Onward ...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes. Proverbs 3

So if you have been raised with Christ,

seek the things that are above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on earth, for you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life is revealed,
then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3

Remember: Meeting tonight!!

I am still working on trying to arrange a reasonably priced journey through the Serengeti National Park to the Kilimanjaro Airport for Chuck, Mikaela, Claire and Adda. I am convinced this should be much easier! 

I have been asked about a packing list. Remember we are travelling light. I will post a recommendations list on the blog soon.

The big deal to concern yourself with now is: where is my passport and does it expire at least 6 months after we return to Canada? (an expiry in 2018 or later is really good!). If you need a renewal, you will need to look after this asap!!! if we do not have it already. We will talk about Visa's soon.

Also - you should have gone to the travel clinic or doctor's office by now and be pretty much done with vaccinations, stomach remedies and antimalarials. 

We are still looking for two guitars that we can leave in Kowak and Kinesi for future trips. Please ask friends and relatives to donate any working instruments collecting dust in closets and basements.

Introduction:
Please meet Mama Askofu Paris.
Askofu means Bishop - so Mama is the Bishop's wife. I think it is fair to say that Mama Askofu (Paris) and Mama Mchungaji (Cathy) have become friends as they traveled Rorya Diocese together last August speaking to the Mother's Union (this is what they call the church women's group).


Kiswahili Today:
Shikamoo is a greeting that is meant to show respect. You might use this greeting when addressing elders, your parents or grandparents, teachers and people of authority.

So, it would be appropriate to use this when greeting Mama Askofu na Mama Mchungaji.

Essentially Shikamoo means “Accept my respect.”

The reply is Marahaba meaning "Delightful.”

As you might guess by now, when greeting more than one person of respect you add the plural ending 'ni' so would say, Shikamooni. The response remains Marahaba.

A point of pronunciation. 'moo' is pronounced like 'moe' while holding the 'oe' sound a bit longer. It is not the sound a cow makes!

[update: Chuck sent me a website with pronunciation videos - it is really nice - I will incorporate it into future posts... thanks Chuck!!!!]

A picture is worth a thousand words...