Mwangaza 2010: 5/2: An unplanned Sunday in Ilboru

Dear Family & Friends,

What a great way to spend an unplanned Sunday, filled to the brim with connections and yet a full day of rest. We chose not to go to church yesterday as didn't get directions to the English speaking one in Arusha. Instead we did the first part of the Bible Study for the Golden Years we brought from home. Dr. John Prabaker, retired surgeon from Rochelle/DeKalb practice, wrote it. It was good to read and reflect, just the two of us. Then the 'maintenance man' Andrew came by after church for 1.5 hr. for chai and a visit. Dad has brought Andrew tools on his past visits. There is a special connection between the two men. Dr. Shoonie also asked Andrew to make sure we had a safe and good stay here. He is doing his job well! And he loves to talk about Bible stories.

A bit later, Carol, Megan, and Marissa Stubbs came by the Guest House as we were eating dinner. They were on the way to accompany a church choir led by one of Randy's students. The nearby Lutheran Church was having a choir concert with many choirs presenting. The concert was to start at 1:00, but didn't start until 2:30+. They couldn't decide whether to have the concert outside or in the church due to it being a beautiful sunny day, but still iffy as in the rainy season. When Randy called the Guest House saying the concert was about to start the girls left.

We cleaned up the kitchen and walked over. By 3:30 PM, we were outside in the sunshine, moving occasionally to have shade and to be able to see around heads, as quite a crowd had decided, like us, that sitting on the grass listening to choirs was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It was enjoyable and the audience was extremely appreciative, and of the Makumira student's choir's music especially. This audience was not used to Hayden sung "correctly" and accompanied by flute, cello, and keyboard. Then, of course, the voices were fantastic, singing parts. They 'rocked' the last song with movement and the crowd joined in. Evidently this choir has traveled to Germany to perform so has a reputation for good quality. Next weekend we will be at Makumira with Randy and Carol, Mike's first time to be in their home. Another choir concert is scheduled for sometime on Sunday afternoon; Carol's Girls Choir will also be singing then.