The Faces of Africa through the Eyes of Three Sisters and a “Bebe”! (Part 4)

Mid-week shopping at Arusha’s markets appeals to everyone. T-shillings are counted and the Toyota cruiser, driven by Jane Ann, bumps its way into town. Market stalls display African crafts galore. Bargaining is the rule. Gratefully a fellow missionary friend of Jane Anns, fluent in Swahili, accompanies the ladies and the sisters walk away with varieties of treasure. The Cultural Center in Arusha, boasting engaging art, is a final stop before returning home.

“Where are the giraffes? “is the question of the next day. Since these magnificent creatures are no longer in the crater the sisters have not yet seen this African “icon”. Ron shares a solution-anyone for Arusha National Park? Although rain prevails, the day is rich with giraffe after giraffe lazily “grazing” the tall trees and seemingly quite willing to pose for a photo shoot.

Graduation Day! One of the ministries of CMF is to train willing African couples, from the bush (country) areas around Arusha, to witness for Christ in their villages. They spend 12 weeks on the compound taking classes in “Farming God’s Way”, health issues, evangelizing, marriage and parenting, and literacy. When they complete these courses the teachers/missionaries hold an official graduation ceremony complete with diplomas, speeches, skits, tribal songs and dances, and an African feast. Marlene, Nancy, and Rozella (Mom) are thrilled to be in the audience to witness and participate, via serving food, at this event. As stories are shared of the persecution these courageous Christians encounter out in the bush areas of Africa, “battling” witch doctors and other strange beliefs, we feel as though we are in the presence of the first disciples chosen by Christ sent forth into a hostile world. Prayers are sent upward for protection, courage, and opportunities to show Christ’s love through the knowledge the students have gained while living and learning at the CMF compound.

Has this day arrived already? The return flight to the states is not until evening so the family drives to a coffee plantation to bring home fresh beans, lunch is served at a nature preserve , where injured wild animals are nursed back to health, and a final cup of African chai is savored at a hotel near the airport boasting a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Unfortunately the grand mountain is cloud covered but nevertheless a magnificent sight. Hugs and tears are shared as good-byes are said amidst reminders of the family gathering in August of 2010. As the jet lifts off and tired eyes close dreams are peppered with wild animals, bright eyes on brown faces, and a sister and brother-in-law who are serving Christ in a poor but beautiful land.

African quotes to remember:
“There is no hurry in Africa.” If only those in America would take this to heart we’d need fewer drugs!!
“If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.” My personal favorite!