Hey Friends! Sorry about the late post, we haven't had consistent internet in a while which has made blogging pretty difficult. All that to be said... Merry *belated* Christmas!!! I hope your Christmas celebrations were filled with many laughs and lots of love as you celebrated our incredible saviors birth. This was my first Christmas away from home.. and my first Christmas is without snow!! It was so weird- it felt like someone picked a random day in the middle of summer and decided to call it Christmas. Although Christmas was very different this year, it was still so good. We spent Christmas Eve at The Village- where there were presentations by the mama's, aunties, and even a “modern day” Christmas story play created by the Village of Hope children. After the presentations all 300 of us ate together, followed by dancing, singing, talking, and just being in community with each other. Although by the end of the day I was totally pooped, I was so content. Even though this Christmas was different then what I'm use to, it was still so good. I may have been a bit skeptical at first, but I learned that different and bad are not the same thing, and don't need to be used together. As I experienced this community at the Village, I was reminded of the amazing community I have in Bethany, how thankful I am for this incredible church community and it's support, and how I can't wait till I get the chance to watch the Christmas Eve service online!!

Only a snap shot of everyone gathered for our Christmas Eve
celebration!

Dance club getting ready to perform!
*Video to be posted soon*

A modern day Christmas Story.

On Christmas day we went to church and then went to a family friends house for lunch!! If I'm being honest, it felt like one of the longest days EVER, as I had to patiently await until 8pm for the arrival of my family.

But it was worth it!! They have only been here 3 days so far but I love it. I mean, it's totally weird and I feel like my worlds are colliding, but it's awesome being able to share this part of my heart with them, and I love seeing them fall in love with the children just like I have.

As we move into 2017 in only a few short days (I know- crazy right!?) I pray that you my friends are doing well. I am so thankful for you all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!

Emily

Taken Christmas day... and it felt like summer!!

Can you believe it's December already? I sure can't! In 2 weeks it's Christmas and in 3 weeks we start a new year. 2017 here we come!!!... Speaking of Christmas, GUESS WHAT?! My family is coming to visit!!! That's right friends- for 10 days my worlds will collided in a fun, exciting, and amazing way. And I could not be more excited! 

The past 2 weeks have been packed, which is nice because it distracts me from spending all my time counting down the days until my family arrives (it's 12, by the way). We had the end of the year celebration (the school year runs from January to December) and our reception graduation. It was so much fun! The children not only presented some of the things they have learned this year, but they also put together vocal and dance performances with the help of their teachers. This was such a fun morning of celebration.

Some of the primary students singing a farewell song for us!

Trying to get over 50 children to look at the same time is
basically impossible.

 Because the school is now closed until January, I have been relocated to the office! I guess you could call me Jade's sidekick! It's been super cool to get an inside look at the administrative side of running The Village. I also totally love planning and prepping for things like Christmas and Christmas related activities, so I guess you could say I've loved having this opportunity!

2 weeks ago, after arriving home from Kenya, we had our first dance club meeting after 2 weeks off to start getting ready for Christmas, and I was in total shock. When dance club started out (which was really only 3ish months ago) there were 10 children interested.

And now there are 30. Paul and I were totally blown away, and obviously super pumped! Having such a large group with different ages (oldest is 19 and youngest is 6) has made for such a fun time. The older kids help the younger ones and everybody cheers on and encourages each other. Every time we meet they inspire me and my heart overflows. Having fun together, helping each other, supporting one another, being in community is so important, and I know I forget these things far too often. That's one of the ways I have been stretched. I'm a pretty task oriented person- what do I have to do? When does it need done by? And, of course, I have to make sure it's done PERFECTLY. Well, I've realized there are much more important things. Sure, there will always be deadlines and things that need to get done, but when it comes down to it, people are more important. Conversations are more important, taking time for one another is more important, helping and supporting each other is more important. I realized how much I have taken for granted the amazing community of friends- you guys- back home. How blessed I am to have a community like Bethany and the incredible people that make it. I love you guys!!

I've been trying to fight off a cold for over a week now and it is not going away. Prayers that it doesn't turn into anything more then a cold would be amazing. There's never really a good time to get sick, but really? This close to Christmas? Come on!

Once again I am completely overwhelmed by all of your love and support. You guys rock!!!

Emily

This picture is from a while ago, but I love it so I wanted to
share it with you!

Little Paulo <3

 This past week was full of firsts, fun times and adventures.. and sometimes all three at once. Last Saturday we headed for our week away in Kenya! First we stopped in Kisii, a 6 hour drive from Mwanza, to spend the night and visit some of Julius' family. We got to attend Julius' parents church on Sunday which was a huge highlight for me of our time in Kisii. There is something so incredibly amazing about being able to worship along side people who you not only just met, but who speak a different language then you. To be praising the same, incredible God in different languages. I don't even have the words to properly express what I am attempting to explain. All I can say is that it was amazing. Our God is amazing.

After church we piled back into the car for another 6 hour drive to Nairobi.

We spent the week visiting friends, family, and playing tourist around Nairobi. It was so much fun!!! I'm trying to think of “highlights of the trip” or “cool and interesting things that happened” or “what I learned” but honestly there was too much awesome to explain without making this post WAY to long. Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, and comparable to the city of Toronto (with twice as many people). The one thing that Nairobi has that Toronto doesn't is a national park! That's right. Right in the city! Although we didn't go on a real safari, we did take a safari walk which was super nice! The weather was perfect and of course the animals were super awesome and it made me even more excited for the safari we are going on in January.

He never moved... I still think it was a statue. 

Wednesday was probably the craziest day for me. Julius and I took a total of 4 different Matatu's (taxis- like Dala Dalas, but bigger and busier) to get to/ from the market. The market was crazy! A) It was pretty busy and very crowded,  B) all throughout there are people working extremely hard making things to sell which C) makes you want to buy everything. I am so thankful for Julius who didn't have to go to the craft market, or take a Matatu to get there for that matter, but took me so that I would get to experience as much of Nairobi- the real Nairobi- as I could while I was there. Seriously Jade and Julius rock! They let me tag along visiting their family and friends, they answer all of my a million questions, and I am honestly so thankful for them.

"Ezra come take a picture with me!" "I don't want toooo"

After a fun filled week, Sunday at 6am we piled back into the car and left for our 12 hour drive home. That's what it felt like; coming home. Being away for a week made me realize that Mwanza really does feel like my “home for now.” The house where we live, the routine we've created, the kids at the school, the friends I've made- I missed them. As a good friend of mine put it, this feeling is kind of scary- coming home to a place that isn't your actual home- but it's also pretty incredible, and reminds me that our God is amazing, that He is with us and working in us no matter where we are.

Emily

Dinner with friends!

The view from Julius' parents place

I've been sitting here for the past 5 minutes trying to think of a word to describe the past 3 months, and I honestly cannot come up with one. I even google searched “descriptive words” and none of the 23843 results (or the 10 that I actually looked at) can properly describe what I'm feeling inside. Although no descriptive word seems suitable, there is a name.. Jesus. As I reflect on the past 3 months I see nothing but His hand prints. Lifting me up to the mountains, comforting me in the valleys, carrying me when I couldn't carry myself. Anything is possible with Jesus. Although there will be times in the future when I doubt, when the mountain in front of me seems too steep to climb, and although there have been many times that I have already doubted, it will always be true.

One thing that has totally surprised me is that my struggles from home followed me to Mwanza. That sounds totally dumb I know but hear me out. I had it in my head that when I left, I would be leaving all of the struggles too; the worrying, the insecurities, etc. But, news flash to self, this is not true. “When I'm in Mwanza it will be easier not to worry!” “It will be so much easier not to care what other people think of me when I am in this new environment!” false false FALSE. In fact these things are often amplified. Entering into an entirely new situation with many unknowns leaves room for a lot of worrying, and many opportunities to step out of one's comfort zone, allowing the insecurities to have an absolute party in one's head. Satan will take any opportunity he can to try and bring us down. But our God is gracious. He is loving. He is merciful. When the voices in our head seem to loud to bear, He is there reminding us of who we are and who's we are. When the barriers seem to thick to break, He is there giving us the strength to chisel away, slowly but surely.

Things take time. A LOT OF TIME. I'm not an extremely patient person: I like to know what's happening, when it's happening, how it's happening and who's making it happen. BUT I can't always know these things, and I for sure can't control them. Learning a language takes time. Getting comfortable takes time. Making friends takes time. Relationships take time. And you know what? That's okay. That's how it's supposed to be. If I could control my life and the timing of my life's events, I'm 100% sure it would be a mess, and I would not be where I'm supposed to be. I have been extremely challenged and stretched to give up my control-freak tendencies and “Sit down, shut up, and let God” over these 3 months.

As I move into the final half of my stay here, I am beyond excited. I am already in awe of what God has done in my life and know that whatever lies ahead is going to be incredible. Maybe incredibly amazing, maybe incredibly challenging, but with God anything is possible.

Let's all pray not only for America as a nation, but for the world at large and the effects that the outcome of this election will have. The VOH school students are prepping for their exams which begin next week, prayers for peace and focus for them, and that they finish this school year strong would be amazing.

As I finish reflecting, I am overwhelmed by the love and support all of you incredible friends have poured on me throughout my journey this far. Whether it be an encouraging message, a prayer, or the fact that you take time out of your busy lives to read my blog, thank you. These things truly mean the world to me.

Emily

These girls are incredible! All smiles after the second teen connect
at Mwanza Pentecostal Church!

There's never a dull moment with these two!

If two months ago someone told me, “You'll find your groove Emily. Things will eventually no longer feel so overwhelmingly new, you'll start to make friends and maybe even become more independent,” I would have laughed in their face. “Yeah, right.” I would have said, “You're crazy. Mwanza is too different from my home in Canada. I don't think I will ever feel even remotely comfortable here.”... Oh how I laugh at my past self. God is continuing to show me that He has things under control. There is no need for me to worry or fear, because He holds each day in the palm of His hands. He has already conquered every challenge and tough situation that I will have to face not only here in Mwanza, but where ever else I may end up.

As of last week, after lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays I help with reading in the grade 1 class at school. We have been working on the pronunciation of certain letters and letter pairs, such as “th”, “r” and “bl” sounds. Although there is only one grade difference between the reception class I am in in the morning and this grade 1 class, I feel like these children are so much older! Not only is their ability to speak English higher then the reception class, but their interaction with each other and their teachers is on a whole other level. I have really enjoyed getting the opportunity to teach some lessons in the classroom, and work with the class 1 teacher, Teacher Betty.

As I've been creating a routine of my own, sometimes the times I need to be at the Village are different then when Jade and Julius need to be there. Because of this, they have so graciously allowed me to drive their car! That's right! You heard me! It took quite a bit of getting used to as the roads here are the same as Britain; and opposite to Canada! It is also very busy; lots of cars, people, piki-piki's (motorcycles) Dala dala's (Taxis) and even cows and goats sometimes! This allows Jade and Julius to not have to “taxi” me everywhere (which is nice for them) and it allows me to be a little more independent (which is nice for me)! That's one thing that I have definitely struggled with. It has gotten better now, but at first I felt like I was 4 years old again. I couldn't go anywhere on my own, I couldn't really communicate with anyone on my own, I even needed Jade and Julius to explain to me what I was eating at times. It was extremely humbling to be so reliant on somebody else for even the simplest of tasks. I am very thankful they were, and still are, so patient with me. I'm sure at times it feels like having a third child!

Dala dala's are 14-seater vans used for public transportation and are often people's main mode of transportation here.  I had the opportunity to take one home the the Village one day, accompanied by my friend Paul. It was so cool!! Paul made me do all of the necessary talking as well as pay our fare (forcing me to speak to the conductor of the Dala dala), which if I'm being honest, I totally hated in the moment but now really appreciate. I can now take a Dala dala all by myself if it is ever necessary. So awesome! This honestly made me so excited!

With every day that passes I wish more and more that I could speak Swahili. Although I know greetings and some basic words, being able to communicate fully in Swahili would be really amazing. I am finding it difficult to learn and practice Swahili as when I am at the Village people will automatically speak to me in English. Prayers that I will not loose hope in my Swahili learning would be great, and also that I wouldn't be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and try to use and practice Swahili. The El Salvador team from Bethany is leaving next Saturday for a week of building homes and serving the community in El Salvador. Please join with me in prayer for safe travels, that their week would go smoothly, be full of love, learning, and serving, and that God would continue the amazing work He has already begun in El Salvador through incredible teams like this one!

Once again I am overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers you so graciously pour into my life.

Emily

View from "Dancing Rocks!" God is an artist!

Loved getting to explore "Dancing Rocks" with Ezra!

A selfie to document my first time taking a Dala dala! 

At Village of Hope Mwanza there are 10 childrens homes each with a house mum, an auntie (day worker) and 8-9 children. During the week-long term break at the school I got the opportunity to spend time in 3 of these homes. It was so fun! Although each home was similar in some aspects, they were also extremely unique and getting to be a part of their uniqueness is honestly a highlight of mine so far.

I first visited the home of Mumma Jackie. These two days were filled with many laughs!! She always seemed to be smiling! There was always music playing so often we would break out in spontaneous  song or dance. Not only was Mumma Jackie eager to work on her English, but she was very enthusiastic about teaching me Swahili! She was extremely patient when it took me 1 or 2 (or 10) tries to pronounce something correctly. We would often point at different things like trees or clothes or food and I would say the word in English and she would say it in Swahili. It was kind of like a really fun game! She taught me how to help them wash their clothes and how to cook on a coal stove, as well as how to make ugali, which is a very popular food in Mwanza... and very hard to make! It's like trying to stir a really thick dough for an extended period of time. I could only stir it a couple times before my arm hurt! Getting to spend time with these children outside of the classroom was so nice, and getting to know Mumma Jackie and Auntie Jenny more then just saying “Hi” occasionally was so nice.

The second house I got to spend time in was Mumma Cabula's. Mamma Cabula's English isn't as strong as Mumma Jackie's and I am still only speaking very little Swahili, so communicating often turned into a game of sherades. Although this made even simple communication difficult, it forced me to really pay attention and be observant of my surroundings. I also didn't realize how much you learn of something new (for me Swahili) then when you're forced to just figure it out. While at Mumma Cabula's I got the opportunity to spend time with a boy named Sita. Sita has cerebral palsy and a one on one worker who does physiotherapy with him twice a day, as well as care for him. Sita LOVES music, so there is often music playing throughout the house. The song often sung by the other children of the house is “Na penda Sita, na penda Sita, na penda Sita.. yea yea yea!” Which translates to, “I love Sita, I love Sita, I love Sita.. Yes yes yes!” Seeing his face light up when he hears these words could make any heart melt. After lunch both days the children and I spent an hour or so working on times tables. During this time the children also taught me how to count in Swahili, I can now go up to 30!! They also taught me how to play a game featuring bottle caps and a bead which we played once we got tired of times tables.

On Friday I spent the day at Mumma Melissa's. Unfortunately I only got to spend a couple of hours at her home, but it was still very nice! If we wanted to communicate we did so using the children as translators, which made things extra interesting! Before lunch two of the boys, grades 3 and 5, asked if I could help them with their math. I thought, sure I can!!.. or maybe not. I realized my math skills ARE NOTHING without a calculator. What is long division? What is multiplication of seemingly ginormous numbers? I finally understood why math teachers are always saying “Try and do it in your head!” It all makes sense now!! Mamma Melissa also has 2 children with physical disabilities living in her home, Nuru and Amisa, who both have cerebral palsy. The opportunities given to these two girls through the Village of Hope, their one on one workers and the love poured on them from their house siblings is truly heart warming.

I honestly don't have enough words to describe how much I loved spending time at each of these houses. I made so many new friends in the older children as well as the Mumma's, and look forward to hopefully getting to spend time with them again!

In just a week there will be two missionaries from Barrie coming to Mwanza to help with some of the projects that are being started here. Prayer for smooth travels and a safe arrival for them would be amazing! Once again thank you for your continued prayers. I am so thankful to have such an awesome group of people surrounding and supporting me!

Emily

Trying to cook ugali...

Bruno, Joshua, Moses, Baraka and Timo posing for the camera!

Mumma Jackie's smile is contagious!

"Say kuku!"
*Kuku means chicken, which they have 4 of!

These past two weeks have been PACKED with highs and lows. Exactly two weeks ago I had my first major emotional meltdown since arriving. In the middle of the school day I just couldn't continue, so I walked up to the office, sat down at Jade's desk and started to cry. And let me tell you (and Jade can attest to this) it wasn't a cute, "oh no poor girl" kind of  cry, it was an ugly, "I can't stop the tears from falling is that a girl crying or a cat trying to sing," kind of cry. The differences between Canada and Mwanza suddenly became more evident, like for the first time I was truly realizing how different my surroundings, relationships, and way of living were going to be. It all seemed to overwhelming to handle, and in that moment I wasn't sure I would ever be able to get through it. But, after talking through how I was feeling with Jade and hearing not only her encouragement but also her raw honesty, I was able to realize and accept that no, Mwanza is never going to be exactly like home. And it's not supposed to be. I didn't come here to live the same life I did in Canada. It's not going to be a walk in the park, but I can walk through these challenges with God. Anything is possible with Him. And look: here I stand, two weeks later, living to tell the tale. YES!

I got to visit Bismarck Rock this past week, which is a popular landmark here in Mwanza, try coconut water from an ACTUAL COCONUT, and begin attending a youth group with 10 other youth run by another expat family for teens ages 13-18. The other students I met at this youth group were extremely kind and welcoming! We played games, ate food, sang worship and had a group devotion! I am very excited to continue to get to know these awesome people!

I had the privilege of getting to eat lunch at one of the houses at the Village (aka the orphanage, each house has 8-9 children and a house mum). I love hanging out with children outside of school, getting to know their likes, dislikes and personalities is so cool!
Jade, Julius and I got the opportunity to visit Forever Angels Baby Home, which is home to 46 babies from newborns to age 5. Seeing the opportunities these babies will now have because of this home, and the community outreach programs they are implementing which are  providing babies and families with opportunities and insight made my heart happy... and so did all the cute babies!

"Remember that I command you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9
This week marks the official start of VOH (Village of Hope) dance club! I am very excited to start and be a part of this new club, but prayers that our first meeting and first "class" go smoothly, and that my nerves don't increase too much would be appreciated! Thank you again for you continued prayers, I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a caring, encouraging and supportive community!

Emily

In 2 days I will be celebrating my one-month-anniversary of living here in Tanzania! How crazy is that?! Some days it feels like time has flown by, and other times I think, "It has ONLY been a MONTH? I feel like I've been gone for ages!" Truthfully, this feeling changes regularly. Although the past couple weeks I have often found myself missing home a lot, and even sometimes questioning why I would want to leave the place and people I love so much, they have still been a pretty amazing couple of weeks. 

Over the past 2 weeks I have been learning the daily routine of the class, how the children learn, what they enjoy, their names, what other teachers need of me, and where I "fit in" to the puzzle here. This has posed some challenges but has also been extremely rewarding. Let me explain. As I start to become more comfortable (although this is a very long process and I am nowhere near completing it) in my new situation, I often find myself even more worried about home; Like if I get too comfortable here home will surely disappear, right? Isn't that how it works? Before I left a dear friend/ mentor of mine told me this; Be 100% where you are. These are words I repeat to myself multiple times a day. Home isn't going to disappear, and frankly building a life here isn't going to make St. Catharines, my family, my friends or Bethany Community Church any less of my home. I'm not betraying anybody or anything by creating a life for myself here in Mwanza. There's no need to feel bad, so I can stop worrying and immerse myself in my new found circumstances, because this is exactly where God wants me to be.

Now for the rewarding part. I absolutely adore working at the school. Getting to know the children and all of their unique personalities, connecting with some of the older students my age at church on Sundays and slowly becoming friends with other teachers has been so cool. Everyday I feel challenged, whether it's by a situation, a conversation, or even a person, to step out of my comfort zone. To take a "leap of faith," because without it I will surely not be walking in Gods plan for my life. And where else would  I rather be?

One of my very favourite times each week is when we have music, also known as singing and dancing! The children love teaching me the songs they know, and often find it very amusing when I try to sing a song in Swahili or dance/ try to do the actions to a song I don't understand. After working so hard all week it's fun to see them let loose, be silly, and dance like nobody is watching! I will try and take a video of one of our music classes to show you just how much fun we have!

The past few days I have felt myself getting sick, prayers would be appreciated that it doesn't turn into anything too crazy and just stays a cold! There are also many projects coming up here at Village of Hope Mwanza, so prayers for the planning and executing of these exciting projects would be amazing!

You guys rock! Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Emily

PS. I have officially decided that I will update here every two weeks! BUT often throughout the week I'll post pictures on Instagram/ Facebook! 

This past Monday morning before heading out for the day I was reading about how man's view of me doesn't matter, and how God's opinion of me is the only one that truly matters. As I thought of what this would look like in my life here in Tanzania, I said, "God, give me opportunities today to live this out. I want to believe this with my whole heart and live it out everyday." I then continued with my morning routine and headed to The Village of Hope. I didn't think about what I had asked God for again... Until snack time. During Monday's snack, in front of 2 teachers and 40 SK students, I dumped an entire mug of steaming hot porridge on myself and all over the floor.  It was literally everywhere. And did I mention I tried to catch the steaming porridge, causing myself to burn the entire inside of my right hand? (I'm totally fine now though, so don't worry)  My initial reaction was extreme embarrassment. I felt like crawling into a hole and never coming out. But, as I filled a bucket with water, grabbed a cloth and got down on my hands and knees to clean it up, I had to laugh. This is it isn't it God? This is my opportunity to not care what others think of me. Woah. Let's face it, who cares if the kids laughed? Looking back, I'm glad I could make them smile! And why does it matter if the teachers think differently of me now that they know I'm a complete clutz? It doesn't. It really, truly and completely does not matter. Something turned from head knowledge to heart knowledge on Monday. God listens to me and He hears me. All of the time He is with me, listening to my every shout of joy or cry of embarrassment. Learning life lessons sometimes sucks. God calls us out of our comfort zones, and sometimes into awkward and embarrassing situations. But that's okay. In fact, looking back two days later, I'm glad I dumped my porridge! It has allowed me to see and connect with God in a totally new way, and to take the next step in my battle against my own insecurities. SO COOL!

Prayers for Mwanza, and Tanzania as a nation would be greatly appreciated as there is the potential for demonstrations (protests) tomorrow here in town. We pray that they would be peaceful, non-violent protests.
Once again, I am seriously BEYOND thankful to be surrounded by such cool people who take the time to read and pray about my journey. Thank you for all of your prayers and support!

Emily

On Friday August 11th, 6 days before my departure to Tanzania, my strong, well-built, good looking, smart and honest grandfather had a very large spontaneous brain bleed. The following days were filled with hospital visits, food deliveries from dear friends and a house full of extended family. A million questions ran through my mind; Why now? Why at all? How am I supposed to leave the country for 6 months when my family is here dealing with this devastating loss? Even with all these questions running through my head, as well as deep sadness and grief, there was also a peace that ran deeper then all of those other emotions. There was a voice that reminded me of God's love that never ceases to hold me, His timing which is perfect even if I can't understand it here on earth, His plan for my life which was written out before I was even born, and the knowledge that He walks each step with me, no matter the challenge or struggle. With comfort in these facts, and the knowledge that grandpa would want me to still take this next step, I decided go.

And so I did. The 27 hour journey from Toronto to Mwanza is honestly still a blur. This was my first time on a plane in 8 years, and I can truthfully say that it wasn't overly traumatizing. Planes aren't so scary anymore! While flying ridiculously high up in the air I watched a lot of The Big Bang Theory, played with Gabriel and Ezra (the children of my cousin Jade who I am living with here in Mwanza) and slept as best as I could while sitting upright. We arrived here in Mwanza on Saturday August 20th at 7:30 am local time, which is 12:30 am for you. This travel experience has taught me something... jet lag really sucks. Like a lot. BUT luckily my experience hasn't been anything out of the ordinary and each day I start to feel a little less like a zombie.
Starting tomorrow I will be going to The Village of Hope, first to observe and get to know the people there and then diving in! Already the drastic change of culture and social customs are overwhelming, so prayer for peace and perspective would be amazing!

Thanks again for your prayers, I am so thankful and blessed to be surrounded by such supportive friends and family!

Emily