We touched down in Tanzania on Wednesday at about 9:45 pm Dar time. The day or so of travel was a whirlwind and left all of us rather tired. Even after a full night's sleep and a nap many of us are on the brink of falling asleep in our chairs. Of course, this is to be expected and has had very little negative effect on the experience so far. In fact, it has been phenomenal. Luckily right now the weather is beautiful and it is in the midst of the dry season so much brown and red can be seen. Even this currently relatively dry land is marvelously beautiful. Even simply landing and seeing the great plains of grass, dry as it was, in Kilimanjaro was breath taking. And the mountains as we neared Morogoro on "the road" were utterly incredible. There is very little comparable to the sight of approaching mountains. Lutheran Junior Seminary where we are staying is something to see in itself. Such beautiful life everywhere we turn. On top of this there are the incredible people with whom we have come into contact. If anything is clear it is that an independent study on hospitality and practical theology will be easy to research and reflect upon as we are always obviously surrounded by it. (Oh, that reminds me, Aaron, Moreto really got a kick out of you calling yourself by his name at orientation.) It is so evident in the very short time that I have been here that care for the other is central to life and utterly wrapped in a specific understanding of God. God's presence is easily seen in between people. It is beautiful.
The frequent discussion of and excitement about Obama has also been an early source of joy for me. Everyone is willing to talk about it and so many people just want the seemingly endless war to stop. Even with Bush's recent popularity in TZ (which seems to me to be deserved, if anyone knows more about it, let me know) it is clear that Obama is a welcome change in this part of the world, and with every US citizen that I have encountered. We had better pray, for the sake of the world and our credibility in it that he is elected. I am certain that this will arise again in the course of this blog. I'm sure future entries will be more eventful as even in the next few days we have two village visits and a wedding to attend.
Anyway, I miss you all terribly and hope all is well. I am going to take advantage of the stillness of night.
Goodnight,
Tim
2 comments:
Moreto...that's awesome! You will have to greet him and the rest of the teachers for me. Take in every moment and tell Delta, "Ndominake."
Mungu akubariki kaka.
God bless brother,
Schutte
i'm so excited for you guys. you should ask mchungaji about that recent spike in Bush popularity; they picked certain areas and are practically giving away utilities like electricity/running water. i think Luka's new house will benefit from that. Speaking of Luka- take lots of pictures at that wedding we will all want to see them.
in the jina of the Baba, Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu go in salaam.
okay, Kiswahili yangu si kizuri as Aaron's, but it is better than yours, at least for a couple of days.
Tyler
Post a Comment