Sunday Specials

January 14, 2018, Sunday

Sunday is always a special day for us here in Arusha because we go to Arusha Community Church, an English medium church with members from all over the world. Naturally, this morning, we were anticipating seeing many good friends again and catching up with what has been going on since we were here last year. It seemed a very good omen when just minutes before we were to leave Kundayo, our electricity came back on.  We hope our meat wasn’t too defrosted to refreeze without much damage.

The church service is to start at 10:30, but as usual, many people showed up well after that. I was sad to see that quite a number of friends from past years are no longer in Arusha, as NGOs seem to be slimming down their operations and staffs and some missions are withdrawing European personnel for good. (I believe this is a very good thing, but I miss some people who were asked to return “home.”) Still, there were many familiar faces and warm greetings. The incredible diversity of this church was demonstrated by those who were in charge of the service this Sunday: the worship leader was Ethiopian; the music director was German; the person who read scripture was American; the piano player was Tanzanian; and the preacher for the day was Finnish. After the service, when we all gathered outside to have coffee and chai, we reconnected with friends, both expats and Africans. It felt especially good to me when three of my African friends—Tanzanian, Kenyan, and Ugandan—drew me into their circle for conversation. Also, a man with whom I have been friends since he learned of my love for rocks, came to greet me and let me know that his wife, who was almost killed in an auto accident over a year ago, is doing much better now. I still want to hold him to his promise to take me out Tanzanite mining.

Each Sunday someone brings a bouquet from their garden.

My friend Grace serving herself chai after the service

Two American friends asked if we wanted to go to lunch with them, which we did since they were going to George’s, one of our favorite places. The restaurant has enlarged its outdoor dining area and seemed busier than ever before. Soon it seemed as if almost everyone from church had transplanted themselves to George’s. We were introduced to some newly arrived expats, whom seemed quite sane and nice.  Then, we ordered one of George’s enormous salads and a pizza to share between us. Our friends did the same except they left anchovies and capers in their salad.

John, Sharon, and Terry at George's

I had an interesting time trying to figure out if the large group of Asian young adults also eating at George’s were Japanese or Korean. I wasn’t sitting close enough to listen to them. Finally because the women did not cover their mouths when they laughed, and they ate rather heartily, I decided they must be Korean. I know that both my Korean and Japanese friends will be peeved that I couldn’t immediately tell the group’s nationality by their appearance, but I couldn’t.

After our friends dropped us back at Kundayo, we had a quiet afternoon and evening of reading. We had plenty of leftovers for our evening meal, so we were completely lazy until bedtime.