So, we headed to Tarangire National Park for a day safari.
The elephants are my favorites.
They are huge, strangely graceful, and can almost act. . .human. The way that they care for the younger in the herd, the way that they touch and reassure each other when one is nervous or upset.
Up close and personal at meal time!
(a little intimidating to be this close, at this angle)
And, of course, there are the grumpy ones!
Oh, I almost forgot to share with you a wonderful event that we celebrated last month. . .
. . . a real cafe latte at a nice Arusha restaurant
. . . with her great friends, and. . .
Perhaps you may recall our wonderful friend Polycarp.
Last year Polycarp assisted us when Bob’s backpack, wallet, and driver’s license was stolen, by driving Bob to our conference in the bush.
However, Polycarp’s abilities as a translator and Bible School teacher made him a wonderful asset to our team for the week by assisting in translating for us, giving Bayo a respite for his overworked voice from time to time. Polycarp was very enthusiastic as he learned right alongside us while translating the principles of the Christian’scovenant with God.
One year later. . .and here we are! We visited Polycarp and his wife Ana in their home. We shared wonderful stories of life and ministry. How he has grown in the past year! He has now taken a full-time position at Agape Bible School (on the outskirts of Arusha, in Tengeru village) as both a teacher and principle. His favorite class is Basic Theology for the first-year students. . .in which he teaches our covenant materials (among other things, of course).
He was so excited to know that we are continuing our teaching conferences out in the bush. He has volunteered to join us for our conference at the end of this month. (The Bible School is on break now for the holidays.) Likewise, Bayo is also happy to have Polycarp’s assistance.
And then, of course, there are the grumpy ones.
Such variety:
. . .some brilliantly bright,
Been watching the banana plant in the back yard. In just a matter of 3 days (pictured above), we watched the large burgundy-colored petals peel away from each layer. . .revealing yet another row of bananas!
Just a few feet away was a large stalk ready to be harvested. Our helper Jofrey used the “panga” (local machete) to cut it down, while the neighbor’s helper prepared to catch it as it fell. We then held it in our storage room for 2 weeks, and—voila!—wonderfully sweet, beautifully yellow bananas!
The view of the Dareda valley from higher ground in Bashanet is absolutely beautiful--billowing clouds in the blue sky, the broad landscape in shades of browns and rusts and greens.
But at this time of year the clear, sharp picture may fool you. . .
Just drive for a few minutes on the road (especially behind another vehicle), and the air isn’t quite as crisp and clear!
These poor villagers are transporting fresh-cut sugar cane on the road, too. I feel sorry for them every time someone passes them. No dust masks out here!
It’s intriguing to spend time here in the Bashanet region--observing the landscape, the people, and their lifestyle.
So, while we were in Bashanet, we had the nicest home in town! We were so blessed by Father John, as he graciously hosted us in his home. The rooms were wonderfully comfortable, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Of course, you remember that we love plants and gardening. So, of course, we walked around Father John’s house, admiring the carefully planted garden in the front yard. But,. . .we saw a strange plant that none of us can identify.
Do you have any idea what this plant may be??
Father John is a wonderful testimony of the growing unity among church leaders from many denominations. Denominational segregation is common here, as it is all over the world. However, when we explain that we will not bring any particular denomination’s doctrine, it often causes them to be just a bit curious. . .though perhaps still somewhat suspicious.
The testimony of their experience becomes evident when many come later to greet us with an open heart. . .just as Father John expressed his enthusiastic affirmation for the ministry of AIM. He loved how vibrant and Biblically-sound the teaching materials were. He agreed that when when denominationally controversial doctrines are emphasized, then we will undoubtedly cause segregation; but when we teach strictly the Bible as our authority, THEN we can all stand in agreement, in unity. All pastors throughout the room we were of one heart. . .with the Word of God, not the “bent” of a particular denomination, as the center of our message and our ministries. As brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, we have the joyous privilege to learn and grow together, and to care for one another. As Father John said, "Truly the Holy Spirit is at work here."