Happy Lutheran

Sunday was a fantastic, full day, and it will be hard to do it justice. We started our day worshiping at Irbiling Lutheran Church, which is one of the congregations of Ketumbeini parish. It is a small, rural Maasai congregation that worships in a traditional Maasai style, which was so joyous and uplifting. The music was just fantastic, and once again, we were welcomed so very warmly. That has been the constant everywhere we have been— apparently, there is a Swahili saying that “guests are a blessing” that is definitely how we have been treated. It was really great to have the opportunity to worship here, which was very different from the church where we worshiped in Monduli last Sunday.

Before the service, we visited the site of their new church building, which is under construction. The way buildings are constructed is that you build a little bit, save up some more money, and then build a little bit more. It is a much longer process, but it’s pay as you go, not build on credit.

After the service, we returned to town where the Lutheran Church in Ketumbeini hosted us for lunch.

After lunch, we left Ketumbeini to head back toward Arusha. The drive back was beautiful with lovely scenery, including giraffes and zebra.

Our next stop was Oldonyosambu Theological College, where Executive Director Dr. Suzana Simon Sitayo explained to us how they educate evangelists, using a hybrid model of a couple months a year in person, and the rest of the time learning in context. She is a very creative, resourceful leader, and she is doing a great job with that program, which is much needed by the church.

Then, at the end of the day, a very special treat awaited us. We drove to Okokola, and had a fantastic dinner and engaging conversation at the family boma of our student, Lotegeluaki. It was high in the hills, with a fantastic view, and it was so wonderful to meet his family and spend time together.

When we finally made it back to Makumira, we were full, happy and tired. Another great day.