JGreetings from Tanzania! As you probably are aware the seasons south of the equator are reversed from those in the north. So here in Tanzania we are entering the cool dry season. The rains have stopped and we probably won’t get rain again until November. I am starting to wear fleeces, sweaters, and had to add a heavy blanket on my bed for the cool nights.
There are a lot of things in my life at this moment to be thankful for. One is the good news I received last week that Heifer and the ELCA have agreed to renew my contract for another year. This was important to me since I have just started to assist Heifer programs in other countries in Africa (Mozambique, Malawi, and Cameroon) to begin fish farming development work. I look forward to continuing to assist them in the early stages to ensure the projects get off to a good beginning. For example last week in Malawi I trained twelve field staff so that they can start promoting fish farming in the villages where they already have livestock projects. It will be nice to be able to visit them after a few months to see how they are doing.
I am indeed thankful for the opportunity to be working in Africa assisting the less advantaged people to improve their lives. I look forward to seeing more and more farmers growing fish in Tanzania and in other countries.
Two weeks ago I visited a new fish farming project in a village called Rungabure. There are about 20 farmers that have built ponds and stocked fish 6 months ago. We were sampling the pond of Gotti, an energetic and enthusiastic woman, by pulling a net through to weigh some of the fish. Gotti was in the pond pulling the net with four other farmers. When the net neared the shore several large fish started to jump in the net. Gotti was so happy and excited to see how big these fish were that she dropped the net and jumped up and down, dancing with her arms in the air, shouting out with joy. She had a big smile on her face. Everyone laughed.
When they got back to the business of pulling the net up the big fish weren’t in the net any longer. I guess they escaped when Gotti dropped the line of the net. Gotti was so disappointed because she wanted to prepare those fish for her husband that night because he has not been supportive of her having a fish pond. Gotti explained that if he eats those big fish he would change his mind. Fortunately it was a fish pond and not a lake so that the farmers could pull the net through and capture those fish again. Seeing the joy and excitement on Gotti’s face at that moment reminded me of why I am working here.
I give thanks also that Jesse, my youngest, finished the school year and did better than he has in years. He now has one year left at the International high school. Yesterday he had his 18th birthday and went to the barber and had his long dreds cut off. When he stopped by unexpectedly at my office, for the first few seconds I didn’t recognize him. I think he has adjusted well to the many changes in his life this past year and is maturing into a fine young man.
The big event which we are looking forward to is on June 30th when Kari and I get married. It will take place in Arusha, outside under a stand of acacia trees. About 100 friends and family will gather to celebrate this event with us. Please remember us in your prayers. How thankful to God I am for this blessing of finding another fine woman who is willing to share her love and life with me.
Chris, my eldest son, will come from Minnesota where he is working to attend the wedding. It will be nice to be with him for a few weeks before and after the wedding.
He continues to be well.
I wish you well and that God be with you and your ministries.
Peace
Dennis Murnyak
Missionary in Tanzania
