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