Safe Haven in Arusha

I met Father Dan and Father Bill in Beagle Bay, a remote Aboriginal community in Australia. When I emailed them that we were in Tanzania, Father Dan replied that we must go to St Theresa's Catholic Church in Arusha. He had already sent a text to his sisters there that we were coming.

Sister Mao greeted us warmly when we first arrived in Arusha a week ago. When Nate and I left for our week long journey in the bush, she sent us off with plenty of juice, water, and various snacks.

We came back to Arusha with heads hanging low from exhaustion, physical and mental fatigue. And we showed up to the church with a sick Quinn. The nuns welcomed us back, and were so happy to see we were safe. They gave us big teddy bear hugs that felt the world to us. There was nothing like coming back to a place where we knew we were safe and looked after by such a loving family. We were gifted with the comfort of love and a home away from home.

Indeed everyone at the church has become like a family to us. Meeting, talking, and eating with the nuns and priests have been keeping us entertained. Nate is Yesu (because he looks like Jesus with his beard), Quinn is Kwinini (because he has malaria and is taking Quinine-Kwinini in Swahili), and I am Rafiki (because I was the friend of Father Dan).