Harsh Reality

Yesterday was another great day of passing bricks and spending quality time with our new friends. I enjoyed hearing more about their families, friends, dreams, troubles, dating relationships, and more. While passing bricks, Martin and Fred taught me and few others songs in Swahili. We sang and sang while passing bricks, making the work a lot easier. I wish you could hear the beautiful songs. They are full are harmony and will stir your heart.

When leaving the school, I wanted to cry. I cannot imagine not seeing these wonderful people again. They welcomed me with open arms and loved me unconditionally. I would be happy to pass bricks the rest of the trip to continue to spend time with my new "family."

Yesterday afternoon was a tough for me. I began to fully understand the issues in this country and what it means for me to be here. Alexis and the YL ministry here in Arusha take a big risk in inviting us here. They risk all the relationships and progress that they have made in the the community for their ministry. All of it is so delicate and can be lost in an instant. 90% of people over the age of 18 are unemployed and poverty is rampant. People here see all Americans as rich, and by comparison, we all are. I understand the impact of money in a whole new way. Desperation can cause a whole host of problems, including corruption, greed, lying, stealing, and cheating. I am learning more about what it really means to bless these people and how I can help protect them from their own temptations to sin. I also have a new and deeper appreciation for the YL staff here.

In a week and a half we leave here and go home, back to our normal lives. It is my prayer that we will not leave Alexis, Jackie, Laban, David, and other YL staff and leaders to pick up the pieces, but instead we have helped bless them and the community. Please pray for their ministry here. Also pray that the Holy Spirit would guide us in learning how to bless these people.

Today, we leave for Legho. This is a very rural town and will be much different from Arusha. Mud floors, inconsistent electricity, bucket showers, and hole in the ground "toilets" will be staples. Please pray for us as we are about to have a worlds turned upside down!

Love,
Elizabeth