7 December, 2013
Dear Family & Friends,
Even having been in Tz. several times, we continue to learn what it means to be community.
In the space of less than one week, Makumira campus experienced both extremes on the emotions continuum--from the unexpected death of one of the students, in which literally the "whole body" grieved,--to the other end of total, unbounded joy and cheers 5 days later, as everyone joined to celebrate the 5 hour graduation of last year's class!
These same students and faculty came together willingly despite being from different tribes and religions, to support each other in sorrow and in joy---for the simple reason that they are "community."
The female student who was hit and killed by a car near campus, was in her last year of Education
studies. Her death had a profound impact on the students. A hush descended across the whole campus as students walked slowly, talking in whispered voices, if at all. That evening there was a Memorial Service on campus before sending her body 14 hours south to her home village. Her father and brothers were able to arrive just in time for the service so that they could escort their precious loved one home.
The chapel was packed beyond capacity as an additional hundreds of students (probably around 2000) sat on the ground outside surrounding the chapel--Christians and Muslims alike. Everyone did not know this student, but everyone shared in the tragedy her family and friends were experiencing---and out of respect, they came.
During the service, the casket was brought in and opened. Her father was introduced and seeing the large crowd, and bearing the shock of his daughter's passing, all he could do was lift his arm and bow his head. Sometimes there are no words--in any language.
At the end of the service, the students began to walk past the open casket, paying their respects while hymns were being sung in the deep voices and natural harmony so typical of Tz.
It was sweltering inside the chapel, and at times the students' processional became very emotional as many female students began screaming/wailing and passing out as they saw their friend for the first time since her death---and the last time in this life. Those who collapsed were carried out (almost like a corpse themselves) and laid on the ground outside the chapel. It was pitch black when we left the chapel, nearly stepping on bodies ourselves, as girls lay moaning, and students stood silent in small groups. And in their cultural expression of grief, they all gave and received support--and demonstrated what it means to be community---despite their many tribal/religious differences.
Then on Saturday, Graduation, the most festive day of the school calendar, occurred. The campus was spruced up, large white tents with colorful streamers were erected, chairs for students and faculty put in place, and huge bouquets of flowers were arranged. The participants were robed (note picture of "yours truly" trying to look dignified in robes that were too long / too short, and mortar boards that slipped off with each turn of the head!), and a ceremonial brass band warmed up as relatives and friends streamed in thru the campus gates. Actually it reminded Tim and me of being at an OSU football game (minus the delicious tailgating food.) (Go Bucks!)
That week was a lot for the students to handle. Unfortunately, death is too common of an occurrence here. The average lifespan in Tz. is 50 years...compared to 79 years in the U.S. During one class when we were studying Erikson's Developmental Stages, some students commented that "Our tribe doesn't go up to Stage 6 because we don't live that long." How does such a stark reality make these students feel?
Just one more experience to share--ironically on a happy note. Yesterday we decided to go on an adventure and try to find a place without directions--we only had the name of the village. The place is Upendo (Love) Leprosy Home operated by Sisters of the Precious Blood.
After several unsuccessful attempts, we were able to find a working phone number from an out-dated brochure. A welcoming voice (in English even) answered and gave clear directions
up the mountain. We didn't know much about leprosy, or even the prevalence but thought maybe we should learn in case the seminarians also need accurate information. Sr. Feliciana, a young, selfless woman was waiting to greet us and show us around. While leprosy is not common in our area, it is still a major problem and is increasing in the rest of the country because people in the effected villages treat it by going to the witch doctor. By the time they realize the witch doctor is not helping, they have started losing fingers, their nose falls off, and their eyes are scaled over and blindness results. All this could have been avoided by seeing a medical doctor since medicines are available to treat and arrest leprosy.
Some families come to stay at Upendo so they can be with their children. But many come alone, rejected because of their stench, and frightening appearance. The nuns minister to them lovingly, cleaning their wounds, applying medicine, and nurturing them back to health with food from the garden and safe water to drink---and we saw the results--The blind responded to our voices and stuck out their handless limb for us to shake. If they could see, they would stand on footless legs and warmly greet us and thank us for coming. They come from regions throughout Tz where leprosy occurs--but here they live as a community brought together out of the darkness of disease and witchcraft into the healing light of Christ's saving love.
I think we just witnessed Advent. . . Tanzania style!
Well, dear family and friends, I apologize this is so long, but much was on my mind. Thank-you for being "our community."
May God's peace and wonder fill you as we light the 2nd candle on the Advent wreath.
Tim & Diane
Meet my newest friend! This is an eland that is one of many animals on the grounds of a nearby safari lodge.
A beautiful glimpse of Mt. Meru behind Makumira Campus.
