Day 3 - "Kushirikiana upendo wa Kristo Kwa furaha!"

Greetings from Tanzania! Today marked our third day here, and it was a delightful blend of cultural immersion and relaxation for our group. 

We started the day leisurely with a later breakfast at 8:30 a.m. The spread was simple yet satisfying. Harrison and his kitchen Staff prepared toast and Spanish omelets accompanied by hot tea, instant coffee, and refreshing mango, watermelon, and pineapple juice. Energized and ready, we set out to explore Iringa’s vibrant open green market, which is apparently one of the largest in all of Africa (the size of two football fields!).

But before heading to the market we had a scheduled meeting with Haran Ngede. Haran is a long-time friend of St. Paul Lutheran who was part of our Mtera partnership early on. He remembers well his friends, the Millers, the Haselbauers, the Nordhausens, and Gerry Lidstrom, among others I'm sure. Pastor Dale greeted him on their (and the whole congregation's) behalf. Among our group, only Carole England had met Haran before. It was good for her to reconnect and for all of us to meet him. It was then, off to market!

The market greeted us with a kaleidoscope of colors and a medley of aromas. Imagine the scent of freshly picked fruits mingling with the earthiness of spices, sun-dried fish, and the lively chatter of vendors. We met friendly local vendors and produce growers who welcomed us warmly and with the universal language of ... fist bumps. Despite the language barrier, these fist bumps and their hospitality spoke volumes as they patiently helped us navigate and understand Swahili phrases.

After a morning of exploring the market and various local shops, we headed over to Neema Crafts for lunch. Neema Crafts is more than just a cafe; it’s a local hub for arts and crafts created by individuals with disabilities. Their mission is to change attitudes and transform lives through training and employment. Inclusion of these individuals is not largely accepted or practiced in countries of Africa, so it's an especially important mission that Neema has committed to. Over a delicious meal, we not only satisfied our appetites but also supported a worthy cause.

Back at The Lutheran Center, Pastor Dale reconnected with a former student of his from his time teaching at Tumaini University when Pr. Dale taught in their theology department in 2012. Now, Pastor Ezekiel, his wife, Anna, and their newborn daughter, Toredo (God is good), made the 70km trip on motorcycle from Illambilole. Pr. Ezekiel translated our church mission statement (Sharing Christ's Love With Joy!) into Swahili for us, adding the word "together." It translates as "Kushirikiana upendo wa Kristo Kwa furaha!" meaning, "Sharing Christ's Love (Together) With Joy!" He liked it better that way, he exclaimed, as it indicates that all of us - in MN and in TZ - are in mission together :) Maybe it will catch on!

The afternoon brought a rest period back at the Lutheran Center, where we caught up on news from home using the Wi-Fi available there. It was a chance to recharge before the evening activities, which included a rousing game of Moose Master taught to us by the Clark family.

Supper at the Lutheran Center at 7:00 p.m. provided another opportunity for fellowship and sharing stories from our day. As we prepare to leave for Migoli tomorrow morning, excitement is building among us. We look forward to meeting our partner congregations, worshiping together, and engaging in meaningful partnership conversations over tea afterward.

As we wrap up another fulfilling day here in Tanzania, we are grateful for our health and the warmth of the people we've encountered. Our journey continues, filled with anticipation for the days ahead. Sending love and greetings to all back home!