News from Tanzania

Thanks to another long silence from me, I have lots of news to share with you. I mentioned in my last update that we were expecting some guests shortly after our return. As planned, as soon as we arrived here, we went to Waama to get moved back into our house. Then, on September 19th, Missionaries Todd and Barb Schierkolk arrived here at Kilimanjaro International Airport with their kids, Rachel, Megan, and Kirstie.

It was such a blessing to have them with us for those weeks. We kept quite busy and as a result the time passed very quickly.

• Wamma Bible School - The day after they arrived, we went to Waama for a couple days before spending that weekend in a couple different villages showing the Jesus Film two times and visiting the Lutheran hospital at Haydom.
  
• Volleyball - Ben and I were also able to participate in a volleyball tournament as part of the Mbulu Team. (As would be expected, we took first place.)
  
• Mbulu - From there, we returned to Mbulu for a couple days.
  
• Safari - This was followed by a safari at a nearby national park. The day was totally thrilling for all of us. God blessed us with good weather and lots of animals.
  
• Dar es Salaam - We spent that night here in Arusha and traveled down to Dar es Salaam the next day.
  
• Zanzibar - From there we took a boat over to Zanzibar where they were able to finish up their time here enjoying some beautiful beaches and the fabulous water of the Indian Ocean.
  
  All too soon, on the 2nd of this month, we said our goodbyes and they returned to the States for a brief time before ultimately returning to where they live/work in Mexico.

As for as our next couple weeks, the start date for classes at Waama has been delayed somewhat from what we initially expected (surprise, surprise). Actually, the applications for this year’s students are still being reviewed in order to help determine what courses are on highest demand. The new opening date is set for October 22nd. It has turned out to be a blessing for us, though, as we have been able to take care of many things during this time here in Arusha in preparation for the coming year.

These have included…

• Meeting with other missionaries who have wanted to get together for quite some time.
• Meeting with a local evangelist with whom we have become well-acquainted.
• Meeting with another group (today – Saturday) from the U.S. who we have helped to get connected here in Arusha.
• Buying motorcycles!! (Did that catch you by surprise!?) We are praising God for this answer to prayer and the newfound efficiency we are already enjoying.
• This has also meant getting licensing, registration, and insurance taken care of.
• Picking up supplies that are not available in Mbulu.

The most recent news is that when Nate and Rhoda Jore up in Uganda heard that we were not starting classes until the 22nd, they asked if we would be able to make a trip up there. Obviously, Ben was excited about the opportunity to see his brother but they also saw this as an excellent opportunity for us to interact with and encourage the local pastors there. So, after praying about the possibility, finishing up what we needed to do here, and consulting with the dean of Waama, we bought bus tickets today to leave tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. We will only have about a week and a half up there but it will be good for all involved.

Believe it or not, I have finally put a few more pictures on the blog. More are coming not only of our time in the States, but of our time with Schierkolks, the volleyball tournament, and (most importantly) our new motorbikes. I pray God bless and keep each of you. Thank you again for the blessing you are in my life. I could not be over here without you all! I hope to be in touch again soon.

In Christian love,

Jesse Long