A Beautiful Day

The day began early for the team as we all got up and said goodbye to Rebecca and Meg. They left at 6:15AM after a breakfast of eggs, toast, tea, and coffee. We checked on them along the way. Everything went great from their first stop after the mountains to samosa break in Chalinze. They arrived at the hotel around 2 PM for a shower and rest. At 6 PM they had supper, and then the fun began. Rebecca and Meg did not think it was funny after 1.5 hours in a Dar Traffic jam and almost a two hour ride to the airport in hot and humid Dar. But, the great news is just 20 minutes ago they checked into at the airport. Rebecca and Meg have been great with so many things that could have made this trip turn. Please pray for them to rest and put the jam and heat behind them as they travel back to the US tonight and tomorrow.

For Greg, Becky, and Jon, this was a somewhat lazy day after the last few days of farm work. Greg, Becky, and Floyd walked in the community and up to a high point overlooking the city of Iringa and the children's home. The whole valley of Iringa could be seen from the rock. Jon was his usual Mr. Hero self fixing the toaster, the microwave (which had been at a repair shop in town for two months), the shower for hot water, and then "showing off" (I mean) helping out in the kitchen by making chapati. Apparently, he doesn't realize that Greg and I are capturing these moments and making sure that Caroline knows about them. Look at his list: Fixing things around the house when asked, volunteering to wash his own clothes, and help with cooking.

For Greg, Becky, and Floyd we sit in the Shadow of Jon's accomplishments. As you can see Becky and Greg spent the day with the children and visiting with Stephen (musician, children's home worker, and many other responsibilities). Floyd met with Mpeli and Neema about some exciting opportunities for expanded care for street children, orphans, and vulnerable children in the area. The shoes were distributed that were brought by the team. The vitamins were given as well.

The new keyboard was used for the first time in worship. The children and staff were so excited by it. They sang and sang. Greg, Floyd, and Becky enjoyed the babies, BonnieTaz and Tunu. Tunu played the drums (banging on the table as the children sang) and Bonnie sang along with the children (even though she had rhythm and voice control issues--just kidding. Floyd, that's me, did get her to call him, "Baba (Father)".

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Tomorrow we worship at Kidetete church where the nursery school and farm are located. In the afternoon, a special worship service at the children's home will dedicate BonnieTaz and Tunu to the Lord--by their family (children, staff, and Mwaisumbe family).

Again, please remember Meg and Rebecca as they travel home tonight.