My first trip to Magugu

On Wednesday I had the chance to go to our school in Magugu for 2 and a half days. We left on the bus with the Pastor Ezekiel, we arrived to the central bus stand where many people are coming and going we find the bus and get told there are 3 seats left. We payed our money and got on and were seated at the very back of the bus.
We set off and everyone got comfy, as the bus then picked up even more people, even though there were only '3' seats left, (they can choose who takes the last seats and we were chosen) the people just kept getting on packed to the brim we continued to squeeze more and more people onto the bus.
The 3 hour trip was rather nice with some sleep and entertainment as well. We stopped the bus, to let some out as others got onto the already crowded bus. As we stopped the ladies came rushing to the windows to try and sell there goods to us. buying a soda and nuts for less than $1.00 we happily continued on. The afternoon was hot as we drove to reach our destination.
As we sat so closely next to each other, flying over the gravel roads that are currently being fixed holding on we then finally reached our destination we got off the hot bus and were then given a lift to Ezekiel's house by his friend.
We were warmly welcomed by Fausta (Ezekiel's wife) and his family. Magugu is a very dry and hot place,
The next day (Thursday) was graduation day for form 4. We were honourable guests (as in we had to sit up with all the other important people on the stand). We walk to the school (Joshua school Magugu), and I get introduced to all the teachers. I had the chance to meet Pina who is our preschool teacher and deputy principle of the primary school.  i was so excited to be able to be in community with such amazing and humble teachers. The school goes up to form 4. we then get asked to sit up on the stand, as we sat and watched and waited for about 1 hour for the graduation to begin.
we finally got started and the graduation started with 4 boys who were able to do these amazing flips off 2 tires. these guys were only in form 2. What talent at such a young age.
The talent continued as the day went on, the whole of secondary had some part to play in the graduation.
The whole school had such a great community feel about it where all the children were included to play a role. what an honour to be able to be apart of something so special.
The day went on with many speeches and lots of sodas were had.
We finished off the day with lunch which included rice, potato, meat, fruit, and soda.

The really cool part about the whole graduation was that 2 of Ezekiel's children were graduating.
We walked back after the event and had the chance to take Ezekiel, his wife and 2 of his kids out for a celebratory meal. We walked to the eating place and enjoyed laughing and sharing together in community together.

Friday morning I had the chance to see the preschool class. I was so encouraged by the work they are doing out there. I could see such an enriched learning environment that was happening. In the preschool class because there are 2 classes they have year 1 class in the morning and year 2 class in the afternoon. both groups of children take porridge and lunch before either going home or starting the class, Friday's are sports day for the school, and I got to see preschool enjoying elastic games, skipping, group games and balls games in action outside.
We finished the afternoon and went back to Ezekiel's house, where we said our goodbyes and went for chips ma eye (egg and chips in an omelette)
We then rush to walk down to the bus station where we sit and wait for the bus. Its coming says Ezekiel. We sit and wait some more, walk to get lollypops from the shop, sit and wait some more. to give perspective the bus was to come at 1pm, then we got the call to say it was 2pm, and finally by about 3:50pm the bus came. No problem we say as we sit in the heat. we were just grateful not to be sitting in the sun but to have cover to sit and wait.
We get on the hot bus squeezed in again we set off.
The battle to keep the window open is always interesting, as many like to be hot inside the bus. (even though its boiling hot outside). Ah different cultures...
We drive for about one and a half hours and then come to a stop. at first we thought someone was going for a bathroom stop, but then people started getting off the bus. we sat for a bit and waited. but after about 15minutes we thought ok lets get up and stretch our legs. we get off with all the rest of the bus and look to see at first what we thought was a flat. but no it wasn't a flat. we crouched down to see and apparently it was the spring. we stood around in the middle of nowhere wondering how long this was going to take and realised that both our phones were really low in battery.
We chatted to some people as we waited. After what seemed like ages cars and buses came along. and they went as well.  People ran in hope that they would get a ride back to town, we talked and decided our best bet was to grab our bags and try and hitch a ride back to town. the sun on a positive note was setting and it was amazing.  though in all of it I had a peace about the whole situation. its amazing how God just brings a peace to you in the midst of a situation, but yet at the same time it pushes your faith just that little bit further.
As we waited and talked and waved our hands out hoping someone would stop for us we were finally in luck. A doctor and his son were heading back from Tangerine game park. We explained our situation and  he gave us a ride back to town. He shared his story with us about how he lost his eldest daughter just 2 months ago, and his son shared about how he wants to become a pilot.
During all of this again God just washed a peace that passes over me. hearing this mans story really made me stop and just give thanks to God.
Hearing someone's testimony for me is such a powerful thing. we arrive back to town and Amy my house mate picks us up and we all go together to dinner.

Saturday- I wake up to a phone call from Ezekiel as he was just saying hello, and as I sit here reflecting over the past few days, I stop and am truly thankful for all that God has done, is doing and is about to do in my life.
I am so humbled by the way that he brings situations together. the way in which he protects me as I live here, and do his works. yep its his works that I am doing and  yet again I am convinced that its is only by his grace and my obedience that I am able to do any of this.

if you want to know more about any of the works I am doing here send me a fb message or email.
also check out the photos on facebook of this adventure.  

A little more on life here in Arusha.

Hello to all my friends out there who are keeping update with my life here in Arusha. so as times goes by so fast I have to stop and take the time to write to you all.
As I had said in my last blog, this last term im taking on a new role in my work life. this is exciting and im really excited by what im doing. the role that I shall be stepping into is a mentoring role. for the first little while I am learning the new role, this is exciting and yet daunting all at the same time. I guess its just a new part in the journey that God is calling me to be doing.
of late one of our preschool teachers has been very unwell and so I have had the chance to be working in the youngest preschool class. here they are just great and full of life ready and eager to learn, and so no two days are ever the same.

as I stop and reflect, I am reminded that its now been 2 years since I took  off to come here. and its now that I can really see so clearly just what God is doing in my life.
we have been talking on our base a lot about showing excellence. as I think about this in my own life I stoop and think about how this looks on a daily basis. in showing excellence its not just about doing great things all of the time, but more its about the grace that God gives us to do this job on a daily basis.
I of all people am still learning how this all looks, but am encouraged daily by the people whom I work along side of on a daily basis. the love, grace and team work that is shown here on this base is really something else. I am encouraged and humbled to be working along side such encouraging followers of Christ.
I am encouraged to live in the community, and really do feel the peace that passes all understanding that this is where god wants me to be.

I have been blessed with 2 great house mates, we have begun running in the mornings together, and its just great to be in community with friends.

I have just completed a 14k bike ride today, and as I rode with the cool breeze, I looked around me and was just so thankful for what God has given to me. let me back up a little. my car has had a few problems over the last little while and I have had some of the guys on my base look at it, but alas its still broken, hence why I drove my car to another place and then rode the 13ks home. as I also rode along I just saw things from such a different angle, as I wasn't in such a hurry, and could just enjoy the presence of God as I rode along, and so as I say all of this I now must go as we have some dinner guests coming to my house tonight.

please continue to pray for me and keep me updated with the happenings in your part of the world.