Laughter

Today Tom and Linda Gapp and Rose and I went on our own way to visit schools to check on our Tanzania AIDS Orphans and to deliver textbooks. It was very hot and long, but a wonderfully fulfilling day.

The first school we went to was Kidia Lutheran. Kidia is one of the smaller ELCT schools. It has only 128 students, not near the generally recognized break-even point of 300. Yet, we found a caring Headmaster and kids seeking to do the best with what they have in life. The highlight was a young graduate, who was one of our scholarship recipients, who had returned to see Tom and Linda. Her name was Vicki Lazier and she is of the Maasi tribe. As a matter of fact, she knows Pastor Joshua Lazier of our Karansi Parish.

Vicki was full of life and personality. She is waiting for the results of her national exam. If she has high enough grades, she will attempt to get in to nursing school. I gave her Bob Kasworm’s name at Machame. Though a long-shot, I hope she gets in!

We then travelled to Agape Lutheran Junior Seminary. This large and thriving school is once again led by Sister Mlay. Sister visited Nebraska a few years ago. Today the students hosted an amazing school assembly, including a rousing choir piece and a solo by one of our sponsored students. It brought tears.

We also met all 28 of our sponsored children. Rose and I were able to meet our orphan, Isaac. He is in Form 2 (sophomore year) and his engaging smile and reluctant confidence elicited joyous emotions. Isaac lost his mother when he was a small child and his father died a few years ago. He was moved to Arusha to live with his grandmother. While I know that his story touched my own “stuff” I still found myself choking back tears. This young man had his whole life ahead of him and he had no idea how much more there is than the pain he has endured.

I pray that we each hold that promise close – that by faith the Lord will show us the best of what can be. I know it hit close to home for me, but I found it amazing that a guy whose name means “laughter” and whose smile is so joyous, could bring tears…

Pastor Greg