Tag: Life in Tanzania Page 11 of 26
As I sit here, there’s a breeze blowing through the house, birds singing, my kids playing on the trampoline outside. I can hear the Call to Prayer in the distance, which is such a part of my life now that I don’t even hear it unless I am sitting quietly.
Peaceful. Which is strange, really, because I know that this city is not peaceful right now. So much so, that at 9:00 this morning, HOPAC’s administration started calling every parent to tell that that school would close at noon instead of 2:20. Because this city is not peaceful today, and they were worried about the safety of our students.
A week or two ago, in a far away part of the city, two teenage boys were having an argument over whether a Qur’an would turn into a snake if one urinated on it. It was, perhaps, a Double-Dog-Dare. But this was not little kids and a frozen flag pole. And when the actual event did take place, far worse than the fire department showed up. The foolish kid who happened to try it would have been beheaded had not the police intervened. Rioting insued, including the vandalization of a few churches and some cars set on fire.
Then we heard about rioting on Zanzibar (the predominantly Islamic island off the coast), which is sort of a normal thing for Zanzibar, and I really don’t know if it had anything to do with the teenage boy incident. But then today, there were reports of a large demonstration (rumors have said 100,000 people) starting this afternoon since some rioting-leaders had been imprisoned. And apparently, if sources were right, Christian churches and institutions would bear the brunt of their anger.
So. Since HOPAC is one of those “Christian institutions,” we sent the kids home early.
To be honest, it’s hard to even find out right now what is going on, but it sounds like police have essentially shut down the city. And to be honest, I don’t even know what the real reasons are for all this unrest. But the truth is, the whole world is unrestful right now. Unless you have your head in a hole, you’ve been able to see that.
Tanzania has been proud of their reputation for being a peaceful country. It has avoided war for 50 years, which is almost unprecedented in Africa. And Dar es Salaam means Haven of Peace. So the question is whether or not it will live up to its reputation.
If you want to pray for our safety and that of HOPAC, then that’s great and all, but really? There are far more important things at stake right now. Here. In our world. We don’t just pray for peace, but for Peace. And sometimes, it takes some riots and some anger and some churches being burned down, for people to start to recognize their need for Peace. So be it. To God be the glory.
A couple of weeks ago, we had the privilege of attending the wedding of a friend from HOPAC, our drama and music teacher, who happens to be named Grace. Gil was invited to be the lead photographer–his first time shooting a wedding. He had a blast, and so did all of us HOPAC friends who got to attend. It was a very, very joyful day.
And didn’t he do a great job? (Some of these pictures were taken by Jessi, one of his photography students, who was his assistant that day.)
This wedding (as most Tanzanian weddings) was seriously one big dance party. The bride and groom danced their way from the chapel to the reception, the guests danced at any opportunity they got, and my favorite? When everyone formed a line and danced their way up to the bride and groom, holding their gifts over their heads as they presented them one by one.
Makes an American gift table seem downright boring.
My Grace loved it….she always takes any opportunity to dance!
HOPAC friends (that is not Josiah, in case you were wondering…he and Lily stayed home)
My wonderful Gil with very tired eyes….after shooting pictures for 8 hours straight!
Tanzania has an amazing soccer stadium that was a gift from China.
(Or rather, I should say “gift,” since I’m sure there were a great deal of strings attached.)
Gil has taken students to games many times before, but this was my first time. Tanzania vs. South Africa, Women’s teams. South Africa won, 5-2.
Afterwards, Gil was surprised I knew the score, because really, for me the afternoon was about the time I got to spend with these two ladies. Lauren (on the right) and I have worked together at HOPAC for three years. Alyssa and I, Lord willing, will be working together in the next season of our ministry. Both are with our mission and are here long term. Both are kindred spirits. Whenever we are together, we talk about what God is teaching us and the problems teenagers face and African politics and poverty. Both have experienced one of the hardest years of their lives, and both are living testimonies of the goodness and sovereignty of God. Truly, their friendships are one of the biggest blessings in my life.
This one may not be that significant for those who have never been to Dar es Salaam, but for those of you who have, you understand how miraculous it is that New Bagamoyo is finally being doubled: from Mwenge to Tegeta. It’s true….it’s finally happening.
The new road is to the right….can you see it?
So.
I expect to see comments of Hongera…..because yes, this is exciting. Or rather, it will be, one day, when it is finished.
And Pole Sana….because yes, our driving lives are as miserable as you would imagine them to be, as we go through six detours and dodge heavy equipment every day.