Some thoughts as I make my way home from Tanzania (I am typing this reflection during an airport layover in Amsterdam):
I will forever remember the warmth, beauty, and kindness of the people I encountered in Tanzania. The staff at INUKA made me feel as if I was part of their team. And you have seen how the Catholic communities welcomed me to their celebration of the Eucharist; I will forever remember their faith and joy, and their thoughtfulness in presenting me--their honored guest--with gifts. The sacrifice they make in tithing for the Church is humbling, and the manner in which they dress for Church puts us to shame (they truly put on their Sunday best when they go to worship the Lord). Above is a photo of Fr. Nestor, me, and his sister, Sr. Beatrice, at a farewell dinner.
It was such a gift to witness the dedication of the INUKA staff during my three weeks with them. And with the dedication and blessing of the new outpatient building on Mon., 2/7, all hands were on deck Sat., 2/5 and Sun., 2/6, so that the new building was ready to receive all the visitors and Bishop John Ndimbo that Monday.In my opinion, women are the backbone of the family and the culture in Tanzania.