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