By Andy Baker
I recently interviewed Dionis, House Parent for House #7 in Tanzania. I was visiting his family one evening and we were able to talk with one another. Our conversation taught me a lot about culture.
Dionis was in his first year of teaching when he first saw Esther, his wife. She was in her final year as a student. He said that from the first moment he saw her, he wanted to know everything about her. Our culture might call that "love at first sight." It was for Dionis and he pursued Esther, but she was not interested at all.
As they began to get to know one another, they discovered early on that they were both Christians. Dionis admitted that this encouraged his pursuit more.
Dionis knew he found his true love. In his culture, he must talk to his pastor first. His pastor told Esther about Dionis’ wishes to pursue a relationship, but her answer was no. However, her parents agreed with Dionis. So for eleven months under the guidance of a chaperone, Dionis' pursuit continued until Esther found that she believed God was bringing them together.
One desire they found that they both shared was the desire to care for orphans. Therefore, when they became aware of the Remember the Children/Eternal Families partnership, they both believed it was a chance to fulfill their mutual dream.
Dionis told me they have absolutely loved their new family. It has been a huge blessing for them. He said, "the day they arrived they were all dirty and crying. In that moment, I had the desire to love them more." There is one boy in their family that they have no idea where he came from. That doesn't matter now, the child has his new family. He has a mom and dad that love him.
The evening I arrived to meet with Dionis and Esther, the children ran from the house to greet me. One leaped into my arms, and fortunately, I saw it coming. The joy I found in this home is indescribable. Dionis calls it, "God's miracle." I have to agree.
Esther and Dionis