We came as visitors and we left as friends (10-27-24)

Our journey with our Trinity group to Tanzania has been nothing short of transformative. After spending five enriching days in the small village of Mwatasi, we left on Sunday with hearts full of memories and a renewed sense of purpose.

A Warm Welcome and Heartfelt Goodbyes




Our time in Mwatasi was marked by deep connections and meaningful experiences. On our final day, we participated in an energizing four-hour church service that was a beautiful blend of worship, music, and community spirit. Pastor Kris Linner was the guest preacher and she brought home the good news of the Gospel and the power of HOPE.  The warmth and hospitality of the villagers were palpable, making our goodbyes all the more poignant. We shared hugs, exchanged blessings, and promised to keep the bonds strong despite the distance.

Supporting Education: A Visit to the Secondary School

One of the highlights of our stay was visiting the secondary school that Trinity has supported for years and helped build.  This is especially meaningful to me because my wife, Zanny and our oldest daughter, Eliana traveled with a Trinity Girls Choir lead by music directors, Carol Carver and Phil Kadidlo back in June of 2011.  They helped to build the girls dormitory and had a wonderful opportunity to listen, sing for, and sing with their secondary school hosts.  Seeing the progress and the smiles on the students’ faces was incredibly rewarding. The school stands as a testament to the power of community and the impact of sustained support. We left with a renewed commitment to continue our efforts in empowering the youth of Mwatasi.



Journey to Ininga

After our heartfelt farewells, we embarked on a three-hour drive to Ininga. The journey was filled with reflections on our experiences and the friendships we had forged. Upon arriving in Ininga, we were welcomed by the familiar comfort of Mama Iringa’s restaurant. The dinner there was not just a meal but a celebration of our journey and the connections we had made.

 

 

The Simple Joys: A Shower After Days

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments was the simple joy of having our first shower since Wednesday morning. It was a reminder of the small comforts we often take for granted and how they can feel like luxuries after days of hard work and travel.



Leaving as Friends

As we continue our travels, the memories of Mwatasi and the people we met there remain close to our hearts. We came as visitors, but we left as friends, carrying with us the lessons learned and the love shared. Our journey in Tanzania has been a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring spirit of community.

We look forward to sharing more stories and continuing our mission with the same passion and dedication. Until next time, Mwatasi, you will always be in our hearts.


Mike Johnson

 


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