St. Peter's In Dar

Got an email this evening from my friend - Mr Florian Ludovick Kaija - Tanzanian artist from Dar es Salaam, whose art decorated Kiabakari shrine. He notified me in the email that he was given a big job of interior wall paintings in one of the most prestigious and important Catholic parish churches in Dar es Salaam - St. Peter's in Oysterbay. Four sample pictures were attached to the email.

I must admit I am quite impressed with his new works. See for yourselves!

2 Out Of 3

After two days of celebrations of Mapinduzi Zanzibar and Maulid, today is finally a day of work. Having celebrated the Holy Mass in the morning, I will be soon heading to the Ministry of Education to receive the official letter from the Hon. Minister - the recognition of the Diocese of Musoma as the lawful owner of pre-school and primary school in Kiabakari and myself as an executive director / manager of the same. This process of registration has there major steps and we have done two out of three. After today, what will be left is to finally register the schools and get the government number. This will enable us to be recognized as educational institution in Tanzania and as a recognized examination center for the upcoming national exams for which our standard four students will sit for the first time in the short history of our primary school.

Apart from this visit at the Ministry, what is on the agenda today is the visit to Crown Healthcare Ltd. - our main supplier and maintenance provider for our health center in Kiabakari. Since we have got a brand new water bath machine and microscope funded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 'Upendo Unaojali' project, purchased at the end of the last year, I am able to bring for the emergency repair our old water bath and microscope - which - after some six years of continuous work in our lab - gave up and broke down.

In the afternoon, time permitting, I may feel tempted to go to the movie theater. Some new movies playing (same blockbusters as elsewhere in the world). We will see!

White Plate White Mug

On my to-do-list for today in Dar es Salaam there was a quest for food warmers / food servers for our new kitchen in health center and in new pre-school. I went to Kariakoo to search for them. Found them here and there, but what caused my heart melt were white plastic plates and mugs I bought from the wholesale Chinese shop for the pre-school dining hall. 

As I was holding a sample plate and a mug in my hands, my mind went to the opening day of the new pre-school, November 22. On that day we will not only have the ribbon cutting ceremony at the gate, but also the short sample of 'a day in new pre-school' which means - first lesson in each age group, breakfast in new dining hall and first games in our new playgrounds. 

I felt touched by the mental picture of some one hundred happy pre-schoolers sitting at the new tables in dining hall and having their first breakfast served from the new kitchen, equipped with modern stuff. Nice nutritious breakfast served on new white plates and a mug of freshly brewed tea for our little ones... All effort that went into the planning of the project, waiting in anticipation for the announcement of the Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs - if the project passed or not, then the entire construction process up till now - it was worth it. 

The picture of our pupils enjoying their first day in their new pre-school is priceless. And melts my heart. Grateful to God and so many grand people of good will - from the donors through our Foundation Kiabakari to the task force - who made this possible, who made this happen. 

Zipping Up My Travel Bag

In a few hours time I will be on my way back to Kiabakari via Mwanza. As I zip up my travel bag, I wrap up also the evaluation of this short trip to Dar es Salaam. It has been one of the most intense and exhausting visits to the business capital of Tanzania. Flew in on Wednesday with a short to-do-list hoping that I will be able to tick off at least half of the items on it. I am grateful to Almighty and Merciful God and to kind persons who helped me on the way, that most of the important issues I was able to complete.

The container with school and medical supplies for our health center, pre-school and primary school in Kiabakari is finally on its way to Kiabakari, hoping to reach the destination tomorrow evening or on Tuesday. All due payments settled, paperwork completed. I am grateful to our parishioner and the chairman of the development board of Kiabakari, who was instrumental in making sure that the container clearing and forwarding process went smoothly.

He's been also helping me with the registration of Honda 110 motorcycles which came in last year container. When I am back in Dar, I am sure this process will also be completed and I will come back to Kiabakari with registration cards and number plates for the motorcycles, allowing us to start using the vehicles for the benefit of our mission pastoral work, school and health center facilities.

The registration of our pre-school and primary school has got a new impetus and - although I will have to be back in Dar in a few days again - I am hopeful that in a short time we will see the issue solved positively and successfully.

I used this opportunity of being in Dar to deliver invitation cards for my silver jubilee in Kiabakari to my friends and benefactors, especially those who helped me in fundraiser in March this year. I will be extremely happy to see at least some of them attending the jubilee celebration on November 21 in Kiabakari and the official government and diocesan opening of the development projects, completed by that time - on November 22. I was able to collect the special color brochure (500 copies) with the program of that day, printed beautifully in Dar.

So, feeling happy and accomplished, I zip up my bag and set off to the airport to go back to Kiabakari to wait for the container and finish the paperwork in the district offices to come back again to Dar for a couple of days to push the registration process of our schools ahead and finish other project matters.

Deo gratias for this trip, goodbye Dar and Indian Ocean shores, praying for the safe return to Kiabakari and God's blessing for all of us for this week! Continuing to light the candle of hope for my people in Kiabakari! Take care!

Determination And Resolve

Everybody knows what these two nouns mean. According to the online dictionary Merriam-Webster determination is a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult, while resolve is a strong determination to do something.

These two qualities or virtues are among the most needed for me in this particular time of my life and the celebration of the Year of Faith in Kiabakari, full of various events and challenges.

As I continue with dealing and sorting out of different issues and items on my long to-do-list here in Dar es Salaam, it is the state of mind and heart which I have been luckily experiencing - determination and resolve. 

There is a lot of expected and unexpected obstacles coming up while I circle around the town trying to tick the items off the list. But I do not get discouraged or put off. Yesterday was the best example of this attitude. And at the end of the day, although my stomach gave in under huge stress of dealing with people who are not well known for their truthfulness and willingness to fulfill their pledges, I was happy in general, and satisfied.

We will see how things pan out today. Starting with the courtesy visit to the Cardinal Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, continuing with the final stages of the payments and clearing of the container with school and health center supplies from Australia for Kiabakari. Then, later on, a few meetings with important to me people.

The Psalm 37 comes to mind in such a situation like today where very little depends on me, and most of the other parties - "Commit your way to the LORD, trust in him and he will act" (Ps 37:5)

May the Good Lord grant us a peaceful, happy and successful day.

Southern Circuit

Back in Dar es Salaam after six days of traveling around the so called the Southern Circuit of Tanzania covering in total some 2,500 kilometers in total. My journey led me along the Indian Ocean coast from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa Kisiwani and Kilwa Kivinje first. Then, after one and a half days of exploring the area, I headed to Lindi and Mtwara, then to Masasi. From Masasi through Tunduru to Songea. Then from Songea via Njombe and Makambako to Iringa. Yesterday from Iringa via Kitonga dangerous descent towards Mbuyuni, Mikumi, Morogoro, Chalinze and back to Dar es Salaam.

Took lots of pictures, but since I had no time to get out of the vehicle at every instance, most of them were taken through the windscreen or side window. Not a best option and the quality of most of the pictures is questionable, to put it mildly. Still, I was able to salvage a handful and here are the link to them on Facebook. Enjoy!

Kilwa Kisiwani pictures - click here.

Southern Circuit first album - click here.

Southern Circuit second album - click here.

Iringa to Dar pictures - click here.

And one of my favorite sites - Isamila Prehistoric Site some 20 kilometers from Iringa town. Pictures below.

Cards On The Table

Time for chats, emails, communications of all sorts has come to an end. The preparatory period of development project is more or less over. Things are now ready on the operational and organizational end. Time to lay down all cards on the table, roll up sleeves and get down to work. Although I get ready to fly to Poland at the beginning of May for my jubilee celebrations and other responsibilities, this does not mean that the work will have to wait. Quite to the contrary. My task force will get fully involved in the first stage of the construction works, so not to waste any minute while I am away. We have done everything that is humanely possible to make sure everything will go as smoothly as it can be here. I pray for God's blessings for us, and ask you all, my esteemed readers, to support us with your positive thoughts and prayers. Especially I ask you for prayers for those benefactors who pledged their support in Dar es Salaam during the fundraiser on March 9 and have not fulfilled their promises yet.  Nothing is impossible to God.

Finale

The last day of surveying the potential suppliers offers and the local market for the needs of our development projects in Kiabakari for this year. Tomorrow morning back to Kiabakari for the last ten days before I fly to Poland for my silver jubilee celebrations in my home parish and with my ordination class. As much as I look forward to this unique and joyful experience, I feel a bit apprehensive as the time remaining is very short and lots of things to do and to set properly before I go. Anyway, I will do whatever I can, and the rest I will leave up to the Lord and His Merciful Providence guidance. Fiat voluntas Tua!

Hunting For Goodies

Second full day in Dar es Salaam. Armed with my special projects book, I criss-cross the city hunting for proforma invoices for medical and hospital equipment as well as the furniture for our pre- and primary schools, playgrounds equipment, vertical blinds and so forth.

So far so good. The preliminary survey almost complete. Awaiting now replies fom the reputable suppliers to work on them further and finally - to pick up what we need for the projects.

As Tanzania is catching up very fast on the business front, there is a lot of quality stuff to choose from.

This surely makes my life less stressful.

Back To Where I Belong

I am glad my stay in Dar es Salaam is coming to its end. I do not belong here.

My place and my purpose of life is in Kiabakari. It was great to see friends, to put together our minds, talents, wits and efforts towards the noble goal of the fundraiser. It was rewarding to see people showing up and appreciating what we did. It was satisfying to see magnanimity of invited guests contributing generously to our cause. It was pleasant to sit down and wrap down in postmortem meeting the fundraising job in our preparatory committee company. It was nice to revisit people with compliments cards and reminding those who pledged about their commitments.

It was nice to read in the newspapers reports on the fundraiser, see the news on TBC1 and ITV channels and listen to news of the event in radio stations. Inspite of the fact that most of the news were incorrect and politicized, missing the reason of organizing the fundraising dinner and the main goals of the donations. Anyway, we differ in comprehension skills.

But now, time has come to pack and go. I do not get carried away by what has happened on Saturday evening. In fact, I feel as if nothing happened. Just a feeling of accomplishment and questioning myself if I could do more or better. But the answer comes - no, in my conscience I did everything I could in my powers. The rest I leave to God.

On Thursday afternoon we begin our popular mission in the parish in Kiabakari. I look forward to this important event of the Year of Faith. In kiswahili language, this kind of parochial spiritual experience is called - Mafungo ya Kuamsha Imani (Awakening Faith Retreat). Yes, we need to go back to our roots and awaken our faith in this time of grace. When I get back to Kiabakari tomorrow evening, I will have only 36 hours before the event begins. But we are ready. We have been ready for months. Our preparations ended long time ago. It is now only up to our parishioners and people of good faith to show up and participate fully.

It will be a great time for me to rest spiritually and mentally after some five months of hectic preparations for our fundraiser in Dar. It could not come in more opportune time, right after the immense mental effort. I feel so happy going back to Kiabakari. I will have a lot of time to silence myself, to pray, to meditate, to reflect, to thank God and people. Rest assured I will pray for all of you with grateful heart for helping us during the fundraising time with your well wishes and prayers.

The Day After - Fundraising Photos

Thank God the fundraising dinner is over, no major disasters reported, very good outcome of the fundraising effort of the Guest of Honor - Hon. Edward Lowassa, MP, which gives me hope that we will be able to push forward our development goals for this year including Major Deeds of Faith in our Year of Faith program. Huge relief to everybody. All debts cleared at the hotel and supplying parties (decoration, video shooting, still pictures, LCD screens and audio system hiring, printing etc.). The photographer brought memory card with pictures shot yesterday so I am able to share with you a few pictures from last night's event. Thank you all, who prayed and kept fingers crossed for the success of the event. Thank you all, who took part and responded positively to our cause - in particular Mama Maria Nyerere, Hon. Edward Lowassa, MP, Hon. Nimrod Mkono, MP, Madame Consul of the Republic of Poland and other distinguished guests. Thank you all who joined their effort preparing the event and making sure it was a success - especially Mr Ansbert Ngurumo and his team at Vox Media and Tanzania Daima newspaper. God bless you all!

Polish Day in Dar

Just a few pictures from the evening meeting of Polish Ambassador, Consul and Commerce official from Polish Embassy in Nairobi - with Polish community in Dar es Salaam on December 14, 2012. A very good idea of mobile consulate in Tanzania, which helps us living in Tanzania a lot. And an opportunity to know better each other.

Mission Accomplished

Typing these words at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. I am on my way back to Kiabakari. God willing, I will land in Mwanza midday, then will proceed to Buzuruga bus terminal to catch a bus to Kiabakari. Should be back home in Kia in the evening...

A Quiet Day?

Yeah, it was supposed to be a quiet day. An office routine day. As I am recovering from amoeba and fluctuating blood pressure, I wanted today just to stay home and be available to people coming to the office. And sure, they did come!

Momentary Bucket List

Inspired by one of my favorite movies - "The Bucket List", I drew up my own momentary bucket list as I was getting ready to head down to Dar es Salaam for my business trip...

That Day

Exactly, on this day, twenty one years ago, I set my foot for the first time on African soil, in Dar es Salaam, upon my arrival to Tanzania, to begin my life and service as a Fidei Donum missionary from Archdiocese of Kraków - for the Diocese of Musoma. I reminisced that day in my autobiography - Między Taborem a Golgotą (Between Tabor and Golgotha), and for those of my readers who don't have this book, I would like to quote the passage from it, describing how it was on January 8, 1991. For those of my readers who do not speak Polish, please use Google Translator (provided in the right column of this blog)...

Kigamboni

This morning I crossed the port waterway at Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, by ferry going to see the other side of the city. The unique experience of being onboard of this massive ferry vessel made me to take a few picture which I would like to share with you now...

Crisis

In London and elsewhere riots unfold. Here, in Tanzania, standoff between the government and the fuel suppliers continue, causing havoc to people's lives. Google the topic (example: click here)and you will have plenty articles to browse through dealing with the  chaos...

Safari Njema!

Marjanna and Marija are at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, checking in for their flight back home to Split via Doha and London. On behalf of the whole community here in Kiabakari I wish them safari njema (bon voyage), safe flight and happy reunion with their families back home. May God reward them hundredfold for their selfless service and wonderful time we shared together here in Kiabakari and may their work bear long lasting and abundant fruit. Asanteni sana na Mungu awabariki sana! Kila la kheri!

Earthquake Near Dar Es Salaam

Just got news from my friends in Dar that in some areas of the city the tremor could be felt this morning with chairs and tables shaking. The official confirmation of the quake can be found here. Thank God it was nothing major, just a tremor!