Hi all
Well its now into week 10 of my time here in Australia. Christmas has come and gone so very fast as did new years.
As 2016 has kicked off I have spent sometime in prayer and really seeking the lord as to what this year is to bring for me. I felt the words that he shared with me or really the main word of 2016 is TRUST. I write this in capital letters not for you, but to remind myself of what this actually means. God wants me to put my full trust in what he has to give to me in 2016. His abundance is so big and he is the one who will provide for my every need, want and even desire.
He is the God of all God's and I am so thankful that this year I have been able to begin it here in Australia.
I am excited to be able to return to Africa at the end of Feb but am really just enjoying my time here while I can. I am still loving the simple things like hot pressured showers and just being able to go to the beach and swim- its so close. I am thankful for each one of you who read my blog, those of you who pray for me and those of you who financially support me. Blessings to each one of you as you respond to me in different ways. I am blessed because of you, and I pray that each one of you would be blessed too.
2016 what does this year look like for you? I would love to hear what you feel like your year ahead may look like for each one of you. This way I can be praying for you in the times that you most need, but also to be there as a community to encourage one and other.
Christmas was a time that was filled with mixed emotions. The joyful part of christmas was being able to spend it with my 10 nieces and nephews (6 nieces and 4 nephews), the day was busy with having the children around and being around my siblings all bar 1. So all together we were 11 adults. The harder part about christmas has been that my dad has been in and out of hospital, he has had trouble with his haemoglobin. This meant that he spent christmas day in bed, trying to feel better. He is currently now in hospital, and for those of you who do pray I would ask that you join with me in praying for his recovery, that the doctors would have the right answers and that he would heal quickly and be able to come home and return to somewhat 'normal' life.
God is so good and I am thankful that I am here in Australia during this time. He has the plans for each one of us.
My time is going so fast and I am loving being able to still make connections with you all. Some great and big highlights have been when I went to a friends wedding where I was able to catch up with so many of my friends. I was able to fly up to Brisbane where I spent 3 days there with friends catching up on life. This was a great time of rest and just a great time of catching up with so many who I had not seen.
I am right now loving the sound of the rain as I sit inside my house, thankful for the power and really praying that the rain gets to where its most needed. I am thankful for sunny days where I have been able to be outside in the sunshine too.
I have now enrolled for uni for this year and this will commence in February, I have only 5 subjects left and will be completing 2 subjects this semester.
I have loved being able to see so many of you and please remember that I still have time and would love to catch up with you all before the 28th February.
My target goals for support are coming along and if you feel to give on a regular basis then this will help my target for each month.
My target to raise for each month is $700. This is to pay for rent, food, petrol, maintenance of a car, internet, phone credit and ministry to others.
If you would like to know more details about the amount of support I am needing to raise each month, please feel free to email, Facebook me, text me or even give me a call.
I will post the details of how to contact me below as well.
Please know that as you respond to me, I love being able to share in your lives. I love hearing what has been going on and would love to catch up with you all. My number to contact me here in Australia is 0487692504
If you feel led to give on a regular basis or as a one off love donation then my details will be at the bottom of the blog.
Here are the ways in which you can contact me and my bank details too.
*Facebook- Carly Greening
*Skype- carly.greening
*Email- greeningcarly@gmail.com
*Phone- +61 86014052
If you would like to donate here's how.
Carly Greening
Bank- Newcastle Permenant Building Society
BSB- 650 000
Account Number- 970033305
Until I blog again, blessings to you all as you continue in your month of January 2016.
Tuesday 5 January 2016
Saturday 26 December 2015
Connections.
Hello and a very Merry Christmas to you all.
I cant believe that Christmas has come and gone. It has now been 9 weeks since arriving in Australia. I must say that I have sat down many times to write this blog and either gotten half way through, or a little distracted with catching up with friends and family. So let me fill you in on some of the happenings since arriving in Australia.
The last 9 weeks has been filled with seeing so many people, catching up in your lives from the last 2 years.
So much of my time has been with my 10 nieces and nephews getting to know each one of their personalities again after the 2 years of being away. We have taken many trips to the beach and to the park as well as just spending time around home with them too. A fun highlight has been taking 5 of the 10 to see the christmas lights before christmas. The excitement and joy as each child screeched with excitement the colourful lights that they could see.
It has been fun meeting 2 of my nephews for the very first time. What a joy this was.
It has been great seeing close friends catching up with them, I have taken many trips to Sydney and have spend lots of time catching up with some of you.
God is so good all of the time, since I have arrived back God has put me into contact with many people who some I have not seen for a long time. I love the connections that can be made and the way he works everything together for good.
I have had the chance to share at some churches and youth groups since returning this has been such a great chance to re connect and to meet new people too BUT if you are connected to a youth group, womens group, preschool group or church group and would like to have me share, please let me know as I still have time to connect with each of you.
My phone number is 0487692504 send me a message or give me a call as I would love to connect with you all.
Since arriving I have been able to complete another uni subject - my birth- two years practicum at an awesome centre. This time was such a blessing where so many new and old connections were again made, the team at the centre are just wonderful and were so very supportive of me during the 4 weeks of my placement. I now have only 5 subjects to go. WAHOOO
Right after I completed this placement I had my wisdom teeth removed, for the first week I was fairly sick, but gradually have gotten better as the swelling went down and I am now able to function well again.
During this time my dad was admitted to hospital, which has been tough on us all. For those of you who pray I would ask that you join me in prayer for his healing.
I have had lots of beach trips which has been fun and just so nice to be by the salty water again.
As the time led up to christmas this was a time of being with family, mostly nieces and nephews which has just been such a joy.
I am still amazed that the time is just flying by. I am believing God for the promises that he has for me in order to get back to Tanzania Arusha. I am still needing to raise $700 more for each month, as the cost of living has increased slightly, part of the increase has been my permit this cost has raised from $250 USD every 2 years to over $800 for every 2 years.
Below is what it costs to live in Arusha on a monthly basis.
Rent (Which includes electricity, water, night guards, day guards and dogs)- $380 per month\
Food- $100 per month
Internet- $100 per month
Car/ petrol- $200 per month
Ministry- $50 per month
This is a very basic break down of the cost of living in Arusha on a monthly basis, I am praying and believing that God will provide for my every need as I prepare to return on the 28th February 2016, for another 1-2 year stint followed by returning for furlo somewhere in this time.
If you are interested in giving on a regular basis or would like to make a one off love donation my details are as per follows.
If you would like to donate
Carly Greening
Bank- Newcastle Permenant Building Society
BSB- 650 000
Account Number- 970033305
If you would like to connect with me for a coffee, catch up or to find out more information here's how you can connect.
*Facebook- Carly Greening
*Skype- carly.greening
*Email- greeningcarly@gmail.com
*Phone- +61 86014052
Until next time blessings as you enter into the new year of 2016.
I cant believe that Christmas has come and gone. It has now been 9 weeks since arriving in Australia. I must say that I have sat down many times to write this blog and either gotten half way through, or a little distracted with catching up with friends and family. So let me fill you in on some of the happenings since arriving in Australia.
The last 9 weeks has been filled with seeing so many people, catching up in your lives from the last 2 years.
So much of my time has been with my 10 nieces and nephews getting to know each one of their personalities again after the 2 years of being away. We have taken many trips to the beach and to the park as well as just spending time around home with them too. A fun highlight has been taking 5 of the 10 to see the christmas lights before christmas. The excitement and joy as each child screeched with excitement the colourful lights that they could see.
It has been fun meeting 2 of my nephews for the very first time. What a joy this was.
It has been great seeing close friends catching up with them, I have taken many trips to Sydney and have spend lots of time catching up with some of you.
God is so good all of the time, since I have arrived back God has put me into contact with many people who some I have not seen for a long time. I love the connections that can be made and the way he works everything together for good.
I have had the chance to share at some churches and youth groups since returning this has been such a great chance to re connect and to meet new people too BUT if you are connected to a youth group, womens group, preschool group or church group and would like to have me share, please let me know as I still have time to connect with each of you.
My phone number is 0487692504 send me a message or give me a call as I would love to connect with you all.
Since arriving I have been able to complete another uni subject - my birth- two years practicum at an awesome centre. This time was such a blessing where so many new and old connections were again made, the team at the centre are just wonderful and were so very supportive of me during the 4 weeks of my placement. I now have only 5 subjects to go. WAHOOO
Right after I completed this placement I had my wisdom teeth removed, for the first week I was fairly sick, but gradually have gotten better as the swelling went down and I am now able to function well again.
During this time my dad was admitted to hospital, which has been tough on us all. For those of you who pray I would ask that you join me in prayer for his healing.
I have had lots of beach trips which has been fun and just so nice to be by the salty water again.
As the time led up to christmas this was a time of being with family, mostly nieces and nephews which has just been such a joy.
I am still amazed that the time is just flying by. I am believing God for the promises that he has for me in order to get back to Tanzania Arusha. I am still needing to raise $700 more for each month, as the cost of living has increased slightly, part of the increase has been my permit this cost has raised from $250 USD every 2 years to over $800 for every 2 years.
Below is what it costs to live in Arusha on a monthly basis.
Rent (Which includes electricity, water, night guards, day guards and dogs)- $380 per month\
Food- $100 per month
Internet- $100 per month
Car/ petrol- $200 per month
Ministry- $50 per month
This is a very basic break down of the cost of living in Arusha on a monthly basis, I am praying and believing that God will provide for my every need as I prepare to return on the 28th February 2016, for another 1-2 year stint followed by returning for furlo somewhere in this time.
If you are interested in giving on a regular basis or would like to make a one off love donation my details are as per follows.
If you would like to donate
Carly Greening
Bank- Newcastle Permenant Building Society
BSB- 650 000
Account Number- 970033305
If you would like to connect with me for a coffee, catch up or to find out more information here's how you can connect.
*Facebook- Carly Greening
*Skype- carly.greening
*Email- greeningcarly@gmail.com
*Phone- +61 86014052
Until next time blessings as you enter into the new year of 2016.
Sunday 25 October 2015
The return to Australia.
Hi all.
So as you may or may not be aware I have now made it to the land of Australia. After 3 long days of buses, cars and planes I made it back to East Maitland.
All of my luggage arrived and I was greeted with so much love.
Right now as I sit here I am praising God for his amazing goodness, the rain that I hear as I type, the constant power, the hot pressured showers and the joy of being able to reconnect with family and friends.
As I sit here and reflect I am so thankful right now for all that the lord has been, is doing and will continue to do in my life. His arms are so stretched open with so much love to offer.
What a joy it is to be back in this place again. I will be around here for the next 4 months, so please if you would like to catch up let me know my number will be at the bottom of the page if you would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
Again I would like to say a huge ASANTE sana (Thank you) so very much to each of you who have given on a financial bases, for prayer and the constancy of each one of you. You have blessed me beyond words, beyond all means. It totally humbles me to the point of tears as I think about each one of you and how you have blessed me over the years.
If this is your first time catching up on all of the latest news of what I have been doing, welcome and thank you for taking this time to read my blog.
If you would like to continue giving while I am here in Australia, my details will be at the bottom of the page (Please note that the money that you give will be put aside while I am in Australia for when I return in February 2016). If you would like to know more about what exactly I am doing, or if you have questions or would like to meet me for a coffee please just send me a text (the number above).
During my time in Australia I plan on doing a little bit of causal work to assist with finances while living in OZ.
In all honesty as I sit here and write I am amazed at how much God provides for my every single need. He is so good, and I am just humbled by what he has already done in my life both in Africa and here over the last few days.
A few prayer and praise points are below.
* Please continue to pray for Tanzania and the elections that happened our yesterday (Sunday) pray for a peaceful outcome, pray for no violence.
* Pray please for the beginning of my practicum for university (This is a volunteer position, but just be in prayer that I am able to get the correct text book and that all goes well for this).
* Continued prayer for my finances as I meet my target for returning to Tanzania. Pray that God is just able to open doors where needed.
* Right now I am so praising God for family and friends, for the times shared, for catching up and sharing in the joy of lives.
*I am praising God for the rain as I sit here and hear it, but also as we still have power (Something I am still getting used to).
* Finally (Though there are so many praise points) I am thankful for God's love and goodness that he is pouring out to me.
As I finish up this blog here are ways of giving and contact details again.
Account details: Carly Greening
Bank: Newcastle Permenant Building Society
BSB: 650 000
Account Number: 970033305
If you would like to contact me you can do so in several ways.
*Facebook: Carly Greening
*Skype: carly.greening
*Email: greeningcarly@gmail.com
*Phone: 0487692594 or for those of you who still use a home phone: 49343443
I will blog again soon of the fun adventures here in Australia. Until then much love and many blessings.
So as you may or may not be aware I have now made it to the land of Australia. After 3 long days of buses, cars and planes I made it back to East Maitland.
All of my luggage arrived and I was greeted with so much love.
Right now as I sit here I am praising God for his amazing goodness, the rain that I hear as I type, the constant power, the hot pressured showers and the joy of being able to reconnect with family and friends.
As I sit here and reflect I am so thankful right now for all that the lord has been, is doing and will continue to do in my life. His arms are so stretched open with so much love to offer.
What a joy it is to be back in this place again. I will be around here for the next 4 months, so please if you would like to catch up let me know my number will be at the bottom of the page if you would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
Again I would like to say a huge ASANTE sana (Thank you) so very much to each of you who have given on a financial bases, for prayer and the constancy of each one of you. You have blessed me beyond words, beyond all means. It totally humbles me to the point of tears as I think about each one of you and how you have blessed me over the years.
If this is your first time catching up on all of the latest news of what I have been doing, welcome and thank you for taking this time to read my blog.
If you would like to continue giving while I am here in Australia, my details will be at the bottom of the page (Please note that the money that you give will be put aside while I am in Australia for when I return in February 2016). If you would like to know more about what exactly I am doing, or if you have questions or would like to meet me for a coffee please just send me a text (the number above).
During my time in Australia I plan on doing a little bit of causal work to assist with finances while living in OZ.
In all honesty as I sit here and write I am amazed at how much God provides for my every single need. He is so good, and I am just humbled by what he has already done in my life both in Africa and here over the last few days.
A few prayer and praise points are below.
* Please continue to pray for Tanzania and the elections that happened our yesterday (Sunday) pray for a peaceful outcome, pray for no violence.
* Pray please for the beginning of my practicum for university (This is a volunteer position, but just be in prayer that I am able to get the correct text book and that all goes well for this).
* Continued prayer for my finances as I meet my target for returning to Tanzania. Pray that God is just able to open doors where needed.
* Right now I am so praising God for family and friends, for the times shared, for catching up and sharing in the joy of lives.
*I am praising God for the rain as I sit here and hear it, but also as we still have power (Something I am still getting used to).
* Finally (Though there are so many praise points) I am thankful for God's love and goodness that he is pouring out to me.
As I finish up this blog here are ways of giving and contact details again.
Account details: Carly Greening
Bank: Newcastle Permenant Building Society
BSB: 650 000
Account Number: 970033305
If you would like to contact me you can do so in several ways.
*Facebook: Carly Greening
*Skype: carly.greening
*Email: greeningcarly@gmail.com
*Phone: 0487692594 or for those of you who still use a home phone: 49343443
I will blog again soon of the fun adventures here in Australia. Until then much love and many blessings.
Tuesday 20 October 2015
The count down is ON.
Mambo (Hey) to you all, Well I am now down into the final count down preparing to come back to OZ. For those of you who have missed out or not heard I will return to AUSTRALIA on the Saturday 24th (I will arrive in Maitland on Sunday 25th).
So as the time gets closer life continues to stay busy. I wanted to share a few glimpses of what has been happening over the past week....
One of the teams at Engedi is called the COT team (Community Outreach Team), and while I am not part of this team, I did have the chance to go with them on a treasure hunt yesterday. For those of you who are unsure of what this mean, its where we pray for clues and then go out into the village wait on God and then once we see them ask people if we can pray for them.
What an amazing time it was. As we prayed many of us (4 all together) got different pictures and words. We started walking and as we went one of the team members saw one of the pictures. The picture was a man with one leg. As we went up to where we thought he would be he was out. Just as we were about to continue walking his wife came up. Through the translation she said he was at home in the morning but was unsure now. We walked to the house but he was not there. There were some young kids hanging around and so Emma asked if anyone had seen this guy. He was just down the dusty road a bit standing under a tree in the shade (It was beginning to get warm). As we approacehed him and his friend he introduced himself as Baba Kefi. We prayed for this man with one leg. His friend who was standing near explained that his wife was really sick so we went inside to pray for her. When we arrived she was so so sick. She went to sit up and we said to her to continue lying down. We began to pray and she all of a sudden sat up, Rod one of the team members continued to pray and then she stood up. We kept praying and this woman who had been to see the doctor who couldn't find anything wrong, people had come to visit her and the house was full with Mama's and children. She was HEALED. The miracle from when we first came into the house to pray for her to the end. When she sat up and asked through translation how she felt she said she was healed. She gave the biggest smile and just was so happy. The whole room clapped with joy. WOW. How amazing is God. This totally gave me more faith.
There were two others who were healed on this same day. Praise God for this.
I want to share these stories as a testimony of what God is capable of doing. He can do the impossible. He has this power. He can heal the sick and make the blind see. My faith on this day has been increased. It continues to grow as I see the awesomeness of how good God is.
With only a few more days of being in TZ, life has been filled with goodness. I am continuing to do my small groups with the children. Again more of God's greatness and testimonies. A little girl named Lydia who is from a Masai family has been in my group, my heart is filled with so much joy from the improvements she has made in my group over the term. Lydia just the other day was able to put sentences together in a reader book. WOW what a celebration this is. She has come in leaps and bounds and I continue to ask that you continue to lift my 10 children up in prayer. These kids each one of them have made huge improvements. Such an awesome praise point again.
As I prepare to return I have some prayer requests to go with my praise points from above.
This week I am asking that you uphold me, the team of Engedi and the nation of Tanzania in prayer, the prayer points are as per follows.
Please hold me in prayer as I travel, pray for safety as I travel the long distance starting on Thursday to Nairobi.
Pray for the nation of Tanzania as we have elections on Sunday 25th (This coming week) this is a huge prayer point as this marks a new chapter for Tanzania.
Continue to pray for our school children. Pray for my 10 little children.
The last prayer point is one that has been a struggle, but I feel as though God wants me to declare his goodness. I ask that you pray for my finances. In the flesh it has been so hard and a struggle, but God being in the spirit has provided, I believe that he will continue to provide for this need that is ongoing. For it is by the Grace of God and through faith that I believe that God will provide for my every need.
Thank you really seems so little for the current financial support that has been given to me over the years. But thank you.
With joy as I prepare to travel and see you all.
Blessings.
So as the time gets closer life continues to stay busy. I wanted to share a few glimpses of what has been happening over the past week....
One of the teams at Engedi is called the COT team (Community Outreach Team), and while I am not part of this team, I did have the chance to go with them on a treasure hunt yesterday. For those of you who are unsure of what this mean, its where we pray for clues and then go out into the village wait on God and then once we see them ask people if we can pray for them.
What an amazing time it was. As we prayed many of us (4 all together) got different pictures and words. We started walking and as we went one of the team members saw one of the pictures. The picture was a man with one leg. As we went up to where we thought he would be he was out. Just as we were about to continue walking his wife came up. Through the translation she said he was at home in the morning but was unsure now. We walked to the house but he was not there. There were some young kids hanging around and so Emma asked if anyone had seen this guy. He was just down the dusty road a bit standing under a tree in the shade (It was beginning to get warm). As we approacehed him and his friend he introduced himself as Baba Kefi. We prayed for this man with one leg. His friend who was standing near explained that his wife was really sick so we went inside to pray for her. When we arrived she was so so sick. She went to sit up and we said to her to continue lying down. We began to pray and she all of a sudden sat up, Rod one of the team members continued to pray and then she stood up. We kept praying and this woman who had been to see the doctor who couldn't find anything wrong, people had come to visit her and the house was full with Mama's and children. She was HEALED. The miracle from when we first came into the house to pray for her to the end. When she sat up and asked through translation how she felt she said she was healed. She gave the biggest smile and just was so happy. The whole room clapped with joy. WOW. How amazing is God. This totally gave me more faith.
There were two others who were healed on this same day. Praise God for this.
I want to share these stories as a testimony of what God is capable of doing. He can do the impossible. He has this power. He can heal the sick and make the blind see. My faith on this day has been increased. It continues to grow as I see the awesomeness of how good God is.
With only a few more days of being in TZ, life has been filled with goodness. I am continuing to do my small groups with the children. Again more of God's greatness and testimonies. A little girl named Lydia who is from a Masai family has been in my group, my heart is filled with so much joy from the improvements she has made in my group over the term. Lydia just the other day was able to put sentences together in a reader book. WOW what a celebration this is. She has come in leaps and bounds and I continue to ask that you continue to lift my 10 children up in prayer. These kids each one of them have made huge improvements. Such an awesome praise point again.
As I prepare to return I have some prayer requests to go with my praise points from above.
This week I am asking that you uphold me, the team of Engedi and the nation of Tanzania in prayer, the prayer points are as per follows.
Please hold me in prayer as I travel, pray for safety as I travel the long distance starting on Thursday to Nairobi.
Pray for the nation of Tanzania as we have elections on Sunday 25th (This coming week) this is a huge prayer point as this marks a new chapter for Tanzania.
Continue to pray for our school children. Pray for my 10 little children.
The last prayer point is one that has been a struggle, but I feel as though God wants me to declare his goodness. I ask that you pray for my finances. In the flesh it has been so hard and a struggle, but God being in the spirit has provided, I believe that he will continue to provide for this need that is ongoing. For it is by the Grace of God and through faith that I believe that God will provide for my every need.
Thank you really seems so little for the current financial support that has been given to me over the years. But thank you.
With joy as I prepare to travel and see you all.
Blessings.
Monday 12 October 2015
12 days to go....
The month of October...
Hey all
October... Where did September go to? I am amazed that in 12 days (Saturday 24th October) I will be landing in Oz.
Well
What a week this has been. I don't know about you but for me my last week was one that was so crazy.
Last Monday I was able to visit a good friend of mine who lives on the other side of town. As I was preparing to leave I noticed that I had a flat tyre. OK good to fix this now and to then go straight to a petrol station to fix this. I was so thankful to my friends workers who helped me and changed the tyre. It was a bit of a TIA (this is Africa) moment.
I got almost home when I could hear a loud sound. At first thought my mind went to Oh is that the car in front of me, I then felt the steering going funny. I think at this point some people were yelling out to me, but I kept going to and pulled over to a safe place.
Another flat tyre. OK this can be fixed. I called some people at Engedi after talking to a person walking by. Just as people were about to come and help, Emma's friends who are from Fiji came along reversed their car and stopped to help me. They recognised my car and were more than happy to help me as it was getting dark. Just as we were finished my home group leader Peter came along stopped his car and got out to see what was going on. By this point the sun had set and we were ready to go home. TIA yet again, but through it all God knows and is so much bigger. He has a plan and a purpose in all that I do.
We have a Mama (Mama Agape) who is due to have her 3rd baby. This past week on Wednesday she was admitted to hospital with pains. I arrived later at the hospital, a government hospital that is one of the better ones. (Saint Elizabeth). They said that she could stay in the hospital but that it would be 3 people to one bed. At this point we decided that this would not be so good, so after trying to figure out where was good to take her we decided on ALMC a Lutheran hospital. By this point it was getting late and Mama Agape was in pain. We drove there and after taking her to the emergency room she was seen and then admitted into the hospital for the night. She stayed until Saturday afternoon.
I was able to take Baba Agape (husband) back and forth to the hospital. Please continue to pray for Mama Agape and her family, as this time has been tough for them. They have 2 young children Agape (8 years) and Christian (6 years) at home. It was a joy to see their faces on Saturday afternoon when they saw their mum return.
So as the preparations begin let me share a some AWESOME stuff that has been happening.
Yesterday (Sunday) I was able to go to my African parents church Mama Lois and Pastor, along for the service was Emma, Rod and Jan.
At the end of the service there was a time for prayer and healing. A lady named Elizabeth came up to me and explained that she had been in a car accident, and that her right hand was very sore, she couldn't move it. I asked her if I could pray for her hand. As I laid hands on her hand and prayed she was healed. This was such an awesome thing, because when she came to me for prayer she could not move her fingers, but when I prayed at the end her hand/ fingers were healed.
This is such a testimony to the greatness of the God that I serve. He is awesome!!!!
On another high praise point I must share yet another awesome testimony of what the lord is doing. As I prepare to come back to OZ I had been asking the lord for a car to use while I am back, as this would make life, getting around, seeing people and doing life in OZ so much easier. He provided. The lord provided through a faithful person.
These 2 testimonies have truly encouraged me over this past week, and I am so thankful to be able to share them with you!!!
I am truly just praising God for the goodness of who he is. I have just submitted yet another assignment and finished this subject for Uni.
This means that I now have 6 out of 16 subjects to complete. My aim is to be DONE by October next year.
I will complete another subject (My 0-2 practicum) in November for 4 weeks, and I would ask that you join me in prayer as I complete this subject.
As it has been 2 years since returning to OZ, I will be around for a little longer the dates will be 24th October (arriving) and leaving on the 28th February.
If you would like more details on my movements in these months please send me an email, Fb message, Skype or when I return a text message when I get a sim for my phone. I would love to take the time that I have to share in your lives, to share the happenings and to spend time in your communities however this may look.
So as I prepare to return I do have a few prayer requests that I would love for you to join me in praying with me.
* Pray with me as the national elections for Tanzania are coming up I will leave a few days before voting. I ask that you would join me to pray for the nation of Tanzania as these elections are big.
* Pray for safety as I travel on the 22nd October first via shuttle to Nairobi and then flying out the next day to arrive in OZ on Saturday evening (24th October)
* I still have many available times to catch up with you all. I would love to share in your lives, your church lives, youth groups, kids church, women's groups, home groups and any other happenings that may be going on from the months of the end of October- Late February.
* Please pray for our house Mama (Mama Agape) who is about to have her 3rd child. She was in hospital last week with pains, but has been sent home. I would ask that you join me in praying for her and her family as she prepares to have this baby. Please pray for the doctors here and that her birth would be smooth.
Well for now I am about to race back down to school to teach my 4-5 year olds..
Send me an email, keep me posted as I would LOVE to connect with you all again soon.
Blessings.
Hey all
October... Where did September go to? I am amazed that in 12 days (Saturday 24th October) I will be landing in Oz.
Well
What a week this has been. I don't know about you but for me my last week was one that was so crazy.
Last Monday I was able to visit a good friend of mine who lives on the other side of town. As I was preparing to leave I noticed that I had a flat tyre. OK good to fix this now and to then go straight to a petrol station to fix this. I was so thankful to my friends workers who helped me and changed the tyre. It was a bit of a TIA (this is Africa) moment.
I got almost home when I could hear a loud sound. At first thought my mind went to Oh is that the car in front of me, I then felt the steering going funny. I think at this point some people were yelling out to me, but I kept going to and pulled over to a safe place.
Another flat tyre. OK this can be fixed. I called some people at Engedi after talking to a person walking by. Just as people were about to come and help, Emma's friends who are from Fiji came along reversed their car and stopped to help me. They recognised my car and were more than happy to help me as it was getting dark. Just as we were finished my home group leader Peter came along stopped his car and got out to see what was going on. By this point the sun had set and we were ready to go home. TIA yet again, but through it all God knows and is so much bigger. He has a plan and a purpose in all that I do.
We have a Mama (Mama Agape) who is due to have her 3rd baby. This past week on Wednesday she was admitted to hospital with pains. I arrived later at the hospital, a government hospital that is one of the better ones. (Saint Elizabeth). They said that she could stay in the hospital but that it would be 3 people to one bed. At this point we decided that this would not be so good, so after trying to figure out where was good to take her we decided on ALMC a Lutheran hospital. By this point it was getting late and Mama Agape was in pain. We drove there and after taking her to the emergency room she was seen and then admitted into the hospital for the night. She stayed until Saturday afternoon.
I was able to take Baba Agape (husband) back and forth to the hospital. Please continue to pray for Mama Agape and her family, as this time has been tough for them. They have 2 young children Agape (8 years) and Christian (6 years) at home. It was a joy to see their faces on Saturday afternoon when they saw their mum return.
So as the preparations begin let me share a some AWESOME stuff that has been happening.
Yesterday (Sunday) I was able to go to my African parents church Mama Lois and Pastor, along for the service was Emma, Rod and Jan.
At the end of the service there was a time for prayer and healing. A lady named Elizabeth came up to me and explained that she had been in a car accident, and that her right hand was very sore, she couldn't move it. I asked her if I could pray for her hand. As I laid hands on her hand and prayed she was healed. This was such an awesome thing, because when she came to me for prayer she could not move her fingers, but when I prayed at the end her hand/ fingers were healed.
This is such a testimony to the greatness of the God that I serve. He is awesome!!!!
On another high praise point I must share yet another awesome testimony of what the lord is doing. As I prepare to come back to OZ I had been asking the lord for a car to use while I am back, as this would make life, getting around, seeing people and doing life in OZ so much easier. He provided. The lord provided through a faithful person.
These 2 testimonies have truly encouraged me over this past week, and I am so thankful to be able to share them with you!!!
I am truly just praising God for the goodness of who he is. I have just submitted yet another assignment and finished this subject for Uni.
This means that I now have 6 out of 16 subjects to complete. My aim is to be DONE by October next year.
I will complete another subject (My 0-2 practicum) in November for 4 weeks, and I would ask that you join me in prayer as I complete this subject.
As it has been 2 years since returning to OZ, I will be around for a little longer the dates will be 24th October (arriving) and leaving on the 28th February.
If you would like more details on my movements in these months please send me an email, Fb message, Skype or when I return a text message when I get a sim for my phone. I would love to take the time that I have to share in your lives, to share the happenings and to spend time in your communities however this may look.
So as I prepare to return I do have a few prayer requests that I would love for you to join me in praying with me.
* Pray with me as the national elections for Tanzania are coming up I will leave a few days before voting. I ask that you would join me to pray for the nation of Tanzania as these elections are big.
* Pray for safety as I travel on the 22nd October first via shuttle to Nairobi and then flying out the next day to arrive in OZ on Saturday evening (24th October)
* I still have many available times to catch up with you all. I would love to share in your lives, your church lives, youth groups, kids church, women's groups, home groups and any other happenings that may be going on from the months of the end of October- Late February.
* Please pray for our house Mama (Mama Agape) who is about to have her 3rd child. She was in hospital last week with pains, but has been sent home. I would ask that you join me in praying for her and her family as she prepares to have this baby. Please pray for the doctors here and that her birth would be smooth.
Well for now I am about to race back down to school to teach my 4-5 year olds..
Send me an email, keep me posted as I would LOVE to connect with you all again soon.
Blessings.
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Life and language.
Hey all.
WOW Mid September, has crept upon me so fast. This actually means that its only about 5 weeks until I will be making the long (most likely 3-4 day) journey back to Australia. This is the first time in 2 years that I will get to re unite with each of you. I want to be able to share in your lives and through this to catch up with you all.
I will be back for about 3-4 months maybe 5 months at most.
My decision for coming back for this amount of time has been based on several different things. These include.
* The obvious of seeing family and friends and catching up in your lives.
* I will be completing another practicum (0-2 years) for 4 weeks from the 9th November.
* Removal of wisdom teeth.
* Support raising through churches, youth groups, women's groups, kids groups I am totally open to this. And there are
*Weddings and people bringing new life into the world.
These are the main reasons though the biggest is that it has now been 2 years since I was last standing on Australian ground, walking the beaches and living life there.
Right now in all honesty my mind is feeling somewhat burdened. Though I know to cast all of my cares on the one who cares for me, I am still feeling an un certain about my finances. This is not me saying that my time is over, but I know that God is using me in this time yet again to stretch and grow me more into his image.
I wanted to share just a little bit about the cost prior to arriving as to what it actually costs to live here. I want to do just a small break down in what some of the areas are. I have and continue to live a very simple and low budget life, but as I sit here I think about the cost that it actually takes to live here in Africa. My total cost of living without including car repairs which is an added cost is $445 Australian dollars per month. Below I have included the costs of my living into Australian dollars.
Costs broken down
Rent per month- $249.99
Internet per month- $55.00
Petrol per month- $60.00
Food per week- $25.00
Personal per month eg: Outing expenses, birthdays etc- $50.00
Car repairs every 2 months- May vary from month to month as my car is very old... and often needs several repairs each time it is checked. This can very from $200- 500 depending on what is going on with it.
One off times for university books per semester- Anywhere from $40.00- $80.00
I would ask that you continue to join with me in prayer and would really need to say a huge thank you to each of you who currently support me. It is through each of you that I am able to stay here to do the work that the lord is calling me to. Again words of thank you really just are not enough, but knowing that because you have blessed me, each of you will be blessed by this.
I place this into my blog update to you all, not for pity or for any other reasons than to ensure that I am being accountable to each of you.
I know that the lord has and is using me in all situations to know and understand what it is like to live with plenty and what it is like to live with little. He is such a good good God and I know that he will provide my every need.
A huge testimony of this was my time in America. The lord provided for my ticket, accommodation and living while there. I didn't have to pay. What a blessing this was. I am so thankful that the lord hears and understands my every need. In fact its not just my every need that he hears but each one of you reading he hears and knows our hearts desire and cry.
As I sit here with no power 9% on my computer battery, and 6% on my phone I have the song playing be my vision playing. He truly is my wisdom my strength and my support in every situation. Where nothing is to great for him. What a peace to rely back on.
Oh the lord is good even when we have no power!!!!
You may now be wondering why my blog this time round is named language. I am of late reminded of the multi languages that I come into counter with on a daily basis. In one day it is not uncommon for me to hear New Zealand language, Kiswahili, Ki Masai and well at times when other Australians are around I get to hear the OZ accent.
Just last week I took our house Mama who is expecting a baby to the clinic. Along the way I asked her husband to teach me Ki Masai, and my what a joy filled time this was as they tried to teach me this new language (New as in I don't know how to speak it but have heard it many times).
Language is such a powerful way of communicating, and I am just again amazed at how we hear it, speak it and show love through it.
I truly do love being in a place that shares so many languages, what a joy, at times this brings. At times it may be the hilarity of not knowing how to pronounce the word or saying it out of context or incorrect, but this is what brings us together, in community in so many ways. On days at school I am often finding myself speaking in Ki Swahili as well as English in order to make my point or ask my question to the children, and often in fact very often the kids will look at me with a blank look. Why I think, then I stop and remember that they cant understand some of what I am saying... Back we go to a more simple way of communication.
I love that the home group which I am in, had several Masai guys in a conference join us to sing and pray together before separating. We sang in Ki Masai and then in English. What joy it must bring to our kings face when he sees that we can relate to each other through language that is not our own....
Over the next 5 weeks I will be preparing my 3000 word assignment for university, which will then take me down to 6 modules. WAHOO this is cause for celebration as I can see the end of the tunnel. I will continue to teach my small groups in preschool 1 and 2 this term. In preschool 1 (3-4 years) I am working individually with the children. This has been so encouraging to see them grow and understand English and Swahili. There are 5 children in this class that I am working with. I will name the children at the bottom and would ask that you join with me in prayer for these children as they continue to grow and understand all that they can while in school.
In preschool 2 (5-6 years) I am working with 8 children, 3 out of the 8 children I am working with on an individual level while the other 5 are in small groups.
The children are as per follows.
Preschool class 1.
Jeremiah
Quils
Anton
Evenlight
Sianna
Preschool class 2
Christian
Lydia
Elisashama
Lisa
Pray
Sayuni
Abedbego
As my computer has dwindled down to 5% I am now going to call this one finished, I would totally love to hear from each of you and am always blessed when I do. Please dont underestimate this in anyway, as its always such an encouragement to hear about your lives.
Many blessings to each of you. Until I see you so very soon in OZ.
WOW Mid September, has crept upon me so fast. This actually means that its only about 5 weeks until I will be making the long (most likely 3-4 day) journey back to Australia. This is the first time in 2 years that I will get to re unite with each of you. I want to be able to share in your lives and through this to catch up with you all.
I will be back for about 3-4 months maybe 5 months at most.
My decision for coming back for this amount of time has been based on several different things. These include.
* The obvious of seeing family and friends and catching up in your lives.
* I will be completing another practicum (0-2 years) for 4 weeks from the 9th November.
* Removal of wisdom teeth.
* Support raising through churches, youth groups, women's groups, kids groups I am totally open to this. And there are
*Weddings and people bringing new life into the world.
These are the main reasons though the biggest is that it has now been 2 years since I was last standing on Australian ground, walking the beaches and living life there.
Right now in all honesty my mind is feeling somewhat burdened. Though I know to cast all of my cares on the one who cares for me, I am still feeling an un certain about my finances. This is not me saying that my time is over, but I know that God is using me in this time yet again to stretch and grow me more into his image.
I wanted to share just a little bit about the cost prior to arriving as to what it actually costs to live here. I want to do just a small break down in what some of the areas are. I have and continue to live a very simple and low budget life, but as I sit here I think about the cost that it actually takes to live here in Africa. My total cost of living without including car repairs which is an added cost is $445 Australian dollars per month. Below I have included the costs of my living into Australian dollars.
Costs broken down
Rent per month- $249.99
Internet per month- $55.00
Petrol per month- $60.00
Food per week- $25.00
Personal per month eg: Outing expenses, birthdays etc- $50.00
Car repairs every 2 months- May vary from month to month as my car is very old... and often needs several repairs each time it is checked. This can very from $200- 500 depending on what is going on with it.
One off times for university books per semester- Anywhere from $40.00- $80.00
I would ask that you continue to join with me in prayer and would really need to say a huge thank you to each of you who currently support me. It is through each of you that I am able to stay here to do the work that the lord is calling me to. Again words of thank you really just are not enough, but knowing that because you have blessed me, each of you will be blessed by this.
I place this into my blog update to you all, not for pity or for any other reasons than to ensure that I am being accountable to each of you.
I know that the lord has and is using me in all situations to know and understand what it is like to live with plenty and what it is like to live with little. He is such a good good God and I know that he will provide my every need.
A huge testimony of this was my time in America. The lord provided for my ticket, accommodation and living while there. I didn't have to pay. What a blessing this was. I am so thankful that the lord hears and understands my every need. In fact its not just my every need that he hears but each one of you reading he hears and knows our hearts desire and cry.
As I sit here with no power 9% on my computer battery, and 6% on my phone I have the song playing be my vision playing. He truly is my wisdom my strength and my support in every situation. Where nothing is to great for him. What a peace to rely back on.
Oh the lord is good even when we have no power!!!!
You may now be wondering why my blog this time round is named language. I am of late reminded of the multi languages that I come into counter with on a daily basis. In one day it is not uncommon for me to hear New Zealand language, Kiswahili, Ki Masai and well at times when other Australians are around I get to hear the OZ accent.
Just last week I took our house Mama who is expecting a baby to the clinic. Along the way I asked her husband to teach me Ki Masai, and my what a joy filled time this was as they tried to teach me this new language (New as in I don't know how to speak it but have heard it many times).
Language is such a powerful way of communicating, and I am just again amazed at how we hear it, speak it and show love through it.
I truly do love being in a place that shares so many languages, what a joy, at times this brings. At times it may be the hilarity of not knowing how to pronounce the word or saying it out of context or incorrect, but this is what brings us together, in community in so many ways. On days at school I am often finding myself speaking in Ki Swahili as well as English in order to make my point or ask my question to the children, and often in fact very often the kids will look at me with a blank look. Why I think, then I stop and remember that they cant understand some of what I am saying... Back we go to a more simple way of communication.
I love that the home group which I am in, had several Masai guys in a conference join us to sing and pray together before separating. We sang in Ki Masai and then in English. What joy it must bring to our kings face when he sees that we can relate to each other through language that is not our own....
Over the next 5 weeks I will be preparing my 3000 word assignment for university, which will then take me down to 6 modules. WAHOO this is cause for celebration as I can see the end of the tunnel. I will continue to teach my small groups in preschool 1 and 2 this term. In preschool 1 (3-4 years) I am working individually with the children. This has been so encouraging to see them grow and understand English and Swahili. There are 5 children in this class that I am working with. I will name the children at the bottom and would ask that you join with me in prayer for these children as they continue to grow and understand all that they can while in school.
In preschool 2 (5-6 years) I am working with 8 children, 3 out of the 8 children I am working with on an individual level while the other 5 are in small groups.
The children are as per follows.
Preschool class 1.
Jeremiah
Quils
Anton
Evenlight
Sianna
Preschool class 2
Christian
Lydia
Elisashama
Lisa
Pray
Sayuni
Abedbego
As my computer has dwindled down to 5% I am now going to call this one finished, I would totally love to hear from each of you and am always blessed when I do. Please dont underestimate this in anyway, as its always such an encouragement to hear about your lives.
Many blessings to each of you. Until I see you so very soon in OZ.
Thursday 3 September 2015
Time to return.
Hello everyone.
Again its been far and few times that I have blogged and posted, but now that I sit here back in Tanzania (without power) I have sometime to stop and reflect clearly on the last 7 weeks (My time in America).
WOW did 7 weeks fly by so fast. I felt like I blinked and the time was over and I was ready to board the plane back to Tanzania.
My 7 weeks were a time of growth, development and learning above all. 5 of my weeks spent in the States (Billings Montana) were to complete my 5 week 3-5 year old practicum, a requirement of the university.
What a blessing it was, to take an opportunity paid for to see the way another early childhood centre operates.
I was based in a semi rural centre, that has been owned and operated for over 20 years. The new director is the daughter in law of the prior owners. This gave me a feeling of community. Many of the families have had many generations come to the centre.
I had a group of 10 children per day that I was working with directly. I followed their interests and from there implemented a project for the last 3 weeks of the practicum.
I loved being able to extend, grow and challenge these children, and as I did this I was able to see them going deeper in thinking. This was a goal that I had set for myself for the children as part of my planning. It took only a few days, and could see each day a new excitement of the way the children discovered, grew, learnt and eventually challenged each other in their own ideas. I truly felt and could see the provision of the lord upon each and every step that I was able to take, as he guided me and directed me in the ways and approaches in which I needed to take.
Within my teaching practicum I felt the lord teaching me, reminding me of his great love, not just his love for me, but the love that he has for these children, many of whom don't know him. Some of their home situations were just heart breaking as I discovered more about some of the children's family situations.
As I reflect I can truly see that he wanted me in this situation to show and be love. This part was a blessing as these little children over time began to trust me. Relationships were built. I truly see that the lord was teaching me, as he always is. This time it I felt him showing me more of his wisdom, his ways and his ideas. I had to stop often and remind myself that he is the one who has guided me across the other side of the world and that I need to obey his plan for my life. This took at times stopping and giving it back (actually this was more times than not), there were things I had to say Ok lord I dont get this, or I dont agree with that, but YOU God are the one who put me here. This gave me a true peace as I embraced and went head into the work that was required of me.
In the 7 weeks spent in the States I was also caring for my friend Beth's little girl Abby. She is 4 years of age and lives half of the time in America and the other half in Africa (Where I met them originally). Abby is such a delight. I had the joy of learning from her too. This was so clear as one day I was needing to get somewhere and Abby without any flinch just says "Lets just pray", to which she lead the prayer in such a simple manner.
This stopped me several times in my track as this 4 year old was able to articulate the simple words and as she displayed the simple faith to believe. I needed to see this, and each time I did I thought WOW how much do I complicate my thoughts when at times it can be just so simple. The faith of a child is one truly not to be ever under estimated. Children often show us more through their faith at the perfect moments which is so refreshing.
I was so blessed in that this time being in America it was not winter time but summer. I loved this, swimming, running cycling and lots of trips to the park were had. I was able to see a little more of Montana in the summer and was blessed with each fun experience had.
My time came to a fast end, and through all of this I had to change my flights back to Tanzania. This is due to the new rules from Kenya.
After many phone calls to the airline and being put on hold all day, they finally said to me that they would not charge me in the change of flights to Kilimanjaro. This was and is a MIRACLE. The thought of having to pay an extra $500 was over whelming. But again GOD was and is the one who knew, he just gave me a peace about it all. That true peace that passes all understanding.
So now I am back in sunny, hot and dry Arusha where I have returned to no power again. (Rations are occurring more and more. Though to my surprise it came back on just now).
I was thankful for hot running water with pressured showers and power all of the time, but must say I am pleased to be back in Arusha with the surprises and power cuts.
So while I have the power I shall go to do all those fun things like washing and charging of electric devices.
Blessings until next time.
Again its been far and few times that I have blogged and posted, but now that I sit here back in Tanzania (without power) I have sometime to stop and reflect clearly on the last 7 weeks (My time in America).
WOW did 7 weeks fly by so fast. I felt like I blinked and the time was over and I was ready to board the plane back to Tanzania.
My 7 weeks were a time of growth, development and learning above all. 5 of my weeks spent in the States (Billings Montana) were to complete my 5 week 3-5 year old practicum, a requirement of the university.
What a blessing it was, to take an opportunity paid for to see the way another early childhood centre operates.
I was based in a semi rural centre, that has been owned and operated for over 20 years. The new director is the daughter in law of the prior owners. This gave me a feeling of community. Many of the families have had many generations come to the centre.
I had a group of 10 children per day that I was working with directly. I followed their interests and from there implemented a project for the last 3 weeks of the practicum.
I loved being able to extend, grow and challenge these children, and as I did this I was able to see them going deeper in thinking. This was a goal that I had set for myself for the children as part of my planning. It took only a few days, and could see each day a new excitement of the way the children discovered, grew, learnt and eventually challenged each other in their own ideas. I truly felt and could see the provision of the lord upon each and every step that I was able to take, as he guided me and directed me in the ways and approaches in which I needed to take.
Within my teaching practicum I felt the lord teaching me, reminding me of his great love, not just his love for me, but the love that he has for these children, many of whom don't know him. Some of their home situations were just heart breaking as I discovered more about some of the children's family situations.
As I reflect I can truly see that he wanted me in this situation to show and be love. This part was a blessing as these little children over time began to trust me. Relationships were built. I truly see that the lord was teaching me, as he always is. This time it I felt him showing me more of his wisdom, his ways and his ideas. I had to stop often and remind myself that he is the one who has guided me across the other side of the world and that I need to obey his plan for my life. This took at times stopping and giving it back (actually this was more times than not), there were things I had to say Ok lord I dont get this, or I dont agree with that, but YOU God are the one who put me here. This gave me a true peace as I embraced and went head into the work that was required of me.
In the 7 weeks spent in the States I was also caring for my friend Beth's little girl Abby. She is 4 years of age and lives half of the time in America and the other half in Africa (Where I met them originally). Abby is such a delight. I had the joy of learning from her too. This was so clear as one day I was needing to get somewhere and Abby without any flinch just says "Lets just pray", to which she lead the prayer in such a simple manner.
This stopped me several times in my track as this 4 year old was able to articulate the simple words and as she displayed the simple faith to believe. I needed to see this, and each time I did I thought WOW how much do I complicate my thoughts when at times it can be just so simple. The faith of a child is one truly not to be ever under estimated. Children often show us more through their faith at the perfect moments which is so refreshing.
I was so blessed in that this time being in America it was not winter time but summer. I loved this, swimming, running cycling and lots of trips to the park were had. I was able to see a little more of Montana in the summer and was blessed with each fun experience had.
My time came to a fast end, and through all of this I had to change my flights back to Tanzania. This is due to the new rules from Kenya.
After many phone calls to the airline and being put on hold all day, they finally said to me that they would not charge me in the change of flights to Kilimanjaro. This was and is a MIRACLE. The thought of having to pay an extra $500 was over whelming. But again GOD was and is the one who knew, he just gave me a peace about it all. That true peace that passes all understanding.
So now I am back in sunny, hot and dry Arusha where I have returned to no power again. (Rations are occurring more and more. Though to my surprise it came back on just now).
I was thankful for hot running water with pressured showers and power all of the time, but must say I am pleased to be back in Arusha with the surprises and power cuts.
So while I have the power I shall go to do all those fun things like washing and charging of electric devices.
Blessings until next time.
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