A Tanzanian Christmas

                          
                                                                                   26 Dec. 2012

Dear Family and Friends-
   It's the day after Christmas and everything in Tz. is very much back to normal.  It seems as if Christmas is a one day event here.  The chapel is decorated on Christmas Eve, Christmas carols are sung during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship, and families who are able get together for a meal---and for some, a small gift is exchanged---all very low keyed and short-lived.
   At first, I didn't know what to make of this.  I thought that the simplicity of the season would make it more powerful spiritually for me.  I remember when we were in the states last year for Christmas thinking that the commercialism of the season obliterated the precious message.  So now I'm experiencing the total opposite and feeling that this extreme also has its drawbacks--it comes and goes before you can savor the richness and depth of the season.
   So, after much pondering,  I've concluded that there is beauty and meaning in both cultures' expressions, and that the real Christmas happens internally in one's own soul.  Christ's birth is not about location, but rather it's about openness--- to receiving God's Son, everyday, wherever we are.
   Tim had the Christmas Eve. Service in English and a childrens choir sang beautifully. The musical talent here is generational--everyone seems to have such natural harmony.
  It's been wonderful having our daugher,Jill, with us for 2 weeks.  We enjoyed an amazing safari to the Serengetti, and Ngorongoro Crater. We had a "tenting" experience the first two nights and could hear  worthogs snorting and rooting right outside our doorflap. We could hear the hyenas howling throughout the night--it just added to the excitement and suspense of the darkness.  The last night we were in Tarangire and stayed in a bungalow.  We were delighted that evening when a pack of baboons paraded 3 feet in front of our tent---keeping their eyes glued to us, as if we were the ones on show!
   Well, I want to get this sent before our internet connection is lost.  We truly miss all of you and are keeping you in our prayers for a wonderful coming year.
   God's peace and blessings be with you.
          Tim & Diane 


                                                                                        

Merry Christmas Pictures!

 Merry Christmas from Tanzania!












Tanzanian "Christmas Tree"  This tree only blooms right before Christmas and turns a brilliant red--then loses its bloom right after Christmas!












Another Christmas tree! They are all over now and are very pretty!










Jill--bringing a feeling of "home" to Tanzania for Christmas












The chapel on campus.  Students decorated it for tonight's service that Tim is preaching at.














Inside the chapel









    Waterfall at Mt. Kilimanjaro that we hiked to yesterday.  We ate lunch in the little shelter.

Garden and Confirmation - Tanzanian Style!

 Our garden has lots of potential. I hope we get to reap its benefits before we leave!










   Our seminary students getting a ride up the hill to the Confirmation party. Tim and I and a 4 yr. old child and the driver sat inside.










   Tim giving a blessing to a Confirmand













   Maasai mother putting a flower garland on her Confirmand daughter.













  A band celebrating and leading people to someone's Confirmation party!

Robbery at Makumira

Dear Family and Friends,
  We were assured that campus was a safe place.  Armed security guards are at the two gates, and some "fundi" (security guards) stroll thru the faculty and student housing during the night.  We were advised to keep our door locked when not at home, but otherwise, there are no problems----until -----last week, one of our neighbor's stopped by to give us some bell peppers from his garden.  They were really quite small and needed more time to develop. When we questioned him about this, he excitedly replied, "Well, haven't you heard?  The monkeys are stealing the veggies and fruit!  They are having a regular holiday feast---climbing the Mango and Papaya trees and sitting out on the limbs enjoying the fruit. Then boldly going into the staff's personal gardens (during daylight hours even!) and stripping the plants of their sweet bell peppers and sitting on the ground to enjoy!  No, we hadn't heard, because our garden is still growing---lots of foliage, but no signs of harvest.  But now we know, so we keep our eye on these clever critters and wait to see what they'll be eating for their Christmas Dinner!
   Yesterday, we had the interesting experience of attending the Confirmation of one of our student's two daughters.  We were escorted by several of our students, and after 2 dala dalas, and a dusty, pot-holed walk up a hillside, we arrived at a Maasai village.  The people are pastoralists, as they call those who have cattle for their livelihood. The members of this village live in houses and many wear Western style clothes.  We attended both the first service in which they baptized about 30 infants and adults, and the second service, in which they confirmed 110 youth.  The church was packed for both services, with people looking in thru each window, and several 100 people waiting outside the doors, trying to hear or take a look.
   Tim was surprised that he ended up taking part in both services.  At the first service he just had to sit up at the altar with 3 other pastors.  But at the 2nd service, he was part of the team, confirming, blessing, and sending.  (Since he only speaks English, they told him to just put his hands on their heads and say a prayer!)  The kids looked like the fear of God was in them when he cupped his huge hands around their heads.
   Confirmation is really a huge community event. It happens sometime during the month of December in all the Lutheran churches (either along with or directly following Baptism).  Families decorate vehicles for the confirmand to travel in. Some families even have a brass band sitting in a pick-up truck to lead a procession of people to their home! At their home their are huge celebrations, and a special booth is set up for the confirmand and a selected "attendant" (friend) sits with them. Special clothes are made and there is a particular format in which gifts are presented.  Tents are set up and enormous amounts of food are prepared by family and friends.  It is truly honored as a very significant occassion.
   I've included some pictures that I hope you will enjoy.
   Our daughter, Jill, arrives this Friday and will be spending Christmas with us.  We are so grateful to have her here since we miss all of you very, very, very much!
   We pray this find each of you doing well, and keep you in our hearts and prayers.
  With much love from both of us,
        Tim & Diane