New Pictures!

Check out my pictures from the Maasai village of Esilalai! Hope you like them!

Visiting the Massai

On Saturday I went with Rita, three African pastors (one of them a friend who is Massai) and the Moshi Department of Water to an area where the Massai people live to survey the land for building a well. Hidden With Christ Ministries was given the money needed to re-dig a well that was covered up over 30 years ago because a lion had fallen in it and polluted the water.
This place we went to was about three hours from the town of Moshi, where I am living. It is a dry-desert sort of place. You'd never know there was enough water under the land for a well. But there is and the Dept of Water has signed the paperwork saying it is ok to drill. It was really neat to be there as the Dept of Water people were running all their tests. Some of the Massai came over to see what was going on. The Massai pastor with us would introduce us to everyone who came by. The land where the well will be dug belongs to that Massai pastor. As we stood there talking about how much of a blessing the new well is going to be the conversation moved to other blessings the Massai people would profit from. The topic of a school was brought up. Most Massai never go to school. Our Massai pastor (his name is Zablon) has a heart to see a school built. He said he would give as much land that is needed to see a school built. At that moment the Lord spoke to my heart. "Pray it to pass." That's what He said. I told the Lord I wanted to be obedient to pray and more. I knew I would. I have my own school to start and work on, so for now I will pray...pray in the funds and workers needed for this project. This school won't be started up anytime soon so I know that by the time my school in Moshi is up and running I will be able to help with the Massai school in some way. I am going to pray and ask God to begin now to stir in the hearts of people the desire to be a part of this project...I know a few adventurous teachers. :)

After the Water Dept finished their tests we went to Zablon's village. We sat with the Massai men. They had killed and cooked a goat for us. It was as outdoor bar-b-que as it gets. They cut the goat with a knife and passed the pieces out until the goat was all eaten. We sat outside next to a bush/treeish kind of shrub. It was an experience I will not forget.
After we ate we went to where the women were and Rita shared the gospel message with everyone. They listened and responded. It was wonderful to watch them raise their hands to accept the Lord as their savior. They listened because they were appreciative for the well that was going to be built on their land and they had open hearts to the message from a white woman. It was such a powerful time. Zablon has been praying for his family for many years...The Lord answered his prayers that day.

All Moved In

Our container arrived and we have officially moved into our new home. Thank you to everyone who prayed...God answered our prayers. According to the government officials themselves the container was released in record time. We were told that the U.S. government donated a container full of goods that is still sitting at the port in Tanzania after more than nine months.

My new bed is very comfortable. I packed a mattress pad to put on my new mattress and it is simply wonderful. I have been busy unpacking and getting my new room decorated. It is beginning to feel quite cozy...even the red/rust painted floor is beginning to grow on me. :)

We hired painters to paint the bedrooms and the outside. They are enjoying painting with American paint. It only takes one coat and looks very nice. They are fast workers so they should get the rooms done within a week and a half. I am looking forward to the classroom and my office getting painted. I am ready to move my school supplies in and begin working on the school.

Thank you for praying. I am blessed to be a part of all that the Lord is doing.

Just A Little Update

We went to Arusha today. We took a taxi-bus into town. The drive would normally take under an hour but the drive over took two and a half hours. It took so long we only had time to go to Shop-rite and eat lunch before we had to take a bus back to make it back in time for Swahili lessons. But this all day event was worth the effort...We bought peanut butter! Oh yeah! I am so excited to have peanut butter and jelly tomorrow morning...Oh the simple pleasures.

I want to thank everyone who has been praying for my protection against mosquitos. I have only gotten bit twice. That is very unusual because everybody that has been here visiting has gotten at least five a day. I have gotten used to spraying my body every time I step out the door...I keep the spray bottle right by the door. The smell is now just a part of my life. :)

I've started Swahili lessons. Please pray for me. The other girls seem to be picking it up much easier than me. Even though I am a teacher I haven't been a student for almost 20 years. I really need the Lord's encouragement and strength.
I have found that the Lord is good at encouragement and strength! :)

How Life is Different

I thought it would be fun to write about how my life is different in Africa from living in the U.S.
Here I go:
* All my shoes are covered in dirt or caked with mud.
* All of my perfumes contain deet in them.
* I eat Chicken and chips (fries) at least once a day.
* When riding in a mini-van taxi (which is a Toyota mini-van) I can be guaranteed there will be at least 17 other people riding in it with me.
* Kit Kat bars in Africa are called Break bars and taste nothing like Kit Kat bars.
* Sometimes there are no speed limits but there are random speed bumps all over.
* A flap jack in Africa does not resemble one served in the U.S. (Not even a little bit)
* Bedroom floors in Africa are not carpeted. They are painted and there are only two colors to choose from: Red and green. (I picked red)
* Going to sleep at night is a 20 minute event. Getting the mosquito net completely tucked into the mattress is an adventure itself.

There it is. This is the small list. I could write more but I thought you'd enjoy a few tid-bits of how my life has changed...Not too drastic. Did you notice that I didn't mention any of the bugs? :)
I did that on purpose...I didn't want to discourage anyone from coming to visit me. :)

God is Always Good

I have been living in Africa for almost three weeks. It is amazing how the peace of God has been with me in a powerful way. I am so thankful. I spend most of my days working at the orphanage building. We have not moved in yet because we are still waiting for the container to arrive with our beds but that does not keep us from getting the building ready. We have spent the last few weeks painting. I have always said that I don't like painting...More than any other chore painting is the one I dislike most. Yet here I am painting with such a peace in my heart...Like it is a joy. God is amazing. I am so thankful for the friends and family members that are praying...Keep praying...Please. :)

I am looking forward to moving into our new home. But even now living out of a suitcase there has been such grace to do it. I am surrounded by the goodness of the Lord.