November update.

HI friends,

I wish i could stop and sit to write my blog in one setting, but it always takes me longer, like a week or so to complete. 

WOW October where did this month go? I feel as though I blink and the month is finished. More I blink and the day is over. 
You know its getting hot here in Arusha, because there is no sign of rain, and your feet at the end of the day are always dusty and need a good scrubbing. That and also the power cuts have begun a little more. Until today when the rains have finally come. The amazing smell of rain and refreshment that rain brings to this amazing land. 
But it must be said how amazing the sunsets are here, and how amazing the sun rises are too. Yip I do see the sun rise, as I drink my coffee and look out my bedroom window at around 6am each day.  As I look at it in amazement I stop and marvel at what God has created. WOW everyday its a bit different, and I am so thankful for the creativity and colour that can come each and every day.

A little about school life. 

Let me fill you in a little the school side of things, for those of you who don't know,  I am teaching 5 days per week, in our Nursery class with children aged 2-4 years, and am loving it. Its stretching my Swahili while at the same time growing these kids in English. During this term the main focus within the classroom has been about cars, piki pikis (motorbikes), or anything that moves. The interest came from the children in term 2 and has continued on. This has helped me with my university, as I have been able to extend these interests into the subjects I have been learning about. 
Another big interest has been, with the children finding their own names, and developing an independence, where they are encouraged to write their own name, on their paintings or drawings. (not a traditional way of learning and such a joy to see the excitement as these children learn about literacy). 
I am so encouraged by as well is the self help skills that these children are developing, for example each day they pour their own porridge, and make independent choices about their daily activities. (Again this in many other schools that I have been to over the years is not something that is 'done' here). 
I do stop and just thank God for this time of watching and growing and learning, through these children and their individual personalities that shine through each day. 
If i had more time i would individually write about each child, as they are all so different from each other, but I will refrain this time and give you more of the general update on life. (If you would like to know more about any child/ children then email me, as we do have children who are looking for sponsors). 
As I have been reflecting and thinking what to share about this time as I write, there are so many amazing and great things going on, though at the same time life can be tough or hard, in this I don't mean harder than anyone else or to take away from others, but, sometimes hard in the sense that I reflect as I miss out on family and friends, events and the fun summer times and just hearing on a daily basis the different things going on for each of you, its though not enough for me to move back to OZ, but it does make me stop and become thankful and grateful for where I am right now. 
I love being able to look up and see 2 of the most amazing mountains both in which I have climbed Meru 2 times and Kilimanjaro once, or as I walk or run I can again see the beauty all around me, this even is in fact even with dirty feet and sometimes no power. 

It really is about looking for the good in all that I am doing, and not to get discouraged by the things that are not appearing to go my way, and to stop and understand that God has a bigger plan in all of it. WOW as I even write these words, they make me stop in my midst as I re read what I have just written. Sometimes when things don't go the way we expect or plan God has a bigger or different plan. 

I really see that satan is trying his level best to discourage us not just me but all of us on a daily basis, he doesn't want us to win the battle, more he doesn't even want us to try and fight the battle. But that is exactly what we need to do. 
For me on a personal level now being back here for nearly 10 months, you go through stages where its super easy to be serving and then you go through other stages where its just tough. Both are of equal value to each other, and this is not being written or said to make people worry about if I'm truly happy here or not. I truly am, but in life here in TZ, and the ministry that I know I am called to, there are at different times, where its harder than others. I can really see that this is a spiritual battle that is being fought, and I would ask those of you who pray, to join with me and to pray in this. I am sure that this is not just me going through this, but others as well. I too will continue to pray. 

The good times are being able to fellowship with people on my base, and to see these children being influenced in such a positive manner each and everyday. Having the opportunity to learn and grow in my God walk and to be surrounded by people who support this. My home group is such an outlet where I can be in a place of peace as I grow and learn through our leaders. A peaceful place out kinda what would be classed as the bush. 
At times the harder parts of living here can be, and really are that I so much miss out on seeing family and friends, being in daily communication with each of you. But I am thankful for Skype and technology that allows me to hear from you. Its hard as Christmas approaches, and this year I won't be returning back to Oz, I am still in the process as to what I will do, and will keep you all posted as to where ill be. It may be that I stay here in Tanzania or that I travel. The thought of not getting to see my family and friends and to be in community is a tough decision, but I do feel a peace about it. 

So when you are praying please be in prayer for me, pray specifically for direction, and for wisdom in this next season of university. I would ask for prayer as many of the children in my class keep getting sick, please join me in prayer to heal these kids completely. Lastly I would continue to ask for your prayer in my financial living. May you who give be blessed ten fold over, may the Lord use you and continue to guide each of you who are praying for me on a regular basis. 
And very lastly if you have prayer requests or praise points please be free to send them to me, for I can rejoice with you or pray with you no matter where in the world I am. 

Until the next long blog that I write to you all. 
Blessings.