The work of God...

The last few days in Tanzania have been wonderful. I am so thankful that we have a God who hears and answers our prayers. He has brought forth new friends and christian fellowship, two things I have been seeking in my time here. Thursday night I went to a bible study through Vineyard Church. It was a lovely time of fellowship, prayer, study and singing. I also met more people today at a church picnic after service. What has made an impression on me is to hear the work being done by missionaries in the bible study and from people in the church. Isn't amazing how God calls people from all nations and all backgrounds? Ordinary people sent to complete extraordinary works. One couple, from Canada, has partnered with a girl from the states, to work with the Massai people. They have created this amazing picture book with testimonies from Massai Christians and all about the Massai culture. You should check out the website at:
www.en-kata.com
Another couple from Australia, is working with a local organization to help with creating and maintain Christian schools in local villages. Another couple of girls are involved with a school/housing program in one the slums of Arusha (going to visit this one on Tuesday, can't wait!) Even here at the compound I am staying at, God is at work. Three men have been staying here and I have spoken with them for the last three nights. They are going to different towns,all over Africa, mobilizing/educating the youth. They give away bibles and other Christian resources. They are from Uganda, Kenya and the U.S. Another girl, Marsha, works for Adventist Relief Agency (located on our compound) and is helping to write proposals to help local albinos (huge population here) as well as other projects.

So many stories of people I have met the last few days/weeks doing God's work in this country. Again, it amazes me how they come from all over the world and it inspires and excites me to see God at work in so many different ways. Yes, the poverty and sickness is real and overwhelming here but just as real is the response of God's people. I hope to visit a few of the organizations in the short time I have left in Tanzania.

Besides church and the church picnic today, my weekend was very relaxing. My two roomies have been very sick (they caught whatever the babies had) so I didn't want to stay in the apartment too long. Yesterday morning, I went to USA River to the coffee shop and had a belgium waffle and vanilla latte (yum!). I stayed for 2 hours listening to worship and having a great time with God. It was a beautiful day and I walked home to beautiful views of Mt Meru. I convinced Marsha (the ADRA girl from Germany) to go to market with me at Tereguru. Market is crazy, so I'm thankful for Marsha (she speaks some Swahilli). We were the only two Muzungus (white people) out of hundreds of people. Which always gets some funny reactions. Some people want to grab us or touch us, most just want to talk with us. Most, when they find out I'm from America, want to know if I am friends with Obama, lol. One guy told me once to have a drink and say hi to Obama for him. Anyway, it is quite the adventure. We bought some great fabric, wandered around some and then enjoyed a soda together. Marsha then took me to a tailor nearby the orphanage. We came up with some creative ideas for shirts, skirts, and dresses. We even drew out sketches,lol, so hopefully they will turn out the way we envisioned. We pick them up next week, very fun. The rest of the night, I watched some movies on Marsha's labtop (thanks again Marsha!). It was a nice treat to end a great day!
After picnic today, I cleaned our apartment (got to get rid of those germs) and our electricity went out (no surprise). What was incredible is tonight was the first night without the moon. With no electricity and no moon, the stars are unbelievable. You can see planets and the milky way. Nina (my roomie) and I decided God turned off the electricity to bless us with his light show!
Anyway, a great weekend! I did miss the babies. I joke with the other girls about "spottings." The babies live below our apartment, so many times when I am leaving to go somewhere, if they are outside, the toddlers spot me. Oh the guilt! They come running up! I get hugs and kisses and I love yous! And then I have to say good bye and leave =( We try to avoid spottings if possible. But it was nice to have a weekend off to refresh and this week we are excited about a few "field trips" for the toddlers (more blogs on that to come!)
Hope everyone had a great weekend as well! Love to hear from you!

Love,
Jess