TRUSTEES OF WHMT CHARITY VISIT US FOR THE FIRST TIME
Tim, Elise and myself were given a very warm and traditional Tanzanian welcome as soon as we walked through the airport doors and that sense of warmth continued throughout our stay. It was wonderful to see Fiona so at home and to finally meet Esther and Ludmila. The journey from the airport was a revelation as my European eyes tried to understand what I was seeing: cars and lorries overtaking and undertaking within inches of each other, traffic coming together from every angle, a bajaji, a dala-dala crammed with passengers, palm trees, people carrying firewood on their heads, on bikes, on bicycles, goats roaming and the general mayhem of a city. When we arrived at Karibu Nyumbani, it was like walking into the Garden of Eden, an oasis of peace and calm. We were greeted unreservedly by the children and offered a cup of tea and slice of Ludmila’s cake.
This was a totally unexpected and delightful treat and an indication of the week to come. We were totally taken care of throughout the week and every need anticipated. The commitment, faith and dedication of Fiona, Ester and Ludmila to the shared vision, is perceptible in everything they have achieved. It’s wonderful to see the cow, calf, pigs and piglets and all the fruit and vegetables that are being grown and taken care of.
This is truly a blessed place and a beautiful environment for the children. You can see their appreciation in their eyes and hear it in their laughter. The children are so full of love, peace and joy and it’s such a boost to see that. They are relaxed and eager to participate in the activities we brought: the airplanes and the sticker books which kept them occupied for quite a while. They are also very entertaining and charmed us with their praise singing in both Swahili and English and their prayers for each other. Amidst the lack of material things here, there is a tangible richness of human relationships. These children have been baptised in the name of the Lord and know that they are loved and important to God. They are unique and special and have the potential for greatness in the future. Mama, Mama Pipi, Mama Mia are guiding and protecting them from a life of poverty and hardship and this takes a great deal of strength and determination to overcome the many challenges facing them.
In our week together we went back to basics: washing by hand, showering in cold water, enduring power cuts, waking naturally to the joyous sounds of the children going to school and eating home grown and homemade food including kachumbali and ugali.
What a wonderful experience. We felt that we were on retreat, surrounded by orange and mango trees and bougainvillea. It’s our intention to visit every year to watch the children grow and meet the new arrivals (Jill-Chair of Trustees)
We also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who sent cloths and toys to us via our Trustees. The above picture shows Elise giving the children little presents from her friend at work.
