Maasai on the Road to Katesh

Driving out to Katesh this week for the Unity Committee, we saw a rather rare sight: Maasai young men preparing for their rite of passage into official adulthood.

After their circumcision ceremony, they wear all black (as you see them here) for one month as their bodies heal. At the end of that month, there is another ceremony in which they are declared to be adults...at which time they are allowed to wear the Maasai traditional red shukas (cloth wraps).

Visit with Flora

The Lord provided for Flora's school funds through wonderful new friends in the USA, and she was able to begin her college classes this year. She is presently at home for 2 months during a semester break of sorts. During this time she is assigned to field research work regarding people in the Katesh region who struggle with disabilities.  It is her dream to teach disabled children as well as to become an advocate for children and adults like her, in order to secure and affirm their basic rights and freedoms. It seems the school is customizing her education to help her do just that!

Flora's smile absolutely lit up as she explained to us the details of her research and how she is finding people and sharing with them hope and love.  This lovely little woman will never be accused of hiding her light under a bushel, as the song goes.  The life, and love of Jesus are so very evident in her and she is very effective in sharing the Hope that was first given to her in Christ Jesus! 

Instead of returning to the school (a significant distance from her home) in August, she will return instead in September due to a government mandate for a census. (Sounds rather Biblical, doesn't it? Reminds me of Luke2.) All Tanzanian citizens must return to their homes during August for a month-long census. We are told that she will have 2 years of school to receive her degree. There are at least 2 schools for the disabled in the country that we know of, so we are beginning to pray even now for the perfect opening for her employment.  What a wonder that will be to see this lovely woman, who only a few years ago was abandoned and left to die, graduated from college and self-supporting, working to bring hope to many in similar circumstances. Our God is a wonder!

Update on Flora (Part II)

This enclosure is also where the animals, (cows, chickens and goats) sleep and spend most of the day. There's even a new little calf this year!

It is now the beginning of the harvest time, and they have the first few cobs of maize out of their field (in the basket in the corner). They will take that maize now to the mill to grind it for flour.  From the looks of their fields, there is much more maize that will be harvested in the coming weeks, as well as sunflowers, which will be a “cash crop” that will greatly help the family in the coming months.

Flora's heart shows so beautifully, through her friendships and her overflowing joy. She is not afraid to show her heart, nor does she stifle her smile. Her words are full of thanksgiving to God and appreciation for her life, her schooling which will open wonderful opportunities for her,  and for the people God brings into her life.

Update on Flora (Part I)

(For the previous encounter with Flora, feel free to read the post dated 12/12/2011.)

We had the delightful opportunity to contact our friend Flora with whom we prayed last fall. We found her at home on a semester break seemingly in good health and in great spirits.

Flora is happy to be with the gracious people who have made her a part of their family when she was abandoned by her own. The lovely young women are like sisters to her, and they treat her with kindness and love. We met the father in the family last year, and he is a kind man, as well. Even the sweet children love her and calm under her gentle touch as she assures them that we (white visitors) are friends and are safe for them.


It's a humble home, but she has found a wonderful belonging place. We are so happy for her.

Flora walked us into her home, which is in a large enclosure. The fenced area includes their cooking area, sleeping area, and another building in which they eat together and receive occasional guests.

Flora was so happy to see us. Her beaming smile and her joyful giggles were a blessing to our ears, as well. What an honor it is for us to have this beautiful young woman as a friend as well as a fervent prayer partner who brings our names before the Father and prays for our ministry frequently.

Hello again, Tanzania!

Seems like we never even left!

Crossed the border into Tanzania, and immediately faced both the hustle and bustle of the Tanzanian culture, and...the "polepole" (Swahili for "slowly, slowly") of the Tanzanian culture.

Yes, it seems to me that Tanzania is a country of extremes--

VERY crowded, chaotic passageways...

...VERY, VERY full carts...

...VERY ornately-painted storefronts...

     ...VERY colorful furniture

(in  VERY tip-sy sheds).     

But the minute I begin to notice the Tanzanian people, the moment I begin to look into their eyes and into their lives, my heart fills with joy and anticipation. The children are beautiful and inquisitive! The adults, though often tired and overwhelmed by life's circumstances, have a rich and intriguing culture--one that I am so looking forward to entering into again. 

Salt Mounds

We found the mounds of salt really fascinating. Even Bayo had do go and check it out. We were encouraged by the local officials to take some little samples home with us.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the salt lake. With everyone in the picture wearing winter coats, you would be tempted to think that it was cold and wintery. But, alas, it was in the 80's and sunny.

(Note the lush hillside beyond the salt mounds)

As a part of our tour, we drove to the deepest part of the valley: the salt lake near Dawari.

Because the fall rains have been abundant this year, the salt gleaning season has already finished. The migrant workers who normally populate the area from July through October have departed, returning to their homes until next year's dry season.

When the lake water is low, workers can dig up the salt as a source of income. It's big business here!--everything from table salt for human consumption...to additives for animal feed...to scouring pads for pots and pans.

Once the salt has been pulled from the lake, it is analyzed for its texture and purity, then categorized by number according to its quality. Large white mounds are made, and potential buyers are welcomed to choose which mound they will buy.

Once purchased, arrangements are made for trucks to haul the salt away to refineries. . .even as far away as Rwanda and Uganda!

Of course, once the rainy season arrives, as it is now, the water helps to return the residue back down to the lake.

Note the size of the hut in comparison to the salt mound!

We also got to talk with them about how this business impacts their economy. During years of drought, when the crops fail and the agricultural economy is suffering, the salt harvest is more abundant. But when the rains are abundant and the crops flourish, the salt harvest is "not so good." What a blessing to this region: a stable regional economy come rain or shine!

Unusual Post-Conference Opportunities (Pt.2)

Mt Hanang is the dominant feature throughout the region as it towers above all the valley and villages below.

Before we left the valley this time, we decided to spend a few hours touring the valley and getting to know the area a bit better.

(What a great idea! In addition to having a great time "exploring" Africa, it's been our desire scope out more of the surrounding territories in which some of our pastor friends are working to expand God's Kingdom and to make His Name known. We then feel more connected, as we join them in praying for this land and its people and in praising God for His goodness and mercy.)

The seasonal rains have transformed this area into lush and fertile ground. The animals and even the people seem to be more alive and hopeful, and the green trees lend a sense of hope.

Acacia trees have become my favorites. Their twisting limbs create interesting patterns, and their sprawling canopies provide a cooling respite, a peaceful setting in the lovely grove.

Village of Dawari

As we finished the training conference with the Pastors in Dawari, we packed up our car and felt very blessed to be a part of what the Lord is doing in East Africa.

It is our prayer that we will continue to witness true transformation in this area as people are set free from bondage, sickness and disease, and their minds and hearts are opened to the power of the Gospel message. The beautiful and friendly people of Dawari were truly a blessing to us, from the children playing along the roads and fields to the smiling faces of the locals as they greeted us along the way.

We pray a blessing upon them, as well. . .on their homes and on their families, on the fruit of their crops, and the fruit of their herds.

May the Lord bless and keep them as we are apart for the next few months, and may He bring us together again to share testimonies of God's mighty work and presence among them and to spur each other on again to love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24).

UPDATE from Gendabi

When we prayed at the Gendabi springs, seeking the Holy Spirit and then acting on His direction, we had noticed a few villagers watching from the cover of the scrub brush and bushes. We learned later that some had carried word of our actions to surrounding villages. Upon seeing the evidence of the purifying of the waters the locals who had been doing the sacrifices were now afraid to go back to the tree, since it was clear that the "One True and Living God” has strong power. Because,….

by the end of the day, there was already evidence being reported!

"What were the problems with the water?" you may ask. Local pastors reported that sickness (and from time to time even death) has been directly linked to drinking water from this spring. Goiters develop, not over a long period of time, but within days! Teeth also begin to discolor and decay very quickly. But most strangely of all, within 30 minutes of a person drinking from this spring, he/she begins to exhibit an inexplicable sudden onset of anger and violence. The locals compare it with an alcoholic drunken rage. . .but, they were consuming no alcohol! Only this spring's water.

Since our prayer time there, the reports are continuing to come in! We are repeatedly being told that the contention and drunken anger stopped the very day we all prayed over the spring at Gendabi. Truly amazing! In addition, an overall improvement in health is being reported in the local villages and down the mountainside. No more quick-onset goiters! No more unexplainable dental problems!

We rejoice that God has revealed His goodness and power to these people, and pray that the pastors can effectively continue to bring the good news of the Gospel to these people who have seen and even TASTED the goodness of the Lord. Many more testimonies have been reported of the change that has taken place from that day. We rejoice and bless our Lord Jesus Christ who is indeed the healer and redeemer! May His Name be praised forever!

Here is a report we received just this week from Pastor Gabriel Magang, the Unity Committee Chairperson: (please excuse his broken English)

“ I and my people we are still remember the days we spent together with you! Especially the day of prayer we shared with you at the source of water at Gendabi spring and at the salt lake. Praise the Lord with us, because we received the answer of that prayer… for [your] information, people are reporting: The ones who concerned to put that poison in the water source was [name withheld], who went to witch doctors and brought the devil-poison from there to put into the water source in order to enable him to rule easily all the users of that water from Gendabi down to Dawari village.”

Our experience at this local spring was a sort of training for the pastors who accompanied us. We are encouraged that they saw the simplicity of seeking the Lord instead of a formula. Indeed, God knows what needs to happen in every circumstance and He is willing to lead us into all truth when we wait upon Him, and follow Him in obedience and courage.