You have never heard the sound of rain until you experience it in Africa. An item I once took for granted till life lived here in Tanzania. A life giving item that I have watched countless women and children carry for miles in the hot hot sun. That is when there is some to carry but when there is no water those are the most tragic days of all. Last night and this morning there continues to be a steady pitter padder of rain. The sound is soothing, refreshing, and life giving. I enjoy very much ushering in my Sunday Worship with the orchestra of rainfall. Our Creator is the God of Provision!
One of this weeks jobs was to clean out container areas that are meant for storage. (Containers are semi-bed like things that items are packed and sent by ocean then by truck.) En Gedi have used these containers to help with the structure of the schools here on base and also make areas of storage. One is used for the teachers in the Chikachaya area where supplies and things are stored for use. It was a mess like many a resource rooms I have tackled before. But this one in the heat of the sun in that tin can I truly felt like a turkey roasting! I had to be careful where I stuck my hand for fear of things meeting it on the other end! But, the task is finished and one that is not the most glorified missionary story to write home about. However, it is a task complete and is an area of greater use among our teachers. Yesterday, I spent most of the day in another container pulling out the age appropriate materials, that were sent at one time, to be able to be placed in classrooms. We continue to encourage stewardship and to empower the teachers to teach in bight new ways for Tanzania. As a teacher of teachers one must make things available to learn and use the resources we have to brighten young minds.
Every other Friday all the workers, teachers, and missionaries meet underneath the shade of the trees for lunch. It is usually a typical Tanzanian meal of pilau and some fruit. The fellowship is sweet and it is nice for all to stop enjoy the company, a meal, and the beauty of the day. Sometimes before we depart there are announcements or an encouraging word. Then, we all return to the work of the day. The teachers all make our way to PD (Professional Development) which I lead the meetings for the Chickachaya teachers. Makes for a full but fun Friday!
Sometimes I feel my greatest task at times can be to try to communicate to you (supporters and friends) the life of ministry here and the beauty of you being a part. The cleaning of a container is not so thrilling, the greetings with heartfelt handshakes with my dear partners are hard for you to picture, holding the child who feels crummy for various a reason bleak, or the meetings led in hopes our teachers will feel encouraged and challenged to lead a mighty generation for Christ difficult to convey. The challenges, victories, and everyday moments are sometimes hard to put into words. And yet every time I step out of my bed I feel like I'm changing the whole world. In my corner of the world this is what I get to sweat and be a part. The lives I get to love and be a part of on the journey to follow Him. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it all. I read a quote about a young kid who was killed in World War I. When his journal was found, one of his last entries said, I will work, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully, and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone." War does not find me today but a spiritual one continues in which I forge front lines for the sake of these young lives. I want to live my life like the young one quoted with that kind of commitment where ever I am. My journey continues to teach me everyday and I pray for you as well in the struggle. I am thankful that with all my commitment in the world I am not alone in the struggle. God continues to led the faithful group of people I now work with and grateful to have partnership of people like you! Thank you for being a part and the encouragement along the way.
Prayer Points~
- Discipleship is something that we have been in a great deal of discussion in our weekly prayer meetings. Sometimes it is difficult here because of the structure of the church at times to understand the differences and importance of evangelism and discipleship. I want to be a person who builds relationships as a result of being created in the image of God and disciples the people around me on the journey for all of us to be more like Christ.
- Many of our young children are not feeling well. This is something that is very difficult here. It is hard to see so much illness with little hope of proper medical care.
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