Cindy and Mike Jurgensen of Memphis, TN went to Tanzania two weeks early to spend time at a Lutheran Secondary School. They report their experiences spending time with students there on career day.  One student was so excited about Mike’s teaching on his years of being a pilot, that he wrote a letter to him expressing his appreciation. These are high school level students and they are very focused on what their career aspirations are after they complete their education. Mike flew for several years for Federal Express out of the United States. These students learn all their lessons in English. They greatly appreciate guest teachers.

Mike answering questions after presentation

One of the most gratifying and fun parts of our mission trip this year was our work at the Mwadui Lutheran Secondary School located adjacent to the Williamson Diamond Mine.  Cindy and I were offered the opportunity to spend a couple of days with the students interacting in the newly completed computer lab.  Thanks to Eric and Linda Funke, Lutheran missionaries working there that paved  the way was paved for us to make two different presentations:  Cindy presented on the Biblical concept of wisdom (as found in the book of Proverbs) while I presented on basic aeronautics (or, How Airplanes Fly and the Technology They Use).  Our audience numbered over 75 young men and women who came ready to listen and learn!

Cindy Jurgensen teaching

Our reception was overwhelming with the students attentive and full of endless questions!  Students even stayed after the presentations to continue asking questions!  The second day was just as exciting as the first as overnight, more thought had been given to our presentations and the students were ready with even more insightful questions!

For me, this just confirmed that children around the world have a yearning to learn – regardless of what the subject might be.  Our students at Mwadui are certainly no different.