Hello again, We are having a fabulous time here in Dubai, but let me finish our African Safari saga. We had arrived at our lodge on the rim of the Ngogongoro Crater at what seemed to be sunset, but we couldn't be sure since we were engulfed with clouds. The driver said that we must hurry through the lobby if we wanted to get pictures of the crater because of the fading light. The pictures came out quite well. We probably should have been noticing that the staff were all wearing multiple layers of sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets. Their boiler for heating water for the radiators which was their source of heat was broken. You cannot imagine how remote these places are without even a village, much less a town, to pick up a few parts. ... read more

It has absolutely amazed all of us on how we have gotten so attached to the Howells in such a short time. Their graciousness has been unequaled on our behalf. We have all enjoyed the children individually and collectively. Now, we are all sad that we have to say goodbye in the morning. The work they are doing here and the impact on this community is just mind-boggling. Rob shared with us tonight their mission beliefs and how the work has progressed with the four churches, Bible Institute and Tumaini, the orphanage. The Lord has blessed them so much and they truly honor Him in the work they do. We have been so privileged to share even a few days with them to see what God is doing firsthand. We know that He will continue to ... read more

Saturday has been another beautiful warm day. Chrissy and I decided to stay here in Mwanza and not go to Nyakaliro because it sounded a bit rough and there were already 9 people in the Landcruiser. Ella wanted to stay with us, but Jeremy and Jordan so wanted to share their parents with the people there and have them see where they spent a whole week. They left at 12:30 pm to catch a ferry that takes about an hour and then a 2 hour drive to go the other 50 miles to get there. They should have some good stories tomorrow when they get back in the afternoon. We are saving on water since they will all want a good shower when they get here. Jim took the camera with him, so I'll just share ... read more

Today was the distribution of the soccer equipment, and it went very well. First, though, Pastor Jon & Rob zoomed off on the motorbike to complete the study on Acts. Don't miss their picture when the study was finished. Very impressive, Pastor Jon! Sorry, maybe tomorrow, I'll be able to include this picture The soccer crew, Ron Leach, Jeremy, Jordan and Nate, had to be t their first appointment at 10:00am. The rest of us were going into town to do some shopping and have lunch. So, 10 adults piled into the Landcruiser with 3 bags of soccer gear on top. Rob had played Weird Al Yankovic's "Another One Rides the Bus" last night to get us into the right frame of mind. The mayor met the soccer crew at the school to get ready for ... read more

We got up yesterday and left the Guest House at 6:30 am to catch a 10:00 flight and needed about that much time to stand in wrong lines and get to the gate. However, there was no plane in sight so we waited until about 11:15 and took off. Nice plane and we went very close to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Jeremy, an intern for the summer, met us and negotiated a taxi for us out of the about 10 drivers fighting for his attention.There are now 17 of us counting the Howells, a very nice couple from MI and those of us from New Hope. That is a lot of rooms and a lot of food, but they have both been taken care of very nicely. We, the Roes, have a little 2 bedroom guest house to ... read more