I asked many of you to be praying for my friends William and Stella. Stella has lost several children either by miscarriage or very soon after birth. The HOPAC community has been praying and begging the Lord to give this precious couple a child.
Ladies and gentleman, please meet the miracle baby at this blog address:
http://www.gilandamy.blogspot.com/
When we received the news that this little angel had been born, it was an emotional moment. I felt like crying tears of joy and then jumping around a lot.
For those of you who don't know. William is the same William that I wrote about in my blog about "An Eventful Saturday." What an amazing man of God! Through this whole process he has been faithful and joyful and a blessing to us all.
Tomorrow morning, we will be celebrating at Mbezi Chapel (a Swahili church)!!!!!
PRAISE THE LORD! HE GIVES GOOD THINGS TO HIS CHILDREN!!!!!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
It just doesn't seem fair....
This has been my biggest struggle while being here. I've seen poverty before in other countries but being here as long as I am and being surrounded by it as much as I am has really brought a new light and new intensity to it. I find myself looking around and then looking up at the Lord and saying, "God, it just doesn't seem fair that I get to live the way I do in the States and your children here have to live the way they do..."
So to allow you to enter into my thoughts of wrestling, I thought I'd write them here:
1) It doesn't seem fair that in America, I get to be picky about my food because I have so many options, while I've seen kids here pick their meals from the garbage on the side of the road.
2) It doesn't seem fair that I get to pick out a new cute outfit maybe once every couple monthes and own about 50 articles of clothing, while children here may own 2-3 articles of clothing.
3)It doesn't seem fair that I have 15 pairs of shoes and the children here have none.
4)It doesn't seem fair that I have spent time in the States whining over making $7.50 an hour serving coffee, while the waitresses here are lucky to make 2-3 dollars A DAY.
5) It doesn't seem fair that rain in the states is an inconvenience, and rain here means that food will grow and we'll have electricity.
6) It doesn't seem fair that in america, we have the right to voice our opinion peacefully, and here it seems that the government is too corrupt to listen.
7) It doesn't seem fair that kids in America whine and whine and whine about getting the toys they want, while kids here are content to play in the garbage heaps and build toys out of garbage.
8) It doesn't seem fair that I forget to bless my food sometimes in the States, and the people here will pray over their water and beg God to protect them from the diseases that could be in it!
9) It doesn't seem fair that people here get sick constantly from stuff that could be prevented SO SO easily with just some cleaner water or vitamins.
I once heard someone say," But you are in Africa, its just like that...it'll always be that way and it's just unfortunate."
I just wanna know why it's ok for kids in Africa to live this way when they are just as valuable as any American child.
Would Jesus shrug it off as often as we do?
It just doesn't seem fair....
Lord, please help me understand!!!
So to allow you to enter into my thoughts of wrestling, I thought I'd write them here:
1) It doesn't seem fair that in America, I get to be picky about my food because I have so many options, while I've seen kids here pick their meals from the garbage on the side of the road.
2) It doesn't seem fair that I get to pick out a new cute outfit maybe once every couple monthes and own about 50 articles of clothing, while children here may own 2-3 articles of clothing.
3)It doesn't seem fair that I have 15 pairs of shoes and the children here have none.
4)It doesn't seem fair that I have spent time in the States whining over making $7.50 an hour serving coffee, while the waitresses here are lucky to make 2-3 dollars A DAY.
5) It doesn't seem fair that rain in the states is an inconvenience, and rain here means that food will grow and we'll have electricity.
6) It doesn't seem fair that in america, we have the right to voice our opinion peacefully, and here it seems that the government is too corrupt to listen.
7) It doesn't seem fair that kids in America whine and whine and whine about getting the toys they want, while kids here are content to play in the garbage heaps and build toys out of garbage.
8) It doesn't seem fair that I forget to bless my food sometimes in the States, and the people here will pray over their water and beg God to protect them from the diseases that could be in it!
9) It doesn't seem fair that people here get sick constantly from stuff that could be prevented SO SO easily with just some cleaner water or vitamins.
I once heard someone say," But you are in Africa, its just like that...it'll always be that way and it's just unfortunate."
I just wanna know why it's ok for kids in Africa to live this way when they are just as valuable as any American child.
Would Jesus shrug it off as often as we do?
It just doesn't seem fair....
Lord, please help me understand!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A Little Education on Bajaj's in Tanzania by Me (your favorite international student teacher)
When I first got here, I was amazed by all the traffic. Dar is a city that has a population that officials aren't even sure of. Whenever I ask how many live in Dar, I have heard numbers that range from 3 million to 5 million. No one is quite sure. What I do know is that if there are 3 million people, the roads aren't prepared for them. All roads are two laned roads. You can imagine the rush hour traffic with that many people trying to get home on two lane roads. It's during those traffic jams that you are able to thank God for knowing how to be a white person who can get a bajaj. :) I have recently become one such person. It's helpful to get a bajaj for the simple and only slightly scary fact that traffic laws don't apply to bajaj drivers. Therefore, if you hit a traffic jam in a bajaj, it's not a problem!!! You just drive around it. If that means driving off road for a bit and weaving in and out of other cars that are at a standstill, so be it. A 2 hour traffic jam can easily become a 45 minute bumpy ride. :)
However, I've been here for almost a month now and I just recently gained the skills and confidence to get my own bajaj. Why is it so hard? There's just a lot of stuff you have to know! Therefore, in case any of you ever come to Tanzania, I am going to give you the step-by-step instruction of getting a bajaj with, of course, a little Amanda flair along the way. ;) By the end of this blog, you'll be an expert.
Maybe. HAHA!
Step 1: Picking a bajaj driver to approach for business: There isn't really an age limit on drivers. So sometimes I walk up to a bajaj driver and think, "No wonder you drive so crazy. What are you? 12?!" Therefore, pick an OLDER driver. Older typically equals more experience and more logical sense to not drive crazier than necessary. If you make a mistake and approach a driver, they open their mouth and you realize during the conversation that your driver's voice has not changed.... it's time to find another driver. Be polite but get away from that little kid quickly.
Step 2: GREET the bajaj driver: This culture is all about greeting. Greeting everyone. Everyone is a friend or a family member. Respect is paid to older people by the younger and its just a big deal here. Therefore, when you meet your bajaj driver that you think you wanna do business with... it's totally normal to start the business transaction with... "hi, how is your day going? How is business?" and so on. You bascially do this to become friends with bajaj driver a bit. Know why? Because a happy bajaj driver is gonna be an ounce safer than an annoyed and angry bajaj driver. ;)
Step 3: Tell the bajaj driver where you want to go: Say the name of the location and ask if he knows where it is. If he can't make eye contact with you and looks uncertain. He doesn't know where it is. You can ask him after he darts his eyes, "do you know where it is?" and he is going to say, "yes" whether he does or not. What he's actually thinking is, "No, but I could probably figure it out.... eventually...after stopping and asking 2-5 strangers and making this trip twice as long for you. I'm in no hurry. I've gotta do this all day."
However, if he makes eye contact, repeats the place, he probably is familar with where to go. (A smile is an added bonus of assurance. If you get a smile and eye contact.... you've got a winner.)
Step 4: Ask how much he's gonna charge you for the ride? You have to have a price in mind that is normal and reasonable to begin with... otherwise, he's going to try and charge you twice as much. He's not trying to be rude. He's not trying to rob you. He assumes that since you are white... you have the money, and you shouldn't mind paying him that money. He'll say a price. It's probably too high. Tell him your price. He'll say it's too low... and then let just let the bargaining begin. If you ask for a price and returns it with a shrug, and asks YOU to set the price, this may be another sign that he doesn't know exactly where it is that you are headed.
Step 5: Agree on a price. Get in. Hold onto your stuff and prepare for bumpy ride, and DON'T backseat drive.
See? Now you are a professional! O and by the way, it's all in Swahili!
Yeah, that may take another blog to teach you.
O well... I tried!!! ;)
At least, now you can understand what I go through to get around in Dar.
However, I've been here for almost a month now and I just recently gained the skills and confidence to get my own bajaj. Why is it so hard? There's just a lot of stuff you have to know! Therefore, in case any of you ever come to Tanzania, I am going to give you the step-by-step instruction of getting a bajaj with, of course, a little Amanda flair along the way. ;) By the end of this blog, you'll be an expert.
Maybe. HAHA!
Step 1: Picking a bajaj driver to approach for business: There isn't really an age limit on drivers. So sometimes I walk up to a bajaj driver and think, "No wonder you drive so crazy. What are you? 12?!" Therefore, pick an OLDER driver. Older typically equals more experience and more logical sense to not drive crazier than necessary. If you make a mistake and approach a driver, they open their mouth and you realize during the conversation that your driver's voice has not changed.... it's time to find another driver. Be polite but get away from that little kid quickly.
Step 2: GREET the bajaj driver: This culture is all about greeting. Greeting everyone. Everyone is a friend or a family member. Respect is paid to older people by the younger and its just a big deal here. Therefore, when you meet your bajaj driver that you think you wanna do business with... it's totally normal to start the business transaction with... "hi, how is your day going? How is business?" and so on. You bascially do this to become friends with bajaj driver a bit. Know why? Because a happy bajaj driver is gonna be an ounce safer than an annoyed and angry bajaj driver. ;)
Step 3: Tell the bajaj driver where you want to go: Say the name of the location and ask if he knows where it is. If he can't make eye contact with you and looks uncertain. He doesn't know where it is. You can ask him after he darts his eyes, "do you know where it is?" and he is going to say, "yes" whether he does or not. What he's actually thinking is, "No, but I could probably figure it out.... eventually...after stopping and asking 2-5 strangers and making this trip twice as long for you. I'm in no hurry. I've gotta do this all day."
However, if he makes eye contact, repeats the place, he probably is familar with where to go. (A smile is an added bonus of assurance. If you get a smile and eye contact.... you've got a winner.)
Step 4: Ask how much he's gonna charge you for the ride? You have to have a price in mind that is normal and reasonable to begin with... otherwise, he's going to try and charge you twice as much. He's not trying to be rude. He's not trying to rob you. He assumes that since you are white... you have the money, and you shouldn't mind paying him that money. He'll say a price. It's probably too high. Tell him your price. He'll say it's too low... and then let just let the bargaining begin. If you ask for a price and returns it with a shrug, and asks YOU to set the price, this may be another sign that he doesn't know exactly where it is that you are headed.
Step 5: Agree on a price. Get in. Hold onto your stuff and prepare for bumpy ride, and DON'T backseat drive.
See? Now you are a professional! O and by the way, it's all in Swahili!
Yeah, that may take another blog to teach you.
O well... I tried!!! ;)
At least, now you can understand what I go through to get around in Dar.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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! :)
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! :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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.
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.
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