Jambo!

The team has begun to clear some of the bush to make a way for a road. They enjoy using machetes to break down the bushes and trees. They also cut wood and nailed together forms that we will use to pour concrete into to make fence poles. The kids from the village have heard we arrived and have come running to our site to greet us. The team has enjoyed getting to interact and play games with the children.

On Friday, the team went out to do an eyeglass clinic. We were sad that we were not able to do the medical part as it would bring conflict for those running the base and the community. Our team shared their evangelism presentation and ended it with an invitation to accept Jesus. We praise God that many kids were led to Christ! We had 3 interpreters thus there were 3 groups that were handling the eyeglass clinic. While the people that needed eyeglasses were being helped, the rest of the team members were playing games with the kids. The team did a great job of doing impromptu puppet songs that they learned at Boot Camp. We made balloon animals that the kids loved and handed out the coloring books. These coloring books have some Bible Scripture in both English and Swahili on each page. It was sweet being able to hear the kids read God's Word in Swahili. (Some in English, for the few that knew it.) Our team has picked up on some Swahili and love speaking some phrases with the locals. On the way home from the clinic, the team got to stop at a small store on the side of the road and use their schillings to buy some soda and snacks.

On Saturday, the team had another opportunity to hold an eyeglass clinic at one of the Sunday School circuits. They did a different evangelism presentation followed by handing out the wordless bracelets. Lilly M. and Abby R. explained the wordless bracelet and what each color means. We brought a soccer ball to play with the kids which they absolutely loved. Some of the people travel far to come see us and we love to see the constant stream of people coming. We have interacted with both Christians and Muslims in our clinics and have the privilege to pray with every single one that comes through the clinic. We ended our Saturday night with a fire and the team roasted marshmallows and made s’mores.

The team members have really grown together as a team and enjoy fellowship in with each other. This morning, the team went to a local church and enjoyed worshipping with the nationals and singing in Swahili. This afternoon, some of the team went on a hike up a mountain. They loved getting to challenge themselves!

We are doing well. We have had the opportunity to host eyeglass clinics and play with lots of children which has been a blast! We also have been helping the Jipe base clear a road. We appreciate all the prayers and miss you all. - Olivia H.

Tanzania has been really great. The weather has been absolutely amazing and the people have been so welcoming. I love seeing the joy on the kids faces when we come to the church to play with them. Africa is beautiful and I already know I will miss it it we leave. - Elyse M.

Hello everyone! Tanzania has been so beautiful! I have really enjoyed singing and playing with the kids! The team has been serving in eye glass clinics, and we have made progress on the road we've been working on! I am excited see how the Lord continues to use us! - Violet A.

Tanzania's weather is stunning. We were told that doing medical work here would cause strife between the local Christians/Muslims. We still get to do eyeglass clinics. Otherwise things are glorious! Africa is a dream and there are monkeys on our base. Love you all tremendously! -Abby R.