Lost in Africa

Well we have not really been lost in Africa, just super busy. I am sure you can relate since spring is often a busy time of year. I think back to last spring when we were preparing to come here and how busy things were and now our time in Tanzania is almost done. Very hard to believe. We have fallen in love with the people, the culture, the country, and the work. We both feel when we leave, a part of our heart will be left here.
So what has been going on you might ask. Sarah is just about back up to par with her health. She had what was likely a sinus infection with fevers last week, the fourth time she has been sick in 5 months, but thankfully it was not malaria. It was back to the classroom this week for her. I know she is working on A B C books with the older classes. Things got a bit crazy as she introduced this activity because of the students excitement in doing a creative activity. Daily I am impressed with their English ability expanding. The Standard 2 student's English is better than the students at the secondary school which is a testament to Sarah's work. Sarah has graciously taken on many administrative tasks for the school, keeping her more than busy.
Many of you have been praying for our school to be registered with the Tanzanian government. We are to the final step. The education inspector traveled 6 hours to visit our school 2 weeks ago. He was impressed at the work being done and how it affects our community, but got word today that we will not be registered until we have enough bathrooms for our students. We are all a bit bummed, but as soon as the rains stop, we will start the work to build bathrooms as money allows. We are short just 2 bathrooms, but we will get them built and then prayerfully we will be registered.
My work is steady as always. Last month our local government clinic ran out of all medications, but malaria meds, so I spent some time and money getting children the medicines they need-a service I was happy to provide. I took Habduli, the 2.5 year old with cerebral palsy, to Moshi last week with his mother and aunt to see a good doctor. There is a fantastic hospital, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, that serves the average people in this country. We saw an attentive doctor and got x rays done to investigate his breathing problem. I spoke with the doctor today to confirm is does have an obstructed airway, but not sure if surgery will be possible. I will keep you posted. While in Mombasa a couple weeks ago, I got him a stroller and he just loves it. Now he can be mobile and his brother is taking him around the village every afternoon. Another exciting thing is that Mbwana, the 3 year old with Downs Syndrome I work with, has learned how to wave goodbye. It is too sweet. He is still not walking yet, but I pray will be soon. Scabies is going around again with many kids, so I am doing lots of treatments.
Socially, we try to be up to something fun every week. Sarah had a birthday party for her language helper filled with good food, fellowship, and music. This last weekend, we had family pictures. By family, I mean our Tanzanian family that includes our 2 language helpers, sweeper, and washer. We all dressed the same and took goofy pics. I will try to get them posted soon as I think they are priceless. Then we enjoyed carrot cake and passion juice (both home made in the village). This weekend we have a women's retreat in Dar es Salaam that we look forward to.
Thank you for tuning in. Sorry we do not write more as things are just very busy. We only have a little over 6 weeks in the village. There is much to be done and wrapped up. Thanks for your prayers!
Blessings,
Emily