Some assorted highlights of the last month or so...
* Bible study. Corinne and I have started a Swahili (we don't do the teaching!) bible study at our neighbour's house on the week's that we're in Arusha. We have a great time together, singing, studying the bible, praying and eating and we are seeing a wide range of friends interested in the Gospel- from nominal Christians to Muslims. Please pray for these friends- they mean a lot to us.
* Mango season! The going price for mangoes over January is equivalent to 5cents each. There is nothing quite like enjoying mangoes every day for breakfast and spending a total of 35cents over the week. Up next...avocado season.
* Beautiful hot and sunny weather every day for the last month or so. I'm determined to make the most of it before the rains arrive. However... rain is also much needed and prayed for and is essential for crops that are being planted soon and for electricity. We've had power cuts almost every day this week (I'm writing this by candlelight!) and they are supposed to get worse until rain arrives.
* A great education team. I love how well our team works together and how everyone in the team has different strengths they offer. I love working with them all.
* The view of Mt Kilimanjaro most mornings on the drive to Keranse. It's stunning and takes my breath away every time.
* Finishing writing another unit of work. This is a part of my job that requires all my knowledge and more...I find myself asking God a lot for the words to write! I've just finished writing a unit on teaching Literacy in the Middle Years. One more unit to write then it's done. Upper Years Literacy, here I come.
At the end of January, I reached 6 months in Tanzania...and I have to stop and thank God for everything He's done over those 6 months. I have been blessed with amazing friends, a great organisation to work for, students who challenge and inspire me and a love for this country. On top of that, I have so many friends and family back home who pray and keep in touch. I truly am blessed. Thanks God.
We are looking for more mentors to do this job...this year or next year (or further into the future). If you know teachers who you think would be interested, I'd love to email them and let them know about what we do. It's well worth at least considering!
To finish today...here's a quote I read in a book I am just reading by Max Lucado. I like it a lot:
'God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called'.
We are ordinary people, but there is so much that we can do to make a difference if we just say yes and let God equip us for the task.
Be blessed
x Jo
