Community

We have been so blessed by our community here. Sometimes we feel isolated and alone, but in times of trouble, it has been a great comfort to us to receive the support of so many people in the Moshi area. One missionary, Jill, has been very kind and supportive. She visited me a couple times in the hospital and dropped off a couple dinners. She also brought over an American nurse who lives in the area along with a speech therapist (who sometimes works with newborns) who was visiting Tanzania. It was really nice to have them check out Julia and give us advice on feeding.

On Tuesdays, there is a playgroup that Eli and I often attend. It is made up of moms from several different countries (Sweden, UK, US, Holland, Switzerland, Mauritius, New Zealand, etc) and is at a different house each week. One of the moms coordinated dinner drop offs for us so each day last week, we had a nice, home cooked dinners. I think this week they will be coming as well.



Another mom brought us a Moses basket and small swing for Julia to use. Items like that are hard to come by here so they get passed along to whoever needs them. We have used both so much since she dropped them off.





Many of them have called and emailed to pass along their concern and prayers. What has made it all so special is that I am not especially close with them. Not because I don't like them... I do! But, during the playgroup we are mostly chasing our kids around so there isn't time for in depth talk. And, we are all busy and don't hang out outside the playgroup, for the most part. So, it has been extra encouraging as they have rallied around us. I think we are all bonded by being here, away from our home countries and families and so it comes naturally to help out when something like this happens. We are all in it together.

Last night we had a get together with some of our Kenyan friends. Most of them were in Kenya when Julia was born and hadn't met her yet. So, Marli and I had a baking marathon with our little toaster oven and made several treats for them (vanilla cupcakes, chocolate cake, carrot cake and brownies). It was really nice to have our Kenya family back in Moshi. They sure know how to laugh and liven up our home. In addition to their presence and prayers, they blessed us with clothes, diapers and formula for Julia. Those things are very expensive here and it was a very generous gift.





Our dear friends (and neighbors) have helped us by having Eli come over to play. Since Julia and I are pretty much house bound, Eli has been a bit restless. Getting out of the house to play with his little friend Flynn has helped with that.



In addition to our Moshi community, we have been blessed by our US community halfway across the world. We have felt the love, prayers and support you all have been sending. When my water broke, I felt so alone and scared, but since then, I have been far from alone. You all have been holding us up and joining us during this time.

God has been so good and we feel so blessed and thankful for the people He has sent our way.