When I looked at the itinerary of our WorldServe Insight Journey scheduled for February 9-19, 2006, I had to take a deep breath. The trip was short and much time was in the air, yet the experience is now imprinted in our hearts beyond anything we have ever known. My husband Dick and I have done a great deal of traveling, but in Tanzania we experienced something more beautiful and meaningful than anywhere else in the world.
A country in a horrific drought, with little vegetation to be seen, empty rivers, and dusty roads was what we experienced. The Tanzanians stood proud in spite of the conditions. There was no jealousy, animosity, or signs of hostility toward our group of nine Americans. Perhaps our love for humanity was apparent and indicated our desire for equality and love. I believe the Tanzanians are unusually kind and receptive.
In his role as part of the WorldServe Board of Directors, Dick has been enthusiastically working out the details of The Carpenter’s Fund. It is an investment fund that will lead to drilling more water wells in Africa and other beneficial projects in developing countries. At age sixty-five, Dick is not retired and shows no signs of slowing down. His involvement with WorldServe is his way of giving back. God has been very good to us. Fortunately, I wholeheartedly share his excitement.
We first became acquainted with the Africa we visited through our dear friend Dr. Makonen Getu who grew up in Ethiopia. Each time I saw a herdboy, I thought of Makonen’s childhood. Makonen was a herdboy from the age of five until eight when he had the privilege of going to school. He looked after up to 50 mules, goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, and horses. Makonen’s book, The Undreamt, inspired me, my family, and many good friends because of his humble beginnings and decision to give his life to God’s work in poor countries. He willingly and reverently shares his experiences.
As we met ordinary people, visited drilling sites, held a medical clinic with the two doctors on the trip, spent time with the Masaai tribe, visited several churches, and saw firsthand the drought, poverty, and needs of the Tanzanian people, we were very impressed by their gentle, friendly, and loving manner. Most of our time was spent on the mainland of Tanzania, with a few days in Zanzibar at the end of the trip.
WS President John Bongiorno did a superb job of leading the group, introducing us to numerous people and places, and sharing time with his fine son, David, who is presently working for Maji-Tech. Sandi Bongiorno was a great hostess, and they were generous with their knowledge, time, and experiences.
Tom Carpenter, President Emeritus of the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) and another WorldServe Director, showed us the fruits of his leadership in the plantings and vegetable garden at the Arusha Bible College. ECHO provides seeds and agricultural training to people throughout the world, and the project in Arusha is a unique combination of WorldServe-provided clean water and ECHO-provided agricultural assistance. People in Arusha were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the person who did the planting – Charlie Forst – who is a beloved man of wit and charm from what I understand.
While in Tanzania, we also visited Ngorongoro Crater to see African animals in the wild. The experience of seeing the animals could not compare to the highlight of our time in Africa which was being with the precious children, gracious women, and fine gentlemen throughout the country.
Our last two days were spent on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar in a beautiful hotel, on the water with a wonderful pool and terrace. It was restful and gave us the refreshing to begin the long flight home.
I knew the success of the trip when the pilot said we were descending into Boston. I wasn’t ready to land.
The best way to describe my feeling about the trip can be described by sharing an experience I had in the British Virgin Islands with my sister Martha. We packed a lunch, moored the boat near a beautiful reef, and after lunch Martha got into the water wearing a mask and snorkel for the first time. She had her face in the water for several minutes, and then popped her head up and said, “Where have I been all my life!” I felt this way while visiting Africa. My first visit was at age sixty-four, and I asked myself, “Where have I been all my life?” I feel great appreciation, and gratitude for being included in this adventure.
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