A Day In the Life ...

A typical day for the Stiles' on Sabbatical....

So I got up early and went to the University with Noel.  He had a class.  I did not.  So I spent the morning grading papers for my worship class.  Their assignment was to write about the theology and practice of weddings and funerals, and how weddings and funerals are worship services that are meant to glorify God, not the couple or the deceased.  They are so good at articulating their cultural and spiritual theologies regarding these, and so many other items concerning worship.  I enjoy reading them, and give out probably too many "100"s for grades, but hey, I've been told I'm an easy grader.  But they are so thoughtful and I want them to feel good about their work and thoughts. 

I took a break from grading papers and walked around the campus to snap some photos of the surrounding landscape.  Everything is SO green after the recent rains, and the campus at Tumaini provides some great views of the surrounding highlands.  It's really been a perfect time of year to visit Tanzania.  This period of our sabbatical - Sept. - Dec. - is the usual transition time between the dry (brown) and the rainy (green) season.  It's been cool to see the gradual change in color.

The hills of Iringa surrounding Tumaini University



The campus of Tumaini taken from 4th floor of new Science Building.

After Noel finished class, we packed up our bags and headed home.  It's not at all unusual to get held up by a herd of cattle or chickens crossing the road (no joke!).  Nor is it unusual for donkeys to stand in the middle of the road staring at you, wondering what you're looking at.  On our way home today, we saw these donkeys - not in the road, but grazing happily alongside the road - just outsidse the campus gates. 


On the way home Noel and I stopped to buy our weekly supply of beer and eggs (what a combination!).  This too, is always an adventure.  We buy our eggs from a local farmer (Simon and his wife, Cecilila) and the beer store is in the heart of the market.  Here's Noel at the beer store waiting in line for Africa's finest - Tusker, Serengeti, and Kilimanjaro.

So we got home and I helped Tobie with his math, made lunch (fried rice - my specialty), and played Kings In the Corner and Rummy with Tobie and Annica.  We've learned so many card games while being here!  All part of growing closer as a family and appreciating the time we have together.

Then Tobie, Annica, Caleb and I went to the market to get pineapple, butter, more minutes for my wireless modem (internet), and a few gifts for mama's upcoming birthday (Dec. 6).

We had a great time.  I wonder if the produce people at County Market or Cub back home will give Tobie a free pineapple every time we come in?  I doubt it.  Today, after Duma (the pineapple guy) gave Tobie another free pineapple, Tobie exclaimed proudly, "That's my 6th free pineapple!"  He's right.  But he is always good about saying, "Asante sana!" (Thank you very much!)  Duma loves Tobie.  Most of the vendors do.

Then, on to the Massai Market to shop and visit with our vendor friends, Lydia, Bono, Adan, and Adam.  It's becoming much more about the socializing now, than the actual purchasing.  They no longer beg us to buy from them.  Instead they are now just wanting to visit and ask about how we are doing and how our family is doing and when we go back to America.  I love it.  And yes, we bought a couple more things, and, as usual, Tobie came home with something free (even in the Massai Market!).

Tobie, Lydia (a Lutheran Massai!) and Annica

I am learning my way around the market, but it sure helps to have the kids with me.  They know it far better than I do and they lead me to all the places we need to go.  They would be fine going there and back on their own, but I'm not sure I'm fine with that yet.  The market is really like a zoo!  Tons of people!  Tons of traffic (pedestrians do NOT have the right of way!)  And lots of noise!  But I love it!  Just not sure I want to send the children off in it without an adult yet.

So we got home and relaxed a bit before supper.  Tonight we hosted Rev. Dr. Richard Lubawa and his wife, Dorothy, at our home for supper.  Lubawa is the Assistant Provost (VP) of Tumaini University (former Provost (President).  He has been with the University and with Bega Kwa Bega since their beginnings nearly 15 years ago and has visited the St. Paul Area Synod four times, including a nine month teaching exchange at Luther Seminary.  It was enlightening to hear about Bega Kwa Bega from his perspective and how much he appreciates the Pastor/Teacher Exchange Program that I am participating in.  We are thankful for these times to sit and eat with and get to know our friends and partners in Iringa better.

Our family with Lubawa and his wife, Dorothy

Lubawa, Dorothy and the Petits

Now home to shower, take our malaria meds, vitamins and calcium pills (Tobie disperses them for us), and maybe play a game of Skip Bo, Clue, or Hearts before bed.  Tomorrow we get to sleep in and rest up before another night of intense volleyball with our European friends at Kibebe Farm.

It's hard to believe that we head for home in two weeks - just in time to enjoy Christmas with our families and to switch gears before returning to my ministry at Fish Lake Lutheran.

Advent Blessings to you all, from East Africa!

Dale