Jambo, greetings from our friends in Tanzania. I have had the privilege of traveling with a wonderful group to London to meet with African Palms UK and then to Tanzania to meet with our partners there. It was a full, exciting, and blessed experience.
There is so much to share, and we will share, right now we are deciding the best way to reach as many people with our photos, stories, and impressions. So until a more exhaustive conversation, here are a few initial impressions.
Fr. Alan Talbot surely could not have imagined the impact he would have when he started this project in 1965; and meeting his two sons we know the project will continue here and abroad. It was beneficial for the leaders of African Palms USA and Saint John's to meet our London counterparts, and we envision working closely with them.
As we travelled to Tanzania our connection was with Mary Lou McMaster and Lois Taylor having known Bishop James Almasi from his visit to Saint John's two years ago, we left 8 days later with all of us having many friends in Tanzania (more about Bishop James next week). From the first moment when we exited the airport in Dar es Salaam we were greeted with a sign saying "African Palms" that was held by a young man whose heart is as big as his smile, and since that moment we continued to encounter wonderful people.
We had the opportunity to meet with many of the villagers, from as many as seven villages, who make the palm crosses. They told us of their needs and their challenges. It was a wonderful conversation that brought us new understanding. It is very clear to us that helping our friends in Masasi is a priority that can not be delayed.
We also met the Diocese of Masasi development staff, as well as the Sisters of Saint Mary's; these are two wonderful conduits for assuring that the African Palm's grants are used in the most productive ways. In the region of Mtwara we now have "boots on the ground" so we can have confidence in our funding of projects in the area.
During our travels we not only met with villagers who benefit from well water projects, we also toured health clinics, schools, and an orphanage. We sat down for a conversation with about 40 young men age 18-40 and heard of their challenges. The insight and the relationships that have resulted from these travels are priceless.
I was privileged to preach at Holy Trinity Church, pictured above, and though I would have preferred more than 12 hours notice of the preaching assignment, it was a great experience. The rector of Holy Trinity has invited our choir to come sing in their parish; that would be an amazing experience. These bonds of friendship continue to grow; as we departed the most common question was "when are you coming back?"
While I can not speak for my traveling companions, my feeling is that, having been to Africa and Tanzania I will always have a part of me there. The friendships and the understanding that developed have been imprinted in my heart and bind me to these wonderful people and this wonderful land always. God speaks of a union that is bound by Christ's love, I believe I have tasted that union.
