Space Mountain has nothing on my life in Tanzania! The last two days have been a total emotional roller coaster. Tuesday I spent most of the day visiting people in the nearby village, Maili Tatu. I love these friends so much, but they have nothing, so with each visit comes a request for help (mostly with school fees). As you may know, my generosity sometimes extends beyond my means and I often feel others' problems as my own, so the day was exhausting. I simply cannot look a friend in the face and refuse to help. I was also very disappointed that so many people in the village have had children out of wedlock since I left. It just makes life even harder for them with another mouth to feed and another mind to educate.
One low point was when I stepped into a river of siafu (biting ants). By the time I noticed, my feet were covered with them! I removed my tevas with record speed and ran screaming barefoot down the path! And suddenly I felt like everything was too much - constant dirt and sweat, insect attacks, and the burden of poverty.
Wednesday night I arrived in Dar and after a short period of time found myself in the middle of a soap opera to rival Days. One of the hardest things for me about Tanzania is the way people tend to hide the truth to save face. I found out that a close friend was deceiving me, and caught him in the middle of the lie. He then was forced to tell the truth, which was pretty bad. We talked for a long time and finally I asked him where he was with God. He replied "far away". He then told me that he has watched the example of his brother, a born-again Christian whom he lives with, and that he wants to turn his life around but isn't strong enough. I immediately thought of last Sunday's sermon about the Lord being our strength and was able to share with him that none of us, his brother included, have any strength on our own, but God alone gives us strength. I shared some verses with him, and he asked if I would give him a Bible (bought one today in town). I asked him if he wanted to pray, and he did. I left the room for about 5 or 10 minutes so we could each spend time alone confessing, and then we prayed together. It was powerful and we were both crying at different points. Please pray that this friend would feel God's presence and God would give him the strength to withstand temptation and turn his life around.
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4 comments:
It is good to be reminded of the reality of overseas living...I'm getting comfortable here again and can't let myself do that, since I will hopefully be getting out of here in a few years! Thanks for posting this. It really encouraged me to pray more focusdly (I know that's not a word) for your trip. Love you much!
Good to read your updates Kari! I know some of these situations are difficult and some joyful. You bring the peace of Christ to those you know and those you are meeting. We will pray for you at the committee meeting tonight. We love you and miss you!!
Miss. Kari Safari, It seems as though God is growing you. Thanks for reminding me how blessed we are, it really puts things in perspective. You are a great friend; to me and many more. Stay safe friend.
Loved the first line. I hope that things with your friend have felt healing and can be a breath of fresh air for him. Many Blessings Kari.
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