the number of times we are on safari, we are never ceased to be amazed at these amazing animals.

A New Look

2009-07-07T12:21:00.001-05:00

What a blessing when our precious friend, Becky (who just happens to be our daughter-in-law's sister) offered to remake our blog......thus the new look!!! We are so proud and can't thank her enough.

Handcrafted In...................?????

2009-06-22T08:48:00.001-05:00

We have found that the Maasai are a very giving group of people. Many of their gifts are hand crafted by skilled artists. We have received a variety of items crafted in amazing beadwork patterns, but the men love giving their treasured pangas to other men.

A panga is a tool every Maasai man carries. Kind of like a Texan's pocket knife. They do come in handy in many situations. Ed has used it to whack off the chicken's head, cut down banana trees, and clear brush away from a water well site.

Recently, he unsheathed his authentic Maasai panga and read the imprint more closely.

This always brings a smile to the locals when he shows them it was "made in China".

Texans in Tanzania

2009-06-22T07:31:00.004-05:00

We are often asked how two middle-aged Texans ended up in Tanzania, East Africa. Well, I can honestly say that no one is more surprised than we are to find ourselves here. Africa was not even on our the list of top 10 "Places I Gotta See Before I Die".

After hearing about the vision our friend, Jerry Hale, had for OMEGA Mission, focusing on ministry in Tanzania, Ed immediately felt like God was urging him to find out more. He, jokingly, tells people that he pulled out his map of Texas and couldn't find Tanzania anywhere. So, to find out more, Ed traveled with the first OMEGA Mission team in October 2005 and knew he was being called to return on a long-term basis. With a great deal of prayer over the course of several months, we both felt like this was where we were meant to be. Ed returned to Tanzania for a 6month stretch in January 2006. Upon his return to the US that August, we made the decision to sell everything and made preparations to re-locate. He left again in January 2007, and I joined him that June.

God's call was simply, "show up". Although, we felt strongly the call would involve water projects, it has taken nearly 3 years to bring this about. We are involved in hosting OMEGA Mission teams and volunteers as they travel from all over to work on a variety of projects in Tanzania.

Our journey during this period has been one of learning to stay focused on the Lord and not what we think His will is for our lives. The journey has been exciting, frustrating, adventurous, joyful, and heart-wrenching. Most of all, it has been humbling to think God would call the 2 of us. We are, by no means, spiritual giants....just 2 ordinary Texans in Tanzania.

Beanie Babies - Tanzania

2009-06-18T08:47:00.002-05:00

This past year, we have had 2 different OMEGA groups who came bearing suitcases full of "Beanie Babies" to give to the kids with whom they are working. Both groups had a few "babies" remaining and bestowed them on us to distribute as we see fit. There was probably close to 100, which I have given to a variety of kids. I don't ever bring them out unless I am positive there is enough for each child to have one.

This week we have been installing a pump at a rehabilitation center for the blind in Buigiri. Sighted families live on the compound with their blind family members. The population at the compound, is about 45, including approximately 21 children. The pump installation took 2 mornings and the kids were fascinated with the "wageni" (visitors).

This morning when we returned to complete the work, I grabbed the last 21 Beanie Babies we had. The kids reactions were delightful as each child got one of these colorful little creatures.

So, thank you Emily from the Brookings SD group and Rebecca from the San Antonio group. Your giving hearts brought a blessing to 21 children today......a whole year after your visit.

Punguza Bei

2009-06-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

All of our fruit, vegetables, beans, rice, and flour are purchased in the local "sokoni" (market). Year round staples include a variety of beans, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell pepper. The availability of fruit will vary with the season, but allows great choices of mango, papaya, banana, oranges, and pineapple.

PUNGUZA BEI means "lower the price". In Tanzania, we have the custom of negotiating prices. I have found you always negotiate the price and then ask for a "discounti", which consists of extra of whatever you are buying. Pricing, however, is discriminatory depending on if you are "wazungu" or Tanzanian. The wazungu price is always higher, but still cannot compare with the prices we pay in the States. I am still shocked when I see what I can buy for $5.

One item I have a difficult time asking for a lower price is the price of avocados. The avocados here are huge and flavorful.....and only cost about 30 cents each. Such a treat............

One Stop Shop

2009-06-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

The community water well, provides women a chance to catch up on local news. Retrieving water could take several hours depending on how many are in line before you.

This lady is ready to go home, after getting her water. This is an amazing fete of balance. Can you image walking, with this on your head?

Other ladies make use of the long wait for water by doing laundry while waiting.

Sweet Memories

2009-06-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

Sometime in the mid-1980's we bought a kid's cookbook. We tried several recipes out of it, but always came back to the Snickerdoodles. I've heard tales about Jamie and Gail trying to make these tasty treats when I wasn't home. I think Gail used 1/2 cup salt rather than 1/2 teaspoon salt....or something like that.

Anyway, making Snickerdoodles this weekend made me smile.

Here's Yer Sign #1

2009-06-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

OK........I'm still trying to figure this one out.....

Back to Basics

2009-06-04T14:54:00.004-05:00

In the repair and replace pump business, pumps are always breaking down and then there's the problem of getting parts from wherever it is you get parts. Not only that but Ed has encountered about 5 different brands of pumps all engineered differently and requiring a unique variety of parts.

We recently had the opportunity to view a hand made pump called a "rope and washer" pump. With electronic junkies, it's the latest gadget.....with Ed....it's the simplest thing that will get the job done. This really got him excited.

This pump is made with a rope, an axle made of re-bar or other suitable metal, and a pully made from 2 tire rings nailed together. Washers made from a old tire are strung on the rope at 1 meter intervals and then pulled through a PVC pipe the same size as the washers. This lifts the water.

Ed would have to explain the mechanics of how this works, but it definitely works.

This type of pump is not for all wells, but Ed is already making plans for his first installation.

Traditional Water Sources

2009-06-04T14:28:00.002-05:00

Since moving to Dodoma in April, a great deal of our time has been spent traveling to area villages to look at broken water pumps to determine what can be done to repair or replace them. The rainy season came to an end in May, so the water tables are at a good level in many of the areas, however, by November the situation will be difficult for many villages.

Pumps, whether they are electric or manual provide clean water to communities. When pumps break down, people revert to the older traditional methods of retrieving water.

Digging by hand can sometimes yield small amounts of water which accumulate slowly. Cups are used to dip the water into buckets to be carried back for home use. Often animals are brought to drink directly from this small accumulation.

Water seepage in a river bed

Water seepage near a field

Water seepage from a rock bed beside a road