Hey Everyone,
After a couple days of travel, we have arrived at our hotel in Arusha, Tanzania! Arusha is such a beautiful city, and our hotel is awesome. This is our last stop before we fly out of Nairobi. This month has been so great and has gone by unbelievably fast. It is hard to believe that a month ago I was packing, asking myself questions such as, "when is it actually going to hit me that I am going to Africa??" Well, after finally arriving in Sumbawanga I experienced a few things that told me that I was, in fact, in Tanzania. For those of you that may be in this situation someday, here are three signs that will tell you that you might be in Tanzania
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If one of your thoughts while riding on a bus is, "we should really get the people from The Guinness Book of World Records here," you might be in Tanzania.
The busses here get so full, and when you think no one else can fit, another 5 hop on. I swear records have been broken. Trips to the market are always entertaining.
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If your church choir looks like they are doing the Insanity Workout during church, you might be in Tanzania.
Whether church is being held in a sanctuary, a market, or an open field, loud music and dancing is always present. Music and dancing is the main way adults and children worship in Tanzania, and they give it all they have.
This last one is my favorite:
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If you see a community of people with so much joy and love for God despite their living conditions, you might be in Tanzania.
During our time in Sumbawanga, we did street ministry and also went door to door visiting people. Each time we came up to a home, the people were so excited that we were there and welcomed us inside even though their homes were small and modest. Children are everywhere, and the smiles on their faces were so bright despite the fact that few of them had shoes. While walking the streets of Sumbawanga, I couldn't help but count my blessings. Each time I counted my blessings, I came to two conclusions: 1) I cannot count to infinity. 2) Although the amazing people of Tanzania do not have as many possessions or as many opportunities as myself, we are both blessed in the only thing that matters: Jesus is our savior and loves each and every one of us. He is all that matters.
Thank you all again for your support. This trip has been a life-changing experience. Please pray for all of us Passport people as we travel back to America. Also, pray for the rest of the squad as they regroup and grow together at debrief this next week. Thanks again and I can't wait to see you all soon!
God Bless,
Joshua Beebe
