“I didn’t think anything could top climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. The people, culture of Tanzania, guides, views, emotion of the journey, but I found it; only 3 days later separate from my actual summit. My husband Wayne and I didn’t really know what to expect with our visit to TOUCO following my trip to Kili but kept our hearts and minds open. We had been occasional donors for a few years and had been following the progression of growth of the organization through the newsletters. It became a bucket list to visit one day and when the opportunity arose, we jumped on it.
Accompanied by a fellow graduate Lilian and driver “Kennedy”, we were greeted by the most angelic voices that serenaded our car parading us into the village of Ibumila, one of the TOUCO sites. Overwhelmed with tears of joy, I was in disbelief that it was for us. We were supposed to be helping them, and the children, sisters, and matrons made a point to create the most amazing welcome of gratitude for any humble visitor.
Our accommodations were modest but plentiful with running water and hot showers, and we were provided three wonderful Tanzanian square meals a day. With all the hospitality directed towards us, we quickly felt a part of their “home” the minute we arrived. Of course, there were the stares from the children which quickly turned into shy “hellos” and “giggles” which in turn would place the biggest permanent smiles on our faces.
We had the pleasure of participating in Mass every day during our 4-day visit. We felt the sense of gratitude expressed and prayed by Fr Bruno with the kids and translated to us visitors. Our presence (one that I hoped would not be a burden to the community) was a sense of hope to them. Fr Bruno conveyed that we were a symbol of the support from the outside world that could spread the word to help and pray for the children and community. An entire church full of small children’s choir voices was heard echoing off the walls in harmony. We truly could feel the Holy Spirit’s presence.
We brought football (soccer) nets and balls from home and Wayne along with Fr. Walter, Lillian, and “Kennedy”, utilized the scrap wood from the wood shop on site and mastered two goals for the children to use for games. Fr. Walter is quite the football player!
During our visit, we were impressed at the hard work ethic instilled in the children in order to set them up for success when they come of age to assimilate back into the community- back to their extended families/village or onward to the next stage in schooling. It was commonplace to see two children carrying a bucket of water together in unity to irrigate the garden, or to carry long wood pieces to stoke the fire to boil water. Playtime was also important, and children were seen throughout the day playing together. It is an impressive work-play-learn mentality, set up by Fr. Bruno, and truly directed by the Holy Spirit, that makes this special place at TOUCO successful.
While Wayne and my visit did not involve large-scale projects or big donations of supplies, it magnified our hearts to becoming so much more open to a fulfilling and God-directed type of giving in our life. This visit showed us connection is so important in showing others we support them. I feel like we gained another family and have a great community to share their great needs with our family and friends. We encourage you as well to be ambassadors of Christ and do the same. Let’s bring a piece of Heaven to earth in small ways, letting God’s light shine to the TOUCO and future TOUCO children who need help.” -Wayne and Amy King