OPERATION TANZANIA

Our last days in Tanzania

2007-03-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Margaret hosted a BBQ for all of our rafiki in Arusha.

It was lovely to sit around together, and listen to Eddie and Calvin sing and play the guitar.

We asked David if he wanted a drumstick... he then used to play the drums with!

We had to say goodbye to our street boys.

Our Prince Exaudi was pleased to play Eddie's guitar.

In fact, all of our friends had fun with the instrument. Their talent even drew a crowd!

It was two months without a green juice! Sarah was thrilled to have the opportunity to make her own juice in Amsterdam. ps- BEST WHEAT GRASS in the world!!

We got to spend six hours in Amsterdam. It was fun to explore and a great way to end our trip.

We are now home safely-- cannot wait to see you all!

A couple of days at Matonyok Parents' Trust

2007-03-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

We returned to Matonyok Parents' Trust to spend a couple of days with the children. We were asked to teach classes the day after our camp out.

Kenny and the boys. They all just wanted to be hugged.

Light sticks went over well-- the children loved them!

'Motion blur!' -Keenan

Sarah and Nasma. Emmy asked Corri to rename this sweet girl; she is going to be baptised next month and will receive her new name then. Ruth was a noble woman in the Bible and Cor thought that name fit her perfectly! Beautiful Ruth!

Sarah and Kenny taught the level one class. Kenneth was in charge of science-- the parts of a plant, and Sarah helped the students with take away (subtraction).

A happy class one.

Corri and Eddie taught class level two. They helped the children with English and Science; Eddie also taught the baby class a few letters in the English alphabet.

Class two listening attentively to Miss Corri.

A far cry from a dry erase board! Aurelia was very good at classifying the banana leaf.

Simon was happy to have a day off from teaching. He hardly knew what to do with himself.

Peek-a-boo!

Beanie babies for everyone!

Balloon animals went over well too!!

The children living at Matonyak Parents Trust with their beanie babies and you all know the mzungus in the middle.

Safari

2007-03-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

A day of safari at Ngorongoro game park. It is a crater-- a collapsed mountain, of sorts.

Baboon!

A chase... The hyena was after one of the baby zebra. We scared him away!

Rhino...

This lion settled down directly beside our safari vehicle! We could have reached down and touched his fur-- thought better of it though!

Elephants!

A cheetah.

Is it black with white stripes, or white with black stripes?

Pumba!

Our Street Boys

2007-03-05T00:18:00.000-08:00

Friends of Exaudi that we meet day after day in the streets of Arusha needed new clothes. We outfitted as many children as we could.

Sarah passing out new shorts.

Some of the children were showing us their flexibility and dance skills...

...and ninja skills.
These boys have hearts of gold and are always so thankful to be spending time with us.

He liked his new bible even better than his new shirt!

Sweet Picture!

It doesn't take long once we are in town for our boys to find us! So nice to see his joy!

Peanuts for her baby.

It is such a blessing to us to have the opportunity to minister to these boys.

This is what we are here for.

Kazi Na Afya

2007-03-02T00:08:00.000-08:00

Kazi Na Afya is a non-profit organization committed to creating and enhancing awareness in areas of occupational heath, safety and HIV/ AIDS at workplaces. It has a mission to build a competent and knowledgeable community which accepts that HIV/AIDS affects individual livelihood, organizations, community and overall economic development.

These are three of the six people assisting their neighbors afflicted with HIV. They use a homebased office to keep and maintain records and make a minimum of weekly rounds to continue monitoring problems as they arise.

Zulu is the great grandmother of these three children. The parents both died of Aids and the youngest child is HIV positive.

HIV positive and being cared for by his great grandmother, this little friend was happy to have some homemade whole wheat bread.

This is the a view of some of the children that live in this small compound. (left to right) Adydya, Allie, Juma, Munginee and Fatina were content playing in the dirt. It is evident that an individual in close to every household has been affected in some way by Aids.

Seen here second from the right is Patrick. He is 5 years old and HIV positive. His two older sisters, Rose and Patricia are seen here also. Their father makes a small living as a gateman, which forces the majority of their care to be from their grandmother.

As we entered the home of Lucia Simone and her 7 great grandchildren we learned that not only had the mother and father passed away from Aids, but their grandmother recently passed also.

Here are her 7 great grandchildren and a neighborhood friend (from left to right) Alex, Unari, Joseph, Vivian, Nicholas, Magdelena, Jackson and Elizabeth.

Lucia Simone was so happy to have us and welcomed us into her small home. She thanked us for visiting her and bringing bread to feed her babies. An amazing woman, 94 years old, doing everything she can to keep her family safe.

Dental Clinic

2007-03-01T23:56:00.000-08:00

The children living on Chagga Street near Camp Joshua were thrilled to have new toothbrushes and toothpaste. Bethany, we figured because you could not be here that we would do the best dental work we could!

Proud to display their gifts.

It took us more than a hour to try leave this area every time we visited. These girls love to love!

Sarah and Yuli playing.

Sar's in a constant state of pure joy!

Pile on Kenny!

Friends sharing a laugh. Tickle, tickle!

The children of Chagga Street... they start following us as we walk down the street from the school and by the time we reach the car, we have to play. They like to visit with us every time we go to Camp Joshua.

A day with the Masai

2007-02-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Doesn't take much to make her smile.

Traditional Masai Dance. David joined in the circle to dance and chant in the blessing of a new home.

Monkey.

Rainbow across Mount Meru.

This is what Eddie thinks of Fanta pineapple!

David's Uncle Wiston brought us to his Masai camp and introduced us to Masai traditions.

Our new home.

We are not coming home.

AICC Hospital

2007-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Two days after we met Exaudi, he was limping at church. Exaudi showed us and infected wound on his right leg. We brought him to AICC Hospital immediatly and he had surgery that afternoon. After a brief operation to relieve his abscess, Exaudi needed shots of antibiotics twice daily for the next week. We were so thankful to have found Exaudi before this infection got worse.

The girls turn at the 7 am run to the hospital, for Exaudi's morning injection. He loves taking pictures.

It's all good. Exaudi was treated and is feeling well.

A long wait at the hospital makes little boys tired.

Matonyok Parent's Trust

2007-02-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

The first orphanage we visited was in dire need of bedding for the children to sleep on. We spent the morning bargaining our way to ten mattresses. Emily and her husband were very thankful.

Five on the top, five in the trunk; Sarah playing princess and the pea.

Our new friend, Simon, is one of the two teachers at Matonyok Parents Trust. He comes from Kenya with a true servant's heart. There is so much to do that he never has a day off.

It is hard to play hide and seek with an entourage!

Everyone loves to be tickled!

One of the disadvantaged children that Emily adopted. She has impecable penmanship and is an accomplished Masai Dancer.

While visiting Dar Es Salaam, we met two street boys. We put David and Emmanuel (on the right) on a bus to Arusha the next day and Emily welcomed them into her home. They are adjusting well in school and seem to be happy to have a place to call home.

A New Floor for The Kitchen

2007-02-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

Moving soil to elevate the kitchen floor at Camp Joshua

Were not having fun, are we?

Mama was happy with her new kitchen floor.

Working girls.

I think David's foot is in the fire.

2007-02-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

We wondered when the Truth would be evident as we continued our quest for filling our Father’s purpose. The city of Arusha is busy with hustle and bustle, honking and yelling, begging and desperation. In the past, we have baked bread to offer our hungry friends. This Thursday our hands were empty as we met the face of God. Exaudi Emmanuel looked at us with eyes so gray, with hope so lost; twelve years old, alone on the street searching for a way out. We offered him to follow us so that we could buy him a meal. Exaudi’s heart was open and he appeared relieved when we held his hand and accompanied him through the crowds. Into the Green Hut we went, with intentions of simply providing this sweet boy a burger. Without surprise, the waiter, Mike, helping us spoke perfect English; he breached our communication difficulty. As sure as God is holy, Exaudi told Mike that he did not want food; instead he desired to go to school. The four of us looked at each other and simultaneously melted. Let’s start with food, we told Exaudi. He was so meek and hesitant to eat, but Mike was able to explain our intentions of calling a school and looking into enrolling Exaudi. With that reassurance, he enjoyed the meal.

During the walk back to our car at Shoprite, Exaudi tried to return the flip flops that Corri gave him—he gently guided her where it was safe to walk, as he was used to bare feet. Again, we passed the 15 street children (the group that Exaudi had been a part of, until he connected with us less than an hour earlier)—kids of all ages. The children attacked Kenny the moment that he pulled out the bag of 30 samosas. Desperate to get a little more than the next person, the kids were pulling and scratching aggressively. Within a minute the samosas were gone. Exaudi grabbed onto Sarah’s hand and said, ‘rafiki, now we go!’ He had found his saving grace; those children were dangerous in their desperation. The back of our car is filled with donations for a time such as this. We found a proper size shirt and the closest pants that would fit Exaudi. The young guy was filled with joy, retiring his ripped pants and old dirty shirt and replacing them with new clothes.

Last weekend we helped open Camp Joshua (a Christian boarding school for boys) and had faith that it is why we met Exaudi. With a quick call to Mama Wambura, the director of Lohada, she requested that Exaudi’s mother meet with the school the next morning. Sitting in the dark parking lot, we wondered how we could protect our young friend for the night. It was more than clear that if we left Exaudi now, he would be alone and cold; we would leave him with no assurance of connecting again. So we sat, we thought, and we prayed. At a loss of how to take our next step, communication was left to smiles and tears. Then suddenly, like the star that led the wise men, the Lord sent us a messenger. Out of the darkness, walked past us a familiar shadow—Stephen. A kind Tanzanian man we met two days before through a friend and volunteer at Lohada, Don. Our new friend Stephen was able to articulate our concerns and desires to Exaudi in Kiswahili. We learned that Exaudi’s stepfather kicked him out of his home and his house was more than six kilometers from town. The four of us were in awe of God’s perfect timing in bringing Stephen to our car.

Exaudi silently guided Eddie from the passenger’s seat by pointing right, left, or straight. He found his way home; it was like he was the prodigal son returning. Exaudi’s mother, Ester, was so happy to see her son safe! We used our friend, David, on the phone to try to explain we would come back in the morning and we needed her help if she wanted us to send Exaudi to school. Ester guaranteed us that they would both be home and that Exaudi could sleep in his one room home for the night.

The morning brought new excitement. David joined us and was able to clarify our desire to bring Exaudi and Ester for an interview at Camp Joshua. Ester was blessed, overwhelmed, and more than happy to come with us. The group of us drove to Camp Joshua and met with the school director. She welcomed Exaudi to stay for placement tests, and we were off to the bank. The four of us sponsored his year of school and boarding at Camp Joshua. It had been several years since Exaudi was in school, but he seems to catch on quickly. To the delight of all, Exaudi continued saying that he is happy.

We spent the next two days gathering the required school and sleeping supplies that would allow Exaudi to become just like the other boys living at Camp Joshua. Our hearts are full. Thank you for using us Lord.

Isaiah 58: 10 -“ Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.”

Walco....I hope you recognize these shades. We were gonna bring them back for you all polished up, but Exaudi claimed them. He said, "These are mine, right?"

Valentine's Day Surprise

2007-02-15T00:40:00.000-08:00

Great... a puncture, the story of my life.

We weren't kidding about the puncture.

Kenny following Arusha traffic procedure.

Corri about to club Eddie with the tire iron.

We tried to have the puncture patched... but after the seventh foreign object- we opted for a new tire. Supa.

Happy Valentine's Day

Moving beds to the new school

2007-02-15T00:32:00.000-08:00

Chagga Street on the way to Camp Joshua- probably not going to make it down there with the truck thanks to the morning rain.

Kenny and his gang.

Kitanda = Bunk (Beds). Sweet color, heavy steel. We had to carry them down Chagga Street trudging through the mud. Good times.

In her glory.

Thank you Keenan for donating some clothes- this little boy was in definite need of a new shirt.

Wood Pile Jungle Gym

Last load of the day...hungry!

Mission Playground... He liked Kenny's hat.... and kept it.

Camp Joshua

2007-02-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

Obviously we opened a new school yesterday.

Roxy's new dance team @ the opening ceremony

Pastor Wambura cutting the groundbreaking ribbon.

The kids in their new school uniforms. Corri would like to take credit for the purple sweaters.

One of our favorites

Mzuri

kids came from all over the village to see what the commotion was about.

Dar es Salaam

2007-02-12T03:41:00.000-08:00

We were thrilled to dip our feet into the Indian Ocean last week. Margaret's nephew, David Shaidi is living in Dar Es Salaam and was happy to visit with us and show us around.

These trees were sweet. During high tide they appear to be growing out of the ocean.

The water extremely warm and extra salty... it felt like we were on vacation! Supa!

The ladies managed to find babies everywhere we went.

The view from the passenger's seat on the 9 hour ride back to Arusha. Safi!

The boat we tried to take to Zanzibar..... maybe next time we'll actually get there.

Baboon in the middle of the road.

Kilimanjaro view on the ride home. Stunning!

2007-02-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

The children along the streets of Moshi were very eager to have their pictures taken. They picked up on all our gestures excited to communicate with us.

We arrived in Moshi on Monday afternoon and began our search for a suitable camp site. After three attempts, we unanimously decided on the Golden Shower. It was a nice site fenced in by a garden. We spent the evening around the camp fire listening to Sarah's Ipod. Having some quiet time with Matt Earle prepared us for the busy day ahead.

We visited TunaHAKI while we were in Moshi. We were able to build two balance beams for the children to help them practice their gymnastics routines. Please visit the TunaHAKI link to learn more about the children and the organization. We made our rounds through the neighborhoods finding a lumber yard and various carpenters to help us.

"This guy was pretty much a pro with the hammer, I would feel ashamed to call myself a carpenter after seeing how he used hand tools..." -Eddie

We finished painting just in time. As we were heading out of Moshi we came across herds of cows, goats and torrential rain. Thank the Lord for 4 wheel drive.

Kitanda

2007-01-29T00:36:00.000-08:00

(above) We went to visit a Masai tribe snake farm, and couldn’t help but notice the camels. We begged for a ride and the man in the skirt was happy to comply.

(above)Picture of Jeff Bragg with us, we traveled to Moshi to spend the day at Emmanuel Center and meet up with Jeff, from Faith Evangelical Free Church in Waterville. It was a treat to see Jeff in Africa. Emmanuel Center houses 18 boys; we are heading back to help them with some projects this week.

(above) It was wonderful to spend time at Lohada again. Fourty children live at the orphanage (camp Moses) and 40 more attend school there daily. Mama Wambura, the orphanage’s director, welcomed us to play with the children anytime we want! We brought a beanie baby for each child. The children formed several lines and sang a lovely song in Swahili, then said a prayer- we passed the toys out to the joy of the children!

Recent Photos

2007-01-23T02:18:00.000-08:00

Above: The Crew (from left to right) Ben, Eddie, Kenny, Sarah, Corri, Fatuma, Margaret

The children @ Matonyok Parents Trust loved the stickers, and were so happy to see us. Matonyok is a day school for 22 children founded by Emmy Sitayo, temporarily at her home. Four of these children were abandoned at the Trust and live with her permanently.

Some of the children have mental and physical disabilities, but seem to be thriving in Emmy's home. There are currently two teachers who teach English as well as Math, we will return to Matonyok in hopes of assisting them in development of new classrooms and programs for the disabled children.
This is Mount Meru, which we wake up to every morning, we hope to climb it tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers and support,

Safe Arrival

2007-01-20T03:51:00.000-08:00

We arrived safely in Arusha, still a bit drowsy from jet lag. We are staying with a friend, Margaret, who has graciously accepted us all into her home for the duration of our visit. She has been very hospitable, and exceedingly kind. We have also connected with a new friend, Benjamin, who is 'Arusha savvy' and has been our 'guide' to the area. Its beautiful here, and the weather is nothing short of perfect. The people are also lovely, and have all been very welcoming. We plan to visit Moshi tomorrow, which is north of Arusha, to attend a church service, and to possibly visit a national park. We will keep you posted.

Blog Ideas?

2007-01-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Once we arrive in Tanzania we will be updating this blog as often as possible. We will have stories, photos, and even a journal! The blog can be accessed from anywhere, and everyone is welcome to leave comments/notes. Please visit our links, and support our friends!

If anyone has any information or suggestions that we might add to our blog, please comment below: (click on comments)