Tangible Hospitality

Written by Tyler & Hattie - Interning in Tanzania

Tanzanian culture is one of tangible hospitality. Up until this point in my life, I have never experienced such a radical form of it. 

Throughout the day, visitors come in a steady trickle. So much so, you never close your doors while the sun is up. “Hodi!?”, they call. In Swahili, “hodi” translates to “May I come in?” 

“Karibu!”, you respond. “Welcome!” Welcome into this home, into my day, into this very moment with me. An embrace of interruptions. An open door policy. What the King of heaven Himself first initiated. Since first arriving at Mavuno, it’s become more and more clear that hospitality first grew out of the heart of the Father. The only One whose ear is mine in an instant, whose heart never bristles at interruption, and who delights in my beggar’s feet running up to His glorious throne. It’s an eternal “karibu” for the children of God. 

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

"The only one who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.” -Tim Keller

We welcome you to scroll through some snapshots from the past month. From training with New International in Fort Myers, FL, to two days of travel, and now with life at Mavuno Village in Tanzania. 

Tyler is learning the ins and outs of hand building furniture (without any power tools), troubleshooting broken machinery and filling in various roles around campus. I (Hattie) am learning the various resources that Mavuno grows and how to utilize them, as well as how to cultivate our home here (making kitchen staples from scratch, lots of washing laundry, helping kids adjust, etc.) Ezra and Luna are romping around the gardens, making new friends and devouring fresh fruit daily.

Our family is adjusting well, but we would appreciate prayers for our health, language learning and strength and creativity to fulfill our roles here. 

 Enjoy.