Visitors From Minnesota
PEN Trust was happy to welcome repeat guest and PEN of Tanzania Board Secretary, Solveig Misner, along with husband Leigh Wold and friends Dr. Dan and Ruby Heiden.
While in Arusha, we had a chance to visit with Dave and Eunice Simonson, longtime Lutheran missionaries who have worked with the Maasai tribe for decades. Solveig’s father was Dave’s professor at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
After leaving Arusha town we headed to Tarangire National Park. We saw many animals including:
Olive Baboons
Elephants
Giraffe
Birds
Zebras
Throughout the entire park these were the only two wildebeest that we saw – thankfully they were adopted by a herd of waterbuck for protection.
A relaxed leopard
Time for a safari picnic lunch!
Giraffe, Thomsen’s Gazelle and a Waterbuck grazing together.
After leaving safari, we traveled on to Singida.
We met with Regional Commissioner Parseko Kone before heading out to the villages.
Mungwe introducing Solvieg Misner to the students.
Students at Assembly singing their school song for the guests.
The teachers received a few gifts such as a pencil sharpener from Cyndie Misner and t shirts from the YMCA in New Hope, Minnesota collected by Catherine and Rudi Martignacco – they are always a big hit!
Our hosts in Ikhanoda village – Mzee Rajabu and Bibi Asifiwe
Gifts from Solveig and Leigh for Mungwe’s parents.
Gifts from Ruby and Dan Heiden - Mungwe’s Dad enjoyed learning how to use the wind up flashlight.
We dropped off a few basic medical supplies at the Ikhanoda Dispensary. They are always grateful for anything we deliver.
These scrubs were given to Andrea by Mary Jo Peterson after she stopped nursing. Andrea used them in her kindergarten make believe center but saw that they could be used for real in Ikhanoda. Thanks MJP!
As always, our guests received a blessing from Bibi Yohanna. This was the last time we saw her – she passed away soon after.
Solveig, Ruby and Mungwe giving Bibi Yohanna a gift of a Maasai blanket.
After leaving Singida, we headed for Dodoma.
2,745 books were distributed to the DCT Holy Trinity Primary School in Dodoma (Anglican Church).
Japhet Nzuzu is one of our scholarship students. Here Solveig Misner is giving him one of the backpacks from the Brady Christmas gifts. (See article about Scholarship Students)
Books were also delivered to the newly formed University of Dodoma. So far, they have received a total of 11,268 books including books for their on-campus primary and secondary schools.
Head Librarian Dr. Rex Kidyalla explained the history of the university as well as their great needs for more books. UDOM will eventually have 40,000 students.
Dean of the School of Humanities, Professor Madumulla, accepted books alongside the Head Librarian and the Librarian Assistants.
From University to Pre Schools – PEN Trust finds a home for all levels of books they receive.
Emmaculata Pre School Students
Solveig and Leigh handing over Big Books to Emmaculata students and teachers.
Sister Neta recently passed away in a violent bus crash. She was a gentle spirit.