A year ago...

... it was a year ago that I took four bags, my puppy, and boarded the plane for Arusha Tanzania. It was three days after turning 30 and knew it would be the start of a decade to remember. I was extremely excited for this moment to arrive. Being on the foreign field for a lengthy period of time in a form of children's ministry has always been a dream of mine. And with every dream inspired by God's Call in your life comes a wealth of emotions. Though, I was excited creeping behind that emotion was also fear of the unknown, nervousness about living in an African Country, and sadness of leaving familiar faces of the States. The hours of travel are not for wimps but having Milo my little partner in crime helped! I remember arriving in the dark of night and welcomed heat wrapped around like an African hug. What can I say about Tanzania? Well there is a song that my sister shared with me while I was in country. Sung by Alli Rogers the song is called "Tanzania." The song travels through the day of two women. Mary lives in Tanzania and Jen lives in Chatanooga and the song parellels the day though there is an eight hour difference. In a very simplistic way the song picks a few hardships of the day and concludes "someday I will live in a house that is built by hands that hold the world." The song ends stating that it is difficult being a mother, woman, and its hard to live in Africa sometimes. Repeats stating its "hard to live in America sometimes." The songs final words are; "but someday I will wake in a body that won't break in ground that doesn't shake. Someday, I will wake in a house that was built by hands that hold the world." Why so much effort to describe this song? (Don't take my word for it you should check it out.) You have heard the stories of a year in Tanzania but this song helps in how I feel today. I am in a position with the rare oppertunity where I have seen what life is like for both of these women. Adjusting from one culture to the next is not easy so I find comfort in the parellel of these two lives because I identify with both. I have experienced life as a woman in Tanzania as well as in the States. Both places are filled with challenges and trials of the day are different but at the end the goal is the same. The hope that one can live in an eternal home that is "built by hands that hold the world." What an incredible oppertunity we have to be vessels on this Earth to continue to make sure that around the world when one ends the day they know the hope of eternity. For right now I search for lives who need to know of that hope but long when when I am able to return to Tanzania to do the same. In heaven there won't be culture shock, eight hours difference, or a 30 some odd hour plane ride. We will all be together in a house that was built by hands that hold the world. So what do you say...
...let's go find more roomies!


Prayer Points~

• I have a grateful heart for my supporters and prayer partners of this year!
• Prayer for additonal partners to be able to return to Tanzania.
• Currently traveling in TN, KY, and OH sharing the ministry in hopes for future partners.
• Church Planter Training is in session! Pray for Olais and the 13 children he has in the classroom!