Mwanza Maandiko

Kili Climb Day One

This is Kara trying to give updates on the Kili climb. I'm pretty much computer illiterate and am pleased that I could at least follow Rob's step by step directions to post an update. However, when Rob called this evening with the update, the connection was cut off before any news of the first day of the climb was given. So I waited, thinking he would call back. He did, and all I heard was silence. So I hung up and waited again. This same cycle repeated itself a few times. So I have no specific news about the beginning of the ascent. If I do hear any news, I'll do my best to pass it on.

Safari Update: Nairobi July 6

We had a good trip to Nairobi. A flat tire was the only unexpected event of the trip. Today we were at Emmanuel Baptist Church with our friends the Weavers. Right now I'm sitting at the Mennonite Guest House in Nairobi with my dad, Matt, Greta, Joe and Debbie Millner, and Jon Trainer. Weather is cool and beautiful.

News from Mwanza is good. All are well.

On the road again tomorrow . . .

On Safari

Bright and early on Saturday morning, I'm planning to drive to Nairobi with my dad, Matt, and Greta. We hope to rendevous there with Jon Trainer and Joe and Debbie Millner on Sunday. My family returns to the USA on Monday and Tuesday, Debbie Millner flies to Mwanza on Monday, and Jon, Joe, and I drive to Kilimanjaro. Those remaining in Mwanza (Paul, Anna, Jeremy, Jordan, Nathan, Rob Peck) will meet us at Kilimanjaro on Monday evening. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, we begin the climb on Tuesday. I may post from Nairobi, but not during the Kili climb. Kara may post updates if we have mobile reception on the mountain.

Today, we had a party for the 4th of July. Matt's impala tasted great on the grill!

Back from Serengeti

We camp at a place called Matongo, on the southwest border of the Serengeti. Kelsey and Robby came along this time, and loved every minute of it . . . even the hyenas howling at night. Matt got an impala and two gazelle, and Nathan got one gazelle. We're thankful to put a few kilos of meat in the freezer for the children's home as a result. One more picture in the Family Album.

Off to Hunt

. . . Lord willing, back on Thursday afternoon.

In the meantime, look at this article on Mugabe. Sad.

Lusolelo Pix

Check the Church Planting Photo Album for new pictures from the Lusolelo trip. In the picture to the left you can see the church building and parsonage in the background. These young folks came out to the car to meet us when we arrived at the church.

Unrelated . . . my brother Matt, and two of the interns, Jeremy and Jordan, left today for a two-day hunting trip near the Serengeti. Lord willing, I will join them tomorrow with my dad, brother Paul, and Nathan. Hunting season starts on July 1. The three wildebeest we bagged for the children's home just ran out at the end of May. So, we're hoping to restock for the next year.

Hot Habaneros . . . Whole

At lunch today I was goaded into eating a five-inch long habanero pepper, straight-up. Everyone gathered around and cheered me on as I downed the whole thing in under five minutes. Man, was that hot! My veins were popping, eyes watering, face perspiring, and nose dripping, it was so hot. I don't remember much, but I do remember everyone else rolling in laughter at my foolish venture.

Matt Preaches in Shadi, Sweya

My brother Matt preached in Shadi and Sweya this morning. He preached an encouraging and helpful message from 1 Peter 5:6-7 on placing your concerns on Christ. I translated.

Another brother, Paul, arrived safely this evening. He'll be with us for two weeks.

Lusolelo Church Opening

Great day in Lusolelo today. We made it to Nyakaliro by 11:00 AM, had some chai and mandazi with Eliasi and Leah, were reunited with Jeremy, Nathan, and Jordan, then took off for Lusolelo, six kilometers down the road. Here is a picture of a local government official opening the church building. Several choirs sang. A few folks gave testimonies. I preached on turning from idols to God in 1 Thessalonians 1. After the service we had rice, beans, and fish before hitting the road again for the drive back to Mwanza. We made it back around 6:30 PM. More pix tomorrow.

New Pix, Nyakaliro Trip

Check the guest album for new pix.

Nyakaliro trip tomorrow for the official opening of the Lusolelo church. I've yet to worship with this new group of believers and am really excited for the opportunity.

No news from the interns in Nyakaliro tonight. Earlier in the week they said that they would head downtown and catch Rambo on the little screen. Nyakaliro doesn't have electricity, but they do have a rather entrepreneuring fellow with a generator, television, VCR, and a unhealthy supply of American action flicks who charges ten cents to watch. Maybe that's where they are tonight.