Tanzania started
off very unusual and odd.
Only three of us travelled
out to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania the first week due to two people being severely sick
and having to stay back in Nairobi, Kenya to get better. The first week consisted of many odd happenings
-one thing after another. Waking up to
roosters every morning at 2am, Muslim prayers, dogs moaning, and babies crying results in a month of no sleep. (Let me
tell you, roosters are not the quietest thing -actually very loud and
obnoxious, and when you’re IPod dies because you use it every day to drown out
the noise, it is not the morning for sleep). When you’re in your third country
that does not speak English, it takes everything in you to stay patient and
communicate clearly (when a five second conversation takes five minutes, it can
really test your patience and understanding). Being on the race for seven
months has definitely been catching up to us. We find ourselves just exhausted
and are really trying to figure out what “rest” means to us- individually and
as a team. 
Jordan, Monica,
and I decided to go to Zanzibar Island (it is a beautiful place known for its
beaches) to get away to find some rest.
It was going to be awesome to rest for a couple of days and head back. But,
instead I got severely sick and my two teammates had to take care of me. We had
to go to the hospital (where the doctor asks you if you know Swahili, you say
no, and they say they do not know English and you ask for someone who speaks
English and they just laugh with confusion). We came back more exhausted than
when we left (PS: I am doing great now, back to complete health).
The other half of
the team has now arrived in Dar Es Salaam (except one who had to go back to the
States due to her health). Things are
turning around for us all, but as we sat down the other night to discuss our
health (spiritually, emotionally, and physically), we found we are all tired in
more than one way. Please be praying for God’s peace and supernatural strength-
that we can find joy and really finish this race well. I personally was feeling a bit discouraged,
but God is showing me joy again. The other day we went to visit a children’s
school and I began finding myself again, my passions and zeal for God. If you
feel led in any way to encourage our team (as individuals or as a team) please
do so- we need and appreciate it.
We have had many
opportunities to preach, teach, and share the testimonies of what God is doing
this month. On the race, times come and go, memories are shared, and times can
easily be forgotten. As my teammates were talking one evening, I was encouraged
through them as they shared the stories from this year. God has done so much
through us and desires to do so much more. We are His vessels and workers for
His field.
“The harvest is
plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore to
send out workers into his harvest field” Matthew 9: 37
As Jordan and I
taught Sunday school one morning we taught a simple lesson on Faith, Hope and
Love (1 Corinthians 13:13). It really got me thinking during this race and for
the rest of our lives, we are here to share our faith, provide hope, and
exhibit love to everyone we meet and encounter.
I know many of
you have supported me 
and the marvelous things God is doing around the world -I
am beyond blessed and grateful. Your encouragement, love, and faith really inspire
me to give more, love more, and be who God has called me to be. I want to give
you a praise report that we (yes you are all involved- whether through prayer
or financially) have raised $13,015. Praise God! Please remember though I am not
yet fully funded. Please consider supporting me whether in a one time or
monthly gift in any amount. If you cannot give financially I understand but
would still love and need your prayer support.
You can donate online “here” or through mail (just contact me for more
information).
Please continue
to follow my blogs as we have four months left to venture and journey through.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my
sake will find it”
Matthew
10:39
(Ps: Due to being far away from the city and being in Africa
with unreliable electricity, we do not have accessible internet this month-
this blog was written July 15, 2010)
