The Long Anticipated Arrival

 

 

“Bleep”

I picked up the phone.

“A new message from Tamara Schock. I wonder what she wants.” I said to myself.

(A few seconds later…) “YES!!!” I shouted as I threw the phone onto the couch.

“What? What’s happening? What did she say?” asked the other girls.

“My dad’s almost here! She said ‘It’s only a matter of minutes ‘til he arrives. He’s coming down the main road from upper campus. He’s really coming!” I was beside myself with excitement. I had probably driven the girls crazy talking about how my dad was coming today.

Brianna said, “I’ve never been so excited to see your dad, Enjoli!”

I rushed to the window and tried to hear or see anything.

“Hey! I hear a car motor!” I exclaimed and opened the door. Sure enough, a few seconds later a car came into view.

I started running as fast as my legs would carry me down the hill to the road.

Then I saw him, weary with travel and a little on the scruffy side but my dad none-the-less.

“Daddy!” 

 

 

 

I gave him a big hug and then helped him bring the luggage to the door.

Then, we had a miniature Christmas.

He took out tons of little things for teaching at the school; violins, and some special treats.

At one point, he opened his zipper on the side of his backpack and then exclaimed, “Oh no! I had a whole bunch of Lindor chocolates and they all melted!”

He took a few out and looked at them. They were a little gross looking, all mashed up and half melted, but we just all stared at them in awe.

“Do you want some? They don’t look all that great but I’m sure they taste good.” He offered.

“Sure!” We said with enthusiasm.

They were really, REALLY good.

Afterwards, I helped take the little bit of luggage he had left to the Guest house, where he was to stay.

It’s been SO much fun with my Dad here. I’m so glad he could come a week early too. Especially since I have been sick with the flu. It’s pretty miserable but I am slowly getting better.

Miracle in the Classroom

 

 

“Ugh! I can hardly talk!” I whispered. “Brianna, I don’t think I can go to school.”

Yep, I had a sore throat and hardly any voice at all. I probably lost my voice from teaching at the primary school. I decided to stay back from school for the earlier classes, but try to make it for the last class, English 7, when there wouldn’t be any other teacher if I didn’t show up. I was hoping by then I would be able to talk a little louder.

I drank some nasty tea and sucked on cough drops for my sore throat.  I also used things like lemon to hopefully regain my voice.

Time came for me to go up for the last class, but I still was no better.

“Guess I should at least show up. I’m not exactly sure what I will be able to do but I should at least try.” I thought to myself as I hopped on my bike and rode up the road.  

I arrived just a few minutes early, so I went over to “talk” (more like whisper croakily) to Ashely.

“Do you want me to help with the talking part of class?” she asked.

“Um, I think I can do it. “ I answered hoarsely.

“Okay, I will come into the classroom just in case you need any help though. I don’t have a class right now.”

“Thanks.” I replied weakly.  

 

 

 

We walked into the Standard 7 classroom and Ashely led out in a prayer for me.

Then, miracle upon miracles, I started teaching… in my normal voice!

Ashely told me afterwards that when I started talking she thought, “Wow, she’s speaking in her normal loud voice! She must be pushing herself really hard. It’s probably only a matter of minutes before her voice totally gives out and I will have to start teaching.”

But, no! I kept on teaching throughout the whole class period in a nice, strong voice.

At the end of class I took the kids out for an exercise. When I finished I went back to the classroom, straight to Ashely.

“I can’t talk again!” I said just above a whisper. “God answered my prayer and gave me my voice just long enough to teach class!”

I continued only talking above a whisper the entire day. During English was the only time I was able to use my whole voice.

After this amazing miracle God performed for me in the classroom, I started pondering why He did it. Then it struck me; God could have had Ashely teach, but He wanted ME to. What a precious thought! God is leading in miraculous ways here in Tanzania.

Squeezed, Squished, and Sat On

 

“I’m going to suffocate!” I exclaimed. “We can NOT fit any more people in this Dala Dala! “

We were on our last leg of our journey back home from Iringa. All six of us SM girls; Alission, Brit, Selena, Brianna, Ashley, and I had gone shopping.

The Ross’s had given us a ride as far as Mafinga but then we took the bus to Iringa. It was a big, nice bus. I tried to get some sleep because we had just gotten back from our camping trip that morning. (You can read about that in my other blog) It was a nice trip, except for the weird movie playing on the TV at the front of the bus. We were so excited for our long awaited “Shopping spree.” We were also celebrating Ashley’s 21^st birthday.

 

 

 

We got some material for congas and went to the Masi Market. We walked into this little alley-like road that was lined with little shacks. The shacks were little shops with all sorts of little handmade trinkets and souvenirs.  We spent at least an hour there buying gifts for friends and family back home.  

 

 

 

Next we went to eat at “Four Seasons,” a funny name for an African restaurant, a country that doesn’t really have four seasons. We ate the traditional rice, beans, and chapattis.  

 

 

 

Soon we had to go to the bus station so we could buy some tickets to get back hoe. There was a lot of confusion. We bought one for three o’clock but when we came at 2:55 they had already y left! So we got on a different bus that was supposed to leave really soon. After sitting by ourselves for 15 minutes we realized that the bus we were on wasn’t going to leave for another half hour probably.  Finally, we managed to get on a packed bus that was leaving to Mafinga.

 

 

 

 All us girls sat in the back and filled all the seats in the back row.  Soon another man came into the bus just as the bus was leaving. He insisted on sitting in the back row where we were although there was no more seats. I went to scoot over so he could sit by the window when he almost sat on top of me! So I quickly slid over so he was between Ashely and me. I shouldn’t say he was between us though. He was practically sitting on me! Here I was, squished as far as possible against the window, trying to hold onto my purse as well as my big bag of fragile souvenirs, his face is like right in my face yet I can’t move away because of the window, and with him basically sitting on my right leg. He was drunk to; you could smell it. He was very confusing because of it too. He kept telling us to talk in Swahili and then he would tell us to speak in English! He kept asking me why I wasn’t talking. 

I was thinking, “Well, I am VERY uncomfortable, you are sitting on me, and my head is banging on the window so it doesn’t bang on yours!” of course I didn’t say that.  

At one time he even told me he loved me!

He got right in my face and said, “I love you.” I was like uhhhh, and didn’t say anything.

“Why you hesitate?” he asked.

Of course I wasn’t going to say ‘I love you too’ so I just said, “I don’t know.”

Soon, more people started loading off the bus so there were some more seats available but the guy still insisted on sitting on top of me! Then Brianna took charge and saved me. 

“Here,” she told the man. “There’s a seat right here that is open.” She motioned to the chair in front of me.  Shockingly, he stood up and, very gentlemen like, made way for me to sit in the chair!

“Uh uh. YOU sit over there,” said Brianna. Finally he moved and I sighed in relief. 

 

 

 

Amazingly, the second bus or Dala Dala was even more “fun.” We were packed in like sardines! We could hardly breathe let alone move! There was no space for both of my feet so I had one foot on top of another. I was against the emergency door with people crowded around me. Finally we were off, but they kept stopping for more people! “Hapana! (No!) There is no more room!”  Yet, they managed to squeeze in more people. It was a very uncomfortable ride. The widows were actually all steamed up because of the sweat and body heat. They wouldn’t open widows either.

Finally, we arrived safe and sound at our house. 

What a fun trip. Yes, very uncomfortable but fun. Now I have really experienced African transportation and God protected me through it all.

Camping in a Rainstorm

“Oh no!” cried one of the girls, “Its starting to rain!, and we haven’t even found Enjoli yet!”

All us girls: Brianna, Kiel (a missionary kid who lives here, though their whole family will be leaving soon), Twalisa (Uncle Jason and Aunt Antionette’s oldest daughter), Helena (another girl who lives on campus), Livia (she’s the same age as me), Alission ( a student missionary), and myself were camping this weekend. We had just about finished setting up camp but Kiel realized she forgot her coat, the bread, some eggs, and a few coconut creams. They volunteered me to go back and get them. We were somewhere in the middle of the forest behind their house.

“Just go to those tall acacia trees over there and the back of the house is right in front of it.” Kiel had explained.

I looked where she was pointing and noticed a lot of acacia trees. Although I did see a few that were a little taller than the others. Soon I was heading back to the house for the forgotten items. I started walking through the trees and tried to keep an eye on the tall trees. I quickly found out that the trees ahead of me were tall as well and blocked the view of the taller acacia trees she told me to follow. So, I just walked in the direction I thought the house was. It had taken only about 5 - 10 minutes to get to the campsite but 20 minutes later I was still aimlessly walking in the midst of the African forest. Finally, I came upon a little dirt path so I followed it. Eventually it lead to a road I had never seen. I knew that there wasn’t a road between our campsite and the backyard of Kiel’s house but I had no clue what to do, so I just followed the road. I just trotted down the road hoping it would end up somewhere that was familiar. A half hour after I had left I was still walking in the middle of nowhere. 

While I was randomly walking around Kibidula (at least I hoped I was in Kibidula still) The girls at camp started getting worried.

“It’s been a half hour since Enjoli left.” Allission exclaimed. “Do you think she got to your house but just lost her way back?”

“She probably didn’t even make it to the house.” sighed Kiel.

Meanwhile, I was still walking on the same road. I probably walked at least 2 miles and still was totally clueless where I was. I had come into some sort of clearing but I had had enough. I knelt down in the middle of the road and prayed.

“God! I’m so lost and have no clue where I am! I’m lost in the middle of Tanzania, Africa and no one knows where I am!  What if I don’t make it by dark? I could be eaten by a lion or bit by a snake or something! God, please help me to find the way back and just get back alive!” I pleaded.

“Ok, Enjoli.” I said to myself. “Calm down! You are over-reacting. You’ll be just fine and you know it.”

I decided turn around and walk/run back and try a different way. When I finally got back to where I had turned on to the road, I started to walk on the road, but the other direction. As I walked, I just happened to glance to the left and saw something green. 

“Kiel’s house!!!” I shouted as I quickly turned in that direction. “Thank you Jesus!” I breathed silently. I ended up arriving at the front of the house an hour later. As soon as I collected the requested items I started back, hoping that I would find the way. 

By now the girls were getting more frantic.

“ENJOLI!” “ENJOLI! WHERE ARE YOU!?”

About half way there is when I heard their yells.

“ENJOLI! ENJOLI?” 

I tried to follow their voice but they were quiet again. A few seconds later, when I was pretty close to camp, Kiel showed up. 

“Enjoli! Your here! We were all worried about you! Come on, your almost there.” cried Kiel.

That's when it started to rain. I looked up at the black clouds above and hastily grabbed my sleeping bag and backpack, stuffed them in the tarp, and ran back to help get the food covered. You see, Kiel and Livia insisted that we didn’t bring a tent. They finally agreed on bringing a tarp just in case. Of course, that’s exactly what happened.  

 We scrambled around to gather are stuff that was laying all over the ground. The drizzling rain became giant drops of water. Soon, all of us were safe under the tarp, except Kiel and Livia, they were cooking -or attempting to cook- ramen over the dying fire. After about an hour, they finished cooking. Two very wet girls and some unseasoned ramen arrived at our tarp. We were very thankful for the ramen, even without the seasonings they had forgotten to add. Soon it was time to settle down so we snuggled in our warm sleeping bags as the rain pelted on the short “roof” above us. But, sleep would not come, so we started singing songs with the ukelele. It was raining very hard by now, the thunder was vibrating the earth, the lighting flashing across the sky, and the wind was howling in the dark.  We were camping in a storm! Nether the least, we were having a great time. Soon we started to get really tired though. The girls on the edge were getting wet as the wind carried the rain through the open sides. Water started to leak through the holes in the tarp and we were worried that if we went to sleep, we would wake up in a miniature lake. The sleeping bags were getting drenched and soon we started evacuating sleeping bags. All seven of us girls had our own sleeping bags packed very close to each other but by the end of the night we had seven girls in four sleeping bags. And the "dry" ones we were sharing were semi-wet. For a while, I had my own sleeping bag, but Kiel was soaked as well as her sleeping bag.

“You could sleep in Enjoli’s sleeping bag.” volunteered Alission who already had a ‘sleeping buddy.’ 

“Yeah” I thought to myself, “Kiel could sleep in here but that would mean I won’t sleep a wink tonight, being a light sleeper in all.” I thought silently.

“Well, do you want me to sleep with you in your sleeping bag? Tell me the truth.” asked Kiel.

Of course I’d rather sleep in my own sleeping bag.  Then I realized how selfish I was thinking. Poor Kiel was really wet and I knew I would much rather her sleep with me so she get be warm. 

“Of course!” I exclaimed. “Come on over, it”ll be fun.” which it was ... sorta. 

The sleeping bag was only meant for one person but we managed to squeeze her in. Neither of us could move though, if you just re-positioned your hand it was a big ordeal. Of course, both of us were light sleepers and didn’t get a bit of sleep that night. Okay, I guess I was in and out of sleep for about an hour but that’s literally all the sleep I got that night. It was one of the longest nights I ever had, minus trip here on the plane. :)  We were so happy when it was morning. It had stopped raining just a half hour before! We got up and quickly made a fire to make some breakfast. It was a great Sabbath even with it raining off and on through out the day. We had a nice worship/church service and were able to rest.  

A few of us took a little walk in the woods. On the way back I was ahead and almost stepped on a snake! I was too surprised to even scream, I just quickly walked back and told the others. "Snake! There's a snake over here!"

Of course they came running and went to investigate. The snake was not there though! It had just evaporated! It was green and black so we think it was probably a Boomslang. 

I also sat on a beehive unawares. As some of you know, I am very nervous around bees. I've never been stung before but scared to death that it will happen.  I was just walking around and saw a clove of trees. As I came nearer I saw a log hanging in the tree. 

"Well that's interesting. That log is just hanging there.  It looks kinda like a swing!" I thought as I swung up onto it.

"Hey Brianna!" I called. "Look at this!" 

Brianna and Kiel came over. As soon as Kiel saw me she shouted, "Enjoli! You're sitting on a beehive!" I  instantly slid off, "A BEEHIVE?!" 

"Ya!" 

"I wondered why there isn't any bees coming out."  We bent to look at the whole in the log and found it empty."I'm so glad there wasn't any bees in here!" I sighed with relief.

That evening we ate cooked chocolate bananas. I thought it was a little weird to eat cooked bananas, but was surprised at how good they were. We also had some hot chocolate but soon it started to you-know-what. Yes, it started to rain … again. It was fun to experience it once but I wasn't sure I wanted to repeat last night. We ran for cover in the tarp and spent the rest of the evening in our tarp. They were persistent that they would not give up and go home. The rain wasn’t as bad that night and we had fixed our tent up a little. We had also dried our sleeping bags outside so most of them weren’t too wet. Everything was a lot better the second night, except for the mosquitoes. Brianna and I were convinced we had a swarm in the tarp. We tried to hide but ended up with tons of mosquitoes bites anyway. 

However awful it sounded, we really did have a lot of fun! I mean, have YOU ever camped without a tent in a rainstorm, in the jungle, and in the middle of Tanzania, Africa? It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a great bonding time as well. We really got to know each other. I learned that I  can’t just keep thinking about myself. There are others around you who are struggling as well, with the same things sometimes. I loved getting to know each of the girls a little better and I’m so glad I decided to go camping… even if it was in a storm. And, I'm definitely glad God promises to be with us always! 

Boxes, Boxes, and more Boxes!

“Hey, Enjoli.” said Brianna as she popped her head through the doorway of our room.

“Yes?” I answered.

It was Saturday evening and I was reading on my bed. A rare occasion back home so I take advantage of it here. :) 

“You think you could help unload some boxes of literature in the morning? Uncle Jason needs all the help he can.” 

“Sure! What time?“ I asked.

“We have to BE there at 7 in the morning.” she answered.

“At 7 in the morning? On a Sunday? Oh…” 

Brianna continued, “We can eat at Uncle Jason’s and Aunt Antinette’s for breakfast and then they will give us a ride.  Do you want to join me?”

“Sure...” I said slowly. 

 

In the morning at 6:55, we were off. I was bumping around in the back of the truck bed. We were the first ones to arrive but soon others jointed our party. Before log the truck appeared, although it wasn’t t truck like Uncle Jason has, it was a Semi truck! 

 

 

When they parked the truck, the guys immediately started untying the strings to get the tarp of the boxes. With that being done, we started unloading the boxes. They were all numbered 1-15. We formed a line passing the box from person to person. The boxes were awfully heavy, they weighed about 50 pounds each. It tools us at least two hours. We were so tired and happy that we had finally finished. 

 

This morning when we woke up to school, Brianna and I were extremely sore. I mean EXTREMELY sore. Our whole bodies were aching! We could hardly move our arms! I have quite a few bruises, my back hurts, and my arms are just throbbing. 

I told her, “I don’t think I can bike all the way up there. I don’t think I could make it! On the way back you just cruise, but the ride up is exhausting, even without having every limb in your body sore. I think I’m going to walk. Want to come along?”

"I’d love to!” She exclaimed.

So at seven, we left for the long walk to the school. 

Usually, I don’t mind it when the kids come up to me and pull at my arms and hold them as well as my hands. Today was a different story though. Every time one of the children would roughly grab my arm I would grimace and inwardly cringe, then sweetly smile at them and say, “Be gentle please!” and loosen their hold on me. Well, hopefully I good some nice muscles out of it. 

But what else happened besides move heavy boxes and get really sore, Enjoli? Well, let me tell you a little bit about my day at school.

Bible class was very smooth and went quite well. We taught them a new song today. “Be a Missionary.” They’re still learning. They love the last line. “Let’s GO!” They enjoy doing hand motions so we like to sing songs that have lots of actions to them and if the don’t, we add some. 

Science class with Standard one was interesting. Brit (another missionary that has been here since November) and I we trying to teach them how to clean themselves. How they use toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and so forth. They didn’t understand a word we were saying and wouldn’t keep quiet! Finally, we found someone to translate for us. After that, everything was a lot calmer. We finished teaching what we had planned, yet we still had at least 15 minutes and they were getting restless. We decided to take them outside and play duck, duck, goose. They didn’t understand the concept of the game at first, but I think they finally got it. 

The little kids would go around the circle saying, “bata, bata, bata, cuckoo!” Then the two children would race around the circle, laughing all the way.

In Math class, I decided to give them a test. I wrote all the problems on the blackboard (painfully) and then they copied and solved them on their notebooks. When they finished, they would bring their exercise books for me to grade. Of course, most of them finished at the same time so I had a swarm of kids around the desk, all trying to hand me their test and fighting over who would get theirs graded first. If they got all the questions right (or fixe them until they were) I would give them a sticker. These kids love stickers! They got so excited and showed it to all their classmates. 

Today was the first day I taught piano. I tutored my two kids from the seventh grade. All went well and they learned what a quarter, half, dotted half, and whole note is and how long to hold them. I loved teaching piano. I’ve always wanted to teach the piano but have never had the chance to. 

Well, it’s off to week of prayer for me! I believe I”ll be helping with the kids during the meeting. 

Hiya! (Good-bye in Swahilli)

A Day at the Primary School

As soon as the door creaks opens the kids scramble out of their seats, leap to their feet and cry in unison, “Good morning teachers!” 

“Good morning.” I respond. “How are you?”

They call out, “We are fine, thank you. How are you teachers?”

“We are fine. You may be seated.” 

For Standard 1 that’s about all they know in English, but thankfully, the third graders speak a little more. I teach Bible to standard 3.

As I look around the room, I wonder what exciting thing will happen today. 

We start off by singing songs such as “Deep and Wide” and “Jesus loves me” and so forth.

They love singing “We are Soldiers” as well as “I’ve Got a River of Life.” We kneel down and when we get to the part where you say “Splish, splash,” they shout it at the top of their lungs as they spring up off the ground.

“I’ve gotta river of life flowing out me. Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see. Opens prison doors sets the captives free, I’ve gotta river of a life flowing out of me. Spring up oh well, SPLISH, SPLASH! Within my so-ul. Spring up oh well, SPLISH, SPLASH! And make me whole. Spring up oh well, SPLISH, SPLASH! And give to me, that love, abundantly.”

What a Shakalabagala! (an expression that means "a mess” in Swahili ) The room erupts with shouts and laughter as they finish the song. The screeching of desks echoes around the room  as they flop into their seats.

Next is story time. I start into the story of Noah’s Ark. After every few sentences, I pause as Julius translates so they don’t miss anything. Surprisingly, Most of the children listen with rapt attention, surprisingly.  Some of them know the story but for some, it’s their first time.  I tell of the animals coming in the ark, two by two and some by sevens.

“What are some animals that came into the ark?” I ask.

Hands shoot into the air.

“Lions!” exclaims one. 

“Snakes” mentions another.

“Sheep”

“Elephants!”

I tell them about the rainbow, God’s promise to never flood the earth again. “God always keeps His promises.”

Then we sing “Standing on the Promises.” Every time the song says “standing” they all jump in place. As we sing they watch us expectantly, waiting to know when to jump.

I look at the time; 8:53. 

“Okay” I think to myself, “Two more minutes until break.” 

After I finally hush them all down, we kneel to  say the closing prayer.  

I open the door and let all the kids out, high-fiving them all the way. 

My next class is Math with Standard 1, one of my favorite classes. They love to count to a hundred, so to start, I lead them into doing just that.  

“1! 2! 3! 4! 5! …” they scream at the top of their lungs. “98! 99! 100!!!!!” As they reach one hundred, they just let it all out. I have to consciously tell myself not to plug my ears. 

Next I write numbers 1-10 on the blackboard and ask the kids to circle the number I specify.

I point to one child, give him the chalk and say, “Circle number 6 for me on the board.” Then to the next child, “Could you please circle number 10? “Circle number 4...”

When they circle all the numbers on the board, I tell them to get out their exercise books. When they say exercise books, they say books with a very defined oo or u sound. 

Next, I draw a certain amount of objects that they must count and put in their notebooks. I also add some simple addition questions such as; 1+ 1,  5+1,  3+2, ect.  As soon as they are done, they bring up their notebooks for me to grade them.

Time has flown, but before I head to the next class, I want to take a video and maybe some pictures of the children.  I take out my camera and instantly a whisper goes amongst the kids, “Pictures! Pictures!” They all huddle together and start singing for the camera. How convenient!

“Whisper a prayer in the morning. Whisper a prayer at no-on. Whisper a prayer in the evening, to keep your heart in tune!…” they sing. 

Next it’s time for Science with my favorite class again; Standard 1. 

“What’s this?” I ask pointing to my nose.

“Nose!” their scattered shouts ricochets off each other. 

“And this?”

“Mouth!!!” they answer.

“What about his?” I challenge them.

“Ears!” “Eyes!” 

“No, these are not my ears, what are they?”

“Eyes!” 

“Good job!” I congratulate them. 

Next we sing, “Head and shoulders knees and toes” to help them remember the parts of the body.

Soon it is time to end.

“Can anyone volunteer to pray?” Unlike Standard 3, tons of hands shoot in the air instantly. 

After the prayer, it’s break again.

The kids clamor all over me, touching my hair, grabbing my hand and arms, trying to hug, trying to high-five and pull me down, and just craving for some attention. They are all so cute though! Finally, I get the “cute leeches” off of me so I can go to my next class, English with Standard 7. Big  jump, eh? 

Standard 7 has only nine kids so it’s a lot of fun to teach them. They are a LOT quieter and attentive than Standard 1 and 3.  They had a test today so I didn’t have to do any talking. They had to finish their math test from the previous class so we didn’t do to much English. I was shocked at the grades of their math tests! Only one girl passed. Neema got something like 64% which apparently is a B. I think in the US it would be more like a D! Anyways, the second highest score was 24%. All the rest were like 8%, 16% and 20%. The teacher gave them a lecture after this. He told them from now on, if they didn’t get at least 50%, there would be a punishment. It could be the stick or something else. He didn’t specify. 

“The schools are so different here than in America!” I thought. 

The teacher told me that they didn’t really care and weren’t trying. He was surprised to hear that in the States we don’t use sticks.

“Even for the younger ones?!” he questioned.

“Nope, not at all.” 

I was surprised at the grades because they (at least some of them) are pretty good at Math, that is when they have to do the problems on the board. 

Teaching here is extremely hard and a very unique experience.  It is still a lot of fun. I’m just glad I can be a blessing to these amazing children of God.