Monday: The Long and Rough Road

We began today with ELECTRICITY! But, the network was down even for the ATM machines in town. No water and no money! By this afternoon, the water was gone. The water company said the water would start flowing in the pipes this afternoon, but no water...and we had stored water on Saturday. So we quickly formed a bucket brigade to carry water from a tank truck to water tanks at the children’s home and Mpeli and Neema’s house. Hopefully, we will have water for a few days again.

We drove to the village area of Kitowa which is 46 kilometers southwest of Iringa (28.5 miles). It took us about 1.5 hours one way for the trip. We shook, bounced, and clanged for at least one hour of the trip. When we got to the village, we were greeted by a group of pastors and children. We visited two of the homes of Pro Africa children. What is amazing to me is how they use every shilling in positive ways — buying chickens, education, and clothes. The pastor wanted us to walk because the homes of the children were “not very far.” Mpeli said, “Not very far, then we better take the car.” We got into the Nissan and road 10 minutes and at least 5 kilometers — “not very far.” Nine more children were interviewed at a pastor’s home.

I think every local official was there. Our appearance (we hope) will encourage the local community and government leaders to allow our friend, the pastor, to begin his dream of a children’s home. He and his family already care for the orphans but want to provide them with a stable and protected environment. Up to this point he has had a difficult time getting the local officials to sign off on the home.

By the way, they served us lunch — outstanding tomatoes over rice. When we were leaving, the highest ranking government leader (a woman) gave me a basket to give to Bonnie. Yes, that's right, she gave me a basket to give to Bonnie. Somehow she knew about Bonnie from area ladies who are going to attend the women's leadership conference that Bonnie will be leading March 30-April 1. I am proud to be known as the husband of Bonnie Parker, International Women's Leadership Conference leader.

After we left Kitowa, we traveled to Kilolo where Onesemo works as the loan officer of National Microfinance Bank. Onesmo is now the Chairman of the Board of Daily Bread Life Children's Home and is the accountant for the ministry. We met the manager, Mr. Freddy and had a discussion about economic empowerment. He was very interested in American political situation.

Can you believe on that rough and bumpy road, Sorin and Adrian fell asleep on the way back. I could not resist a picture - this is not the best, but it was only one that was not blurry from the bumps.

Once we got home, we met Neema. She was tired from her exams today. She has another set of exams tomorrow morning. Jonas had prepared us some excellent pizzas with homemade sauce. Our peace and plumpness was interrupted by the arrival of the water truck. Another bucket brigade was formed and soon we had emptied a 750-liter container. We emptied the container twice filling up the water tanks at Mpeli and Neema’s house. The water truck hose could reach 7000-liter tank at the children’s home (we are so thankful). Sorry no pictures for this exercise — too busy carrying buckets of water.