We had hoped to post on this blog site everyday during our trip. But, that was not to be. The internet in Dodoma was down most of the time during our visit and we did not have an opportunity to update you. That may have been a blessing because we were able to fully focus on our ministry while there.
As I sit in Mumbai tonight, I will post a few of the more than 1,000 photos we took during the trip and then when all have returned and we have a chance to catch our breath, we will share a full range of photos and recollections. What I can report to you is that the Church of Jesus Christ is alive and well in the Anglican Diocese of Central Tanganyika and that they received us with unmatched grace and hospitality.
Three missionaries from the Diocese of Atlanta, assigned to The Diocese of Central Tanganyika, accompanied us during our visit; Magi Griffin who serves as an aid to Bishop Mhogolo, The Rev. Sandra McCann who teaches at Msalato Theological College and Dr. Martin McCann who is deeply involved in the many medical offerings of the diocese. Many photos and individual stories about our time with them will follow in the coming weeks but for now, let me say that we are profoundly grateful for their counsel and their love.
Bishop Mdimi Mhogolo who has more than 200 parishes and 550,000 Anglicans in his diocese gave us an extraordinary amount of time. He and Mrs. Mhogolo hosted us for lunch in their home on Saturday and he helped us conclude our visit with a 3 hour Bishop's Roundtable on our last day. Much more to come on the Bishop and his gracious wife as well.
The Diocese of Central Tanganyika is located in an area that suffers severe drought every few years and, at best, they have only one rainy season per year. So, even in the best of years, villagers have to walk many miles each day to get water and the water they find is contaminated and dirty. Up to 25% of a woman's day is spent in retrieving water. One of the most emotional events for all of us was a visit to a well that was inspired and supported by Lucy Perry and also supported by St. Veronica's Guild. The vision of so many women filling their containers with the fresh and clean water from the well will be with us for the rest of our lives.
Ready for departure from Atlanta, we were blessed with a travelling companion, The Rev. Eddie Ard, Rector of St. Anne's (far right).
Three choral groups introduced us to the wonderful cultural music at the cathedral church in Dodoma. Singing and dancing are significant parts of their worship and everyone is involved.
We visited many schools run by the diocese and have much to report to you in the coming months.
Faithful parishioners in a remote village gather to welcome Bishop Mhogolo and his visitors from Atlanta as he arrives for annual confirmations.
Bishop Mhogolo confirms parishioners.
Our mission group and local women at the well.
Bishop Mhogolo blessed a new home for parishioners who honored us as their guests at a "Chai" (tea) accompanied by a feast of chicken, goat liver, eggs and fine breads.
