Tree Farming, Preaching Points, Cooking and Love (10-24-2024)

This morning started with a wonderful breakfast prepared by the chef, Vateena and her team.  While some of us were skeptical at first, the instant coffee is truly delicious.  (For those of you who may be a bit curious about how this could be possible, here is a picture of the brand!)

The team went on a short excursion to learn more about the farming practices of the village.  Some of the data that was education today included:

-        The plot of trees (shown below) houses 16,000 seedling of pine trees.

 

-        Seeds are sold by the kilogram, which contains 32,000 seeds.  Each kilogram cost roughly $6.30 USD.  This is expensive in this culture, so many farmers dry their own seeds to plant.

-        The seedling grow to approximately 1 foot, which takes approximately 5 months in this climate.  The seedlings are sold for 4 cents USD or transferred to plots to fully mature for use as lumber.  For context, one Coca Cola costs 40 cents and a 1 foot seedling cost about the same!

-        Fully mature trees (which take about 15 years) will sell either by the acre or individual tree.  The revenue per acre is 3 million shillings or $1,172 USD.  The individual trees are sold for 180,000 shillings or approximately $70.32 USD.

-        Rows of trees have 12 feet between rows and 12 feet between tees. 

-        The plots are mostly maintained by women in the village while the men do other tasks, such as harvesting the trees or other farming.  The team did meet one male farmer who commented “Most men don’t like to play in the dirt all day.”

Pastor Shem showed the Trinity team his plot, which we had the opportunity to help weed and water.  The children from the village, seeing the activity with the weeding/water, jumped in to participate too! 

After a hefty walk back up the long, dusty hill, the team visited a family to learn more about how they live.  They graciously welcomed all 13 of us, which could be a bit intimidating!  After introductions, the group exchanged questions and information about celebrations, family life and children.  They asked the Trinity team to pray for them and their family for good health, peace and a good harvest to get enough food for the family.  The graciousness of the family shined through when they asked how they could pray for us (to be prayer partners).  Our request included global peace, good health, more enjoyment in our church for young people, more family gatherings and a mild winter. (If you are reading this….you’ll get it!) At the conclusion of this wonderful family visit, Marie (representing the Mission Team) presented the family with a picture of Stillwater and a towel with the bridge embroidered on it.

As you read this blog, please add this family to your prayers with their specific requests. 

One special shout out to Pastor Msigwa (from Diocese of Iringa - DIra) who continues to shine brightly with his love by interpreting and helping the team understand the various conversation.  For example, last night, he taught this team a few words in Swahili both in the classroom with children and during dinner last night.  For practice, here are a couple simple greetings:

            Habari?                       How are you?

            Zurri                            Good

            Jina lako ni nani          What is your name?

            Jina langu ni                My name is _____     

We still can’t remember…..but we are trying!

In the afternoon, the team went to another preaching point, Kilolo.  The adults and children greeted us with waving palms and singing.  The church was full as introductions and greetings were exchanged.  Pastor Msigwa thanked the people at the preaching point for “teaching us that church is not a building, but what is in our hearts.  We are coming here to worship OUR God.”  We were grateful and in awe of their witness.

The next stop was the Ibwange/Wangama preaching point. On October 16, 2005 this church was dedicated and Michele was in attendance, which elicited a big wave of applause! 

When we returned to the village, we did two additional family house visits.  Each family was unique with their respective gifts.  In the first, we helped sort shelled corn cobs from ones that had a few remaining kernels.  This is a job for the young children to ensure that all of the kernels are removed since every one matters.  One young  child carried a basket of empty corn cobs in a basket on her head and emptied into a large seed bag.  The cobs are used burning for heat and cooking.

In the next family visit, the entire family of six were in attendance.  The parents were so proud of the 4 children.  The daughter has completed vocational school and is a seamstress.  In the picture below, you can see the dress that she designed and sewed.  It was stunning and she was so proud!  Their oldest son is in secondary school, the third child is in standard school and their youngest is still at home.  The father was born in the same house as his children.  When we asked how we could pray for them they request was to pray as they worked the field and for their children to be successful in school.

While this was busy day, it wasn’t over yet!  We played catch with the kids in the street, tried to spin the wheel with a stick and danced.  On the other hand, Aaron made ugali with the chef, which is a form of porridge.  He enjoyed spending time with the chef, learning the cooking techniques and the language. 

We are so grateful for the entire day of learning, riding the bus, laughing, dancing and experience the life of our friends in Mwatasi.  The sense of awe is there in so many moments of the day that we continue to thank God for this opportunity to share their stories. 

Thank you for your ongoing prayers.  We feel them…and are grateful.

Heather Zweifel and Mel Sullivan