Out of Africa, Part 2 - "Progress"

Though the past year has been a long one when we think of all of the holidays, birthdays, and milestones we haven't been able to celebrate together with Jason, Roxanne, and Annikah, it seems like a short time when you view all of the accomplishments they have made regarding the work they went to do. Their mastery of kiswahili is remarkable - we never tired of listening to the lively conversations they engaged in with their neighbors and many local friends they have made. They speak swahili on the phone, and I even saw lots of texts messages in the language on their cell phones! Annikah follows right along in comprehending, and joins in often with words and phrases. She was our little translator at times, helping us with words like these: dudu=bug; kuku=chicken; jambo=hi,hello; tembo=elephant; kobe=turtle; maji=water; mchicha=spinach; jua joto=hot sun, etc. And of course, we already knew and used often the words "asante" and "asante sana" (thank you, thank you very much); and "pole" and "pole sana" (sorry, very sorry) just in learning from Roxanne's blog. We also picked up on "hodie" - the greeting called out from the visitor upon his/her unexpected arrival at one's home; and the response, "karibu" - welcome (even if you're not thinking that at the time!!) And of course, I have to mention "mzungu" which mean"white person." Mzungus certainly do receive lots of looks and attention in Zanzibar. Jim now sports a "Mzungu" T shirt - one of his selected souvenirs.

But I digress - I was talking about all that Jason and Roxanne have accomplished in the past year. The first, as stated, is a good grasp of the language. The second is a rather complete adjustment to local life and the lack of many of the conveniences and comforts that we take for granted each and every day here. Third, they have made an effort to be known and make friends with numerous locals; to reach out and offer hospitality and interact with them. All the while they freely share with them that they "follow Jesus," which of course is their primary purpose. Fourth, they, along with their team, have made wonderful progress on the school they seek to establish. In doing so, they have offered steady employment to many local young men and at the same time have been given opportunities to share with them their own love for Jesus. We are so grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand their work and to witness their joy in doing it. Though not without hardship, God has granted them overflowing joy and passion in following him.


Friday, July 17 - We visited the school site. We were able to walk through each room and really visualize what it will be like when completed. It was amazing to see the progess made even during the 2 1/2 weeks we were there. Many times when we drove past (which was quite often since the school site is close to their home) we noticed changes and progress.

View of the school as you enter the property. Standing near the entrance to the building.
Jason proudly shows off the area where he and the other staff will have offices. He is excited to move his "work space" out of their home.

Standing in the future computer lab. Wiring is done and grant money from the German government has been received to purchase the computers.

Looking at the side of the building that will house the auto mechanics part of the school.

I think Jason is hoping to begin teaching Microsoft Word (in Swahili!!) sometime in January. It's exciting to think of how this opportunity will enrich the lives of his future students.

It's humbling to think of all the milestones that have been passed in getting to this point in only one year. I remember the hassle the team went through even in acquiring the land and receiving permission to build - all accomplished without having to offer a bribe! God has been faithful through it all and now we continue to pray that he will provide those students that need to be there, whose lives may be touched and enriched through the opportunity to learn and grow.