Tanzania: Sunday ... a day of rest.

"The vibrant spirituality that pervades much of the African continent fills Tanzania as well"

— The Lonely Planet - Tanzania

Ready for church with Mama Wandoa From Tanzania Album 6

As I type this blog I am listening to the 5 a.m. call to prayer from the mosque a stone's throw from our hotel.

Yesterday we worshipped with Mama Wandoa at her church. We were welcomed warmly by the pastor and the congregation. Even though we could not understand a word, we felt blessed to listen to the soul-stiring music accompanied by guitars, keyboard, and brass band.

Following the service, we visited with the children in the Sunday School class. Again, the fervour of their responses to their teachers and their musical performance was inspiring.

The Choir

According to the Lonely Planet, "about 40% to 50% of Tanzanians are Christian. The remainder of the population follows traditional religions centering on ancestor worship, the land, and various ritual objects. There are also small but active communities of Hindus, Sikhs and Ismailis."

After church, we travelled north of Dar es Salaam along the coast to Bagamoyo, where we were taken back to the mid-19th century. "Slaves. ivory, salt and copra were unloaded here before being shipped to Zanzibar and beyond." We stepped back further in time with our visit to the Kaole Ruins, where we picked our way over the remains of a 13th - century mosque and burial ground.

At the Indian Ocean From Tanzania Album 6

Following lunch and a stroll along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a tired team drove back to Dar es Salaam to get ready for Monday's distribution.

Kwa heri. Kesho. (Goodbye. Until tomorow.)

Linda Webb for the SCAW 2007 Tanzania travelling team.

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