I have a love/hate relationship with technology

I've been trying for some time to talk with Steven since he left. This morning we finally found a chance to chat online. We've discovered that the internet is not as reliable in Tanzania as it is in Canada. Oh, how I take my wireless, high-speed connection for granted! Starting our chat was quite troublesome. We could email each other but not get gmail chat started. When we finally began, he was dropped several times from the chat:( It's a good thing we weren't trying to Skype! On the other hand, being able to chat online together in real time was amazing! It was refreshing to have my questions answered immediately (with a slight pause between, but better than talking over the phone).

On Christmas Eve, everyone went in to Arusha to go swimming and then out for dinner for bbq chicken. The Feser's were very generous and gave Steven gifts on Christmas day - a t-shirt with Swahili words on it (for all his hard work at starting to learn swahili); hand sanitizer (very necessary, I'm told); and a fresh pineapple. WOW! I can only imagine how wonderful that pineapple must taste! Steven tells me that the papaya and mangoes are also incredibly delicious.

Merry Christmas everyone! and continue to pray for Steven and the Fesers as they prepare for the New Year and the new projects!

Charlotte

What's been happening

Since I arrived here on friday the 9th it has been really sunny and hot. The food that we eat here is very strongly influenced by Indian food. Although the native food mainly consists of rice and beans. Up to this point we have not started working on any major projects though I have started to learn swahili. Soon after Christmas I will start working on an intro. video for Pamoja, introducing the people here and what the compound looks like.

Salama (Peace)

Steven

Is Boredom an Adventure?

Steven arrived safely in London at 6:35 a.m. UK time. After finding his way through the subway to Terminal 4, he checked in and stored his luggage (for 16 pounds) so he could look around. Unfortunately, he  wasn't able to find anything too interesting, only breakfast :) I spoke with him at 9:30 this morning and found out that he is very tired and bored. He is hoping to get a good sleep on his next flight.  Are time changes always so difficult? He is now safely aboard his flight to Nairobi where he will land at 6:30 a.m. Kenya time (8 hours ahead of us). Good sleep and safe travelling, Steven!

And so it begins...

Today was the day that the adventure began. We arrived early at the airport (1:30 p.m. actually). Steven checked in, and then we sat and watched airplanes take off for a couple of hours until the bag drops opened at 3:30. While we waited we spent lots of time taking pictures and talking together. It was nice to have the entire family together to share these memories. After dropping off his bags, we had a bite to eat since we can't be sure that the food on the airplane will be satisfying. As the time came closer for him to leave, I could see the excitement build in his eyes. I'm so proud of his decision to go to Africa and see what God can do with his life, but I am also sad for myself to see my little boy, now all grown up, going out to explore the world on his own. He is now in an airplane somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. Be safe!

Almost time

Thanks to everyone who came over today to wish Steven safe travels. He is getting very excited about his 12 hour layover in London!  Keep him in your prayers. His plane leaves Toronto on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and lands in London at 6:35 a.m. He'll catch his plane to Nairobi at 7 p.m. and lands in Kilimanjaro 11:30 on Dec. 9th. Pray for safe travels, wisdom and wakefulness!

The Adventure Begins

As you know, my eldest son, Steven, will be leaving on his travels to Tanzania on December 7. He will be working with Pamoja Ministries just outside of Arusha, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Pamoja Ministries endeavours to disciple cultures through media. If you'd like to know more about the projects that Pamoja has worked on in the past, check out their website: http://pamojaministries.or.tz/

Steven and I will be using this blog spot to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in Africa and how God is working in his life.

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Thank you for your support and prayers!

Charlotte & Steven