It's All Good!

So much to share.  It seems that a blog just isn't enough to convey all that is happening.
Allow me to randomly share some thoughts...

• All are well.  The Tanzanians are taking great care of us in all ways.  For that we are thankful.
• A visit to our partner congregation, Wasa Lutheran, the last two days, was wonderful.  We are filled with joy and rejoicing.  I served communion between two local pastors and it was wonderful as I looked into the eyes of these beloved african people and shared with them the body and blood of Jesus.  Amen.
• Smiles everywhere.  Tanzanians love to smile and wave and hug and kiss and hold hands and laugh out loud.  It is so contagious.  the power of touch and friendship takes on a whole new meaning in africa.  It is good.
• I start teaching tomorrow.  After months of planning and creating my curriculums for my two courses, the students arrive for class tomorrow.  It will be good to be in the classroom and begin to share with the students my love for and my passion for the gospel as I teach them the importance of preaching and studying the New Testament.
• A dear young member of Fish Lake Lutheran, Emma Gustafson, whose mother, Jill, is seriously ill with cancer, is among the 13 from Fish Lake who are here with us now in Iringa.  Today, Emma sang a solo (in Swahili) during worship at Wasa which brought tears to many eyes.  Surely today her mother and father would have been extremely proud of her.  We captured it on video so to share with her parents and friends.  Way to go, Emma!
• Many of us shared in a wonderful meal with Rev. Dr. Falres Illomo, who visited and preached at Fish Lake Lutheran in May of this year, at his home in Iringa this evening.  He and his wife, Flora, wonderfully hosted 15 of us for dinner.  It was good reunite with him and to meet his wife and oldest child, Eric.  He told me to reassure all of our friends and family back home that he and his family will take good care of us and that you are not to worry.  Thanks be to God for new and good friends like Illomo!
• I am loving so much to see the joy and learning that is happening in the hearts and minds of our Fish Lake friends who are here with us until Tuesday.  They are tired from the busy schedule, but they are good and they are happy and they are renewed.  Pastor Nixon shared at the conclusion of our worship with Wasa this morning, that it is like Peter on the top of the mount of transfiguration - he did not want to leave because it was so good to be there, but Jesus ordered them back down the mountain.  It is good to be here - we too, are transfigured, but we must go back down the mountain - we must go home.  We will send our friends off tomorrow night with a special service of worship and holy communion in Noel and Sharon's apartment.  They will return with amazing stories to share and with hearts of love and mercy restored and renewed.
• I am glad I am here in Iringa for three months.  I am already seeing how we are beginning to form relationships - not just me, but my family members as well.  Each are opening up and getting to know local community members and pastors and even our drivers.  And again, all are very friendly and welcoming.
• I am continually thankful for the work and ministry of Pastor Connie Warner, who continues to keep the good ministry of Fish Lake Lutheran going strong and forward while we are away.  I can already see how my time on sabbatical is shaping me, my family and Fish Lake Lutheran in powerful ways.  God is good!

That is all for now.  I better get busy looking over my lessons for tomorrow.  Oh, and I better go check the score of the Vikings game!

Don't forget to check out pictures on my facebook page (see link on the right), or on the Fish Lake Lutheran facebook page.

Peace and Love to all,
Dale