As missionaries, we adjust to doing without certain things that we enjoy but that are not available in the country in which we live and minister.
There are times when teams are coming out that they graciously offer to bring those special comfort items or food items that you crave occasionally but have learned to do without them.
Then, there are those rare and special occasions when in your travels you find some of those things. Two weeks ago we had to travel to Kenya; while meandering through the produce area at a large grocery store we discovered cantaloupes and strawberries! Cantaloupes are Joyce's favorite fruit and strawberries are Tim's favorite fruit. We ate cantaloupes and strawberries every day for the 3 days we were there. What a treat!
We have attempted to grow various vegetables and fruits but some of them just don't grow here in Mwanza for different reasons. After several disappointing experiences we finally gave up on cantaloupes and strawberries in Mwanza.
Then, Tim went to the main market downtown in search of lettuce which has become very scarce. When he returned with a head of lettuce he also brought ears of sweet corn!!! Amazing! He bought 30 ears of sweet corn and we put them in the freezer to pull out when the craving hit us.
Yes, sometimes those little things remind you that God loves you and he has many littles ways of showing that love; sometimes it is in the form of cantaloupe, strawberries, lettuce and sweet corn.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sarah has arrived
Sarah, our youngest daughter, just graduated with her Master's in Counseling. She arrived here in Mwanza on June the 10th and will be staying with us for two months.
While she is here, she will be doing counseling at Jelly's Primary and Secondary School; they have 30 Albino children who have just recently arrived there from a nearby government school for the visually impaired. These 30 children received scholarships to attend the boarding school but it is an overwhelming change for them.
They are part of a large school of over 300 people and because of their Albinism they stand out from the rest of the students; they are insecure and frightened. Hopefully, by doing group counseling with them 3 days a week, Sarah will be able to help them develop self esteem and confidence.
We look forward to the day when they are able to look us in the eye and smile without the look of fear in their eyes they have now.
While she is here, she will be doing counseling at Jelly's Primary and Secondary School; they have 30 Albino children who have just recently arrived there from a nearby government school for the visually impaired. These 30 children received scholarships to attend the boarding school but it is an overwhelming change for them.
They are part of a large school of over 300 people and because of their Albinism they stand out from the rest of the students; they are insecure and frightened. Hopefully, by doing group counseling with them 3 days a week, Sarah will be able to help them develop self esteem and confidence.
We look forward to the day when they are able to look us in the eye and smile without the look of fear in their eyes they have now.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Babati
Tim has left, again, to travel to Babati in the Manyara District; it's about an 8 hour drive from here. He will be overseeing the laying of the foundation of the Church Planting School for that region. Tim is the only missionary on this field who has had experience in putting up buildings; he is working on training a couple of the other missionaries how to put in the foundations.
The Tanzania Assemblies of God, as part of their Decade of Harvest plans, will be building a Church Planting School in every district (over 20 districts) plus building some secondary schools as well over the next 2 or 3 years. The government secondary schools do not provide quality education and the private schools are expensive and are either Muslim or Catholic.
The TAG wants our pastors and members to have quality Christian schools to send their childre to so they can receive quality education that will also help prepare them for entrance into colleges and universities. It's a big vision but the TAG leadership are men of vision and faith.
The Tanzania Assemblies of God, as part of their Decade of Harvest plans, will be building a Church Planting School in every district (over 20 districts) plus building some secondary schools as well over the next 2 or 3 years. The government secondary schools do not provide quality education and the private schools are expensive and are either Muslim or Catholic.
The TAG wants our pastors and members to have quality Christian schools to send their childre to so they can receive quality education that will also help prepare them for entrance into colleges and universities. It's a big vision but the TAG leadership are men of vision and faith.
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