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!