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