Our work is done...God is just beginning

Today was our last day of work. I was a hard day, but good. We finished all the desks we were assembling and then put mesh and wire on all the windows of the bathrooms to keep mosquitoes out. That was tough work. I did most of the mesh and then one of the guys came behind and did the chicken wire over top. I did well up until the last of 14 windows when I came down hard with the hammer and slammed into my finger. I almost jumped off the ladder in pain. But this too shall pass!

I continue to have the opportunity to deepen relationships with my team and teachers at the school. I had particularly special relationships with two—Jeremiah (who I said good-bye to on Saturday) and Kitomari (a math and science teacher in the primary school.) Kito and I talked quite a bit today at lunch. He was so inquisitive about the US—everything from politics to racial issues to freedom of religion. It was great conversation. Early in our relationship, I was able to share my testimony with him and we both talked about our faith. It was so awesome. I can’t describe the feeling of sharing my faith and worshiping with people half way around the world. It is truly indescribable! The world seems so small at times.

I’m looking forward to our time tomorrow as we have a celebration lunch with all the teachers and students. It will be our chance to say good-bye. Afterward, we will tour through the town of Babati where we have been staying for 1 ½ weeks. We drive through it all the time to get to the school, but have never gotten out to visit. It is the picture of devastation as young children and adults just wander the streets. The stores are so dilapidated and run down. It is surely a third world town.

Thursday and Friday we head on a safari and then shopping in Arusha on Saturday. Sunday we will attend a local church service and then unwind at our hotel before heading off to the airport later in the afternoon.

Each evening, I try to just pour my heart out in a blog without much review of what I’ve written. Sometimes I’m simply overwhelmed when I reflect on all the ways I’ve seen Jesus here in Tanzania. I can’t do justice to Him and how He has been moving in a short blog. But rest assured He is fully present in my life and growing in boldness and might. I am so excited to be His child and love how He chooses to work in my life. He is so good and so powerful, yet so incredibly intimate. Blessed be His name!!

May God bless you and keep you! See you soon.