Searching For Land

We have been looking for land for the Africa Harvest of Hope orphanage for a while now.  Unfortunately it’s not as easy as looking online or finding a realtor.  Buying land is tricky here.  You have to be careful not to be fooled and buy land that is owned by someone else (who is not wanting to sell!).  Another issue is once realtors or people selling land see that it is for a foreigner, they hike up the price.  So, the best way to find land and a good deal is by word of mouth.  We have been asking people if they know of any land for sale.  We would love to buy land in Moshi, but it’s very expensive here.  So, we have been looking outside Moshi up to an hour away. 

Someone told us to look for land in new districts where the government wants to develop.  So, last week, George went on a scouting trip.  Since we don’t have a car yet, George had to use matatus (vans used for mass transportation).  Even though the place isn’t too far, the trip took a long time.  There aren’t many matatus going there so George had to wait a while.  Once he got there, he walked around and talked to some locals.  He spent the night there and talked to the village chief.  He showed George around and seemed excited about the prospect of an orphanage there.  The land rates are reasonable and it’s a place that is expected to develop and expand. George wanted to meet with the local government official, but he wasn’t there.  George will go back in a few weeks to try to meet with him then.

For now, we are praying about this location while exploring other options as well.