Getting to Know Arusha

First of all, I suppose, the first observation is that this blog would be more accurate if were called Meru Journey. The thought in the original title was to experience the land that lies beneath Kilimanjaro. However, we find that actually Mt. Meru is the 14ft. mountain that towers over Arusha. Kilimanjaro is much larger but sets behind Mt. Meru so Kilimanjaro is hard to see directly in Arusha. Mt. Meru and the surrounding hills are beautiful and today the clouds were resting so magnificently on Meru especially.

Today we began the day with Scott Price who is the team leader. He explained the history of the ministry in Tanzania and the mission of the Training Facility. The journey of how the property came to be and what the buildings are used for. The most exciting part of that venture was being able to see the training facility that our Vacation Bible School Mission Offering went towards to complete. It is a wonderful building that is put to great use. It was very moving to be able to see and connect with "What God is Doin" here in Tanzania because of "What God" DID in the lives of the kids and people of PCC!" It will wonderful to see the facility fill with tribal people next week who will be here as students ready to study how they can take the gospel to their people throughout northern Tanzania!!

After lunch we were able to drive and tour Arusha. I am still processing all that was seen and experienced in the packed amount of time! We saw a coffee field that is a Starbucks Supplier, the market, lots of people, shop keepers, and many other things.

We had dinner with Ron (who is the grounds keeper/construction) and Jean Ann (who is a nurse.) They are lovely people with a remarkable story of how God has led them to Tanzania. They have only been serving here for 18mths but already have a wonderful love for the country. While sipping our tea we heard noises from the dogs outside. Jean Ann got up and said Ron "I think they have another one." The dogs like to play ball with the hedgehogs that come in the yard. It was circled in the tightest ball I had ever seen. We were able to touch it before Ron scooped it up and chucked it back over the fence!

Momma Joshua (the Carter's housemaid) is my new best friend who made my bed this morning! That wasn't my intention I just didn't get it done this morning but I won't lie that is definitely something I could get used to! She is teaching me Swahili one word at a time. I hope she will also teach me how to wrap the top of my head with the colorful cloths like they do!!

Well, it is late and must save some to tell when we get back. It is wonderful that we have wireless! It kinda cracks me up because we don't always have power but I can be on the internet! (I can do that because they have a generator by the way that helps!) The lack of rain is an issue so power is rastioned and you never really know the schdule! We are getting up very early tomorrow to head to the bush! Yes, the bush and I am very excited! We are traveling 3hrs back up North close to the Kenyan border to one of the Unreached people groups. The people are a part of the Massi Tribe and we are very excited to meet them. The only cars they have ever seen are the vehicles that come with CMF! We look forward to telling you what we discover on our venture and our meeting the Massi. Love from Africa!

Prayer Points:

• Continued Health and Safety
• Safety as we visit the Bush
• To be able to process what we are seeing and experiencing
• To be open to the way the tribal people live life yet be in tune to possible spiritual educational ideas and efforts that can be made.