It's All About Jesus

Yesterday was wonderful and so filling. I continue to deepen relationships with our team and enjoy all the familiarity of the people on the 12-acre school. As we were cleaning up at the site to leave for the day, I spent time with 4-year old Baraka. He was so precious and I enjoyed his smile and taking his picture. I can’t do just in words in how the children affect me. They hug and gather and follow me as I pass through from one building to another. It is so refreshing to feel such innocent love. It is so unconditional and so joyful.

We also spent time with a few distinctive local people yesterday. “Grandfather Egg” came in the morning and our missionary hostess, Kelli bought eggs from him. We spent 30 minutes talking to him just to buy 14 eggs. That is the culture here. You don’t just say leave them at the door and bill me. You talk and spend time as part of the exchange. The same thing was true for the lady who came to the house with homemade baskets. The approach is all about connecting and showing respect, not just making a purchase. You must slow down and experience things that we act so flippantly toward in the states. But that’s the culture.

Today was beyond fabulous! I am learning so much about the culture and working hard on my Swahili. Each day I learn a few new words and love the language. It has helped tremendously that I studied it a month before arrive. It made a huge impact on being able to connect with the folks here. They feel like I respect there culture by spending time learning their language.

The greatest part of my day today was teaching bible class at the school. I take a break from the work site to interact with the head master, teachers and other missionaries. I get so filled that way. I had planned to sit in on a bible class and then the principal asked if I would just come on in and teach, so I did. I was in heaven. Opening God’s Word and sharing and teaching a class filled with 6th graders was a glorious time for me. Well, the word got out and tomorrow I am teaching a 7th grade class. In addition, they’ve asked me to preach at Chapel. So tonight after I got home, I had to prepare devotions for the team, notes for teaching tomorrow and notes for my talk at Chapel. I will pray tonight that I glorify God with my words and my teaching and testimony may get others as excited about Jesus as I am. Oh, it is so good to be in Tanzania.

And us girls left the work site at the school a bit early today to attend a women’s bible study. It is so incredible to be half way around the world and be worshiping the same God with the same bible just in a different language. The church was so filled with the Holy Spirit and I truly felt lifted in a huge way. What an experience!

I continue to share my testimony and enjoy the intimate conversations with different teachers at the school. Today, Kito (one of the teachers) had such a deep dialogue about God working and moving in our lives. It was thrilling and I can’t wait to see how Jesus shows up each day in terms of who He puts in my path and where He leads. Oh, it is so much fun to what Him move.

Munguawabariki (God bless you all!)