Jumapili - Sunday

The stars are a blanket of comfort like I remember.  Especially when our power is usually out.  It does take a moment to get used to how very dark it is.  There are a lot of things to get used to again.  However, I will begin by saying thank you for the prayers for and through transition!  They are felt and in small and big ways there are many moments of comfort found through transitioning back to life in Tanzania.  In a very real and surprising way it is home.  I know many of you have heard me say it during my time in the States with heart.  But, sometimes it still takes getting used to how your heart is split in two within two very different places.  Now that I have transitioned back I will say that I feel even more at home here but I also know there is work to be done here as well.  It is good to walk through my little boma here and have it be so comfortable.  Even with no power and sometimes cold showers.  Even with being gone for almost eight months it is as if I have never left.  I drove yesterday and was on the side of the road that I was supposed to be on!  I didn't hit any animals or people and found my destination without a problem.  Things have changed a bit but not enough for me to feel out of place.  I am sure some culture shock moments will come and I expect them in parts in the next weeks to come.  However, God's comfort is found under the sparkling stars over here in my corner of Africa.

Jumapili, it is Sunday.  As I type this most in the States are beginning the day of worship as I am ending it.  I remember my first Sunday here and how the day was filled with many tears trying to adjust.  Sundays can be a hard day and I do miss all the hugs at PCC in a very BIG way.  But, it also was good to see my friends here and to worship the God we serve.  That my friends does not change no matter where you are!  As I type this I say a prayer for your morning and when you read this I hope you will continue to pray as we worship our God here in Tanzania.

As I unpacked my bags it was a time of great blessing.  I am amazed at the items I pulled out and how each one reminded me of people all over the States who so graciously wanted to bless the ministry here in Tanzania.  Many things made in love for the many beautiful children here who have never seen a brand new piece of clothing.  Items for cooking help, things to remind me of my home in the States, and items to encourage.  Know that you are thought of and I am so thankful for such wonderful support on the journey.  For those of you who made special things, gave so generously, and even packed them with care~ I am thankful for you!

Prayer Points~

• Keep praying for my re-entry!
• Pray for the 4 families who are currently in training from an entirely new tribal area.  They have 6 kids who I hope to meet on Monday.  
• Pray for the drought and famine.  The land is so very dry and in much need of rain.  We rejoice that IDES has given some relief funds to help with food and solar projects for us during this difficult time.  The famine is an issue and I think I heard in one of the areas elephants were taking maize out of the storage units.  (I bet not a lot of you can say you have ever had that issue in your pantry!)  But, please pray for the drought and how it is affecting our people.