COLLEEN IS HOME FROM AFRICA!

I can’t believe that I have been to Tanzania and returned already — the months of preparation seemed much longer than the actual trip! As I write this, my mind just races about what to say. I experienced SO MUCH in the two weeks that I spent in Tanzania. To say that I experienced a bit of a culture shock would be an understatement!

The people I met in Tanzania have made such a dramatic impact on my life — I went there to learn how we could help them — but I never expected to be taught as much about how I can help here in my own country as these people showed me. No matter what situation I encountered or the people it involved, the most important part of the experience to the people there was that they were making a new friend. And I learned that even if it is years before I get to see these people again, their friendship with me will be as strong and as important as it was when I left. What a wonderful gift to be given! And, what a wonderful gift to be able to give!

I was very enthusiastically met by the people of the Karagwe District. I have probably seen more things in this District than most natives, because I was a part of every group that they could think of to exist in their area. I went to hospitals, schools, water sources, villages, churches, homes, places of employment, etc. When I finally sat down at the end of my visit to review with the department heads and to make sure I didn’t have any last questions, it was amazing to reflect on all that had taken place in two short weeks’ time. I have tried to take as many notes and/or video coverage as I could (and still maintain a degree of dignity for the people that some of these programs involved.) I am looking forward to compiling my information into some sort of presentation so that I can share my experiences with you.

The people of the Bisheshe Parish (our sister congregation) are some of the most generous and wonderful people that I have ever met. I spent two days with these people. I felt the same sense of family and community there that I feel here in our congregation. We are worlds apart, and yet we are very similar. I was treated like a member of royalty. (Did I mention that I could get used to that?) When I presented them with the gifts from our church they were overcome with emotion — they could not imagine that people who had never met them before would be so willing to give them so much!!! The worship services are being held outside because the present church building is so inadequate — they have a church about the size of our Fellowship Hall, and 900 members to put into that space. They have the foundation poured for the new church, but had run out of money for building materials. The money that we have sent will pay for most of the necessary materials to build the walls of the church. The contractor figured that this gift will put them three years ahead of their most hopeful time-table, and that they may actually be able to start worshiping in their new building as early as next year! They had just received word that the items that we had sent in the spring had finally arrived in Tanzania and should be in the district in two to three weeks. When I left Bisheshe that Sunday, I had a very full heart and a very special gift from their parish to bring to the people of First Lutheran Church. I hope that I will be able to convey the pride and love that was bestowed on this gift from these remarkable people.

I have many stories that I can’t wait to share with you! I don’t know that I will ever be able to express my gratitude for this experience. There is so much that I am excited about — and so many ways for all of us to be a part of this African experience! I am working on hosting a “typical” Tanzanian meal for you (although I will NOT be serving goat!), and hope to present my materials to you at that time. I would like to wait until late August/early September so as not to conflict with vacation plans and to allow me time to “get it all together.”

Thank you all so much for this most wonderful experience. I hope that this will be the beginning steps in our continuing partnership with the people of Bisheshe and the Karagwe District. Thank you for your prayers and your love — they were a sustaining source of strength while I was away.

Yours in Christ, Colleen

    *  Colleen's email messages from Africa

Sunday, 23 June 2002 . . . Greetings from Karagwe!

I have just a short time before church to send a very quick note to let you know that I have arrived. It took 3 days and 5 flights to get here, along with a 2-3 hour ride in the car. (Some interesting stories to be told there!)
 
It is very hard to describe what I am seeing here. The contrasts are incredible. There is so much beauty, and then there is so much suffering. The hospital is full because it is the beginning of malaria season. There are 2-3 children in each bed with more lying on the floor and in the hallways. They are so small in comparison to our children. I have a new appreciation for the healthiness of our babies.
 
Today after church, I will meet with the doctors and pastors to discuss what I will do during my stay. I will stay in touch as much as possible. Continue to keep me in your prayers. I look forward to sharing this experience with all of you when I return home!
 
Love, Colleen
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Monday, 24 June 2002 . . . Hello everyone!

I have a quick chance to e-mail, so I thought I would let you know that things continue to go well here.
 
This morning I met with the Bishop and had a tour of the Diocese Office. I met with the staff and heard about the programs that each ran. I also toured the primary school that is run by the Diocese. I have taken some great video footage that I can't wait to share with you!
 
Tomorrow I will get a tour of the hospital and hope to help with the delivery of a baby! I will stay in touch as often as I can. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
 
Love, Colleen
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Wednesday, 26 June 2002 . . . Greetings everyone!

Just wanted to get a real quick note off to you. Yesterday I had a tour of the hospital complex. They do so much good here with so little resources. The hospital is overfull (as usual), but more so than normal because malaria cases are starting to increase. I will be gone by the time it peaks, but yesterday there were 14 children admitted with malaria.
 
Today I am going with the Primary Health Care doctor to a local village. When I return I will be able to show you video to help you to understand life here.
 
The doctor has arrived and is waiting for me, so I should close for now. I miss you all and thank you for your support and prayers. I will keep you close in my heart and prayers.
 
Love, Colleen
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Friday, 28 June 2002 . . . Hello everyone!

I have just a few minutes while they are packing the car, so this will have to be brief. Today I am going to a village with the mobile clinic. This is an all day trip.
 
The past few days I have visited local homes - checking on AIDS patients & their families, checking water sources and checking progress on sanitation (outhouses to us). I have lots of video to share.
 
Tomorrow I will spend the day with the people from the Bisheshe Parish. I hear they are very excited to have me. I will take the video I made of our church to share with them.
 
I need to go now - they're ready to leave. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Love, Colleen
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Monday, 1 July 2002 . . . Hello everyone!

Today I am sending greetings from the Bisheshe Parish also! I have spent an absolutely wonderful weekend with the people from our sister congregation here in Tanzania. They treated me to a most wonderful time.
 
On Saturday, the children came to school to present a program for me and to show me around their school. (I could never imagine kids coming to school on a Saturday in America for any reason!). After the program at school, there was an entire day of events scheduled at the church. Some parishoners were there from 8 in the morning until late that evening! There were many meals put on by the women of the church (some things remain the same no matter where you are!).
 
On Sunday, I went back to Bisheshe for church. The car we used to get to Bisheshe wasn't working right, so we were about half an hour late, but not to worry - they didn't start the service until we got there. The service lasted 3 HOURS!!!!!!! And it seemed even longer to me because 95% of it was in Swaheli! But, the people were wonderful and just couldn't seem to get enough of me and my stories about First Lutheran Church in Warren. They are very anxious for me to share them with you and hope that someday more people will be able to come visit them!
 
Today I am going to another village with the Aids Control Program. Every village I have gone to has been different, so I look forward to seeing this one.
 
I will try to e-mail again tomorrow. I miss you all very much and look forward to my return. I have much to share with you. Thank you for this experience - it has been one of the most marvelous gifts I have ever had! You are in my thoughts and prayers always!
 
Love, Colleen
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Wednesday, 3 July 2002 . . . Hello for the last time from Karawge!
 
I can't believe that this is my last day! I have seen and done so much in the past two weeks! The people here have been absolutely wonderful and have shown me as much of their lives as they can. I have tried to capture as much of it as possible on my video so that I can share it with you.
 
This morning at chapel we all had a chance to say good-bye. While I am anxious to be home, I was sad to realize that I would be leaving so many new friends behind. More than anything, when I leave they ask, "When will you be coming back?" And, "How many others will come with you?"
 
These people have been some of the most friendly and welcoming people I have ever met. There is so much hope here.
 
I will be leaving early tomorrow morning - I have 3 flights tomorrow in order to get to Dar Es Salaam. I will fly to London on Friday and finally arrive in Washington DC on Saturday. I'm not sure if I will be in church on Sunday - it will depend on how the time change affects me.
 
I look forward to seeing you all and sharing my experiences with you. I have missed you and thought of you a lot. I thank you for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to telling you all about it. Keep me in your prayers as I travel home. I look forward to some hugs!!!!!
 
All my love, Colleen
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