Long Overdue...

After nearly four months in Tanzania, I have finally decided to start working on my blog. I have posted some photos of my house and what I have been up to. Internet connection is slow, so I won’t be posting too often. Here is a short summary of what life as a volunteer missionary has been like:

Tanzania seems to be filled with friendly people. There is a vast contrast in the overall “feel of things” when I think of all the racial tension in South Africa. I have not been experiencing any of those feelings here...not even a hint. I love it. The Tanzanians have welcomed me into their homes and I am always greeted with a friendly “Karibu” – literally meaning “come near” or “welcome”. 

I enjoy the peace and security here. We can leave the car unlocked at all times, even in town. The town that is nearest to Kibidula Farm is Mafinga. The open air market is filled with many stalls. People sell their fruit, vegetables, rice, and beans to try and earn a living. Some of the bigger stalls are draped with a variety of colourful wax print cloths. They are used to make congas (wrap around skirts), but as you will see on the photos...they serve as curtains in my house.  There is a little import store in town, Lydia’s. I can buy shampoo, toothpaste, and other necessities there. 

The dining room - complete with "conga curtiains"

"Old Faithful" - Great for making tons of pancakes!

I have grown to love the primitive lifestyle. I have a wood fire stove that also serves as a warm water heater. I prefer to cook on the stove, but due to time constraints I often have to make use of a little gas burner. Gas is very expensive though and refilling one bottle amounts to half of my monthly stipend. I wake up early in the mornings and I have found chopping fire wood to be quite therapeutic. The large Acacia forest behind my house is a perfect setting for personal worship. I have cut down some eucalyptus posts and erected a pull-up bar behind my house. Spending time with God and doing some physical exercise has helped me to fight the loneliness. There are not many people of my age, none to be honest. There are Tanzanians, like my friend Victor, but our conversation is limited due to work and other perplexities. I have erred greatly in studying the Swahili language. I spend so much time in the office and working on other projects that I barely find time to do language studies.

My "backyard forest" - I built a cosy bonfire spot for the missionary kids. We have campfires and we make snakebread...yum!

I have had the privilege of being able to help build a church. It was shortly after my arrival in April and it just so happened to be my birthday. What a blessing! The person in charge of the One Day Church project is Bill Ross. He is from the States and has been living in Tanzania for several years. Bill is married to Nanette (whom I now call “mom”)and they have four beautiful children. The Ross family has adopted me as their eldest son and big brother. They have been a source of love, advice, and laughter over the past few months and God has blessed me tremendously by making them a part of my life. They have faced many of the trials I am facing now and having them around has made things significantly easier.

A church we built in a beutiful village in the mountains

An old Lutheran church in the same village

My work as Administrative Secretary has many challenges. It is similar to the work I had been involved in before I left South Africa, but it gives me more joy. Apart from all the frustrations, I gain a sense of fulfilment from it. I know it serves a greater purpose and that it is helping to spread the Gospel message. Those of you who know me will know that I prefer to work with people as opposed to paper, but I am beginning to see that this is something I need to do. God uses uncomfortable, difficult situations to shape our characters after the likeness of Christ. If we choose to trust Him and persevere...we will reap a sure reward.

"Church with a view" - The people are always happy when they can be provided with a place to worship together.

Well there it is...my first post. Hope I didn’t bore or disappoint. I ask that you keep me in your prayers. There are many challenges here...more than I have faced before, but God is faithful and I can truly say that it is a joy to serve Him.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience; but let patience have its perfect work in you, that you may be complete and entire...lacking nothing”-James 1:2-4

Love

ryno