"New" Road to Katesh

We couldn't believe the quality of the road. It is tremendous! 

You may recall what it was like when we began ministry in the rural Rift Valley area (See posting on February 2, 2009).

The government has been promising a better highway through the region (from Arusha to Singida) for years, and I think that everyone was starting to give up hope. But, when we were in Tanzania last year, we began to see that the highway was indeed underway! Well, they have now finished new construction on the road system, and it is smooth travels! We couldn't believe our eyes--lines on the roads, no potholes, and guardrails!

Of course, that brings some disadvantages for some of the villagers along the way, as their formerly-quiet, rural lifestyle has now become highway-side property...

 ...but the highway has also brought the advantages of easier transport of harvested crops (like the sugarcane these young men are balancing on their bikes) to the village and city markets. Previously, the terrible roads made it near-impossible for them to have a load half this size. Now they are pushing the limits of their bicycles in other ways. I think that in the long run, the new highway will bring agricultural and industrial blessing to this area.

Market Day in Magugu

As we passed through the small village of Magugu, we witnessed Market Day. Only one Sunday of each month, people gather from many villages to buy and sell everything from fruits and vegetables to foam mattresses.

One very successful shopper must have been having a difficult time transporting all of his goods home.

(Looks like the Clampet's vehicle, doesn't it?)

Magugu is known for its high-quality, aromatic rice. Since it is the time of rice harvest now, I suspect many people were travelling quite a distance to get a good price. Bayo reported that if he buys it directly from the factory in Magugu, he is able to buy it for approximately 30% cheaper than in the market. So, he planned to take advantage of that discount and purchase 4-5 months' worth!

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.