for those of know you that do know, asante sana means thank you very much.... and so thank you all very much - for reading our blog, praying and writing back, and for the ones we left behind that are so ably taking care of everything asante sana,sana!
and so we are winding down our safari- we are back at the provincial house in morogoro-the palce we first wrote from. the one with the dial up connection and finicky computer, so forgive punctuation and spelling....we figure in the last 10 days we have driven at least 2000 miles thru tanzania and kenya! fun, exciting, otherworldly, eyeopening, beautiful and oh my gosh are our butts sore!
the lack of expectations we had at the outset was a good thing, but i think we all had an idea we would be doing more . Not that we mind being honored guests, but we have felt rather useless.I figured out the reason the provincial head was taking us around is that it was a great excuse to get out to visit many of his priests and parishes, plus he really loves fr. kurian... the priest we stayed with last night put into words what they really want us to do ...LET OTHER PEOPLE KNOW WHAT WE AR DOING AND INVITE THEM TO TAKE PART...oops -caps lock error - anyway-we will have plenty to tell you about the men and women over here...what they are doing is amazing..we met a 19 yeard ol girl from germany who has taken a year off to work in the orphanage in tabora - where enni is- she has been here for one month. also met a german lady - a professional potter who is here for six months to make affordable water filters for people to use in their homes. (you should see what passes for a home here) anyway she is also quite a lady...and the potters for peace group is doing great things too. she is teaching blind people to make pottery so they can have some income.
we have the whole day tomorrow-thursday- here and then off to the big dumb city for the airport.
great news about the audition , Gary, good luck, and way to go at mass..thanks anne and muppy for helping with my kids! so sorry to hear about the power problems, we heard there was a storm in wisconsin, and wondered about home. george still wants to stay here and work in the mountains. he has never had this lonng off work in his life- he's getting used to it!
muppy - masses have been some in swahili-thank heaven i brought the magnificat with me, and some in english. the ordination was in swahilli, but the archbishop gave the homily in english - the swahili translator was very firey, and those who speak both said he was ad-libbing a bit!
Deacon frank's advice for the day - NEVER NEVER eat green coconut - he's not sick elaine, don't worry - but he thought he was gonna be!
god bless you all - see you SOON
bert and the boys!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Surpirse-two nights in a row!
Wow- unbeknownst to us, at 5:30 this morning we found out we would spend two nights in a row here at St. Joseph's Church-Nairobi- so while the other men sit in the dining room talking and watching B. Obama on Al-Jazeera TV ( George is fascinated by that) Frank I I will blog a bit more.... We should be able to check in again on Wednesday- so send us notes - we love to hear from all of you...
Today we went North in Kenya - to Chera- near Mt. Kenya. It's the school that Fr. Kurian built up from a one room school to a full 10 grades. He saw people there that remembered him, and walked right into a monthly meeting of the women of the church - as Frank said he looked like the Rooster that returned to the hen house ! The women flocked around him and clucked over him...cute!
The area around Chera is the most beautiful I have seen- it's mountainous- and each hillside has a tea or coffee farm on it -George says he could retire there! I said...hmmm not yet!
Delmonte has a gigantic pineappleplantation here and there are so many fresah fruits here - besides the EVER present bananas we have fresh mangoes, papaya, pineapples, avacados and more. We have eaten unusual fish, goat, chicken, chicken, chicken, all kinds of vegetables with freash shaved coconut in it and chicken!
The people of Kenya do not seem as openly friendly as in Tanzania, and the school kids in Chera looked at us three as if they were ssin ghosts! But once we let them shake our hands- at recess time- they warmed right up. A big thank you to all of the St. Joe's families that have donated money and school supplies for this trip. You cannot imagine how excited each group of kids gets when they learn they are getting a new "impira" - (ball) or see tears in the eyes of teacher that gets pencils and crayons for next year. Like home, school is almost out for the "holiday" here.
I have pictures of the classes - the principal of a 265 pupil school sitting at his desk - a simple table, with four stacks of books on his table. That's it...all he has in his office. ANd the kids are so well behaved.
Anyway, home looks better each day, and we are about ready to stop traveling and get back to the "real"world. We will go back up near Mt. Kilamanjaro tomorrow, then down to Morogoro for the last two nights. Then to the insane city of Dar Es Salaam to the airport and HOME Saturday AM.
We'll sign on at least once more before then- so drop a note>
Asante Sana- Bert
PS - Frank & George say " Hi MOM - send money!
Gary call Gramma and let her know what we are up to! Love you kids!
Today we went North in Kenya - to Chera- near Mt. Kenya. It's the school that Fr. Kurian built up from a one room school to a full 10 grades. He saw people there that remembered him, and walked right into a monthly meeting of the women of the church - as Frank said he looked like the Rooster that returned to the hen house ! The women flocked around him and clucked over him...cute!
The area around Chera is the most beautiful I have seen- it's mountainous- and each hillside has a tea or coffee farm on it -George says he could retire there! I said...hmmm not yet!
Delmonte has a gigantic pineappleplantation here and there are so many fresah fruits here - besides the EVER present bananas we have fresh mangoes, papaya, pineapples, avacados and more. We have eaten unusual fish, goat, chicken, chicken, chicken, all kinds of vegetables with freash shaved coconut in it and chicken!
The people of Kenya do not seem as openly friendly as in Tanzania, and the school kids in Chera looked at us three as if they were ssin ghosts! But once we let them shake our hands- at recess time- they warmed right up. A big thank you to all of the St. Joe's families that have donated money and school supplies for this trip. You cannot imagine how excited each group of kids gets when they learn they are getting a new "impira" - (ball) or see tears in the eyes of teacher that gets pencils and crayons for next year. Like home, school is almost out for the "holiday" here.
I have pictures of the classes - the principal of a 265 pupil school sitting at his desk - a simple table, with four stacks of books on his table. That's it...all he has in his office. ANd the kids are so well behaved.
Anyway, home looks better each day, and we are about ready to stop traveling and get back to the "real"world. We will go back up near Mt. Kilamanjaro tomorrow, then down to Morogoro for the last two nights. Then to the insane city of Dar Es Salaam to the airport and HOME Saturday AM.
We'll sign on at least once more before then- so drop a note>
Asante Sana- Bert
PS - Frank & George say " Hi MOM - send money!
Gary call Gramma and let her know what we are up to! Love you kids!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
africa is big !!
Okay, so we haven't been in touch as much as we had hoped. We have been living like African Gypsies, on the road everyday, never sleeping in the same place twice. The three stooges sit in the back of the car, and the priests talk in a mixture of Hindi-Swahili-English and we never know the plan. Poor Frank, every time we stop anywhere, side of the road to pee, gas station, beer garden or whatever, he says"is this where we are staying tonight"?
We have been well housed, no huts or tents...one night in a forsaken church called Lobubu with no lights or running water. In the bathroom attached to our rooms was a cement pool with about 2 - feet of clean water. George reduced himself to its of laughter picturing himself just sitting down in it and soaping up. It was really about a four month supply of clean water for the whole house! The priest that is posted out there in the far side of nowhere was sent there right after ordination. I was reduced to tears that night thinking of the sacrifice these men have made to do what they are doing....
Special note to Jonah- Bert has a picture of Papa holding a 6 foot cobra!!
Tonight we are in Nairobi- we crossed into Kenya today- the border was a bit hairy, with armed guards and Masai tribesman trying to sell us stuff everywhere we turned. our shopping priest is keeping us safe, and his boss, Fr. Thomas is an absolute treasure. We are honored guests everywhere we go because we are with him. He is in charge of the Fransalians in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. You cannot believe what these people are doing here.
Yesterday we stayed in Arusha and went to the N'Gorongoro Crater. And it was like a day in a National Geographic movie. Mountains, and then down to the crater floor - I think he said it was 100 square miles? Anyway, every animal you have ever thought of in Africa (except Giraffe) were there as we drove around. Great pictures! BUTT...and I mean buttt...we were in the car for 13 hours yesterday! And the roads here leave a lott to be desired to put it nicely!
Day before that we were in Tabora, where the orphanage is . What Joy ! - Mary Beth- Enni send his hello's - he is quiet and shy, but remembers Fr. K... My favorite there was Heri - a 7 year old slightly naughty boy..Street kids come in during the day for a meal and a lesson, but the orphanage is almost at capacity, so they leave at evening. We had a bonfire with the kids, and our own Shemashi (Deacon) Frank got to stand by the fire in his African Kanga and tell the boys a story. Between that and the snake, that was Franks best day!
This is long I know - but in this land who knows when we will get to a computer again -
Random Things: Yeah Wings!
Saw a fully dressed Masai warrior herding cows down the road talking on a cell phone - weird
No Where in the world can traffic be like this!
I like the country better than the city.
Had Mass this AM with 6 people in the living rooom of a house, and felt I was in Notre Dame Cathedral- or St. Joe's - Ahhhh the universal church!
We arrive in Detroit about 10:30 on Saturday morning - Elaine- call Michelle if you want exact times - she can get ahold of my mother in law for details if need be. We will have a ride home from the airport. AND Frank says "have a Big Mac ready and waiting!" ( Everyone else, close your eyes - Frank says he Loves Elaine!)
I dreamed of home this AM- Michelle and Marybeth were setting up God's Kitchen in my basement and MaryBeth was decorating all of the spiderwebs with sunflowers! YIKES.
Love to all - kids and Anne especially - and the doodlehead - how's Joeys leg? I think of so many of you at random moments- as will be witnessed by the bits I pick up.
See you soon- Please appreciate all we have in the US and Keep up the prayers for ALL missionaries!
Bert and the Boys!
We have been well housed, no huts or tents...one night in a forsaken church called Lobubu with no lights or running water. In the bathroom attached to our rooms was a cement pool with about 2 - feet of clean water. George reduced himself to its of laughter picturing himself just sitting down in it and soaping up. It was really about a four month supply of clean water for the whole house! The priest that is posted out there in the far side of nowhere was sent there right after ordination. I was reduced to tears that night thinking of the sacrifice these men have made to do what they are doing....
Special note to Jonah- Bert has a picture of Papa holding a 6 foot cobra!!
Tonight we are in Nairobi- we crossed into Kenya today- the border was a bit hairy, with armed guards and Masai tribesman trying to sell us stuff everywhere we turned. our shopping priest is keeping us safe, and his boss, Fr. Thomas is an absolute treasure. We are honored guests everywhere we go because we are with him. He is in charge of the Fransalians in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. You cannot believe what these people are doing here.
Yesterday we stayed in Arusha and went to the N'Gorongoro Crater. And it was like a day in a National Geographic movie. Mountains, and then down to the crater floor - I think he said it was 100 square miles? Anyway, every animal you have ever thought of in Africa (except Giraffe) were there as we drove around. Great pictures! BUTT...and I mean buttt...we were in the car for 13 hours yesterday! And the roads here leave a lott to be desired to put it nicely!
Day before that we were in Tabora, where the orphanage is . What Joy ! - Mary Beth- Enni send his hello's - he is quiet and shy, but remembers Fr. K... My favorite there was Heri - a 7 year old slightly naughty boy..Street kids come in during the day for a meal and a lesson, but the orphanage is almost at capacity, so they leave at evening. We had a bonfire with the kids, and our own Shemashi (Deacon) Frank got to stand by the fire in his African Kanga and tell the boys a story. Between that and the snake, that was Franks best day!
This is long I know - but in this land who knows when we will get to a computer again -
Random Things: Yeah Wings!
Saw a fully dressed Masai warrior herding cows down the road talking on a cell phone - weird
No Where in the world can traffic be like this!
I like the country better than the city.
Had Mass this AM with 6 people in the living rooom of a house, and felt I was in Notre Dame Cathedral- or St. Joe's - Ahhhh the universal church!
We arrive in Detroit about 10:30 on Saturday morning - Elaine- call Michelle if you want exact times - she can get ahold of my mother in law for details if need be. We will have a ride home from the airport. AND Frank says "have a Big Mac ready and waiting!" ( Everyone else, close your eyes - Frank says he Loves Elaine!)
I dreamed of home this AM- Michelle and Marybeth were setting up God's Kitchen in my basement and MaryBeth was decorating all of the spiderwebs with sunflowers! YIKES.
Love to all - kids and Anne especially - and the doodlehead - how's Joeys leg? I think of so many of you at random moments- as will be witnessed by the bits I pick up.
See you soon- Please appreciate all we have in the US and Keep up the prayers for ALL missionaries!
Bert and the Boys!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
country life - tanzania style
Wow- much has happened since I last wrote. Today is Tuesday 10 AM and I have just been dropped off at an internet cafe near the Isaga Post office...in the freaking middle of NOWHERE! I don't even know if anyone is coming back to get me, but this computer works better than the last, so i will write while I can. No time to spell check, please excuse.
After last post we drove to Mufumi National Park- GIRAFFES! ELEPHANTS! a few good pictures. We were staying at the Provincial House, the priest that is taking us all over is the big boss of this region, a man I feel will be a saint some day! There was much activity there, as the Bishop was coming to stay Sat. Night. Eileen asked about Mass Sunday...It was an ordination! That little mud church we saw in Fr.s pictures has been replaced with a big new church, and it was Packed with priests, more nuns than I have ever seen and people galore. The Mass was in Swahili, but oh the music! Three choirs, dancing, praising. i closed my eyes and pictures heaven It was a 3 hour mass, with hundreds of small kids patiently sitting on the floor. Followed by a party outside. As we are traveling with Fr. Thomas , also known as Fr. Provincial, and Fr. Kurian, we are honored guests everywhere we go.
Life seems to happen along the roads- many funny little stalls set up as shops, and people biking and walking and shopping everywhere. And then behind the shops on the road are weird twisty winding paths that lead to all sorts of "houses" from mud and grass huts to mud brick buildings. Not much for the people to do but spend the day trying to scratch out enough food to eat and enough wood or charcoal to cook it on. A lot of sitting around for most.
The people here are beautiful, generous and HAPPY. Some things strike us odd, but we learned an abbreviation from two German gals we met who are working in Tabora- T.I.A. - stands for "that is Africa"
We left the comfort of the Provincial house early yesterday, and drove 9 hours into the country. Roads are an issue - 3 hours on dirt"highway" and they put speed bumps everywhere to slow you down!. Last night we stayed at the rectory in Isaga, and they have a school and vocational center here. These Indian Priests are doing so much in this area to try and educate the kids and create a middle class here for the future. I am in awe of thier bravery, dedication and brotherhood. Fr. Kurian is so well loved and happy here, I will cry for him when he has to come back.
Word has it tonight we go to the church in Lobubu, and there is no electricity or water. No one is sick, all of us are eating all the time. Such hospitality that everyone you visit feels they must feed you something. But as they are poor, it's always simple fare. I may not eat chicken or a banana for a long time!
What's up at home?? Red Wings? Pistons? Band Banquet, Eagle project, Coda's you know what? Did steven go camping? Gary - Help Anne get on and post a comment, and maybe Steven too OK - Keep the comments and prayers coming! Muppy- will you call Elaine Wines and be sure she can get to the blog? Frank does not know if he told her about it.
God is great, and he is everywhere-especially in the eyes of these kids - can't wait to share photos, Mary Beth , we go to meet Enni on Wednesday I saw his Grandma's old house near the Provincial House, and got a picture.
Love to all - Thanks to God!
Bert and the others!
After last post we drove to Mufumi National Park- GIRAFFES! ELEPHANTS! a few good pictures. We were staying at the Provincial House, the priest that is taking us all over is the big boss of this region, a man I feel will be a saint some day! There was much activity there, as the Bishop was coming to stay Sat. Night. Eileen asked about Mass Sunday...It was an ordination! That little mud church we saw in Fr.s pictures has been replaced with a big new church, and it was Packed with priests, more nuns than I have ever seen and people galore. The Mass was in Swahili, but oh the music! Three choirs, dancing, praising. i closed my eyes and pictures heaven It was a 3 hour mass, with hundreds of small kids patiently sitting on the floor. Followed by a party outside. As we are traveling with Fr. Thomas , also known as Fr. Provincial, and Fr. Kurian, we are honored guests everywhere we go.
Life seems to happen along the roads- many funny little stalls set up as shops, and people biking and walking and shopping everywhere. And then behind the shops on the road are weird twisty winding paths that lead to all sorts of "houses" from mud and grass huts to mud brick buildings. Not much for the people to do but spend the day trying to scratch out enough food to eat and enough wood or charcoal to cook it on. A lot of sitting around for most.
The people here are beautiful, generous and HAPPY. Some things strike us odd, but we learned an abbreviation from two German gals we met who are working in Tabora- T.I.A. - stands for "that is Africa"
We left the comfort of the Provincial house early yesterday, and drove 9 hours into the country. Roads are an issue - 3 hours on dirt"highway" and they put speed bumps everywhere to slow you down!. Last night we stayed at the rectory in Isaga, and they have a school and vocational center here. These Indian Priests are doing so much in this area to try and educate the kids and create a middle class here for the future. I am in awe of thier bravery, dedication and brotherhood. Fr. Kurian is so well loved and happy here, I will cry for him when he has to come back.
Word has it tonight we go to the church in Lobubu, and there is no electricity or water. No one is sick, all of us are eating all the time. Such hospitality that everyone you visit feels they must feed you something. But as they are poor, it's always simple fare. I may not eat chicken or a banana for a long time!
What's up at home?? Red Wings? Pistons? Band Banquet, Eagle project, Coda's you know what? Did steven go camping? Gary - Help Anne get on and post a comment, and maybe Steven too OK - Keep the comments and prayers coming! Muppy- will you call Elaine Wines and be sure she can get to the blog? Frank does not know if he told her about it.
God is great, and he is everywhere-especially in the eyes of these kids - can't wait to share photos, Mary Beth , we go to meet Enni on Wednesday I saw his Grandma's old house near the Provincial House, and got a picture.
Love to all - Thanks to God!
Bert and the others!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
african certainty
I have tried to post this 3 times , so now it will be the short version. \\luggage was in Amsterdam, it found us at last. Went to zanzibar weds, no lights on the island for a week now - kinda sad to see the really old places falling into disrepair. Seasick on the boat ride back, all but frank!
We were stuck in the worst vere traffice jam- there would have death and destruction if it had happened at home, We sat for hours- and thousands of people walking by, hopping off daladala busses and walking home. Bothe that scene and the no ligths on zanzibar poit out how much more accepting these people are of what comes thier way.
So, come to africa and get stuck in traffic & get seasick - who would have guessed
off to see animals in am- it's 9:30 PM on Thursday here. we are well fed, comfortable and happy. many good people care for us.''
love to all-steven, gary , anne , muppy...\\
i'll get to another computer soon, this one is giving me fits!''
love bert
We were stuck in the worst vere traffice jam- there would have death and destruction if it had happened at home, We sat for hours- and thousands of people walking by, hopping off daladala busses and walking home. Bothe that scene and the no ligths on zanzibar poit out how much more accepting these people are of what comes thier way.
So, come to africa and get stuck in traffic & get seasick - who would have guessed
off to see animals in am- it's 9:30 PM on Thursday here. we are well fed, comfortable and happy. many good people care for us.''
love to all-steven, gary , anne , muppy...\\
i'll get to another computer soon, this one is giving me fits!''
love bert
Monday, May 26, 2008
we made it
We made it! We are in Dar Es Salamm - nice night's sleep...long flight, only problem, our luggage decided to stay in Nairobi !! well, the giant bag of soccer balls did make it...Oh well, how bad can it be - WE ARE IN FREAKING AFRICA! \
Thanks for the prayers - they helped keep the plane up. We are all well, and warm. Fr. Kurian already looks like he may not want to come back.
Off to Zanzibar tomorrw ? Doesn't even sound real, does it? Hope to have a change of clothes by then.
Peace to all
Bert
Thanks for the prayers - they helped keep the plane up. We are all well, and warm. Fr. Kurian already looks like he may not want to come back.
Off to Zanzibar tomorrw ? Doesn't even sound real, does it? Hope to have a change of clothes by then.
Peace to all
Bert
Friday, May 23, 2008
60 Hours and counting
Most of you know, (some may not), that George and I are leaving on a three week "mission" trip to Tanzania and Kenya this weekend. It has been a long time in the planning, and was even longer in the dreaming stage, and I can't believe it is so close to happening now! No, I am NOT ready......packed, not!
We fly into Tanzania at 11:30 PM Moday night, and from there I really have NO idea where we are going to be. We are trusting Fr. Kurian to get us there, and get us around. Fr. has lived there for 12 years, and so we are in good hands. There are four of us going together, besides us and Fr. K, it's Frank, a Deacon at our church. A little but excited group!
We have been vaccinated against all of the scary African things, and have bug spray and sunscreen and not much else. We are travelling light, living out of a backpack for three weeks, so our luggage space could be used for the MANY items people at St. Joe's donated to take to the people over there. Fr. stared an orphanage in Tabora, Tanzania and has a school in Kenya that he supports, so we have 360 kids to supply with really basic school things, like pencils and crayons. We also have a huge duffel bag full of soccer balls donated by the youth group and the Detroit Ignition ( we have a professional soccer team?). Can't wait to send you pictures of them playing "football"!
I am dreading the 24 hour plane ride and wondering things like where we are sleeping and IF we will be eating...Fr. Kurian eats once a day .....It could be the overseas version of Weight Watchers....Not a bad thing for two of us, anyway.
I will post to this blog as able. If someone will keep us up on Red Wings Stanley Cup drive, the Belmont Stakes ( go Big Brown!) and any other "news" that would be great. We return on June 14th.
Looking forward to a once in a lifetime trip. Pray for us all!
Bert
We fly into Tanzania at 11:30 PM Moday night, and from there I really have NO idea where we are going to be. We are trusting Fr. Kurian to get us there, and get us around. Fr. has lived there for 12 years, and so we are in good hands. There are four of us going together, besides us and Fr. K, it's Frank, a Deacon at our church. A little but excited group!
We have been vaccinated against all of the scary African things, and have bug spray and sunscreen and not much else. We are travelling light, living out of a backpack for three weeks, so our luggage space could be used for the MANY items people at St. Joe's donated to take to the people over there. Fr. stared an orphanage in Tabora, Tanzania and has a school in Kenya that he supports, so we have 360 kids to supply with really basic school things, like pencils and crayons. We also have a huge duffel bag full of soccer balls donated by the youth group and the Detroit Ignition ( we have a professional soccer team?). Can't wait to send you pictures of them playing "football"!
I am dreading the 24 hour plane ride and wondering things like where we are sleeping and IF we will be eating...Fr. Kurian eats once a day .....It could be the overseas version of Weight Watchers....Not a bad thing for two of us, anyway.
I will post to this blog as able. If someone will keep us up on Red Wings Stanley Cup drive, the Belmont Stakes ( go Big Brown!) and any other "news" that would be great. We return on June 14th.
Looking forward to a once in a lifetime trip. Pray for us all!
Bert
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Howell to Tanzania
Okay, it's official ..Fr. Kurian says we will have access to t computer SOMETIMES on our upcoming trip. So I have decided to start a blog in case you want to check in on us during our trip.
Father, Deacon Frank George and I leave for Kenya on Sunday, May 25th and will return on June 14th.
Pray for us! and check the blog for updats and maybe even pictures...
Bert
Father, Deacon Frank George and I leave for Kenya on Sunday, May 25th and will return on June 14th.
Pray for us! and check the blog for updats and maybe even pictures...
Bert
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