Mission Trip to Tanzania Sept 2011 so far......

I am sitting deep in the bush right now experiencing life like I never knew. I happen to be able to connect through a phone and the internet (still not quite sure how this is even possible as there is nothing around us) however, I am quickly going to share the journey so far.

Our flights went well through Nairobi. We were delayed by a few hours on the way from Amsterdam so arrived at 10:30 vs 8:00. Charles, Elicana and Eva were there to greet us. It was great to see their smiling faces and know we were right where we needed to be. We spent the following day meeting Hadjiba who is making the Simeon and Sula Dolls. They were exactly as I had imagined beautiful and made with love. I have ordered 40 dolls to be sold when I get back to the USA. Monday we traveled by bus to Arusha. We arrived and checked in the hotel. We met with our friend Ryan who is doing missionary work from the USA. We managed to have a fun reunion with lots of laughs.

Tuesday was business day for Simple Hope East Africa. We managed to check off almost everything we needed to accomplish. We worked and walked all over Arusha. We signed a lease on a beautiful office for SHEA which is also a guest house. This home will be open to all guests that come from anywhere in the world. We will post pictures on our website with all the details when we get back. Our other work was getting things checked off from what the government needed from us to complete so our NGO works and functions 100% in the positive and in complete transparency.

We visited the Matonyok Orphanage in the evening. It was great to see how well the center is doing and to see little Bryson. He was standing up and walking when we arrived - PRAISE GOD! We passed out the school bags that were donated by Mary C and the VBS photo cards that were made by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in July. The children were so happy to see these gifts. Pilgrim UCC also made some very awesome origami toys that we brought along...what fun to see them blow up the balloons and watch how the tea cups were used. We built a bridge of love between our worlds by sharing these many gifts with the children who otherwise would not have anything.

Wednesday we packed up and headed out to Lake Eyasi. We had a few complications to get through but in order for Simple Hope to do the "right" work all these steps were necessary. In the end our making the decision to follow down the right path (not easiest though in terms of wait time) but it allowed up to move free and clear because the government recognizes us as a NGO that is truly a passionate and caring organization. I will post more on that when I get back.

We are now on day 5 in the bush. It is peaceful, beautiful and breathtaking. We are living in our Cabela's tents where are wonderful. We are remaining simple in our daily needs - we are eating just a meal a day and are happy for the one shower we have each and everyday. This morning I heard something walking passed the tent and thought it might have been our night watchmen but when I sat up to look there were two cows just outside the window. Then I sat up on the other side of the tent was monkeys playing and screaming with each other. It is always so relaxing to know that we all move in harmony with each other.

I will write more about our wonderful journey with the Hadzabe on the next post. Time is ticking and the internet keeps going in and out and I don't want to lose what I have typed.

Thank you for your prayers, kind hearts and well wishes. Our mission trip is another awe inspiring trip and we are continually amazed at how GREAT GOD is with our work.

Blessings and peace,