2. Hello and Goodbye

Arriving in Ibumu

Who would ever have thought that saying 'hello' to a new group of people could be so amazing? In my experience so far, meeting new people - especially in large groups - have been rather awkward. But we were greeted in the most amazing fashion when we arrived in Ibumu.

We left Iringa in 3 vehicles, setting off for Ibumu on Saturday 1 August. After a rickety drive on dirt roads, weirdly enjoyable and exciting in its own right, we arrived at the turn off point in the village... And we were met by singing and dancing people, who welcomed each individual vehicle and 'danced us in'!

The Stoves Group (in orange Ts) dancing the vehicle in
while the church choir (in green tops) is dancing and singing their welcome

There were several groups who sang and danced to welcome us. Several dignitaries came to greet us and introduced themselves to us. Not to mention the many, many villagers who arrived to see us settled in!

It is impossible to describe just how wonderful it was to be welcomed in this way. The singing was brilliant, the dancing energetic and so naturally synchronised... the joy overwhelming!

Living in the village

I thought that perhaps this was a 'new experience' for villagers, to have us there, and that they will soon get weary of having us in their midst. Well, it didn't happen. We were in Ibumu for 12 days, leaving on the morning of 13 August. Throughout our stay in the village, more  people popped in to say hello. Various different dignitaries came to visit, either at the village hall where we lived or at the building site, where they also got stuck in and helped with mixing cement or passing along bricks. And this in spite of wearing their ever so smart suits!

The Bishop of Ruaha came to have lunch with us and see what we were doing. We are so privileged that he took the time out of his busy schedule to come and welcome us personally and encourage us, the pastor of the local church and the villagers.  Bishop Joseph is a wonderful man, down to earth and so approachable, but at the same time so inspiring.

Bishop Joseph on the right

Every day, wherever we went, we were greeted with big smiles and waves and calls of "Kamwene!" (a greeting in kiHehe, the local language). It was not too long before we were known by name and were greeted personally! The children were absolutely lovely... crowding around to get a chance to 'hi 5'!

Saying goodbye

On the afternoon of the Wednesday before we left Ibumu, we were invited to an event on the main street of the village, a village meeting called to say goodbye to us! We were given seats of honour and entertained with singing and dancing. The Stoves Group and the Church Choir again sang and danced, displaying their natural musical and rhythmic talent. The highlight of the singing and dancing was when they invited us to join in... and after almost 2 weeks of spending time with groups of people who move and make music so graciously, we threw all inhibitions overboard and joined in! It was fun!

The generosity of the people is overwhelming. Throughout our time in Ibumu, we were thanked on several occasions and by several people, and presented with many gifts. On this afternoon, we were again amazed by the genuine thankfulness of people and the generous gifts they gave. We received several live chickens, a bunny rabbit, several unique Iringa baskets and hand carved wooden stools!

That evening, some of the leaders and villagers joined us for dinner and a celebration party. We listened to music together, shared a soft drink together and enjoyed Tanzanian party food together. The evening started off a little stiff, but we soon relaxed when Ajery challenged every person in the room to clink bottles and 'cheers' every other person in the room. We were learning dance moves from each other and reviving the old Macarena routine.

Reflections

It is so easy to underestimate the impact one's actions have on other people. We are aware of the their affect on ours... as we experience the effect, of course! It was such an eye-opener to me to see what effect our visit to Ibumu had on the people there. I did not expect them to be so touched by our presence.

Before we left the UK, while we were fundraising, I was asked why we are spending all this money on going to Tanzania when it would surely be more beneficial to just send the money instead. I found it difficult to answer then.

Andrew Wingfield, EI Tanzania representative, spoke in church on the first Sunday we were in Ibumu. He talked about Emmanuel International and the meaning of the name Emmanuel, God with us. This brought home to me the effect of our coming to Ibumu, the advantage over staying home and sending money. We were being God's hands in Ibumu, coming alongside the people in the village to work with them, encourage them and worship with them. We got to know each other, build a relationship with each other. This meant such a lot to the people there. We did not only put our hands in our 'full pockets' but we sacrificed to be with them. They recognised this and appreciated it tremendously.

It is true that we could have raised all this money and sent it to Tanzania without going ourselves. The money could have been used to complete the school, I am sure. But Emmanuel International does not work on the principle of 'giving'. Giving from our wealth does not ask anything from us and does not make a lasting impact on our lives. Giving into their need does not necessarily provide the best solution to the need. EI works alongside the church and the village, using their strengths and building on them. Often the act of giving, however well meant, means that we disregard the skills and gifts that already exist in the village and is disempowering instead.

It may sound conceited, but I do believe that we did more good, and created more chance for a lasting effect in our lives and in Ibumu, by going.