I think back to my babysitting days....oh so much fun. But I remember hearing ALL THE TIME...."I'm bored". When they had just walked out of a house full of stuff into a huge backyard filled with stuff. At the time, I didn't think about it. Its just how it was
But today, i was blown away by a disparity I finally saw. The kids at the village have nothing. Barely enough to eat...most of them NOT enough to eat. So as you can imagine toys are few and far between.
Today I saw a little baby playing with a piece of plastic and scooping up the dirt. It was something her sister found to keep her happy. But just that kept her content. Now i was cringing wanting to give her a bath and practice the alphabet..but some some baby genius videos....but not going to happen for this little one.
The kids are so creative, they are always playing and hanging out, but don't always even have any toys.
we brought some with us, and you should see all the creative games they play. Mostly, they don't use the toys for what their intended purpose is, but they always have fun with them. Its cool to see what they come up with.
We brought soft bowling pins and balls...but they ended up playing a throwing and catching game with the pins. lol....took too long to set up the pins each time. Plus its hard to balance pins on dirt!
gotta get the pics from michelle still.....
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Atypical Friday= any friday in Africa
2 Chronicles 29:12 "You hold strength and power in the palm of your HAND to build up and strengthen all."
Now I would just struggle to teach this verse to children in a way that allows kids to remember it forever, but one missionary here did just that. I do not use this lightly, but he is a man anointed by God. Even in his children you can see the love of Christ and the way he treats his is a strong testimony here.
Anyway....the kids had so much fun during assembly, yet he still managed to teach them a great truth for their lives.
He started by reading the verse and then holding an arm wrestling contest. The kids were screaming they were so excited: grade against grade and boys against girls. You should have seen their faces when some girls won!
But the winners were given books (always a great gift) but he followed it by a short talk. He spoke how we need to hold the hand of God to get his strength and power. But for the kids...he made them make a fist and pound their chest screaming STRENGTH AND POWER with their hand up every time he said "hand". Well as you can imagine he said "hand" A LOT! so the kids were pounding their chests and screaming with their hands up in the air about God's strength and power.
But they had a blast doing it. And they now remember that in God's hand he holds strength and power for us to have when we go and hold his hand.
How often do we forget that these concepts are taught in scripture everywhere and are simple enough for a child to understand? I hope God gives me some ideas like this as I teach Bible the rest of year.
Lesson: Never underestimate how much kids can comprehend in the Bible.
He ended the talk with screaming out: God's hand is a hand of: Friendship, partnership, guidance, help and protection. But he (of course) said hand each time..making the kids yell strength and power over and over...but what great reminders!
A great start to the day...so exciting...until a tarantula was found in the girls bathroom! A huge one...but don't worry the gardeners took care of it. I guess Africa is still Africa! lol
now off to pick up some rugs. Normally a simple task, but we are going to the one warehouse where they have a store. And our directions are "turn right past after the big Shamo building down the 2nd dirt road. (one of the worst roads I have been on since coming) Go to the end and turn at the sign. " (not the sign for the store, but a different sign that talks about a school...yup for their store they put out a sign about a school...helpful!)
Wish me luck! :-)
Now I would just struggle to teach this verse to children in a way that allows kids to remember it forever, but one missionary here did just that. I do not use this lightly, but he is a man anointed by God. Even in his children you can see the love of Christ and the way he treats his is a strong testimony here.
Anyway....the kids had so much fun during assembly, yet he still managed to teach them a great truth for their lives.
He started by reading the verse and then holding an arm wrestling contest. The kids were screaming they were so excited: grade against grade and boys against girls. You should have seen their faces when some girls won!
But the winners were given books (always a great gift) but he followed it by a short talk. He spoke how we need to hold the hand of God to get his strength and power. But for the kids...he made them make a fist and pound their chest screaming STRENGTH AND POWER with their hand up every time he said "hand". Well as you can imagine he said "hand" A LOT! so the kids were pounding their chests and screaming with their hands up in the air about God's strength and power.
But they had a blast doing it. And they now remember that in God's hand he holds strength and power for us to have when we go and hold his hand.
How often do we forget that these concepts are taught in scripture everywhere and are simple enough for a child to understand? I hope God gives me some ideas like this as I teach Bible the rest of year.
Lesson: Never underestimate how much kids can comprehend in the Bible.
He ended the talk with screaming out: God's hand is a hand of: Friendship, partnership, guidance, help and protection. But he (of course) said hand each time..making the kids yell strength and power over and over...but what great reminders!
A great start to the day...so exciting...until a tarantula was found in the girls bathroom! A huge one...but don't worry the gardeners took care of it. I guess Africa is still Africa! lol
now off to pick up some rugs. Normally a simple task, but we are going to the one warehouse where they have a store. And our directions are "turn right past after the big Shamo building down the 2nd dirt road. (one of the worst roads I have been on since coming) Go to the end and turn at the sign. " (not the sign for the store, but a different sign that talks about a school...yup for their store they put out a sign about a school...helpful!)
Wish me luck! :-)
The joy of no electricity
Some of you have heard that our electricity went out. Not a flicker...or a few hours, but onto our 2nd day with little hope for future electricity. But I think I know what caused it. Carley and I had the same thought simultaneously....we both thought how great our electricity has been. And here was our mistake, we decided to buy meat that we didn't need until next week!!! I know to all you Americans...this seems natural. But here is a use or lose it policy. You buy what you need and NO MORE. :-)
That evening, our transformer started sparking and smoking never a good sign. God irony was not lost on us since after school we held a fire safety lessong learning which fire extinguishers we need for what kinds of fire. Had there been a fire, we would have known what to do!
Thankfully no fire, but also no power. This is not a good sign. since things have a way of getting done when they do...it could take WEEKS for our electricity to come back. Sigh...
One thing I have learned is to still be thankful for something, so I am still very thankful that our water pump is working! We can still shower AND wash dishes....how wonderful is that!
Then today...one fan downstairs started slowly turning! Hurray, we might have power.
I have just noticed how often we overlook what we are given and focus on what has been taken. We were given water, one light in the bathroom, a house, and two cool evenings in a row filled with breezes. God gives and he takes away...our job is to praise and thank him no matter what.
That evening, our transformer started sparking and smoking never a good sign. God irony was not lost on us since after school we held a fire safety lessong learning which fire extinguishers we need for what kinds of fire. Had there been a fire, we would have known what to do!
Thankfully no fire, but also no power. This is not a good sign. since things have a way of getting done when they do...it could take WEEKS for our electricity to come back. Sigh...
One thing I have learned is to still be thankful for something, so I am still very thankful that our water pump is working! We can still shower AND wash dishes....how wonderful is that!
Then today...one fan downstairs started slowly turning! Hurray, we might have power.
I have just noticed how often we overlook what we are given and focus on what has been taken. We were given water, one light in the bathroom, a house, and two cool evenings in a row filled with breezes. God gives and he takes away...our job is to praise and thank him no matter what.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday Nights...out to 1 am?!?!
Tehela is group of people who get together on Friday nights. One of my roommates, Delicia, has an amazing voice so she goes and sings with them every week. But this isn't a normal worship, they are dedicated to worshiping God on friday nights!!
But its amazing to see all the people from churches all over Dar just worshipping and singing, praising, praying for HOURS on EVERY Friday night.
As soon as I walked in, you could just feel the presence of the Lord in the room. There are very few times in my life that I can actually say that I knew God was present, but also felt his close presence like this.
The musicians are so fun to watch. Mom said before (we had gone to one before when she was here) Delicia’s face transforms when she sings. And it is so true. All of the musicians and singers just flow together as one and really just allow God to take over. It is a lot of fun. By the end of the worship time, I was jumping, dancing, singing…it was the most natural thing in the world. I didn’t have a choice but to just throw myself into worship.
A missionary, Shaun, did the preaching that night. One thing he asked really struck me. His question was, “Who did Jesus hang out with? He was always getting himself in trouble with the Pharisees because he was hanging out with drunkards, thieves, prostitutes, etc…. Then Shaun asked, “How many people do you know like that?” And it threw me so much because my gut reaction to that question was, “No one of course! I wouldn’t hang out with people like that!”
Shaun said, “Most of you probably answered, not that many.” But even thousands of years later, we are still rejecting the same people from our society! Amazing that we can have the word with us for so long and still be so blind. Yet these are the very people who need to hear about the love of Christ that breaks the bondage of sin. Talk about conviction…now it’s a matter of what to do about it.
The hard part of the evening is how long it goes on for! Starting your day at 5:30 and ending it after 2 am isn’t really easy. Michelle, Naomi, and I made it to midnight…everyone else starting worshiping again, but our bodies were done! So we headed home. Delicia finally rolled in around 1:30 am. Not really sure how she does it!
It does make me understand how important it is to be doing the thing that God has designed for you to do. You can see it in the way she serves while she sings. She was made for singing for the Lord. I feel the same way when I’m teaching. Only..I don’t sound as good as she does! Not fair.
:-)
But its amazing to see all the people from churches all over Dar just worshipping and singing, praising, praying for HOURS on EVERY Friday night.
As soon as I walked in, you could just feel the presence of the Lord in the room. There are very few times in my life that I can actually say that I knew God was present, but also felt his close presence like this.
The musicians are so fun to watch. Mom said before (we had gone to one before when she was here) Delicia’s face transforms when she sings. And it is so true. All of the musicians and singers just flow together as one and really just allow God to take over. It is a lot of fun. By the end of the worship time, I was jumping, dancing, singing…it was the most natural thing in the world. I didn’t have a choice but to just throw myself into worship.
A missionary, Shaun, did the preaching that night. One thing he asked really struck me. His question was, “Who did Jesus hang out with? He was always getting himself in trouble with the Pharisees because he was hanging out with drunkards, thieves, prostitutes, etc…. Then Shaun asked, “How many people do you know like that?” And it threw me so much because my gut reaction to that question was, “No one of course! I wouldn’t hang out with people like that!”
Shaun said, “Most of you probably answered, not that many.” But even thousands of years later, we are still rejecting the same people from our society! Amazing that we can have the word with us for so long and still be so blind. Yet these are the very people who need to hear about the love of Christ that breaks the bondage of sin. Talk about conviction…now it’s a matter of what to do about it.
The hard part of the evening is how long it goes on for! Starting your day at 5:30 and ending it after 2 am isn’t really easy. Michelle, Naomi, and I made it to midnight…everyone else starting worshiping again, but our bodies were done! So we headed home. Delicia finally rolled in around 1:30 am. Not really sure how she does it!
It does make me understand how important it is to be doing the thing that God has designed for you to do. You can see it in the way she serves while she sings. She was made for singing for the Lord. I feel the same way when I’m teaching. Only..I don’t sound as good as she does! Not fair.
:-)
Mom's Visit
These are my fav banana's
They are SOO sweet!
As most of you know my Mom came out to visit me!!!!! It was so exciting to see a familiar face..but we sure did keep busy while she was here.
The height of the trees....
They guy climbing them to the top!!!! amazing. He was even hanging on with his hands and putting his legs out! I really thought he would fall.
Mom practicing her "Queen" pose! She really thought she was one when he gave her the crown!
Mom hanging out by a spice tree with our guide.
Another missionary family (the Janders) joined us for our vacation to Zanzibar. this is a picture ofthe girls and I after all our shopping one day....:-)
My FAVORITE coffee shop in Stone town. It was just amazing coffee! I made mom come back with me for a second cup.
As most of you know my Mom came out to visit me!!!!! It was so exciting to see a familiar face..but we sure did keep busy while she was here.Thankfully (for me) her flight got cancelled AND MOVED SOONER! She came even before school ended and was able to meet all the kids and watch their christmas pagent
.
.Our first stop was Zanzibar! so much fun. beautiful city with lots of "touristy" things to do. We took a spice tour one day. Here this guy just walked us around and told about spices, but he also made some funny things out of the leaves. Glasses, necklaces, even crowns! It was a lot of fun. One guy even climbed up the coconut tree so we could see how they got to the top!
All of the presents made from leaves! Note the glasses AND purse.
The height of the trees....
They guy climbing them to the top!!!! amazing. He was even hanging on with his hands and putting his legs out! I really thought he would fall.
Mom practicing her "Queen" pose! She really thought she was one when he gave her the crown!Mom hanging out by a spice tree with our guide.
Another missionary family (the Janders) joined us for our vacation to Zanzibar. this is a picture ofthe girls and I after all our shopping one day....:-)My FAVORITE coffee shop in Stone town. It was just amazing coffee! I made mom come back with me for a second cup. 
Zanzibar is known for its intricate wood working. So lots of the doors and just totally covered in designs.
After Zanzibar we were back in Dar for Christmas. There was a great christmas eve caroling service at sunset. that was a lot of fun. I took a good pic of the crowd because there were so many white people. I told Michelle that i didn't think there were any other white people left in Dar! They had all come to the service. But it did feel strange to be in a sea of white faces. I am more comfortable now being in a sea of black faces.
Christmas here was hard though, to be so far from family that I knew was all getting together. But all the girls made it a nice relaxing day. We cooked a brunch, gave out some presents, and really just relaxed.
Delicia ripping into her gifts.
Our Christmas tree! My FIRST fake one.
Later we travelled south to Mikumi National Park for some safari! SO MANY COOL ANIMALS! it was really exciting.
Like my cool safari hat?!?! I bought it out of the car window for 6,000 Tsh (about 5 bucks)
Hippo's hanging in the cool water! (right)
We saw so many herds of Zebra!!! They were everywhere. But I still think they look like horses.
Of course, my favorite!!!!!! The giraffe got really close sometimes.
Our Safari guide was even a Christian. He actually asked us first because of our testimony whhen the car broke down. we just hung out on the side of the road for 5 hours no big deal. But he was very surprised at our lack of complaining. I know the Lord helped all of our attitudes, but i also think that I have reached a place where I just expect cars to break down and things to go wrong, so when they do...I just take it in stide. :-)
The Water Buffalo. That one with his nose up cracks me up! They were such curious creatures.
The Water Buffalo. That one with his nose up cracks me up! They were such curious creatures.
(left) The elephants were not as big as I had hoped, but it was amazing to see how they all worked together to take care of one another. One time we got too close and a Mama elephant told us what was up! she took a menacing step towards us and raised her trunk. We didn't get any closer!
We saw tons of antelope. They were everywhere!!! (below)
When we came back we logged some shopping and beach time to finish up our time together. I know Mom had fun, but I think she was ready to head back to the familiar life of America. she really showed me how different life here is. I am just accustomed to crazy driving, walking, downing liters of water every day! But i forget how MUCH I have adjusted to over the past 6 months.
God has been good though, it was so nice to get out and just hang with Mom. We got to go to some fun restaurants here (she helped supply some needed funds that were missing before) and really enjoy the city. I found out that I really want people to love Dar like I do. I know there are lots of problems here, but I really do love living in this city.
weight watchers in Africa
One of my roommates (Carley) and I are both in weddings in the next few months. So we decided to put ourselves on weight watchers. She had done it before and had a book that we could follow and check out how much all the food we eat costs us in points!
But the funny part is that it has caught on like wild fire and now there are bunch of us doing it together. We are having so much fun with it. Carley and I have our little notebooks to write down what we eat...and then every Wednesday is going to be our weigh in! lol all the girls are coming to us and list off what they ate..then find out if they are over their points. It isn't a huge deal, but its just a fun thing. I think the whole school knows now since we were joking about it at lunch time! lol...school can spread information like nothing I have ever seen before.
We are holding each other accountable. And this morning Naomi and I did a "Sweating to the Spirit" workout video! It was so funny. At least we have fun while torturing ourselves....
Another missionary family has helped us out too. It is IMPOSSIBLE for me to run here. I know some do, but with the heat of the sun, the stares, the inability to use an ipod where someone can see you, and more... there are lots of hinderances.
I first tried to say that this must be God telling me that I shouldn't run this year...but on further thought I just need to find other ways to be active.
I first tried to say that this must be God telling me that I shouldn't run this year...but on further thought I just need to find other ways to be active.
With some generous donations...another family put in a mini gym on their balcony. So now Carley and I WALK the 40 minutes to their house and can run on tredmill or lift weights or bike. So it is great fun.
Here is our before picture....
After 4 months...we will see.
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