Touring Hedaru I, Thursday, January 26

The first location we visited outside the main area of Hedaru was Mbukwe, which is up on the mountainside. During the drive up the mountain in the rented van, we had mechanical problems. We were on a “special” road again, possibly the most “special” road yet, and the van bottomed out in a few places. Finally, Shannon unequivocally “offered” that we get out of the van and walk a while so it would have an easier time climbing the mountain road. The terrain was once again, amazingly, different from many of the other areas we had seen in Tanzania. At previous locations we’d seen in the mountains, there had been enough rain to support many crops, but here, near Hedaru, the mountainside is dry. The drought has hit this area hard, leaving the local economy in shambles.

We met a group of Mbukwe residents in a building on a ridge overlooking the parched city. We were again offered refreshments and told about the history of people in this area. We had our introductions, and the welcome was very warm, yet unrehearsed.  We received coffee as a gift. We walked much of the way down the mountain (due to the very special road), so we got to examine the desiccated countryside more closely. We also got to see one of the few sources of Hedaru’s water; it’s not a substantial water source.

Next, we went to Kongei, which is a short distance outside of Hedaru on the other side of the highway. Here, there were more than one hundred children, who had gotten out of school, waiting to greet us. They sang some spirited songs, and we taught them how to sing, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” After eating yet another meal, we were presented with some woven baskets as gifts. For dinner, we requested a very small meal since we had been eating so much all day. We chatted for a while with Pastor Luhwa before having a short discussion amongst ourselves.

My observations about the day are many, but time is limited! Briefly, I think it was a good day, and we learned a lot about the area surrounding Hedaru. One thing that became very clear to me today is that Clement E. Ngoka wields an enormous amount of influence in this city and parish. I don’t consider him to be aggressive nor pushy, just influential, well-spoken, polite, and powerful. Clement will surely be an important contact as we discuss the details of our companionship. Grace also strikes me as an influential member of the congregation. Lastly, Pastor Luhwa seems to be a very honest, straightforward, and sincere person.

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