Davina - Out of Africa,
‘Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift’ 2 Cor 9.16 through your care, prayers and support for us in many different ways. (I especially like the chocolate). Seriously though, the arrival of teaching tapes, letters, books and emails continue to be exciting events which maintain the connection between us regardless of distance. I love to hear your news and am so pleased when you ask me to pray for you.
Praise the Lord for cheap telephone calls via USA, however saying goodbye to Demelza, Kirsty, Luke, family and friends always brings a lump to my throat. I can’t believe we’ve been here for 6 months, it really is home and I love the Tanzanian way of life.
Sabina with her children
Chats with Sabina our (house helper, no, she’s a friend) in Kiswahilli invariably result in laughter as do our adventures to the market. The funniest language blunder though was when Julius (a compound guard) and I were cleaning out the chicken run. He needed a bucket so I asked him if I should fetch a ’choo’ – loo. Keeping a straight face, he said ’choo’? Peals of laughter ensued and that was just from the chickens!
Balancing MAF life of worship, relationships, home, work and rest, remains a challenge and daily reliance on our Lord for wisdom and strength. I praise Him for excellent health, His provision of deliciously interesting healthy food and a friendly, lively church with sound teaching and especially for a kind, patient translator.
Paul knew what he was talking about when he said endure hardships of many kinds, because supporting the implementation of the UK national curriculum in the school is certainly the hardest task God has ever called me to do. However, His promises of help far outweigh all the difficulties.
Luke, Charlotte (his girlfriend), Alan and I visited Mikumi National Park where we were overwhelmed to see so many giraffe, elephants, zebra, impala, monkeys, wildebeest, hippopotami, crocodiles and more.
Nearing the end of our safari we rounded a corner amidst vehicle high grass and found ourselves 6 feet from a young male lion. Beneath a tree, just yards away, was a magnificent pride of lions.
Coming to the end of the first Out of Africa, my thoughts return to where I began. Thank you for your prayers. Be assured of my prayers for you and to that end please let me know of your needs.
‘Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out’.
Ephesians 6.18 The Message
