There are so many things that I didn't have a chance to say. So many things that happened that I didn't tell you about. But none wants to read a whole book about these things right!
Our last day was spent with Fr. Josephat and Eve. We feel so at home at Eve's house and it was like coming home after a long journey. Father picked us from the Airport and we caught up with him and then when straight to bed after eating. In the morning we went to Mass with Eve then after that we had a final meeting with Fr. Gregory and the executive for his Elder Association. It was lovely to see him again and wearing his bright new Madonna House cross. We had a short but meaningful meeting. They presented us with the cloth that there association members wear. They gave us a lot. I think I should make a shirt for Fr. David Linder. He would like the pattern and you only have to be 50 to be in the association so no one needs to feel old! 😊. I think elders from parishes in Canada and the US should get in contact with these folks. I think what they are doing could be really meaningful in our culture too. Father says they aren't a prayer and breakfast group. Not that there is anything wrong with those type of groups but they have a much broader vision then just that. They seem to have organized plans and goals to empower elders as well as being active in thier communities. I think the level of commitment can be pretty serious as they have constitutions and everything.
Then we went home and packed up all our stuff. We only took a little bit with us on our travels in Tanzania. Most we left at Eve's so we had some sorting to do. Then we went for a nice lunch with Eve. It was good just to relax before heading home. Fr josephat come to say goodbye to us and we gave them pysanki eggs. Father pulled us aside and put his hands on our shoulders and gave us such a heartfelt thank you for coming. He really felt that we are his friends now. Good thing as I think know he'll need lots of friends praying for him. This guy is so intense and he never rests and is always up to a million things. He always looks very alive and totally exhausted at the same time. So pray for him! I am perhaps intense myself 😉....so I have sympathy for his plight.
Here is a plug for Eve's organization. It's called Seeds of Kindness.
WWW.SEEDSOFKINDNESS.OR.TZ
People can stay at her hostel for super affordable rates and great food. Then she provides them with volunteer opportunities in the local area. They can work in schools or orphanages or clinics. They can also take time to go on tours or safari if they want. She can arrange all that. Her place is close to lots and it's super safe. Actually Tanzania is really safe in general. Eve says she can walk outside at night no problem. Now perhaps as a foreigner that wouldn't be smart. But just saying they don't have much crime...women generally pump gas and they stand outside by the pumps with huge wads of cash in thier hands instead of having a till.! U wouldnt see that here because theyd get robbed for sure. That's different if you go to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, the big cities and tourist capitals.
So all that to say...tell your friends about Eve. It's a great place to stay in Tanzania and you can see so much. You can just stay on a vacation too without volunteering. And for all you Catholics out there Eve can hook you up with all the Sacraments. Daily mass, Adoration etc. Sometimes these things are hard on a holiday but Eve is super stoked to have Catholic guests. She says it's a good example for her kids to see people from all around the world who practice their faith.
Well not sure how to end this....
I must just thank God for his great Providence. He blessed Philo and I so much on every step of our journey. Our Lady kept us safe and I think had her hands in arranging many of our less expected meetings. We could have never expected things to go so well. It has just confirmed one of things I carry in my heart as the Lord sends me to and fro throughout my life. That is that PEOPLE ARE AMAZING. I know there is lots of evil in the world and I just listened to a podcast generally asserting that people are rotten and prone to evil. Well it's true in a way but when we fall into evil we somehow become even less human....that is to say that evil is not what we are meant for. Actually we florish and thrive when we are the amazingly good people we were created to be. So we can't be evil at our core or we'd be happy and content to be that way....and we aren't.
We saw so many different ways of living and being and lots of variations even within the Church. Different joys and struggles. But wow, Christ shines in the eyes of our brothers and sisters wherever you are.
I must thank everyone for praying for us. I can't imagine the drama that might have ensued without you travelling with us so closely. I know our poor MH brothers and sisters have been sick a lot during our journey too. But still you all went with us from your sick beds. Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm about our trip. We certainly needed all the love and support you gave us. I'm pro adventure but definitely there was times I had to take a deep breathe and tell myself okay Meaghan you can do this....All for the Glory of God. But since you all were with us I had the courage to do what was being asked of me in those moments.
Last but not least....Thanks to Philo! Philo is a champion. I'm so thankful that she was chosen to come on this trip. I was amazed at her adaptability and humility. She is a wonderful sister. Many people were amazed that Philo and I didn't really know eachother that well before we went. She was kind and patient with me the whole time....and frankly I know my chillaxed ways don't exactly inspire patience in people. It was also a gift to witness the ways the Lord was blessing Philo on our trip. Praise God for his faithfulness.
Linda ....you must send people again before 30 years have passed! We have many more friends to meet!
And also in the next letter we should send your picture....everyone always wants to know what you look like haha! Linda is like Fr. Nova. Friend to all! And now we just made her some more friends but I'm sure she won't mind.
Oh I forgot to mentioned about the title of this post.
Eve used this expression when we asked if we'd see fr josephat that day. She says hard to say, he's a bucket of surprises. I thought YES....that expression describes many of our friends we met here. In fact it describes the whole adventure God had us on. It wasn't! just another surprise up the sleeve but a big over flowing bucket of surprises. Here is a picture my friend who is a sister in Tanzania just sent me. She is currently running a Holy Week youth retreat. They just put up this cross on the mountains close to her Parish. It's a good image to express a bucket full of surprises. The cross, young beautiful Tanzanians, a mountain and blue skies as we journey first through death and suffering then BAM...resurrection and NEW LIFE. See you there!
