The Simple Life
Today marks one month + 1 day of living in Tanzania! I can’t default to the “I’m visiting” mentality and excuse anymore; I have to settle in and figure out my “new normal” in this beautiful country.I am speaking very broken Swahili, and driving alone (rarely, but still!). I am blessed beyond explanation to have a house full of people that love to have me around. I’ve learned I am the happiest sitting outside on the concrete, chilling with them for hours (practicing Swahili, cooking, etc.). They are the sweetest women, who never let me go unaccounted for. We went to the beach on Saturday, which will probably become a frequent outing if I have anything to say about it. It was so nice! They manage to bless me daily, more than then know.
On Sunday I went to church, and scribbled down in my notebook every word I recognized, but didn't remember the meaning of. I love going to church for obvious reasons, but it's an added bonus that the service is in Swahili (not the local language, Kihaya) so I can practice & eventually understand it. It is more difficult to worship corporately not understanding the language, but there are plenty of things that are not dependent upon understanding what is being said. Communion and offering are two major parts of worship that I can clearly understand, & I've cherished those moments! I am slowly starting to catch little phrases. All in time..
The picture of the group sitting under the tree is one of the church choirs. Mr. Israel is their director; he is SO kind and full of life. He is also incredibly talented. He taught as a guest professor at Macalester College (St. Paul, Minnesota) in 2010, and has composed over 1,000 songs. He is phenomenal to watch. He also happens to be blind.
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| If those smiles don't melt your heart... They melt mine every day! |
Maybe you'll be joining the choir soon...?
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