We awoke to the roosters crowing and the conversations of the Mommas outside in the kitchen. Sweeping of the grounds around the house could also be heard.

We packed up our bags so they would be ready to load before our breakfast. Packing was a little easier because we had distributed a majority of the supplies we traveled into Ifuwa with.

The vehicle arrived and we loaded up the bags, before breakfast.

Breakfast was very minimalist. Hard boiled eggs, mandazi and rolls. Tea and Africafe on the side.

Pastor Gervas led us in prayer before we selected our breakfast items and sat down in the sitting room. We chatted about the upcoming day, Pam and I also sat quietly while the rest spoke and laughed heartily about many of the funny stories they share with each other.

As breakfast wrapped up, we requested the Mommas and young ladies who had been cooking for us to come in for words of thanks and a small gift. I asked Pam to say a few words of thanks to the ladies and she did. We presented the ladies with fleece blankets. After the presentation, more words of thanks were spoken by both groups. We all stood to hold hands for our final song together and words of prayer by Pastor Gervas. Momma Nziku (Pastor Gervas's wife) led the song, she sings so wonderfully. Pam asked if she could pray with the ladies and her request was greeted with enthusiasm.

We departed the house where we had been staying and headed off for the dispensary at Udekwa. With the funeral on Sunday, we did not make a formal visit to the dispensary. When there is a funeral, the entire village is expected to attend the graveside service. We waited on Sunday for the casket to be prepared before the funeral. Our host did not want to offend any of the deceased family members.

We are greeted at the dispensary by my friend Clementine. She has been the nurse midwife here for years. I met her in 2008. She has a wonderfully warm smile and gracious demeanor. She has over 10 patients lined up waiting to be seen. We make our visit brief. She is very excited about the baby clothes and dispensary supplies we brought for the village. She really smiles when I tell her the suitcase will be staying with her also. We make our visit short and say our farewells to Clementine and on the way to the vehicle we are introduced to the doctor of the dispensary.

Another suitcase delivered and off we go.

Prayers for safe travels were said by Pastor Gervas. Off we headed to visit Image Secondary School. We chatted as we drove our 2 1/2 hours back to Ilula. We arrived into Ilula at 12 noon. We were scheduled to arrive at 2:00 in Image and we could not arrive early. A soda break was called for and we searched out a "duka" with electricity and coolers with soda. Pam found her "Coca-Cola"! We lingered around and sat enjoying our cold sodas. You can't leave with the bottle, unless you pay the deposit. So we enjoyed each others' company for an hour. At 12:45 we returned our soda bottles to the crates out front and resumed our drive. An hour later we arrived at Image Secondary School. We were greeted with warm welcomes. Given a tour and served lunch and then we were brought to the front building where students had gathered to sing and dance for us. They do sing and dance very well. We even joined in on the last dance and song. Pam did well! We met with our sponsored students and updated their photos and gave them gift bags sent by the many sponsors and supporters of Lord of Life and In God's Time of Orlando, FL. We met with EVERY student who is attending Image!! That is a first, I do believe!

We said our goodbyes to all and departed for Iringa. We wanted to arrive back in town by 6:00 but it was 7:45 by the time we made it the TLC. We quickly unloaded and headed to the restaurant where they had been waiting for us since 7:00 pm.

Another day wrapped up!

Philipians 4:13

Amani kwako!

Marty and Pamela