Dear Family and Friends,
What wonderful gifts of visits we received Saturday and Sunday, as Simon & Adeliade Panga from Moringe Sokoine LSS, accompanied by daughters Shuku and Barsi, joined us on Saturday afternoon for a few hours, also sampling Sharon's fried chicken, potatoes and gravy. Was a bit of a challenge to get food ready, but Sharon coordinated well with the electricity when it was available. Simon shared memories of spending weeks with us in our home and classrooms in 2004, also warmly remembering being present for one of First Lutheran Pie Auctions for Ketumbeine. He also talked about the drought conditions this year and how beneficial the 8 Beans Dinner proceeds will be in buying beans to provide protein for their students. As teachers/parents, we were touched by his choice to move from teaching math to the higher grade levels to teaching the entry levels as his daughter came into high school. He spoke of the choice revitalizing and challenging him to be the best teacher he could be, as the best teacher is what any parent would want for their child. Hopefully, if we return next year, we will be able to visit them in Monduli where Moringe is located. The Headmaster and a number of staff persons there have impressed us with their dedication, manner of supporting their students, and their teaching abilities.
Then Pastor Seth came to our Tanzania/Mwangaza home, along with Fadhila, joined by son Joel and Fadhila's sister, blessing us with their presence Sunday afternoon. Great to have special time with our "Mwanangu" again, and to have time to share with Fadhila, Joel, and his sister-in-law. It warmed our hearts to see such great happiness in Seth's face to be with his family, and the warmth between Seth & Fadhila, and Baba and his son. We have seen Seth writing dates and times in his notebook/calendar here, looking at his watch (yes, he is still wearing his watch -- at least sometimes) and he has spoken of trips and activities already scheduled, so we know he is very busy. Certainly we know he intends to do research while he is here, and visit Ketumbeine, his parents, and others. However, there is a smile that is broader and brighter than can be seen in Illinois light. Always good to be home and with family !!
We have been honored with an invitation to visit them in their home on Tuesday afternoon, the 21st. Of course, we must get permission from our teammates at Mwangaza to leave a bit early that day, but we are confident they will agree. It's exciting to look forward to our time with Family Sululu soon.
Today is Friday, near the end of our week's seminar, as this journal ends. Mike rode with Allen to Kili to meet our Ohio partner, Carolyn, and her husband, who arrived about 1PM. They also (we two last year, Seth this year) were carefully monitoring a recent volcanic eruption, but it did not interfere with their flight (from D.C. through Ethiopia). Carolyn will join John & Salome, Sharon & Mike, in planning and facilitating the next seminar. They are moving into the guest house with us as our last LP presenter is finishing his lesson.
Hopefully we will bring a seminar report from this week to you soon.
Peace and love,
Mike and Sharon
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