We are rejoicing with our family in Tanzania over the addition of new house parents Mathew and Upendo! Please enjoy this interview with the couple and Yohana Dioniz, our Communications Coordinator.
Yohana: What have you enjoyed since arriving at Eternal Families Village?
Mathew and Upendo: Firstly, we're delighted with the quality of the houses and the beautiful surroundings that are perfect for raising children. We love how warmly the children welcomed us with joy, making us feel closer to them, and we've been impressed by how the families here live in unity and love. Indeed, we're in a community built on the love of Christ Jesus.
Yohana: What are you looking forward to with Eternal Families?
Mathew and Upendo: We expect to serve with our hearts and for a long time together. We intend to invest a significant effort in nurturing the children and helping them become good leaders, maintain good health, help them know God more deeply, and be close to Him. Our desire is to see the children learn from us, especially considering they will become parents themselves in the future. We hope they learn by observing what we do rather than just receiving instructions. We are a family that love farming and animal keeping, so we are also looking forward to assisting in all agricultural and animal activities, starting with the chicks in our new chicken coops.
Yohana: What were you doing before becoming parents here at Eternal Families?
Mathew and Upendo: I Matthew was a project director at Compassion International, and Upendo was a Social Worker at the same organization.
Yohana: What does family mean to you?
Mathew and Upendo: Family is extremely important to us and is the foundation for any changes in a nation or society. Change cannot happen if families remain unchanged. For us, family is the primary way to showcase God's goodness and His desire for unity among us. For example, when a family faces difficulties, other things become less significant. So, we highly value family as a catalyst for progress and spiritual fulfillment.
Yohana: Why do you think children need both a father and a mother for their upbringing?
Mathew and Upendo: Children need both a father and a mother for guidance, education, and learning. They always learn by observing their parents. I want to commend Eternal Families' leadership for having this vision. They learn love, interpersonal relationships, generosity, and get to know God, especially when they're close to both parents. Therefore, we've decided our children will learn by observing how we live, and we believe they will grow up in the same manner. Overall, we aim to raise a better generation.
Mathew and Upendo are very happy and grateful to everyone who made this vision a reality. Please pray for them and their young daughter named Precious as they make the transition to Eternal Families.
