Construction of the two guest houses was started in January, 2004 and completed in May, 2005. Unlike construction in other parts of the world, we started by hauling foundation rocks in our own truck and making our own cement blocks on site. Since there are no concrete trucks in Tanzania, all concrete was mixed by hand. Our own workers did almost all of the labor needed to get the buildings up.
In months of March and April, our staff worked double shifts to get the new guest houses ready for the arrival of the interns. They were completed the day before the interns arrived.
The design of these guest houses was based the experience of our missionaries who have stayed in guest houses all over Africa. Each guest house has just two bedrooms, which lends to privacy and quiet. Every bedroom has its own bathroom and its own patio. The common room in each guest house contains the kitchen, dining, and living room. Only one guest house has these amenities now, but the second guest house is plumbed and wired for the installation of another kitchen.
The guest houses have a magnificent view overlooking Lake Tanganyika and the Kigoma Harbor.
It was decided that a series of guesthouses would best accommodate the needs of our guests. We anticipate three different types of guests.
- Groups from the USA and overseas countries. This would include church groups and interns, and others.
- Short term mission volunteers. With many taking early retirement, there is a pool of talent with their own funding who are willing to serve the Lord on the mission field. It is our We hope to provide accommodations that will make it practical for them to come and serve.
- Missionaries needing a break from their work station. Often unable to go on an expensive vacation, yet burnt out from work, these missionaries can come and get rest and refreshed.
To meet these needs we decide to have a series of four guest houses. We anticipate the construction of two more guest houses in the future.
These guest houses were dedicated to the Lord on June 11, 2005. The service was conducted by Rev. Marti Troyer of Zionsville (Indiana) United Methodist Church. The guest houses were named the Kitley House and the Calvin House in honor of families who are long-time friends of Joy in the Harvest.