Praise the Lord, Eli and I are doing better. There was a virus going around Moshi that many children had. They all had a high fever, runny nose and bad cough. It's probably what I had as well (minus the fever) which made my asthma worse. My asthma is still there, but it's not as bad as it was when I had the severe chest congestion. Eli is back to normal and feeling good.
Thanks for praying!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Weird Weeks
Hi guys,
I hate when so much time goes by without a post. We have had a weird couple of weeks. Our computers crashed making it difficult for me to get online. George has his ipad that my mom brought him when she visited us, but I can't stand using it. I can't figure out how to type on it other than using one finger. It drives me nuts! Fortunately, George got my old laptop working again, but it's still unstable. Then we had some issues with our landlord close to our lease renewal. He wanted to raise our rent and we were looking at moving again. So, George had to start looking for a place to live which is a stressful process here. Praise the Lord the owner called last night to say he is leaving the rent as is for now. Then, Eli and I have been sick. My asthma, which has been very good for a long time, began getting worse during my pregnancy. Combined with the arrival of the hot season and all the dust being kicked up, I have been struggling to breathe. My inhalor has become less effective and for the last five days, I have had terrible asthma attacks and chest congestion. A few times I have been quite scared. I wish I had a nebulizer (asthma treatment used in the US) to help out. Lastly, Eli woke up with a high fever yesterday which has continued through today. Whenever we are ill, it's a guessing game on how to treat ourselves. Without good, reliable health care, we have no other options. George has a lot of experience with medical stuff so that is helpful. Prayer is what truly gets us through. Poor George has been stretched taking of the sickies and the chaos at home while still trying to get ministry work done (teaching at church, viewing land, meeting with officials, etc.) We sure could use your prayers as we plod through these challenges. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon!
I hate when so much time goes by without a post. We have had a weird couple of weeks. Our computers crashed making it difficult for me to get online. George has his ipad that my mom brought him when she visited us, but I can't stand using it. I can't figure out how to type on it other than using one finger. It drives me nuts! Fortunately, George got my old laptop working again, but it's still unstable. Then we had some issues with our landlord close to our lease renewal. He wanted to raise our rent and we were looking at moving again. So, George had to start looking for a place to live which is a stressful process here. Praise the Lord the owner called last night to say he is leaving the rent as is for now. Then, Eli and I have been sick. My asthma, which has been very good for a long time, began getting worse during my pregnancy. Combined with the arrival of the hot season and all the dust being kicked up, I have been struggling to breathe. My inhalor has become less effective and for the last five days, I have had terrible asthma attacks and chest congestion. A few times I have been quite scared. I wish I had a nebulizer (asthma treatment used in the US) to help out. Lastly, Eli woke up with a high fever yesterday which has continued through today. Whenever we are ill, it's a guessing game on how to treat ourselves. Without good, reliable health care, we have no other options. George has a lot of experience with medical stuff so that is helpful. Prayer is what truly gets us through. Poor George has been stretched taking of the sickies and the chaos at home while still trying to get ministry work done (teaching at church, viewing land, meeting with officials, etc.) We sure could use your prayers as we plod through these challenges. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Fun Times in Dar
In addition to our ministry objectives, our trip to Dar ended up feeling like a little vacation. We have never taken a vacation as a family. Any time we have left Moshi, it has been to go to Kenya for ministry reasons (medical camps) or to take care of family things or do things we can’t get done in Tanzania. They have been busy, tiring times. This weekend away was very restful and fun.
It was Eli’s first plane ride. It was less than an hour and he did pretty well. He just got a little antsy with the seat belt, but overall he liked it. On the way home, he slept the whole time. Must have been due to waking up at 5:10am while in Dar!
Chuck and Eileen’s house was very comfortable and welcoming. It was very nice and felt like a hotel because they have a few things we don’t in Moshi like AC, ceiling fans, hot shower, oven and a washing machine. Even the bed and sheets were extremely comfortable. Eli had his own special little bed too. In preparation for our arrival, they stocked the kitchen with special items for us.
Both of them were extremely kind and accommodating to Eli. In someone else’s house, we take extra care to make sure he is quiet and not too messy, but they were quick to reassure us that he was very much ok to be free. They took interest in him and played with him often.
He had a blast “helping” Eileen in the yard. They have chickens, guinea fowl, a turkey and a dog which was fun for Eli.
Eileen spoiled Eli with new books and a toy to encourage math skills. Eileen home schooled their children so I got to learn a lot from her about that which I appreciated since that will probably be what we do with our kids here.
Our time in Dar was full of both relaxing downtime at the house and out doing fun activities. On Friday after we arrived, Eileen took us to a hotel on the beach where we swam in the pool and played on the beach. This was Eli’s first time at the ocean so it was extra special. I miss being close to the ocean. Just being there filled me with peace. It has been three years since I have been to the beach. I had to hold back tears. The tropical environment added to the vacation feel of the weekend. I just loved it.
On Saturday, Eileen took us to a mall! Wow… a real mall! It was so exciting to be there. We ate gelato and walked around the shops. For lunch we went to Subway! A real Subway! It was the same as in the US and was such a treat for me. It was the first American food I have had in over three years. Who knew a sub sandwich could be so delicious? The cookies were great too!
That night, we made pizza at the house. It was so fun and yummy.
On Sunday we went to church with Chuck and Eileen. It’s always nice to visit other churches. They also go to a Swahili church (as opposed to one aimed at foreigners) which we like. After naps for all of us, we went to another hotel for dinner. It was also on the beach and very delicious. I had the “Catch of the day” which was Red Snapper… my favorite!
On Monday morning, it was time to head home. It was a quick weekend, but awesome. Both for us personally and for the ministry. Thank you Lord for this special time.
It was Eli’s first plane ride. It was less than an hour and he did pretty well. He just got a little antsy with the seat belt, but overall he liked it. On the way home, he slept the whole time. Must have been due to waking up at 5:10am while in Dar!
Chuck and Eileen’s house was very comfortable and welcoming. It was very nice and felt like a hotel because they have a few things we don’t in Moshi like AC, ceiling fans, hot shower, oven and a washing machine. Even the bed and sheets were extremely comfortable. Eli had his own special little bed too. In preparation for our arrival, they stocked the kitchen with special items for us.
Both of them were extremely kind and accommodating to Eli. In someone else’s house, we take extra care to make sure he is quiet and not too messy, but they were quick to reassure us that he was very much ok to be free. They took interest in him and played with him often.
He had a blast “helping” Eileen in the yard. They have chickens, guinea fowl, a turkey and a dog which was fun for Eli.
Eileen spoiled Eli with new books and a toy to encourage math skills. Eileen home schooled their children so I got to learn a lot from her about that which I appreciated since that will probably be what we do with our kids here.
Our time in Dar was full of both relaxing downtime at the house and out doing fun activities. On Friday after we arrived, Eileen took us to a hotel on the beach where we swam in the pool and played on the beach. This was Eli’s first time at the ocean so it was extra special. I miss being close to the ocean. Just being there filled me with peace. It has been three years since I have been to the beach. I had to hold back tears. The tropical environment added to the vacation feel of the weekend. I just loved it.
On Saturday, Eileen took us to a mall! Wow… a real mall! It was so exciting to be there. We ate gelato and walked around the shops. For lunch we went to Subway! A real Subway! It was the same as in the US and was such a treat for me. It was the first American food I have had in over three years. Who knew a sub sandwich could be so delicious? The cookies were great too!
That night, we made pizza at the house. It was so fun and yummy.
On Sunday we went to church with Chuck and Eileen. It’s always nice to visit other churches. They also go to a Swahili church (as opposed to one aimed at foreigners) which we like. After naps for all of us, we went to another hotel for dinner. It was also on the beach and very delicious. I had the “Catch of the day” which was Red Snapper… my favorite!
On Monday morning, it was time to head home. It was a quick weekend, but awesome. Both for us personally and for the ministry. Thank you Lord for this special time.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Ministry Brainstorming in Dar
We had an absolutely fabulous weekend in Dar es Salaam. Chuck and Eileen were extremely kind, generous and hospitable. Although we had never met, there was no awkwardness. We felt at home with them right away.
Our main purpose for the trip was to talk with them about ministry issues, particularly land issues. We have been looking at land for the orphanage for a while now, but have not been sure how to proceed. Land fraud is a big problem here so we are seeking the wisest way forward. Do we try to purchase land or lease it? We would hate to make a mistake and cost the ministry lots of money. The main problem is the lack of laws, or specifically lack of law enforcement. In addition, the government seems to be resistant to foreign help, making it very challenging as an outsider.
Eileen is an American lawyer who has been dealing with land contracts and issues in Tanzania. It was so helpful to hear about her experiences here and get her advice on how to move forward. She confirmed that the obstacles that we have run into are common. We had lots of time to bounce ideas back and forth. As we seek to fulfill our vision of helping orphans and others in need, we may need to try a different approach and go about it a different way. Most important, we need to pray and ask for God’s wisdom about how to go forward. There is so much to consider. The Reeds are coming in December and although we talk on the phone and through email, it will be wonderful to talk about it in person and get a game plan in place. Lord willing, Chuck and Eileen will be able to come as well so we can have a big brainstorming session all together.
In the mean time, we are still looking at different land options and meeting with officials. We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
More on our Dar trip tomorrow...
Our main purpose for the trip was to talk with them about ministry issues, particularly land issues. We have been looking at land for the orphanage for a while now, but have not been sure how to proceed. Land fraud is a big problem here so we are seeking the wisest way forward. Do we try to purchase land or lease it? We would hate to make a mistake and cost the ministry lots of money. The main problem is the lack of laws, or specifically lack of law enforcement. In addition, the government seems to be resistant to foreign help, making it very challenging as an outsider.
Eileen is an American lawyer who has been dealing with land contracts and issues in Tanzania. It was so helpful to hear about her experiences here and get her advice on how to move forward. She confirmed that the obstacles that we have run into are common. We had lots of time to bounce ideas back and forth. As we seek to fulfill our vision of helping orphans and others in need, we may need to try a different approach and go about it a different way. Most important, we need to pray and ask for God’s wisdom about how to go forward. There is so much to consider. The Reeds are coming in December and although we talk on the phone and through email, it will be wonderful to talk about it in person and get a game plan in place. Lord willing, Chuck and Eileen will be able to come as well so we can have a big brainstorming session all together.
In the mean time, we are still looking at different land options and meeting with officials. We’ll keep you posted on how it goes.
More on our Dar trip tomorrow...
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