Over the last weekend in October we were delighted to have Dr. Colin Johnstone from Brookline, Boston, Massachusetts to stay with us. Colin is a retired veterinary surgeon who is now very closely involved with the Episcopal Anglican Church in Massachusetts. He is an executive member of their Jubilee Ministry which was set up to create links within the Tanga Diocese in Tanzania which includes Maramba Deanery.
Whilst in Maramba last year we were given a serious number of wish lists by the elders of the parishes listing their requirements which would help them with their various projects. Once home we found that two of the lists were addressed to their friends from the Jubilee Ministry in Ohio and Massachusetts mistaking us for Americans, although no one in Maramba told us of the American connection. To solve the mystery a quick browse on the computer soon found the Jubilee Ministry’s website complete with an email contact address and within four hours of sending a tentative enquiry we had a reply! Since then we have shared our experiences and information through numerous emails culminating in Colin’s recent visit.
Whilst here he followed an intensive programme of events which included meeting all members of our Tanzanian committee over a buffet supper and attending a Communion service at Whitton Church. A day was spent in Hereford visiting the cathedral and meeting Hazel and Walter Gould, the Diocesan Tanzanian Co-ordinator, for lengthy discussions. Also time was spent on his final evening meeting Dr. Ian Bradley from the Pontesbury – Muheza link to exchange information on medical problems in the Tanga Diocese.
We all learnt a great deal from each other particularly in understanding Tanzanian culture and how it effects the way in which the people operate and progress with their projects. Colin strongly suggested that we could now collaborate informally in the way we both operate and especially when sending feedback about each others ventures when either party makes a visit to Maramba. This is an exciting development which will hopefully strengthen the sustainability of our links into the future.