Tanzania Day One

It was a very surreal moment yesterday to step off the little 12-seater plane at the Dodoma airstrip, and see a Tanzanian family, dressed in their Sunday best, waiting to greet us. Pastor Erasto, his wife Nessie and their son Brilliant gave us big hugs and told us how happy they were to see us. A friend who came with them took photos as we hugged and unloaded our luggage. We piled into a taxi and made our way over to the guest house where we will be staying.

We handed out some gifts we had brought for their family - USA Soccer shirts for Erasto and Brilliant, and a scarf for Nessie. They were very grateful. But we got the biggest reaction when Clif pulled out a new Netbook computer he brought from the Church of the Resurrection and gave it to Erasto. It is the first computer he has ever had. He has been writing and sending all of his emails from an internet cafe. Later, we met Ed and Debra Lloyd who are missionaries here with Omega Missions. Erasto put me in touch with them several months ago, and they have been a huge help in our preparations. They had us over for dinner last night, and it was a delicious meal and great conversation.

We've been here in Dodoma less than 24 hours, but we're settling in very well. The place we're staying - the Mission Aviation Fellowship Guest House - is not luxurious by American hotel standards, but we have a little bungalow-style apartment with a kitchen and sitting area. I'll try to post some photos to show you where we're staying.

Tonight is the my first preaching gig. Erasto has informed me that it will actually be a "seminar" and not a "crusade." I think the difference is whether you have a PA system or not. Since it is too expensive to rent a PA system, I will be preaching without one. The services will be like church services, with music and an offering taken before the sermon. They will start at 4 pm and be over by 6:30 pm so people can get home before dark. I asked Debra if people will have a difficult time getting there by 4, but she said many people are done working by then or they don't have jobs, so it's not a problem. I will be preaching in the old church building since the new one is not yet completed.

I'm not sure what else we might be doing today, but this whole trip was God's idea, so I'm going to let God direct our plans. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. I'm feeling lifted up!