Isaiah 40:31

"Adventure must start with running away from home." William Bolitho

Turns out, I'm horrible at updating a blog. I mean... atrocious. Lots to update y'all on, but here goes.
Sparknotes:

Orientation. Lots of learning about how not to die.

Then we spent the weekend out on a safari. I got to experience the beauty that is the Nogorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. It was an opportunity for everyone in my program to build memories together and to experience time in Arusha bonding before we enter the battle-field and work force. It was such a wonderful chance for us to see the unique personalities that everyone in the program has, and the wonderful and individual things that each person had to offer.

There is pretty much no feeling like doing your daily devotional atop a safari bus trekking through the bottom of one of the world's most well-known natural landmarks. It's incredible fulfilling and awe-inspiring. I couldn't help but to just constantly run my mind over the fact that I wasn't worthy to see such beauty created for God, but he was letting me anyways. He is graceful. He is beautiful. He is kind. He is GIVING.

After we returned from the Safari we got to work. Started all of my work at the orphanage and started volunteer work at the local hospital. It's been so interesting learning about the people and the ways that the medical system works here. It's also been such a pleasure getting the opportunity to see and meet some absolutely beautiful wide-eyed people. If you're thirsty for prayer requests, Anelwa (12), Lilian (10), Kakaiya (8), and Flora (6) could use prayer for open hearts and expanding minds. I'm also in classes that are directed around Eastern Africa Conflict Resolution, Swahili, and Community Service in Eastern Africa. This is a wonderful program that is really allowing me to become a part of the community in my short semester here, and opening my eyes to appreciate the diverse cultures and individual loveliness so much more.

I went to Shanga, which was a home created for the disabled. They are trained there to do assorted jobs (welding, necklace making, and other crafty things) and then they sell their creations in a shop in order to sustain the home. There is also a restaurant! It was wonderful getting the opportunity to love on and see people who are flourishing and embracing their God given circumstances.

Then we went on a hike up Mt. Meru. That was a wonderful and beautiful sight. It was good time to connect with my girls and share in God's wonderment and beauty together. Also, nothing bonds like physical activity! Arusha sits on the side of Mt. Meru, so it was really wonderful to get to learn the landscapes much better! Here's a few pictures of the town that is teaching me so much and growing my faith so heavily...

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-black-panther-20120129-html,0,2641122.htmlstory

The most recent thing that I've done is meet Pete O'Neal, former Black Panther who escaped the states and started an orphanage here in Arusha. It was really interesting, but the article I've posted is great and explains much better than I could!

I'll try to update more often, but this is all for now!

Yours Truly!