It is our last full day in Africa. We leave to return home tomorrow night and arrive home Friday, August 5. We spent 8 days on safari in three national parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and two regions of the Serengeti.

A full day of travel to get to Arusha today. Arrived at sunset to see Mt Meru above Arusha. Then drove an hour away to arrive at night at the hotel we’re staying at. Even in the dark I could tell it’s beautiful.

Today we left Tumaini Seminary to travel to Ifakara where the dioceses offices are. I met with the bishop and his staff, who were very gracious. I also got to see Pastor Eliud & meet his family (I showed he and Moses Priest Lake when they visited in ‘19).

There have been many improvements in the Malinyi district. For instance, the village of Lugala (right behind Tumaini and right outside Malinyi town) just had a main road (dirt) added to it in the last year, and Campus Road (right outside Tumaini) just had electricity come to it one month ago!

This morning, after morning prayer and breakfast, we visited a rural parish (as if we haven’t already been rural) that is part of the Mulinyi district. It is a very poor area, and one of the oldest churches around.

I said I would tell you about the wall being built around the school grounds. Pictures don’t do it justice! In total it’s about 3500 linear feet.

They begin and end every day with 15 minute prayer service (7:05am & 9:45pm).

I preached this morning at the parish in town at their early service. It was full, but evidently a low Sunday in attendance. Usually they have standing room only with a good share having to stand outside listening and worshipping outside – the “windows” are simply screens, no glass, so an open air sanctuary.

Today was a great day! It was a relaxing day with no schedule, so informal conversations and taking in life and normalcy with the people here. I had time to do a little studying as well as going over my sermon in the morning in preparation for tomorrow.

After a long and arduous journey, I’m here! My experience today is like none other I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. From the smells, to the sights and sounds, it is unique. I can’t quite put into words what the smell is, and already, by the end of the day I’ve grown accustomed.