Getting out of Ruaha was also an adventure. The roads were very muddy and we predicted that we would get stuck. The drivers were very skilled and we didn't get stuck; but, they did have to rebuild the road twice enroute to the airport. Flight to Arusha was uneventful.
Our first evening in Arusha was spent at Mark and Linda Jacobson's home. They had also invited Joe, Deb, and Krista Troester, ELCA coordinators for East Africa. It was good to get updates and share experiences. It was also good to feel secure about eating "safe food;" however, we continue to drink bottled water.
Our first full day in Arusha included visits to the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, the Nursing School, and the Plaster House, all of which CTK and the Foundation have supported at one time. Dr. Jacobson, an ELCA missionary we sponsor, accompanied us to all these sites, which he had a hand in building. At the Nursing School, both the Andersons and Meliuses were excited to visit with students they knew from the MaaSae Girl's Lutheran Secondary School, who will soon also graduate from the Nursing School. These students are particularly needed in the hospital.
Later in the afternoon, we stopped at Widow's Mite, where widows sell the many products they create, allowing them to support their families. Linda Jacobson helped them develop this market for their products. Most of the products that we purchased from the widows will be sold at the bazaar on Global Mission Sunday (April 10).
On Saturday, February 13, we visited the schools of Moringe Sekoine and the MaaSae Girl's Lutheran Secondary School (MGLSS). Although, CTK supports students at both schools, the funding is handled differently. At Moringe Sekoine, the funding goes into a general scholarship fund. At MGLSS, funding is directed to a specific girl. Each family on this trip sponsored a specific girl. On Sunday, we attended a very special church service at MGLSS. We enjoyed both the Swahilli and Maasai choirs and a very animated pastor, who admonished the girls to focus on their faith and their education.
Above all, we enjoyed spending more time with the girls we sponsored. In their individual ways, each girl let us know what a difference this education has meant/will mean to them. Each one has goals of becoming a teacher, doctor, engineer, etc. They are very bright girls that may have been hand selected by their church to attend school. This change in the Maasai culture will make a difference to future generations and the economy of Tanzania. Often these girls are able to provide an education for their brothers and sisters as a result of getting a good job.
In general, all is well with us. However, nearly everyone has a number of mosquito and fly bites. Our arms and legs look like we have the measles.
Marlys Melius
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