To live my life serving God and honoring Him. In this chapter, that means going to Africa to work with Villages of Hope, a grassroots charity that helps orphans and vulnerable children have a chance for a brighter future.
Join me on the journey!
Easter
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Happy Easter
As you celebrate Easter this weekend, may you remember God's perfect love and may that love fill you with hope for the days to come.
My first week in Africa has been crazy! A rollercoaster of the finest kind. Power outages, water shortages, thunderstorms, isolation, questioning … making new friends, excitement, learning, laughing … and more. All packed into 7 days! It’s been an adjustment that's for sure. I’ve been to Africa many times but never stayed in a place for $15/night, waking up most mornings with no water for a shower , and sitting most evenings in the pitch dark except for the small flame of a candlelight so I can reach out to family and friends on data (at least I got that figured out)! But it’s also been amazing. I’ve met new friends at Villages of Hope Kitwe. I’m humbled by their passion, competency and laser focus on putting the children first. I've seen the joy in the children's faces and heard it in their robust singing. And I’m learning much - not just about the programs (which have consistently impressed me) but about the motivations
New Years Eve morning... instead of getting ready for a hot New Years Eve date (ok, stop laughing), I got an email from the person in Tanzania who has been working on my work permit that read: "I really wish I had better news to report, but I did want to keep my promise to let you know as soon as we heard anything. You will see the attached document from the Labour website - rejected permits. This came out yesterday. Unfortunately your name appears on page two. It seems our trying to follow up and write to the commissioner didn't make a difference. I'm so sorry, what a journey this has been - and one which we didn't expect. Things are changing quickly in Tanzania these days when it comes to anything with the government, but especially anything to do with foreigners in the country. They are becoming increasingly strict and rules seem to be changing every week. We did our best to keep up and submit everything they asked for, but apparently they do
Well, I'm back in Mwanza. What struck me funny this time was, when talking about when I was going back, I found myself saying, I'm going "home" in a week, or going "home" next Tuesday. I had never referred to Mwanza as "home" before, but now it felt natural to say that. And I have to say, it feels good to be back. I've officially finished my "Home Assignment." It was an amazing time - lots of fu n, but lots of work too. Over 8 weeks, I had over 100 in person visits with individuals and churches, thanking you for your love, support and prayers and inviting others to join me on this journey. God has been so faithful! I'm excited to report that I have almost reached my fundraising goal. Currently, there is a shortfall of about $400/month. That's all that's left to go. I know this gap will be filled in the days and weeks ahead. I'm clinging to His promises like Phil 4:19, Eph 3:20 and 1 Thess 5:24 "He who calls
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