Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Graduation

Today, we graduated from language school. We're in no way fluent in Swahili, but we have the foundation we need to communicate on a basic level and continue to progress in our ability to speak and comprehend.
It's hard to believe that we have been studying Swahili and living here for 16 weeks now. We had the privilege of studying with 3 other members from our organization, Jacob, Tine, and Ellen. We have become good friends during this time, and it will be difficult to say goodbye to them. At least we know we'll get to see each other again at our branch conference every year.
We've also enjoyed getting to know Kay and Les, the Riverside Campsite directors. They have made us feel so welcome here, like family. We'll miss them.
We're grateful for our nanny, Mama Gretia as well. The kids have grown to love her, and they will miss seeing her every day.As I look back at the whole experience, it really has sped by. In the last 4 months, God has taught me a lot about myself and revealed Himself to me in many ways. I keep thinking of that old hymn I Need Thee Every Hour. Boy, isn't that the truth? Without Him, I cannot get a word of Swahili out of my mouth or understand anything that is said to me. Without Him, it is impossible to parent my children in a godly manner. Without Him, I can't be the wife my husband needs. And the list goes on. I'm so grateful for the power and strength God provides His children through the Holy Spirit. I am blessed.

And so it begins...the part of the journey we've been anticipating for months and months. In the morning, we'll get in our car (which is loaded to the gills) and make our way to Dodoma. All of us are excited to begin unpacking our things, making friends, and finally settling in to our own home. Paul is looking forward to starting his ministry with the language project, and Josiah can't wait to start school in January.

I'm excited to see what God has in store for this next phase.

3 comments:

  1. Congrats - finsihing language school is quite the accomplishment. It is exciting to read about your future adventures (getting settled in, making new friends, starting in the langugage project, school, etc). We miss you over here but are excited about what is happening in Tanzania!

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  2. Congratulations to you on finishing language school - yay! It is weird, huh? Thinking back to the years of preparation and now you are finally moving into that stage. Makes me think back to training camp - seems like a long time ago... We are really excited for you and will be praying for you in this transition. I miss you, friend, and am thankful for you and for the ways to keep in touch. I hope you have fun making your new house a home and am excited that you get to settle in one place now! Blessings on you all!

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