Quiet Neema

You have just about met our class by now if you have been following the blog. This is Neema and she is the quietest of our bunch. She has barely said anything this entire time of training. However, through little ways I have discovered other hints of our bond in other ways. When each session begins we much take a trip to the government clinic for the kids to be checked out before we begin. So, this last time I walked with them to help with the kids. The worst clinic in the US would not compare to what I saw but it is all we have here in TZ. But, Neema was struggling walking along the path. I scooped her up and put her on my back. The rest of the time she was attached to me. Neema does not say much and part of that is because I do not think she knew any Swahili. I have noticed she also has a bit of a stubborn about her as well but that is not always a bad thing. She is in the middle of Sara who is 4yrs old, Neema is probably 3yrs old and then they have a baby Samweli who is 6mths. Neema and Sara are inceperable!!

Neema surprised me today. I was sitting in on the class to see their progress. The kids have now learned their ABCs and how to write each letter. As a class they were singing the ABC song and then taking turns singing it by themselves. I have told Mary and Olais how important it is to call on the littlest ones even if they can not say the entire thing but it provides opportunity for what they are learning. Neema's name was called and to my surprise she stood up and sang the entire ABC's. I even couldn't believe it! Olais turned to me and sweetly said thanks to your direction the kids have learned so much. I quickly said that he is the one who has been working with them so well I only provided tools and fun ways one can learn. These kids have grown so much and it brings tears to our eyes to see their excitement and joy of learning! Neema stole my heart today and I am so thankful to be a part of these little lives!!

Prayer Points~

• Pray that my quiet little Neema is quiet in learning but as confident in herself always as she was today.
• So much to be Thankful for at this time of the year! We will celebrate together as a team on Monday. Many things to be grateful for but I am thankful for my team!
• Todd and I are traveling to Dar es Salam (on the coast) tomorrow till Sunday for a leadership summit. It is the first time to be a site in Tanzania! Thanks to a church in Texas who is taking care of the funds for us to go! It will be hot but a wonderful time of soaking up some insights from great speakers. I took advantage of this in the States when there is so much at your fingertips but now so grateful to get to go!