What I actually miss....

        I've been in Africa now for about 3 and a half weeks. It blows my mind that in one week... I will have been here for a month! Where is the time going?!?! A month in Africa symbolizes that my time here is half over and honestly, I'm not ready for it to be. I really like it here. Don't worry, mom, dad, and Zac, I WILL probably be ready to come home then. Maybe. lol.

    The most common thing you hear after people get home from mission trips is,"You really realize what's actually important when you go to 3rd world country." Its almost the stereotypical line that is said at those church meetings where the people get up and share about their experience. After the 5th person gets up and says, "Wow, I realized that I didn't need my tv or ipod to be happy..." I start to wonder how long these people will feel this way. How long will it take before that individual in the states begins to feel like being seperated from their cell phone would destroy them? In my observations and even in my own life, it doesn't take long. Why is that??? Are we really that spoiled and do we really have that short of a memory? Sad isn't it? When I think about this, I find myself amazed at how grace-filled God is. Haha! I know that if I were Him, I'd be thinking, "OK HOW MANY TRIPS OUTSIDE OF THE STATES DO YOU HAVE TO GO ON TO GET IT, AMANDA?! I AM ENOUGH!!!"
     It really is interesting what I miss. When I left Jackson, TN and Franklin, TN, I looked around and thought I would miss...
1)Air Conditioning
2)Favorite Restaurants (BlueCoast Burrito, Sakura, etc.)
3)Downtown Franklin
4) TV
5) My family
6) All my friends
7) My nice clothes

Now....granted...there are moments when I really wish I could get dressed up in a nice outfit, curl my hair, and go out for some sushi with my friends. However, late at night, after a long day in Africa, I find that the list of things I actually miss is much different.
1) My family
2)My Boyfriend
3) 5-8 good friends that I've done so much life with
4) ok.. and Starbucks would be nice.. ;)

I don't miss the pace of life in America. I don't miss driving a car. I don't miss hot showers or constant cell phone service. I honestly don't even miss the college scene at Union. I don't miss the pressure to look perfect or act perfect. I'm perfectly fine without those things. However, the only times I have found myself in tears have been when I think about things like.... missing Alyssa's prom night, missing Angela's 8th grade dance, talking to Zac, getting coffee (see there's that coffee!!!) with my girls, praying with my friends, and dreaming under the stars with my friends and sisters. The things you end up missing end up being things that cannot be bought. They end up revealing your heart more than ever. Ok fine, the fact that I miss Starbucks may not say anything AMAZING about my heart, but I'm imperfect. ;)

Just a thought that I thought I would share.

An Eventful Saturday

Back home, I don't like getting up early on a Saturday. Saturdays are the days for sleeping in, resting, and getting necessary work done in the States.

But I'm not in the States am i? So I decided to get up at about 8:30 (GROSS) on this past Saturday (yesterday) and go with some friends to "William's Village." First, allow me to give some background so that you understand why I was waking up this particular morning.

 William is a janitor at our school. In fact, the first time I met William, he was getting a dead rat out of my room and helping me get the smell out of my classroom. That particular incident, he helped with a smile and a laugh and told me that he was just happy to serve at HOPAC. I was amazed right off the bat by his JOY and his SINCERITY and his SERVANT HEART. Later, I overheard some girls talking about William and I found out that outside of the school gate, he is actually Pastor William. A Pastor who is that much of a servant that he would spend his weekdays clearing out dead rats and doing other tedious jobs in the heat? That's the kind of church leader that I was curious about!! What a heart!

 A few days later, I went out for pizza with Laura and Erin and Pastor William came up again. As it turns out, Pastor William has a ministry in his village on Saturday mornings for kids to come and hear bible stories, play games, and just hang out. I have been looking for a ministry to get involved in while I'm here and this sounded like a cool opportunity so I asked Laura and Erin if I could go with them on Saturday morning.

So Laura, Erin, Dave, Marie, our Bajaj drivers, and Marie's houseworker all set out to go to the village at about 9:30. The ride was long, BUMPY, and dusty, but I didn't mind one bit because I was just so excited. Erin and I were riding with Pastori (our favorite Bajaj driver) and he had World Cup music playing so we were thoroughly entertained. Once we entered the village, the children came running to my bajaj with arms extended ready to find out my name and ready to greet us. They were so excited about what the morning had in store. All of their clothes were dirty and tattered. Most the their clothes didn't fit them, either too big or too small. A few were sick. I felt the Lord remind me of what He must have seen when the sick and needy came to Him for hope.
William was there to greet us and let us into a small building where they could sit on benches and listen to our Bible story. Marie taught them about David and Goliath. I think most Americans have probably at least HEARD of this story, but these kids were completely blown away by the story and the possibility that a small boy had defeated a giant with rocks and with the help of a powerful God. We told them to "trust God when you are scared." Then, we gave them a coloring sheet, played some fun relay games outside, and took some pictures together.

Throughout the whole story, I had kids playing with my hair, examining my cartilage piercings ("MBILI????" " TWO????? "hahah it made me laugh), and holding my hand. I so desperately wanted to scoop them up and ask them a million questions about their lives and tell them how great I think they are and how great God thinks they are. However, these children only speak swahili and so I was limited so my small vocabulary, smiles, hugs, and my funny faces. I just kept begging the Lord that His love for them would somehow come across through me.
During the coloring sheets, I walked around and complimented the beauty of each coloring sheet. I've lied to a lot of little kids about how breath-taking their art is, but with these particular coloring sheets, I truly meant each compliment. On top of each coloring sheet, we wrote "Trust in the Lord" in Swahili. 
During games, I found myself surrounded my kids. I found myself laughing and smiling the entire time as I watched them just have FUN. There's something powerful about watching these kids play. I think it's because the joy is so genuine. For that short hour of play time, they can forget about the poverty and the illness and the hard parts of life and just be a child. To watch them experience that freedom was freeing for me.  Honestly, I don't know how else to explain it.
On the way home, William rode in my bajaj and asked me how long I would be in Tanzania, if I was going to come back to his village, and if I liked it here. I told him I would definitely come back. Once our short conversation was over, I found myself thinking, "ok, how on EARTH can I try and put into words all the experiences and emotions that went into this morning?"

  I came to the conclusion that I could try but no matter what I wrote down, I wouldn't be content with and I'd have to accept that.

No child should have to live like that.
I'm inspired by their smiles.

Karama

    Being here in Tanzania has allowed me to become exposed to so many incredible different ministries. In fact, most of the parents of the students I teach have ministries that they work with while we are teaching their kids. In fact, part of the ministry of HOPAC is the fact that it provides a good education for the MK's so that the parents don't have to worry about homeschooling their kids. Instea, the parents can throw themselves full force into service for the Lord in ministering to Tanzanians. I love it.
    As a result, I get to hear about all kinds of cool ministries, through my students. For example, one of my students' parents just started a coffee shop business. They are using this business to share the Gospel by providing jobs for their workers and simply just being Christ to their customers. The coffee is INCREDIBLE too. :) Always a plus.
    Another one of my students is named Ephiphany Larmey. Her parents are in charge of Young Life Africa. They do a lot of traveling but essentially they empower National believers to start young life youth groups all over Africa. I have been to dinner with them and truly find them to be incredible ambassadors for Christ. Dyan and Steve Larmey, when I met them, truly encouraged me and reflected Christ to me in a genuine way. :) They are also in charge of the Young Life group at HOPAC. Their 4 kids are pretty fantastic also.

      However, I think the most unique and interesting ministry that I've seen so far is called Karama. I found out about it through Dyan Larmey and my friend Erin Steinhoff. Erin teaches art at HOPAC and has been helping me adjust to all this new culture stuff. Next year she will be working full time for Karama and her passion for it is contagious.
     Basically, Karama works to empower artisans in Tanzania to sell their products all over the world. By doing this, they are providing incomes to families in Tanzania that might not have sold their products otherwise. Products like jewelry, scarves, bags, ornaments, etc. are some of the things they sell and they are still growing! I can't wait to see how God blesses the ministry and artisans in the future. He's already done so much in it.
     For more information visit http://www.karamagifts.com/  . The website has more information on their products and the people in Tanzania who make them! :) Very exciting!

God is on the move in Tanzania. I'm just glad I get to see it all! :)

Dear Blank Please Blank by Me

My favorite website right now is http://www.dearblankpleaseblank.com/ It's a good way to just procrastinate and take time off to just laugh with my roommates here. Feeling inspired by it, I wanted to write some of my own.... some serious and purely sarcastic, but I think it'll get some of you to laugh.

Dear Man who helped me cross the street,
         Thank you SO SO MUCH! You literally might have saved my life. How did you know I was scared to do it by myself? That intersection is really dangerous!!!
                                                    Sincerely,
                                                         American-Girl-Who Doesn't-hide-Emotions-Well

Dear Man who is selling TV series on DVD for only 2 American Dollars,
                  I'd like to inform you that there is not a 10th season of 24. We were not that lucky.
                                         Sincerely,
                                                Sad American Fan who is kinda disgusted that you'd actually try  to sell that

Dear Woman with adorable twins,
          Thank you for greeting me every morning. It really makes my day. :)
                        Sincerely,
                                Me

Dear 4th grader,
           Is it weird that your personality reminds me of my boyfriend in the states?
                            Sincerely,
                                 Is This A Good Thing?

Dear Bajaj driver,
         Thank you for pointing out that I am a white person. I hadn't noticed lately surrounded by all these AFRICANS!
                          Sincerely,
                              A Mzungu (white person)

Dear Lightening,
         I really thought that you were an electrical spark in my room so I spent way too long searching for the source only to discover that you were OUTSIDE my room.
                           Sincerely,
                                     Stupid American

Dear Thunder,
         Thanks for bringing rain and coolness but you kept me awake by shaking my room. Literally.
                          Sincerely,
                                 Sleepy

Dear Roommates,
              Thank you for putting up with all my stupid questions. I realize how dumb most of them sound to you.
                          Sincerely,
                                 Thankful

Dear Cold,
          I came to Africa in fear of Malaria, typhoid, nausea, diarrea, and other annonymous diseases. I brought just about every medication known to man to treat these strange illnesses. Yet, here I am with a common cold.
                        Sincerely,
                              Annoyed at the Irony



Hopefully, these made you laugh. If you didn't get the humor, I sincerely apologize.                              

The Deviled Eggs

Ive been informed that my last post was too depressing so allow me to share a funny story. :)


     After a long day at school, I came home to my house craving something to eat. My sandwich had run out in my stomach so I began searching through my kitchen to find something to eat. I discovered rather quickly that if I was going to eat something, I was going to probably have to get creative and cook something.
     Just then, I turned and looked out my window and saw that the little Tanzanian lady across the street was selling eggs. Gosh! Deviled Eggs, which is one of my favorites to eat at home, suddenly sounded really good. How hard could it be?! All I had to do was boil some eggs! Right?! So I threw on my shoes and ran across the street to the lady. About halfway across the street, I remembered that the lady across the street only speaks Swahili.
     Uh-Oh. This could get interesting.
     After 10 minutes of hand gestures, broken swahili from me, broken english from her, and lots of laughter, I returned victorious to my house with half a dozen eggs. I was so excited that I ran to the kitchen and started pulling out the necessary pots and pans.
     Then I remembered that I can't cook with the water from the tap here because it is extremely contaminated with disease. I would have to use water from our water filter jug. Not a problem right? That's what I thought too. However, I discovered that the water filter jug was empty. It takes about an hour to filter a new jug of tap water to make it clean enough to drink and cook with. I didn't have an hour. I was hungry. Therefore, like the spoiled American that I am, I ran back across the street and asked the lady for some bottled water for 1000 shillings (about 75 cents). She was confused because I had sad some word wrong, of course, so she gave me a HUGE jug of water and wanted 10,000 shillings for it (about 7-8 dollars). No time to argue, I was hungry! I gave her the money and returned to my kitchen.
     I poured my water into the pot, placed my eggs in the pot, and then realized something.... my stove was gas operated and I had never started it by myself. Hmmm... how do you start a gas stove? I found some matches sitting next to the stove and figured that had something to do with it so I set to work for another 10 minutes trying to turn the stove on. I felt SERIOUSLY proud of myself for having gotten this far in the process.
My hungry stomach was not impressed at all.
      So I boiled the eggs, pulled them out and removed the shells. Sliced them in half to get out the yolk and... uhoh, why is the yolk on the inside this white color? Shouldn't it be yellow? Is it only yellow in the states? Do Americans eat yellow yolk and Africans eat white? Why is it different? Am I going to get sick eating white yolk? If I get sick, I'll be miserable, miss school, and get behind in my student teaching so that's not an option! I know I let the eggs boil long enough! O the stress!! I called a roommate to ask them if I was going to get sick from eating the white yolk of boiled eggs in Africa. She laughed and told me I was being hilarious and I should survive just fine. What a relief.... lol.
     Then, I went to the fridge and found mustard and "american" mayonnaise. Once again, I looked at these two products, wondered if they were edible, said a small prayer, and proceeded to make my snack.

    FINALLY, after about an hour and a half later.... I ate my deviled eggs and committed to not try this again for awhile.

Just thought you'd like a small snapshot of an afternoon with Amanda in Africa. Always an adventure. lol.

The kind of walk that wakes you up....

         Every morning, I walk to the school that I teach in. It only takes about 10 minutes and it's quite an interesting walk filled with little fruit stands, Tanzanians in bajaj's trying to give you a ride, lots of traffic, and TONS of people. Walking is one of the main forms of transportation here and frankly, it's been these walks sometimes that have been the thing that wake me up in the morning and get my mind working for the day at school.

     However, on Sunday night, I took a different walk.

     My roommate, Jen, loves to take walks on the weekends to just rest her mind. She invited me to join her. When it came time to choose the route that we were going to walk, she asked me, "Would you like to see the neighborhood?" Quite frankly, I thought I had seen the neighborhood between grocery shopping and walking to school and buying credit for my cell phone/internet. However, I was curious to see what she meant so I agreed to go.
    She led me down this little windy road behind our compound that I hadn't even noticed was there, and told me that we were just going to "walk around the block."
    I've been searching for words to describe what I saw on this walk ever since it ended and honestly, I still haven't found them. It shouldn't have shocked me. I'm in Africa for heaven's sake! However, there's something very different about watching the images of poverty in Africa on film or in a documentary vs. walking through a impoverished neighborhood.
    The smell of the neighborhood was of garbage because the people have no way to dispose their waste so they dump it in the street. The people look like they are probably wearing one of the only outfits they own. Many of the houses, I struggled to be able to tell whether they were the house or the chicken coop. Many of them were built with srap metal, cardboard, or whatever that family could find.
      Even more amazing were the people...
I don't speak the language much. I only know a few greetings and basic phrases. However, that didn't stop almost every person in the village from greeting me with a huge smile with the phrase "Hujumbo!" (hello) or "Karibu sana!" (you are MOST welcome!) I even had one girl grab my hand and walk with me a few blocks.

As I listened to my roommate explain the surroundings and tell stories, I couldn't help but think one phrase over and over.

"Lord, it just doesn't seem fair!"

I did not pick my race. I did not pick to live in America. The children in my neighborhood in Tanzania did not pick to be African or in an impoverished lifestyle. So why did I get to live in a nice house in Franklin, TN with a closet full of clothes while these children live  with their families in single rooms, one outfit, among the trash.

As I wrestled through the night on this, I felt the Lord tell me,

"You are blessed so that you may bless."



New Favorite song for Encouragement:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9_caMq_iYc&feature=related

so I'm in Tanzania!!!!!

This is my first post since I arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I realize I should have posted before now but I honestly wasn't sure what I was going to say until now.

When I got here, I'd love to tell you that my first thought was, "O! What a wonderful country!" or "O I am THRILLED THAT I AM HERE!!! EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!!!!" but that would be a huge lie. Therefore, I'm going to tell you that my first thoughts were closer to...
1) It's HOT here.
2)What have I gotten myself into?
and
3) I'm so confused.

Those don't seem to be exactly the best thoughts. I was told that when I enterd the country I would enter a honeymoon stage where I thought everything was wonderful and marvelous and I loved every single thing about the people and the culture and my living situation. I honestly have no idea what made those people tell me that b/c I feel like I did not have a honeymoon stage. Every where I turned, it felt like a slap in the face. Cold showers, dirty, bugs, poverty, different food, no Air conditioning, electricity half the time, and a mosquito net over my bed for protection from disease during the night.

Thank GOD for my roommates and praise the Lord that He is faithful. I feel myself slipping into a certain level of comfortability with everything and getting used to all the change. I know that I can only attribute this to my roommates guidance and patience AND the fact that I have had to COMPLETLY rely on the Lord during the last couple days to pull me through.

AND HE HAS!

Today, for the first time, I looked around and was feeling pretty good about the fact that I live in Africa for the next 2 monthes. The people are amazing. So sweet and generous and warm (no pun intended). The students are anxious and excited to work with me and I'm so glad of that. I'll write more about them and the school once I seriously start teaching later this week. :) The beaches and the view are glorious from my house and every morning I get the joy of watching the sunrise over the ocean from my room and I get to marvel at how great our God is. :) He is so great.


In a conversation with my cooperating teacher/ roommate, Delicia, she told me some very encouraging words, "Amanda, no one expects you to be 'super missionary woman!' How you are feeling is normal! Heck! I felt like you do just last week and I've been here 3 years!" I can't tell you the relief these words brought to my heart and how much better I have been since that conversation. :)

I've been getting information today about differnt places I can serve in the community other than at the school and I think that will really help to get my focus off of myself and my uncomfortableness and allow me to look around and see what the Lord sees and allow Him to do what He wants with me. :)

Prayer requests:
1) Pray that I adjust quickly to the heat and lack of electricity. It's tough on everyone but I think it's extra tough b/c I just came from 30 degree temperatures!
2) Pray that my observations this week go well and I'm able to build more relationships with the students as well as feel prepared to teach a classroom that has so many countries in it!!
3) Pray for opportunities to serve in the community alongside a ministry.

Amsterdam

Well, for whatever reason, I wasn't able to sleep on the flight over the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it's 7 am here in the Netherlands and my body is telling me that it's actually about 1 am. Not fun!

I've got about 3 hours til my next flight and I'm feeling pretty bored and tired...

me: annoyed and tired and apparently bored because I felt the need to take this. hahaha. When you travel alone, you have to get creative with entertainment.

BUT!!!!

I'm still SO excited! I'm almost there! SO CLOSE!!!! One more really long flight and I'm there!

TIME TO GO!!!! 2 DAYS LEFT!

Only two days til I go so it's PACKING TIME!!! My least favorite time! It just takes so much organization and planning which gets so tedious *sigh* BUT it's necessary!

but I mean, seriously.... this gets a bit stressful. hahaha. That's a face that looks clearly confused right? :)

Luckily, I have my mom and little sister to help and it'll all get done before I leave on Monday!
TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!