Day of Grace

11-13-15

Beth is explaining to us where everything is happening,
while pastors are waiting for their turn with a doctor

Today's plan included going back to the orphanage to see what the Day of Grace is all about. Tom and Beth Hansen started this a few years ago - a two-day event that it is intended to care for the whole pastor and spouse, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.  It's so easy to forget about your own health when you're in a profession that focuses on so many other people, and many pastors simply don't have the time or money to take care of themselves. Doctors are brought together with the pastors and they do physical exams for them, including blood pressure checks, pulse, height, weight and vision screening, blood glucose checks, cervical and breast exams for the women. Also scheduled are seminars and break out groups.  

When we arrived, we stopped into the office where Beth was and we visited a bit and she took all of our blood pressures. Then we walked over to the dorms where three doctors were set up to take their patients. Beth said that they had a great turnout of pastors today; I can't remember the number, but it was well over 100.

Shortly thereafter, we went into a big conference room where they were going to be putting on a seminar on stress management. There was a band and of course there was singing and dancing. Then one of the pastors introduced the five of us and we all got to say a little something.

Sign at the DIRA

We hung out for a little while and met some pastors, then we left again. Beyond that, we did a bit more walking and driving around the town – I'm looking for the perfect conga, and can't seem to find one that screams my name. We also went to The Haven again for supper. This time we met Tom, Beth, and Julia. It was a lovely evening.

Tomorrow we check out of the Lutheran Center early – 7:30 – to go to Ihemi. It is close, but we have a lot of visiting to do there, so we are going to spend Saturday night there. We are going to visit all six preaching points in Ihemi, plus attend a meeting where we'll give a report about Christiania.

Sunday we will attend church and Bo will preach and we have a special offering planned. Everyone is excited for the weekend.

Sunday night, we will drive to Ruaha National Park, where we will spend two days on safari. We have been promised to see many animals, birds, and in general have an awesome time. I'm not sure I will have internet this whole time, so my next post may be Wednesday after we return and get a chance to rest. Have a wonderful weekend!