We celebrated Christmas this year with a Vineyard service at a local restaurant and then had lunch with friends. This is the time of year that we miss family the most and so we skype our girls and Judi's parents and David's sister where possible.
Justine spent Christmas in New Zealand with different friends and Celeste experienced a snowy Christmas in England where she had Christmas Eve with the lovely Buchanan family!
Zac is home from school and we are loving having him back with us. He mostly catches up on sleep, reads books and visits his friends in Arusha or has them come over for a sleep over.
In Arusha town, there are suddenly new reasons for the police to stop vehicles, and the immigration department make random visits to different companies and ministries to check permits. Extra money is always required, whether it is to have a new sticker suddenly required for your car or on the spot fines for permits that require something more!!! Its Christmas, and government officials suddenly seem to need more money.... so, you may be threatened with having your car impounded .... or deportation if you don't pay up or have the correct documentation!
We had a Nacho Libre/Mexican themed party for New Year's, at our house. About 22 people came and we had salsa lessons, learned the Macarena from 9 yr old Megan, played games, lit fireworks, hit a pinata and generally had a good time... Zac was dressed as a matador and his friend Wes as Zoro.
This last year has been harder than our first year here but also more rewarding. We moved house a lot this last year and invested in different ministries but have now settled in our house and in pastoring the Vineyard while continuing to invest in the same ministries. The church is growing and we are too!!
Alpha, got off the ground in September and God is using this ministry to bring His love to many. We love talking with new Christians and unchurched folk and we are getting lots of opportunities...
Our lives get to dissect or cross over the lives of so many others, in this part of the world. People come to Arusha for many different reasons and we only get to have them in our lives for a short time. We hope that we love them and impart to them all the blessings that God wants them to have, as well as receiving their gift to us. We are also getting to know more locals and it is rewarding seeing them become part of our lives and church.
Without a doubt, we can say that we are where God wants us to be and that we are loving it!!
We appreciate your support, interest in our lives, love and prayers. Please continue!
Blessings,
Judi and David xxxxx
Comments
I certainly miss Tanzania and the encouragement I received from Vineyard church.
Blessings on your new year!
-Rachel Dehmer (MN)
Bon.