- had a worship and music committee meeting tonight. strange planning Fall worship knowing that I won't be around for it - Thanksgiving, All Saint's, Advent, Christmas. We have a wonderful committee who have invested great time and commitment into making worship priortity, as always, at Fish Lake Lutheran this Fall. They will work closely with Pr. Connie to allow him to bring his own fresh and new ideas, energy and perspectives to worship. God bless them and our congregation as they worship together this Fall.
- had an insightful lunch meeting at Luther Seminary today with Pr. Richard Larson from Bayport Lutheran Church. Richard served as a Pastor/Teacher at Tumaini University in Fall of 2010 as his sabbatical. He was full of insights and suggestions and new realizations for me as I get ready to embark on a very similar journey in less than a week. Students are very quiet apparently. They highly respect Americans - especially Lutheran Americans - and are eager to learn from us. It's not unusual for students to begin each class session with prayer or even to break out into song in the middle of class! I hope this happens on a regular basis! I think I could get used to many african song breaks. Speaking of breaks - apparently african students aren't interested in stretch breaks. Richard said when he would offer a five minute break to stretch during class, they would all remain seated while he got up and walked around for five minutes. Richard was able to share more about the apartment in which we will be staying and the local shops where we can buy fresh produce. He spoke of the many preaching opportunities that await me and how enoyable that was as he traveled around the countryside on weekends with a translator spreading the Word of God. He also shared a bit about driving in TZ. The steering wheel is on the opposite of the vehicle so he stressed to just stay close to the center line and you'll quickly get used to it. Oh, and roundabouts! There are a lot of them! I can't do roundabouts at home, much less in TZ. Apparently at home you take them counterclockwise but in TZ you take them clockwise. Lord help me! Thank you, Richard for our enthusiasm, passion, and love for the Tanzanian people and their culture. I'm even more excited after spending two hours with you today.
- Suitcases are scattered about our living room. We've begun the process of packing and sorting and deciding where to put what. So hard to know what to bring, how much to bring, and what not to bring. I hope to learn the lesson of "less is more" throughout our time in TZ. Maybe we should begin with our packing.
- am grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. am wishing mom and dad were around to share in our excitement with us. They would be so excited for us an happy for us (and yes, a bit worried for us too). They'll be with us in spirit. Dad would love the african people so much! He'd have them all singing some old school rock and roll song in no time!
- am thankful for the congregation I serve. I'm beginning to see some of the transition taking place already by members of the church stepping up to assume leadership roles/positions. Between them and Pr. Connie, I am so excited for them to see and find out what God will show them and how God will use them in our absence. We are all going to learn so much.
- spent a good portion of today writing my New Testament curriculum. what a challenge. what a joy. what an opportunity. It is amazing - the power of the Word. Excited to teach it to new friends in a new culture.
On to packing...
Peace and God bless you.
Dale
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