Beth asked me to write a few words about my recent trip to Tumaini. When I arrived in Mwanza, my first stop was Greenview, the private school where the Tumaini children attend. Greenview is close to the airport, and about 30 km from Tumaini. So, rather than head straight to Tumaini and wait there until the kids return home, I decided to surprise them at school. As I walked across the school yard, I could here little voices whispering from the classrooms, "Baba, Baba," (Swahili for "Dad"). That was awesome! Because they were in school, I didn't stay long, but just poked my head in all the classrooms to say hello. Later that evening, after they had returned home, they were much louder and the little ones all piled on me. That was awesome, too!
My first impression of the children was that they had all grown and matured in the ten months since I had been gone. They all seemed more confident about themselves and more settled in their demeanor. I was surprised, too, to hear them speaking some English. They began private, English-based schooling in January 2011, so when I left in March 2011, I hadn't yet seen the fruits of their studies. They still spoke mainly Swahili to me, but that's probably because it has always been our only language of communication. But, when Auntie Beth was around, she kindly yet sternly reminded them to use English. I think that was a subtle reminder to me too.
I was really happy to see them working hard in the evenings on their homework. Imagine 50 kids all needing help with their homework at the same time! Beth and Ferdinand do a great job helping them, as do Livingstone and Jeni, a young married couple with college education who live in the area. One evening I sat in the middle of the living room for nearly an hour just watching all the activity (and causing a few problems by distracting the children..although I tried to be good).
The highlight for me was sharing devotions with the children on several evenings. It is their custom to gather together in the dimly lit living room before bed to sing a few songs, listen to a short Bible lesson and pray. Usually Ferdinand leads the devotions. Listening to the kids sing and pray alone was worth the price of the trip. I kept my talks short, but encouraged them each night to know God through the Scriptures. Some of the smaller children rarely made it through the devotions without falling asleep, but neither would I if I kept their schedule at their age. On a couple of the evenings I also showed them pictures of my family from the last ten months. The kids were very chatty during the pictures and fondly reminisced about their times with my kids.
I'm so glad that I was able to see the kids again. They all have a very special place in our family. I'm thankful for how well they are being loved and cared for. Beth and Ferdinand are doing a fantastic job, as are all of the many caregivers and other helpers. They are all in the trenches for the hard, daily grind of raising these children. Their efforts are bearing fruit. Of course, they couldn't do what they do, and the children couldn't have these opportunities without all the generous financial support that so many of you who read here have given over the years. You may never hear the kids singing praise to God or feel their warm hugs in this life...but I trust you will in the life to come.
