Closeness...

The word "Closeness" comes up often when thinking about and experiencing life here.  

"Closeness" Just yesterday I was riding in a public transportation bus. I think we were riding down the road for a good 20 seconds less than a foot away from another bus. Yikes!

"Closeness" We are in the process of looking for another house to move into, which is another story that I will tell soon. and I was telling Rob that it would be nice to find a house that had more than 5 feet of distance between us and the houses of our neighbors. 

"Closeness" There have been days, even weeks that have passed without seeing another wazungu, foreigner. That is life here. We are thankful for the times we are able to fellowship with other missionaries or expats here, but that is not the norm. 

"Closeness" Family...We have a very close bond. We are getting to know each other very well. I can tell the times when we all just need to take a break from each other. We send the kids to their beds for rest time and Rob and I take some time to get things done, read a book, or just rest ourselves.  

"Closeness" Sometimes when I get close to people here my first thought is that they are going to smell like sweat, mainly because it is so hot. Most of the time I am pleasantly surprised that they smell a lot better than I do. I am the one who smells funky, at least to my own nose. I smell like sweat. Yuck!

"Closeness" Most importantly, I need to mention how this has affected my faith and relationship with God. I have so much to learn about being Child of God. Being here has exposed my own heart to me in many ways. I have seen the goodness of God in me and the wretchedness of myself. My faith in God and His plan for us being here in Tanzania has never wavered, not a bit! The assurance that He is the one who has provided for us to come and be able to live here has never wavered. The faith that I have in myself and my abilities was very strong before moving here. I focused on the "I" in "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philipeans 4:13. Now I am learning to put my focus on the "Who" in that verse. Having to deal with the physical aspects of life here have been helpful in drawing me closer to Christ. I am so thankful that no matter what I go through, God is there, He Loves me, cares about me, and wants me to succeed in fulfilling my purpose...To glorify God and enjoy His presence forever! 

Thanks for reading!

Amy

Emily and Penina playing Old Maid. Penina is one of our Language Helper's daughters. While she was on break from school she hung out with Emily and Donovan so Rob and I could study Swahili. She will be going back to school in the next few weeks. We are sad to see her go. 

Rob roasted hot dogs for us one night. Donovan liked it so much he carried his hot dog around the whole time. Donovan loved to help Rob put sticks on the fire. He would throw the stick on and yell, "I did it!" 

Shelbyanne dressed at a character from one of her chapter books for Character day at school. She was Lauren the puppy fairy. We made the wings out of a cardboard box and tied it with material. She had such a good time. 

We ate lunch at Merry Brown, a fast food place in the mall. Donovan and Daddy said cheers to each other and took a drink together. Donovan is getting to be such a big boy!