7 days at Shukrani - Sunday

Worship at the local Corps commenced about 10.30 a.m., but we arrived about 15 minutes early. We were the only mzungu present (not a surprise!), and were helped by two Shukrani students. It meant that Beth and I had a translator each. With the Captain Samson Ngotcho away at the outpost a young man, Moffat, preached, and preached well. The singing and dancing of the three singing groups was enjoyable, even if we didn't understand the words.

After the service we headed off to lunch in the home of the CSM (the head security guard at Shukrani). The Corps Treasurer (also a security guard) and his wife live nearby and joined us for the meal. We then moved houses and had coffee and 'bumunda' at the CT's home. It was good to see these men and their families in their homes, and to meet their families.

It was about 1 p.m. when we left Shukrani, and about 30-40 minutes later we were at our destination. We walked. Walking is the main form of transport in Mbeya, with daladala in second place.

We began our walk home at close to 6 p.m. Rain during the afternoon meant we did not take the short cut, but were guided along firmer paths. It was a longer walk home through streets alive with people. There are no street lights here, but there is certainly more street life that we see in the suburbs at home.

One of the great privileges of our stay here has been to visit and share a meal in peoples homes, to meet their families and to learn about their lives.

For them our visit is costly. They provide special food, and there have always been at least 4 or 5 dishes provided, together with sodas (soft drink). Since they would normally only have two, at most three, dishes (rice or ugali, and a dish with vegetables or fish) we are greatly honoured by their generosity. They have graced us with their hospitality, yet express profound appreciation that we would come and visit them. It is at once a humbling and gratifying experience.

That was our week, or a glimpse of it.