Already almost home

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It's hard to believe we've already been gone two weeks, traveled across the globe, spent eight days in villages singing and dancing with our partners, and are now on our way home.

We're in Amsterdam, safe and sound, a little tired but so grateful for the amazing experiences we have had together.

We had unusual problems accessing internet this trip, which is why there have been no blog posts during the trip.  Don't worry, we'll catch you up on all the news with posts and photos in the coming week.

For now, a few highlights....

Being together with dear friends from previous travels -- John, Mfaume, Msigwa, Chavalla, Pastor Naftal, Pastor Paulo, Azuberi, Absalum, Asifiwe, Mama Petro and so, so many others...

Meeting most of our Idodi Secondary School students; Sharon meeting her student Vumilia and Judy meeting the family of her student Zeituni...

Being cared for so lovingly by our partners, who would hold our hands as we walked over rough terrain and who asked every morning how we had slept, and who would carry our backpacks if we walked more than a few steps...

Seeing John speechless and with glistening eyes when we invited him to visit us in Minnesota in October 2013, hearing Mfaume ask, "but why me, Mama?" when we extended the same invitation to him and his wife Jenitha...

For Kirsten, walking the six kilometers along the pipeline bringing water to Mahove, and then continuing around the village for about the same distance to inspect each of the six water taps, seeing that the work has been well done and is being maintained in good condition.  It was hot even by ten a.m. when I reached the top  of the hill, and the sight of the tap in front of the church was such a joy -- and cool water on my face felt like a miracle...

Judy and Sharon were fortunate to see baby leopards during their safari at Ruaha National Park -- some of the guides said they had not seen such a sight in eight years.

The celebration at Mahove last Saturday was so amazing -- the singing, the dancing, drinking the cool refreshing water, celebrating a major milestone in our partnership...

Hours and hours spent discussing parish projects, hopes and dreams with our partners --- God has so many plans yet for us to accomplish together.

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