Archive for July, 2009
What a Joy!
Let me introduce you to John Matthew. John Matthew ni sauti yangu = my voice in Swahili. John has been an interpeter for me and many, many other Americans who have come to Sakila for many years. If you have ever had to use an interpeter you know that they are more valuable than words can express. Not only has John been able to interpet my words, but over the years we have come to know one another so well that he can tell what I’m thinking and say in the exact way that I would say something if I were saying it in English. As you can tell from the picture we are comfortable enough with one another to have some fun while we are speaking together. What a gift he has been to me (and others.)
John is a man of a few words, but his words are honest, sincere and encouraging……absolutely no fluff with John Matthew. However what I admire the most about John is that he is a faithful and loyal man as he serves the people. John is the man in charge when Eliudi is away. He is unshakeable and an example of someone you can count on when others falter in the time of trials. While many have withered John has stood, and it is encouraging to behold a faithful man. “Prov 20:6 Many a man claims to have an unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?”
John Matthew it has been a joy to work together with you.
James R. Smith
P.S. How about that nice necklace I am sporting? A going away gift.
The Containers arrive………………!!!
- Bags of rice and other supplies
At long last after four months since send-off, the three containers arrived from the Port of Seattle. These containers had been loaded in Poulsbo, Washington in March, but it took this length of time for them to arrive in Sakila. If you could hear the whole saga of the journey of these containers you would not believe it…and I’m not even talkng about the fact that these containers passed through the waters where cargo ships have been raided by the pirates from Somalia.
Back in Sakila, Tanzania again…..
First of all…….To those of you who know Eliudi’s wife, Mama Helen, please pray. She is very ill and in the hospital. (We NEED to get the new hospital built!)
A huge thanks to all the great people that I met in South Africa. I am tempted to start naming all of them ( and I might in a later post.) South Africa was the place for me to be at exactly the time that I was there. Thank you to the Mercy Alliance Summit people, all of you. It was refreshing to meet so many people who are dedicated to carrying out the visons that are in their hearts. South Africa is extemely beautiful! I believe it will be place that I, and H4C, will return to and continue to take our part in some way with what is going on there with the Mercy Alliance people. I will tell more stories at a later date. Hmmmm, as usual, I am on a computer that is running out of power and I have no place to plug it in. It’s early in the morning so I don’t want to wake anyone in the main house just so I can plug in my computer.
Back in Sakila. Busy here. Godwin is registering new students for the elementary school. It is an extremely busy day for him and for Rogathe (his sister and Eliudi’s daughter). Also, registration day has it’s difficult aspect because some students had to be turned away. There is not enough room. Also there is a need for sponsors for these students. People were lined up long before sunrise to come to the village hoping their child could enroll in the school. Seems like I am always saying this, but I will provide pictures when I get my computer to a higher speed connection.
Thanks to all of you who have taken H4C into your heart and lives. We hope to bring the power of HOPE and CHANGE to many people who otherwise would have no one to speak up or to care for them. All of you have been so supportive and encouraging. MBELE = (moving forward!)
James R. Smith
Relearning Our American History
I’m checking in to let everyone know that I’ve been in PA for the long holiday weekend; my family held its annual summer reunion over the Fourth of July.
Has anyone ever heard of “Revolutionary War Re-enactments”? Two of my brothers-in-law, Robert Scordia & Paul Beck, are members of the GLOVER’S MARBLEHEAD REGIMENT. Over the weekend a partial re-enactment of the Continental Army’s encampment was planned at Washington Crossing Park along the Delaware River. My two sisters, Laureen and Denise, and one nephew, Rob, were also going to be part of the event which requires dressing in “period costumes”. An extra woman’s “kit” was available and guess what? That’s right…I donned the bonnett, skirt, and vest (and more) and spent a good part of the day going back in time to 1776 where “there were no Verizon bars.”
Hundreds of visitors toured Washington Crossing Park and stopped to ask questions and view the authentic exhibitions of 18th Century camp and village life complete with cannon shooting and musket brigades, tin whistles & drums. Robert pose as the camp chef and demonstrated cooking over the makeshift rotisserie and wood-fed camp fire. His menu included Pepper Pot Stew, Clam Chowder, Seasoned split chickens and Venison. Yum, yum, we certainly enjoyed recreating meal time in that rustic setting.
The experience was QUITE EXHILARATING and I highly recommend it to others. Reliving and relearning the facts of December 26, 1776 deepened my already strong appreciation of America’s freedom and the astonishing efforts of those men and women who fought and sacrificed to bring the declaration of INDEPENDENCE DAY to fulfillment for the Colonists.
Let FREEDOM’S bells ring to other lands!
Sarah Anne Smith
Note: Google “Colonel John Glover of Marblehead Massachusetts” for the back story. (;>0
South Africa
Phew!!!!!!! South Africa is both beautiful and busy. Right now I am hurrying as I write because I am on someone else’s computer. I have been able to meet many people who are like-minded as we are within Hope for Change. I attended the Mercy Alliance Summit in Jeffrey Bay earlier in the week. Many people, great vision for what we can do together. More details to follow.
Among the things that have impressed me has been the many volunteers of YOUNG people who have come to give their summers to serve the poor and homeless children. As one of the Directors of Hope for Change I put forth a call for young and old, middle age. All hands on deck. Let’s do what we can do while we can do something.
Sorry no pictures, but they will be forthcoming. As always MUCH LOVE and THANKS!
James R. Smith