Mustard Seeding

Before moving forward, I want to share the history of the reason why we came to Tanzania. When we first started dating Ema told me he had this dream to one day go into business— specifically gold business in Tanzania. When I heard that it was like everything in my heart and soul was like “NOOOOOOOO!!!!” But I think (hope!) I was nicer than that when I expressed that I didn’t really see myself doing that. Our first date I made a point to tell him that I had no desire to move to Africa, and that that may never change. As we continued it didn’t look like that was a deal breaker, but I know that deep down he always hoped I’d change my mind. Before we were engaged I took a trip to Tanzania to see what I would be getting myself into moving forward. Love prevailed as I had a hard time but still wanted to stay in the relationship where we were already talking about and planning for marriage.  I loved him, and his family was amazing! He ended up moving to Thailand of course, and t...

Written Friday July 14:   I’ve been in Tanzania for a little over two weeks now. That’s not long but I can tell you that it hasn’t been short.   This whole time we’ve been living in a hotel down the street from our little townhouse that we’re going to rent that’s “almost finished” being built.   Here’s the classic African situation: “They said it will be done by June 30” is what Ema told me over our internet chats while I was still in America. "That's somebody’s birthday!” In my head I was like “bloody likely…”   I thought— 2 weeks at least! And unfortunately I was right. The first time we spoke to the landlord, who was proudly surveying the very slow work, he assured us it could be done by July 7th. That was a week ago. The painting hasn’t started, there’s no bathroom fixtures at all (no toilet, shower or water heaters), there aren’t any doors in place or glass & screens for the windows. So—— we shall see how long it takes.   We...

Tanzania Blog Entry 1, Written July 5: Mwanza-    So, it was suggested to me that I write a blog to share my experience, though in my experience no one reads my blogs or newsletters. Nevertheless I thought it was a good idea and so I will embark! Here’s an intro to those of you who are new to my life. I’ve spent the last 14 years as a missionary in amazing Asia. 5 years based out of Hong Kong, and the rest in Chiang Mai, Thailand.   In this time I definitely learned a thing or two about other cultures, living as a privileged minority (many many times the only white person in a crowd), finding ways to be culturally comfortable in uncomfortable situations.   So why? In my life I’ve felt that I’ve been blessed with life and an American passport, English as a first language and a rich and loving relationship with Jesus (as well as this hunger for adventure and living life to the fullest). That being the case I want to use this resource of my life to enrich ...