Goals of the Tanzania Team Travels

Many months ago, the goals for the trip to Tanzania were discussed and finalized. 

On a trip such as this, goals are important.  If you have too many specific goals in mind, which are too granular or too numerous, you might miss the bigger picture.  But if you don't have any goals at all, it can be difficult to ensure you're working towards a valuable outcome.  The goals which we decided on, and which were presented to the congregation so that they understood and could support the trip, are these:

1.     Renew relationships with Kijota

a.     Learn more about their ministry and get an idea of what a covenant agreement with the Central Diocese  of the ELCT would look like

2.     Get update and overview of Hull School in Kijota.

3.     Get overview of Bible Institute in Kiomboi and form relationship.

4.     Form Relationship with Tanzania Central Diocese Synod located in Singida

a.     Worship at Immanuel Cathedral in Singida

5.     Have a sewing day either in Kiomboi or Kijota

a.     A project for Tanzanian and American women to work on together

As you can see by our itinerary, we've organized the trip to be able to meet the people who are in charge of, and participating in, the organizations listed in our goals, whether it be a church body or a school.

Though members of Mount Olive have been to Tanzania in the past, many (most!) of the people on both sides of the relationship have changed.  For that reason, building new relationships is an important goal for this trip.

Similarly, while specific equipment was provided by previous trips, we understand that much of it has become unusable, and that there are needs (such as wifi routers) which we might be able to satisfy, to help the schools serve their students better. 

To develop relationships which can continue once we return to Rochester, we plan to meet many people, and to meet them "where they live."  A sewing day will likely allow a common bond to be formed, because we know that people on both sides of the relationship enjoy serving others through sewn creations.

These are the larger goals we have before we start the trip.  As we live through it, we will undoubtedly find smaller goals which fit into the primary goals.  We'll update the supporters of this trip as we can - through the blog, or at least when we return.