Special Request

I've had some requests to put up more pictures with me in them. This picture was taken in Zanzibar. I've been trying to be sensitive to appropriate attire wherever we've gone. I still don't quite have the technique for applying the head covering, but at least it stayed on.

Okay, I took the bait!

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Tanzania -- on the Island

We stayed with friends on the island of Zanzibar in a lovely house right on the beach! We were able to spend leisurely mornings on the upper level of their patio under a thatched roof. The breeze off the Indian Ocean was cool and refreshing. Our friend took us on a walking tour of Stone Town. Buildings are so close together it doesn't look like you could get a car in there, but some of the streets were open to traffic!







I just had to include a photo of the spectacular sunset!









And one of the beach on the east coast of the island! I know, we are really suffering!




The beach in front of our friends' home was covered with the nets of the local fishermen. They spent most of the days we were there mending their nets. It was easy to imagine I was observing fishermen from centuries ago. Their voices were audible, but didn't disturb the peace of the scene before me.

Tanzania -- Life in the village

Our first few days in Tanzania were spent with dear friends, Mark & Cara, in a village about 3 hours west of Dar es Salaam. Here you see the fellows who bring water to this family. They each haul 3 of these big containers on their bicycles, making 5 trips a day, 5 days a week. When the rains come (and please pray for all of East Africa to receive rain. It is sorely needed), they will be able to collect water from the guttering around the roof.









Family time around the table learning a new game, Skipbo. It's been years since I've played, so we had to have the directions out to learn it correctly. Caitlyn, Lauryn and Benjamin were quick learners. Natalyn couldn't sit still long enough to get into the picture!






We took one morning to drive through a protected wild life area. These elephants were very close to the road. I'm taking this picture from the car.






The fee for driving through the game reserve was a stop at the lodge for a cup of tea or a soda. Then we loaded up and drove back through.



I wish I had a picture of the dear lady that Cara and I stopped to see. We sat with her on the dirt floor of her home and chatted about her new life in the Lord and the upcoming delivery of her 3rd child. What a privilege to be there!

Kibera

Today Bob and I went to observe what is being done by AfricaAid in the largest slum in sub-Saraha Africa. There are more than one million people living in an area less than 3 miles square. You can see there are small businesses set up in small temporary structures.





There are little huts as far as you can see, packed together so tightly it is difficult to navigate. Most people live in one room and that one room will shelter up to 7 or 8 people. About 20% of the population of Kibera has HIV. AfricaAid is seeking to care for victums of HIV/Aids. They are also helping people with very small loans to set up their own business and support themselves. These people then band together to help others. AfricaAid is also seeking to bring the Gospel to these people.

Independent Business Owners

About 20 of these small business owners met with us in the building that AfricaAid is improving to provide a place for some of them to work. They will bring in a loom for weaving fabric and some sewing machine for them to use to make mosquito netting and other items.









We were able to walk by some of the stalls where these people were selling their wares.

Happy Birthday!!

One of our very dear friends is celebrating her birthday today, and we have been unable to contact her directly.
Jenn, I hope you see this message! You have been much in our prayers and on our hearts. We hope you have a very happy birthday!
Love,
Bob and Sandie

Java House Coffe

Nairobi has an excellent chain of coffee shops called Java House. This one even has wireless internet access. And I'm told the coffee is top notch!