Pastor Rhonda Update from Tanzania

Well, I'm finally finding some time to write at length regarding our Tanzania trip.
We are having a great time. Everyone is healthy and our Tanzanian hosts humble us with their tremendous hospitality!
So far, we have met many pastors and Lutheran church leaders who are doing visionary work in Tanzania. Inspiring!
Here's what we've seen so far...
We visited the Neema orphanage where they care for children who are orphaned. Three of the infants in the infant room had mothers who died at child birth. 1/250 women die in childbirth in Tanzania   The youngest was two months old. They were all so healthy, chubby and were willing to play. Their facility is beautiful and the staff provide excellent care.
We also met the deaconesses of the Neema (God's Grace) order. These women take vows of service to the church and community for a lifetime. They teach in schools, provide nursing care in hospitals and home health and provide hospitality to guests like us. They are led by Pastor Aron who has envisioned this ministry for years. I hope to visit their community tomorrow.
Machame Lutheran hospital is reaching out to their neighborhood and surrounding region. They provide prenatal, birth, postnatal, and childhood care. They also have an HIV/AIDS outreach. Following George W. Bush's initiative to provide funding to treat this disease worldwide made this outreach happen. This outreach, along with others across the nation have reduced the rate of this disease to just under 6% of the population. Their newest initiative is an orthopedic wing. With the arrival of motorcycles in Tanzania, this service is badly needed.
We delivered textbooks to different schools today and that was just like Christmas. We got a near standing ovation when the children learned they were getting textbooks on economics! Their singing was phenomenal. I videoed their offering of music and I hope something comes out that I can share with you all.
Pastor Greg is currently with the people of Karansi. He is visiting them in their homes and community. Please keep him in prayer as he reaches out to our brothers and sisters in faith. We see him again on Sunday for the dedication of the school.
Tomorrow we do more work with the textbooks preparation and distribution. We also will visit a fabric sales business and tree farm.
We miss you all and ask you for your prayers to continue. We feel them across the miles and they carry us by the Spirit!
And be proud that our congregation and greater church does so much in sharing the love of Christ in all ways that give life!
Peace,
Pastor Rhonda