Ministry Partners,
After breakfast I went to my room to finish packing and since we did not have to leave until 2pm, I decided to lay down for a while as I did not sleep well last night. My throat was sore and although it could have been from all the speaking I have been doing I also wondered if I was getting a cold so I took some nighttime cold medication. When I got to my room I also took some daytime cold meds.. The bed here is comfortable, and I will miss it.
Alfred arrived at my room to see that my suitcase and computer bag got loaded into the van and we were off to the prison. Because it only took an hour to get to the prison we had time to find our rooms for the next two nights before going to the crusade. It is an amazing thing that a tiny basic room costs $100 but it has a toilet so I am not complaining. I don't do well dealing with pit toilets in the middle of the night.
There is no internet here so I am thankful that Alfred brought his portable WiFi but it seems to also have issues. If I am not able to post this blog tonight or any other nigh, I will post them on fb when I can. Alfred is not sure it will work in Tanzania.
We arrived at the prison but rain threatened to disrupt everything outside so the O.C. decided to gather the men and 3 women in one of the cells. The men sat so close and scrunched together and there was a bench for the the O.C. and women guard to sit. The Deputy O.C. st just out side the door. This was a first, I entered a small prison cell to hold our crusade. I can't imagine sleeping on that hard cold cement floor night after night after night.
This group was very friendly and really laughed at some of the illustrations and when the apologized to each other. But the best was hearing the ask Jesus to be their Savior, follow me in the Forgiveness prayer.
At testimony time one prisoner said he had forgiven his wife and he was going to contact his wife and ask for forgiveness. He said he would get on his knees if necessary.
Before leaving I gave each of the three women a donated scarf and the baby a new crochet cap.
By the time we finished it had stopped raining and as we left we saw 10 inmates in the yard that had just returned from work. I felt bad that they had missed our time there.
We ordered dinner at our hotel and the proceeded to bring the guys local food right away but I had to wait for my fish and chips for over 30 min. I spoke with Alfred but he did not have an answer for what I can do. Without exception almost every meal cost $15 or more and the most the time the serving is much larger than I can eat. I don't like wasting food and it is not an option to order a half order. I can verify that rooms and food is not that reasonable here.
We are along side the road and because it is Sat. the noise from the courtyard is loud to say the least. I am VERY glad I brought my earplugs with me.
That none would be lost,
Arlene
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