THE Mission - Tanzania Health & Education Mission


Mission Trip 2011 Newsletter
 
"Never hamper God’s work in you by questioning His designs in your life.  Be free to fly into His arms without any barrier, because if you have God with you, you don’t need assurance, you need zeal."
    Mother Angelica

We have embarked on our 5th annual trip to Tanzania, Pam Sullivan, Sherry Cassedy, Jake Berkowitz and Jehane Jones.  Sarah was unable to join the group as she got married and used up all her vacation time.  She remains close to the group during their travel via text or email and looks forward to joining them next year.

Father Calistus greeted us at the airport.  Once again we arrived with many suitcases filled with medical and school supplies — 250 lbs worth of materials.  We missed seeing Fr. Laurent & Fr. Henry, but understand that they are doing well in their respective ministry work.

Our journey started on a good note as Jake was able to get on board with us from San Francisco instead of meeting up with us in Amsterdam.  All we could do is ask and pray that the airline would be kind to us and accommodate our request.  It was granted.

This year we would be introduced to new parish priests to the communities we serve.  We met Fr. Festus & Fr. Priscus in their respective Churches and shared our views and commitments to each parish and their members.  We were able to see the completion of the roof at St. Francis Xavier, compliment of the Mt. Carmel sister parish.  It was a great sight.  More work is needed, all in due time, one step at a time !!!  As for Fr. Priscus, he introduced us to 2 school teachers for their kindergarten program.  We are happy to say that we are sponsoring one teacher for the school year.

"You must be the change you want to see in the world."
   Mahatma Ghandi

It is with this spirit that we visited and interviewed 40 of our 46 students which we are sponsoring through the generosity of our donors.  They included 15 schools in all that we visited out of 20.  We were able to establish a relationship with each students, to re-enforce the value of education and continued commitment to excel in their scholastic achievements.

During our 2 weeks stay we were able to visit our friends at Ngarenairobi Church & dispensary.  We are happy to say that one of our sponsored students has now graduated and is working at the dispensary:  Sr. Alina.  It was a pleasure to see the fruit of our labor.

We visited our friends at Kiraeni School and dispensary.  While in the Rombo and Soweto areas, we visited many of the schools we are sponsoring.

We are happy to say that Ashengai dispensary is building a new wing and hoping to become a Health Center by May of this year.  With the money we donated, they were able to purchase many of the medications that were much needed for the population they serve.

Charlotte Health Center was full of life as usual.  They were very grateful to be on the receiving end of our donation (yours).  We gifted them with a fetal doppler and they were excited to used it during their mother day clinic.

Our donations of hats and rosaries were distributed to many communities we visited.  At Lekrumuni the Church was packed as the Maasai were made aware of our visit and they wanted to make sure they would get their gifts.  We are truly thankful to all who contributed with their hard work in providing us with these gifts to share with our friends half–way around the world.

This year we were gifted with a soccer ball and 2 sets of soccer uniforms enough for 2 teams as well as some shoes and socks.  We brought the soccer ball to Niruvande School where the kids were overjoyed at the site of that soccer ball that is indestructible according to Andrea… it was quite welcomed by the group.  The uniforms were gifted to Kiraeni Primary School to share with Kirachi Primary School as they would be competing against each other.  We were the spectators of a make–shift game during our visit as the students wore the uniforms and played their best and with much enthusiasm.

With the spirit of giving, each school we visited were gifted with soccer balls & volleyballs on behalf of Tim Sullivan.  They were distributed by his mother, Sherry Sullivan.  We thank Tim & the Sullivan family for bringing so much joy to these kids lives.

We were able once again to visit Niruvande School thanks to Eli.  We helped Mr. Mbise expand his wish by helping him fulfill his dreams of expanding his school… all made possible by your donations throughout the year.

It was great to see the newly built school "Magnificat" close to our home base.  We hope to build a relationship with them and provide a future for some students.

Last but not least, we were gifted with donations to purchase a sewing machine and tool box for two of our recent graduates from St. Joseph’s VTC.  The graduates were very excited as these donations reinforces the value of continuity in our approach of fostering the value of education and the benefit of pursuing your life's endeavor.

In closing we would like to thank the priests and nuns who have housed us during our stay at Sabuko, Soweto & Kiraeni.  Thanks for sharing not only your meals with us, but your visions and aspirations to better serve each of the communities.

To our dispensaries of Ashengai, Ngarenairobi, Kiraeni and Charlotte Health Center, we thank you for always welcoming us with open arms.  We hope our relationship will grow in leaps and bounds.

Much was accomplished this year in 2011:
  • -   Donations of 5K to each:   3 dispensaries and 1 health center for a total of 20K which helped purchase a fridge, bed screens, intravenous poles, medication cart, and not to mention the numerous medications needed to treat patients.
  • -   Grant of $200 USD to Magnificat Secondary School — help needy students
  • -   Grant to St. Paul Nursery for teacher's salary:  $1,200 USD
  • -   Grant to Niruvande School:  2K building of school facility
  • -   We are happy to say that we are sponsoring 46 students in 17 schools for a total of $22,430 USD
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Since the beginning of our foundations in 2007 we have helped many students.  We are proud to say that 11 of them have graduated to date.  We look forward to continue to empower each and everyone we encounter in our journey.

"We must thank God for every success because He bears the fruit, we merely spread the seeds."
   Mother Angelica

Once again our heartfelt thank you goes out to you for making this a reality to so many of our brothers and sisters in Tanzania.  During our stop at Visitation School we couldn't help but notice a saying on the board:

"In the county of the blind, one eye is a king"

God has blessed us with two eyes.  Those who have eyes to see, please don't turn them in the other direction.  There is much work to be done not only abroad, but even in our own homes.  Let us not forget the marginalized and oppressed.  We have much to be thankful for and are truly blessed to live here.  May we continue to be an instrument in God's handy work, not merely to do much, but to love much.

P.S.:   Upon our departure we were asked by the Maasai population at Lekrumuni if we could build a dispensary for them as they are in a remote area.  All we can do is pass on their wish to you:   if you can find it in your hearts to help us fund this major endeavor — the approximate cost of building a dispensary is $15K.  Asante Sana.

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