Water, Generator, Stove, and Gifts

Safi is the Swahili word for super (really good). If I had to describe today—the description would be a safi day.



Rebecca West, Meg Hunt, Mpeli and Neema Mwaisumbe, and Floyd, all went to meet the Iringa District Commissioner, The Honorable Elasco J.B. Mbwilo. He is a great friend of the children’s home and was so kind to meet with us. Well, it was really to meet with Rebecca (for those who don’t know she is the President, Water Environment Federation). I had visited the commissioner in June with Kip Miller. Today he asked me about a picture that we made together. He was so happy to see the picture in an 8x10. He talked with us about the great needs of water and education—especially secondary and high school education. In fact one of the greatest need is water wells for secondary schools.

While we were visiting sipping tea, Jon was busy fixing a stove and working with electrical issues at the children’s home and Mpeli and Neema’s house. His coming has been a real blessing for the Mwaisumbe’s and the children’s home. Today Jon working with a local electrician installed a generator for the children’s home. Now the children will always have lights and power.




The rest of the “suit and dressed up” group went to meet with the leadership of the Iringa Urban Water supply and Sewer Authoirty (IRUWASA). Mpeli and Floyd were requested to tag long with Meg, Neema, and Rebecca. Rebecca was definitely the “Leader of the Pack”. Rebecca talked with Managing Director, M. B. Mfugale and his management team as the rest of us listened and learned about Water Supply Issues of supply, treatment, delivery, storage, and testing. Also we visited the infrastructure of the IRUWASA from river water intake to springs source to sewage treatment facility. Beginning in the morning was very heavy rains. In fact while touring the IRUWASA sewer ponds, we managed to get stuck by the pond. After getting help from the workers, we were able to get on our way. A delicious meal was provided in honor of Rebecca’s visited at the Isimila Restaurant. Working with the President sure has its benefits. We returned to the water office to conclude our time together exchanging gifts, cards, and ideas for future partnership. This meeting laid a foundation for greater cooperation and opportunity for partnership.

The day was finished by sharing with the children various gifts from US partners. They really enjoyed the writing boards, balls, and things for the babies. The team with the Mwaisumbe’s gathered outside around a “picnic table” for a snack, tea, and coffee. Tonight, Floyd led the worship for the children and they sang beautifully with passion and expectation, “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” Tomorrow we all head to the farm. This was truly a blessed day.