Habari gani

It has been a few days since I have posted for those readers filled with anticipation forgive me. It can be very difficult to put into words the things that I see in front of me and many things to process with daily experiences. Plus, our Internet has been down. The past few sunny mornings I drink my coffee and hear neighboring children laughing and playing. Milo suns by the gate at the front door and his ears perk up at the sounds of cow, goat, and donkey. The birds of the morning have a different harmony to them than the ones back in the States. Milo chimes in every once in awhile but the song is not quite as sweet. The start of the day is peaceful!



Saturday we had a team day which was spent having a picnic at a snake park. Yes, I said Snake Park not my idea but when you are new you definitely go along with the ride! Actually, we had a good time and it was a course in the African Creatures you hope not to share your experience with! For gentlemen from the Springfield Church were here for the weekend with Todd and Tami. They were exploring the possibility of bringing a team next year and heading up to Kenya to help build a well with another CMF Team. The later part of the afternoon was also filled with grocery shopping. Scott and Annelle took me for the basics. (They are good to me and I'm not just saying that cause they could be reading!) But, I have to admit there was nothing basic about it! All I have to say we are spoiled in the States by Wal-Mart, Kroger, or even the Seven Eleven for Pete's Sake. I did enjoy the venture but was a little overwhelmed by not really knowing what I needed yet. Other than the fact I knew I didn't have much! See, I am also in a little bit of a temporary food prep situation till the additional "Rondavul" is completed. Some items are similar to what I could have or eat in the States. However, not really! Annelle introduced me to the Momma who has a fruit stand, on the side of the road, where she purchases her fruit. The fruit is very yummy and fresh here! I ended up with fresh fruit, fresh bread, eggs, something equivalent to peanut butter, and cookies! No worries~ I have spent most of my meals with other missionaries so far! The crack up of the day was seeing the cows released in the playground area to mow the grass on the way back through the Training Center! (remind me to watch out for the patties!)



Sunday was a great day of celebration as is every Lord's Day! As I left PCC last week Tim said, "Think next week you will be worshiping in Tanzania!" The reality of that statement was well...there just aren't words. Just a sen tense but one that represents quite a journey! Much rejoicing to a God who allows us to be a part of HIS great work! There is a church in Arusha that a majority of the team attends when in town. Many were very welcoming and it is a blessing to be able to be a part of a body of believers as missionaries. It was a bit of a teary day for me. i missed my kids and felt slightly out of place. I plum missed people and it rested in my throat like a bowling ball! Don't get me wrong it was great to meet new people, fellowship with people from literally all over the world, and know that I am where God wants me to be. So much is overwhelmingly new right now that I longed for just a split second of familiarity. The beauty is that God can the familiar loving, graceful, merciful God anywhere!



As I type it is now Monday. I spent the first part of the morning in the classroom today! The kids were a little hesitant at first. Milo and I met a few of them on a walk Sunday afternoon. Of coarse they are not quite sure what to make of Milo and the feeling is a little mutual! Mbwa mweupe means dog that is white in Swahili. After the kids warmed up today they talked about meeting Milo to Olas the teacher. It did my heart good to be there for part of the day. They are so cute! There are only a handful this time and most of them make up a younger group than last year. We worked on counting and writing numbers. They taught me how to count to ten in Swahili! Mary is the youngest and was falling asleep standing up! I asked if she would let me hold her. Olas said he wasn't sure. Mary has a tendency to scream he said! I went over to pick her up and she didn't make a peep. I went and sat down with her to both my and Olas' surprise! She fought hard against sleep and at one moment traced the freckles on my white arm. As time went on I could feel her begin to relax and rest in my arms. I hummed the tune of the "Star Song" which happens to be Shelby's favorite! Then, out of pure exhaustion and slowly gaining her trust she rested there in my arms. A good day!