While it's only been a few days, it seems like worlds ago since I posted to this blog. Perhaps that's because of the whirlwind pace and another dose of 'culture shock' that have filled these past few days. Let me try to hit some of the high spots!
After my last entry on Friday evening, the first rain of the season came which semed to bring joy to all folks. Shortly after ordering with our small delegation for dinner at the Dodoma Hotel, I felf a pinch on my shoulder. When I looked to see who was responsible for that, there stood Naftal Mande, a young Tanzanian who worshipped with us at St. Mark's while he was a student at BGSU. Wow, what a surprise!
Saturday morning we were a part of a cornerstone laying for a new Lutheran High School that is being built in Dodoma. The Prime Minister of Tanzania was present, and it was quite a nice gig. Later in the afternoon we hooked up with Reinhard Frederich and his wife Ursula. They have been here in Tanzania for several years, and Reinhard heads ut the T.E.E. Theological Education by Extension. He is training the evangelists that go to the villages.
Saturday evening found us at the cathedral where the concecration service would be held, for of all things, a rehearsal. Well, what a night that turned out to be! There was a meal after the rehearsal, and Wellington didn't bother to tell me that the meat we had just eaten was GOAT! And, if that wasn't surprising enough, apparently there is a custom where the out-going and the in-coming bishops give to each other freshly roasted goats!! I've included the picture of Bishop Lohrmann carving the second goat for the new bishop. What an evening!!
Sunday morning up bright and early with vestments in hand we proceeded to the cathedral for the consecration service. Huge crowd (800-1000) and beautiful pagentry. Lots of music, just ten choirs, conferring of an honorary degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and address from both bishops and the Prime Minister. The service began at 9:00 a.m. and we processed out at 4:00 p.m.(You do the math!!) Quite a day!
Monday began as usual with breakfast and devotions, then off to a meeting with the new bishop and all the companion partners, Germany, Sweeden, and NWOhio. After a bit of lunch, our small group met with Bishop Ngowo to plan our trip for the next few days out to the villages. I spent some of the evening trying to figure out how to pack for this trip.
Tuesady, Wednesday, and Thursday out in the villages was difficult and awesome. Pictures nor words will adequately describe the experience of being with folks whose lives and conditions are light years away from what most of us know. The roads, and I use that term loosley, in few cases were as good as the path from the barn to the back of the farm, but in most cases were not. This gave 4-wheelin a whole new meaning for me. While in the villages we were able to dedicate a couple of church buildings, (without roof), actually two without roof, and one with roof, two in the rain and one in the sunshine. At one of the outdoor services Bishop Lohrmann was asked to baptize 6 little babies. Church outside in the dust, under a tree, sitting on logs, surrounded by African men and women singing praises to God, participating in the baptism of these 6 little babies--did we have church or what!?!
Sadly, Pastor Maurer has spent about a day and one-half with some kind of bug, but he is feeling better this evening. We have returned to the Humble House, but our plan is to return to some additional villages Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I know this a little long, and I'm not sure when I'll get another opportunity. Thanks for your continued prayers. God bless you!!
Pastor Dale
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