God = Good

“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145:9

One week. Seven days. 168 hours. That’s all the time we have left at Rivervalley. I feel in a state of shock. The last four months are a bit of a blur to me. They were filled with Kiswahili, teaching, reading books, going for walks, enjoying God’s beauty, taking lots of pictures, and of course, eating. A lot! God has truly blessed us. One couldn’t ask for much better a place to study Kiswahili.

Up ‘til a couple days ago, I was honestly dreading going back to Dar es Salaam. It’s a huge city filled with traffic, people, and malaria. Mostly I dreaded it because I didn’t know where we’d live or what the living situation would look like. But, it’s just like God to give us better than we expect (and deserve!). Some of Amanda’s friends, also owners of Village Coffeeshop which I frequent at least once a week, knew of a house for rent – I think one of their parent’s own the house – and told DJ and Tricia about it. Two bedrooms and a loft, plus it’s in a compound with other houses. The Morrison’s have a heart for the Tanzanians and desire to be in a community close to them and a Tanzanian church. This house isn’t ideal for that but will do the trick while they search for one that is ideal. Oh, and did I mention, *cough* that it’s two blocks from the beach?! Yep, now you can probably understand my change of heart. My dread has turned to joy!

This week I’ve moved on from House. It’s an entertaining show but not the most uplifting. My greener pastures now lie in Blue Bloods. If you’ve never seen it, now would be a good time to change that, especially if you like police dramas. And this one actually has family values! Thank you Hollywood, you did a decent job this time.

Wednesday I had great plans to meet up with Adder, Baba and Mama Mchungaji’s daughter. We were to go shoe shopping. And we did, sort of. But before I met up with her, I was attempting to buy salt and pepper shakers. One bottom fit too loose, the other too tight. There was a man who was fixing them for me. In the process, the poor soul managed to cut himself. Iringa has the highest AIDS transmission rate in Tanzania, so when I saw the blood and was holding one of the shakers, I got a bit freaked. Thankfully Adder was there by then and I could say I needed to leave.

She needed to go see her brother at a bank, so there I was, sitting there in the bank waiting for her and it dawns on me: “I have a cut on my thumb and I might have come in contact with that guy’s blood. What if I get AIDS?!” I felt like crying at the thought. It didn’t help that I was hot, we were supposed to be meeting Mai to pick up some things from the tailor, and we were going to be late. I hand-sanitized like crazy! And on the way home later with Andrew and Amethyst, they put my fears to rest by telling me that it takes a lot more than that to contract AIDS. Big phewf!!! Thanks friends!

After meeting Mai and getting the things Tricia, Avery, and I had had the tailor make, Adder and I went off searching for shoes and a jean jacket. After trying on a ton of used shoes – Lord protect me from foot fungus! – I found several pairs I liked. Unfortunately for me, Adder had left “for a few minutes” and told me to not go anywhere. Ha! 30 minutes went by, and Andrew and Amethyst were waiting for me at Iringa net. I texted Adder and she said she was coming. Another 30 minutes went by, some of which I filled with buying phone credit and looking for lipstick as a thank you for one of my teachers. I finally bartered for the shoes and then called Tricia. I was curious if it was ok to leave even though she hadn’t come back. It was, so I left and texted Adder. She ended up meeting me by Iringa net. She said something about car trouble. Hum… She seemed sad. I felt a bit bad. But, when a few minutes turn to an hour and one’s ride is waiting for them, what else is one to do? I’ll just say it like the French, “That’s life!”

We bid Dylan, the Petersons, and Andrew and Amethyst goodbye this week. I felt great sadness that they were leaving. We ate almost every meal together. We’d become a little almost family. But alas, I guess all good things must come to an end. At least that’s the case with this.

Wednesday night we had a lovely little campfire in the woods by Morrison’s banda. I enjoyed it more than I do some campfires. And I do love myself a good campfire. I especially love that smoky smell that permeates almost the whole of you. It reminds me of Kalaloch (only a couple months Eilers’ family! Can’t wait to see you all! J) We even ate s’mores and Amethyst brought her guitar. Such a special time. God’s blessed us with new friends, Lea and Annette, two girls from Denmark. They’re quite fun and I love having them around.

Saturday we hiked about five kilometers and rode horses at the Phillip’s farm. The girls were nervous, and I mostly just excited. My horse’s name was Dragonfly, and he was sweet and gentle. The day dawned gorgeous and stayed that way. I felt quite insecure once perched upon Dragonfly in the English saddle. But, my comfort level improved and we had a lovely little walk around the grounds, led by Valentino, one of their Tanzanian workers. We even strolled through the forest with the dusty green colored trees with twisty branches that looked sort of like hands aged from time and work, knobby and crooked. Out of the forest Annette wanted to trot with her horse, and mine wanted to follow suit. I protested loudly with screams and ‘whoa’s!’ but it was only after Valentino helped stop Dragonfly that he told me I needed to say ‘stand’. Oh! No wonder he wouldn’t stop.

We relaxed outside their house a bit and then made the long trek back through cornfields, sunflowers, fields, forest, and even a bridge. We managed to take the long way, and our legs almost fell off before we got back to camp. We were quite late for lunch, but since we were the only ones, they brought lunch out when we arrived. We downed much water, and sodas were in order too. A hot shower felt nice, and then I enjoyed relaxing with my Bible, Blue Bloods, and my journal. Today my inner thighs are reminding me that they have muscles.. Ouch!

Life never runs you dry of thank you’s, does it? Here goes!

*         For friends that give you perspective

*         One more week and then the kids will be free of homeschool. Mostly!

*         One last week to enjoy Iringa for possibly the last time in my life

*         Getting more done than you expect (that’s big when you’re on ‘Africa time’)

*         New shoes

*         A cute new top

*         God’s continual provision and continual surprises

Have a very happy month of June, friends! While you’re enjoying fragrant spring flowers, we’re experiencing cold nights, steaming cups of tea, and scarves. Relish in those lovely blossoms for me pretty please! J