Loving Community

Today was a fantastic day of service! It really gave me a glimpse into the heart of Africa and an understanding of why my friends, like Drew and Heath, are in love with this country. We were first greeted by the Head Mistress who gave us an introduction to the school and a brief history. The Head Mistress told us that the school was built the year before Tanzania was liberated, I forgot the exact year, but it was in the 60's. The school has received few updates since that time. She thanked God many times for sending us to help build the wall that will protect the students. She mentioned the struggles that are created by the out dated facilities, but did not dwell on them at all. There are over 1,500 students that attend this secondary school, making it the largest school in Arusha. It is missing modern staples that we are accustomed to, such as windows, toilet bowls, and lighting. When walking around, I could not help but think of the high schools my friends and I attended and how they compare. Can you image what the students at this school would say when seeing Lovett, Pace, Westminster, or Woodward?

We had an opportunity to walk around the campus during breaks from work. During one break, Kathleen and I were walking to the bathroom through the campus and almost every student greeted us. Kathleen noted that in Atlanta, if people looking so different walked through a school, the students would most likely glare at the visitor and mark them as an intruder.

We worked hard building the wall, but the highlight of the day for me was sitting and talking to the students and YL leaders. We are instantly family. I feel like that sounds trite, but really, these people are so warm and welcoming. We sit close with arms around each other and listen to one another. We laugh together, teach each other, and sometimes say nothing. How better could we glorify and please the Lord? As Drew mentioned today during share time, we are called to first love each other as said in John 15. Today I had a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God is like.

Another special moment for me was when a stranger, who did not even know the Africans, saw us working and joined in to help. He was dressed in a suit and dress shoes; he was not wearing "play clothes." He didn't care. He joined in are assembly line of passing the cement blocks. He laughed and worked with us. Imagine if after work, you had to walk home. You are wearing your work gear from J. Crew or Brooks Brothers. On your way home you see a bunch of people (of a different race) passing cement blocks. Would you stop and help? This community gives and loves in a way that I have never experienced.

As we finished up our work, students in a near by classroom began to sing the most beautiful song in Swahilli. It sounded exactly how you imagine African music to sound, but was live and sung by young teenagers. My new family and I danced to the song and laughed. As we walked to the bus, the children continued to sing. I asked what they were singing about. They were singing a worship song describing God as the powerful, loving provider. It was the perfect end to the day!

Love,
Elizabeth

P.S.--Christin's ankle is doing okay. There is some swelling, and she is in pain. Parker happened to pack an ankle brace by the grace of God. Please continue to pray for healing!