In Easter 2016 I swapped my usual day job “tools” of pen, paper and emails for a shovel and a bucket on a work party to Moshi, Tanzania.  I had the great privilege of being part of a group of 16 people from Inverness. Our group comprised 5 people from St Columba Church of Scotland, six sixth year pupils from Inverness Royal Academy (one of whom was my eldest son Lewis), two of their teachers, two cheery “independent” leaders and me, the parent help!   

This was not my first time on a Vine Trust work party. When I visited Peru in 2005 I resolved that should I ever get the chance to be part of another work party I would ensure that at least one of my own household came too.  Any apprehension I might have had that my 17 year old would just tolerate his “old man”, occasionally acknowledging my presence, especially when money is required (if you are a parent you’ll know what I mean) quickly evaporated. We not only enjoyed each other’s company, but Lewis proclaimed upon returning home that the trip has been one of the best things he has ever done. He is looking for the first available opportunity to return.

Having the team also made up of people in our church fellowship brought a different dynamic. It enabled not just the deepening of relationships with those whom I knew well beforehand, but also saw new friendships blossom. And being drawn from the same city means all that we experienced in Tanzania doesn’t have to remain there – I look forward to experiencing that sense of team in other projects our church might tackle closer to home. Our church fellowship also has a deeper relationship with our local school too. The fundraising for the trip being taken on by the congregation beforehand really meant that we were being the “boots on the ground” delivering the effort of the whole church family. Many had worked tirelessly baking, car washing and drinking whisky etc. (we are not your average church fellowship) and so the sense of community effort in a group of people much wider than just those who went to Tanzania to help change lives is real.  

Building partnerships. Changing lives. Changing lives in Scotland and changing lives in Tanzania. I can’t think why you wouldn’t want to get involved. 

Murray McCheyne