OFF AND RUNNING

We gathered at 8 AM in the Lutheran Center dining area to enjoy a full breakfast, devotions and chatter.  Mango juice is GOOD!  At 9 AM we headed out on bus to check out the progress on the Cathedral's preaching point at Wilolesi.  On the way, many of us received a first look at the Iringa market.  There were stacks and stacks of so many different kinds of vegetable and fruit, and stacks of just about everything else, too.  Along the way, I was impressed with the poinsettia trees and bushes.

Pastors Msigwa and Bimbiga joined us for the trip, as well as Benjamin and others.  Phase Two - Roofing will be starting in April.  As a first-timer to Iringa, it is hard to describe how seeing the "preaching point" made the fund raising work so-o-o-o worth it!  Tea time at the Cathedral followed the Wilolesi viewing. 

We had an hour and a half to take a quick trip on foot thru the Iringa market.  Two stops were Neema Crafts Internet Cafe and Lydia's.  Both places are special to the Tanzania Mission travelers.  A tasty lunch was served at the Cathedral by Mama Gabone.  At 6:30, we took the bus to Pastor Givale's for dinner at his home.    We
 were warmly greeted with hugs, shakes and smiles.  Pastor Givale and wife, Pamela, and family, some relatives and students sang for us, prayed, and when we were ready to eat, the lights went out.  Fortunately, Patti's gifts for the children were fun little colorful flashlights.  So, with the help of a lantern, candles, the children's fun lights and Patti's personal flashlight above our heads, we dug in and dished up.  When we were done eating, the power came back on--lights on--only to leave and return once more.  Pastor Givale closed out this evening with special thoughts about two cultures do far apart coming together with Jesus in all our hearts.   He told us we made footprints on his heart.