Hello! Hannah Olson and Abby Simms here from Iringa, Tanzania
We arrived at night on Tuesday night after a long 13 hour bus ride. We
drove through Mukina National Reserve and saw herds of elephants,
giraffes, zebras, water buffalo, impala, baboon, and wilda beast! We
screamed like a bunch of little girls when we saw our first elephants
which needless to say made them run away…. We stayed in Iringa for 3
nights and leave tomorrow for Tungamalenga. On our first day here we
went to the Iringa Lutheran Diocese where we met some “big potatoes”
as they call the administration here. Their slogo is “begga kwa begga”
which means shoulder to shoulder. This reference refers to how the
congregations in MN work with those in Tanzania to learn from each
other and grow in Christ. Next we went to the market where there were
piles of dried fish, fruit, vegetables, beans, live chickens, and
anchovies. We had time to shop in the Maasai market so hope you are
all excited for souvenirs!!!! Later in the day we went to the hospital
and connected spiritually with the people there through song.
This morning we drove to the Ilula Hospital where we met with another
Gustie, Samantha Banks, who is learning from the doctors there. We
sang to patients and medical staff along with taking a tour of this
beautiful hospital. It was interesting to speak with other Americans
there and share our different experienced with each other. Next, we
visited the University of Iringa, the first private university in
Tanzania. The student body is around the same size as Gustavus with
tuition at $2,500 per year.
We are all doing well and enjoying our trip! The people of Tanzania
have been very welcoming to us, always encouraging us to return again
someday. We hope everyone at home is doing well!