Counting the Cost - in a disconnected sort of way!

27 April 2010

It’s amazing what can happen in a short time.  Last night, I was “counting the cost” of living abroad, far from my closest friends and family.  I don’t regret living here, and I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.  Really, I'm better adjusted than I thought I might be at this time, and am amazed that there are only 8 weeks left in my first school year of teaching overseas.  God is so good!  Still, talking to a close “sister” on the phone makes me want to sit down on the couch and reconnect with a long heart-to-heart, a hug, and some good prayer time!  And while I love the phone calls (and video skypes when they work!!!)... sometimes it's just not the same.  These are all things I expected when coming here, but somehow it’s a little different, a little more difficult, when you’re actually in the situation.

Counting the cost. (Luke 14:26-33).

On another note, new rumors began spreading across Dar today (via school, of course!)  Who knows what’s true and what’s not.  But the internet has been down at school since Thursday of last week (it’s Tuesday now), and our cell phones have been acting weird when we try to call out.  The rumor is that the new cable line they laid for better internet in Tanzania is not working like it’s supposed to – and of course, that means that no one has access!!!  Thankfully, the service we have for our house is coming and going – but coming sometimes is better than none at all!  We’re guessing we might still be on the satellite connection, but who knows. 

Also, a new thought came through the grapevine today.  Turns out that despite the crazy-hard pouring rain we’ve had all day – and the frequent, daily rains the past week or so – the water main in Tanzania is not working.  No one in Dar has water.  Well, except for what’s on the roof in tanks, of course.  Someone said that the last time this happened, ten years ago, they were out of water for 3 weeks.  Let’s pray that the system has been improved since then… though my hopes are not high in that regard.  I might go put out a big tub to catch the rain in!

No picture today – too much bandwidth.  But you can “picture” me laying on my bed, enjoying the amazingly cool weather that these pouring rains have brought after the long weekend, with a full stomach after a delicious meal, listening to the quiet, restful sound of the rain.  So far, so good... when everything gets taken away, we realize what's really important, and isn't that really what life is all about anyway?  Just pray that whatever happens in the days to come, that God would give exactly what we need just as we need it, one day, one hour, one moment at a time.  And that we would keep our focus on Him, and let His joy be our strength! 

And remember, I can still get calls on my Skype/Michigan number, even if there’s no internet – so if you need to get a hold of me, that’s probably the best and cheapest way till we see more what happens!  Kwaherini kwa sasa (Goodbye for now)!