Through the Seasons

Since we announced where we were going to serve that has been and continues to be (and probably always will be) our number one, by far, most frequently asked question.

If you look on my sidebar (you know, over there ————>) you’ll see my little weather girls.  The one on top is the weather in Charlotte and the one on the bottom is the weather in Mbeya.  So you can visit the blog anytime and see what the current weather there is.

And outside of that I’ll tell you that we’re in the highlands so it’s not as hot as you may expect.  There are 2 seasons – rainy and dry.  The highs fluctuate from 70 at the lowest to 90 at the highest – so not too bad really.  Once we are actually living there I can give you a better feel for what it’s like there.  Right now I’m giving you information that I’ve heard or looked up online. 

When you look at my weather girls remember that there is a 7 hour time difference now (and 8 hours during standard time).  So right now it is 8am here and 3pm there.  The temperature is 61 degrees here and 70 there (fahrenheit). 

We’ll also be below the equator so our “seasons” are opposite.  It is now getting cooler in Mbeya while it’s warming up to summer here.  The rainy season is just ending and won’t come around again until December (I believe).

So that’s the weather story.  I’ll let you know more when we’re actually there.  Meanwhile, watch the weather girls for the scoop. 

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They tried.  But to no avail.  We will arrive in Tanzania Sunday and catch the train Monday morning.  At least we’ll be traveling with our friends.  Look at me seeing the silver lining. 

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We heard from our personnel coordinator in Dar es Salaam today and it turns out that we are, in fact, crazy. 

Our original plan was to land in Dar at 10pm Sunday and then catch the train a few hours later.  I had a feeling we had lost our minds.  With as much love as he could muster, Brian confirmed it.  So they are now trying to change our train tickets to later in the week to give us a break in Dar before then traveling by train.

I am much happier with this arrangement.  First of all, we can get our bearings and take a rest before continuing our journey.  Secondly, we can grab anything we need from Dar which has much more available than anywhere else in Tanzania.  I think we’ll be able to handle the second leg of the trip much better as well.  And to top it all off we’ll have more time with our friends in Dar.  Definitely a good move!

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Did I just say that I’m no longer sore from nursing?

Scratch that.

I’m sore again.

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When we left for the field the first time we were just over 100% of our needed financial support.  

Soon after arrival in Tanzania, we found out that our rent and vehicle costs would be slightly more than expected.  Asher’s arrival then unexpectedly increased our health insurance dramatically.  At the same time we lost a couple of partners who committed to supporting us for a year because that year lapsed.  So as we returned to the States to have our first child we realized we were under our 100% needed amount.

We sat down in our wooden banda next to the Little Ruaha River and discussed the situation we found ourselves in.  We agreed that we wouldn’t rush into trying to raise the additional funds but would see how it went while we were here.

During our time in the States, we’ve heard from a couple of people who want to begin partnering with us.  A couple of our current partners have also increased their monthly amount. 

We’ve recently had the opportunity to begin a relationship with a local church that I attended when I was young(er!).  They have committed to financially support us.  Not only that but they have welcomed us with open arms.  We already feel completely part of their church family and are so excited to get to know the people and keep everyone updated.

It has amazed me how God has provided for our needs in so many areas – financially, spiritually, emotionally, and with prayer.  We have picked up so many prayer partners and people who encourage us tremendously.  Are we at 100%?  I’m not sure yet because I don’t know how much the new partners want to give yet but based on how things have gone up until now, I’m not worried.  He has been so good to us and has enabled us to prepare for and get to the field.  I trust that He will also enable us to stay there as long as He wants.  He is in control and we are merely obedient.  And grateful.  And humbled.

God is good…

All the time!

All the time…

God is good!

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Don’t worry.  Asher is still wearing diapers.  (This piece of information is most helpful for those who will hold him in the near future.)  But I did just recently read about this “elimination communication” - um – method, philosophy, technique, whatever you want to call it.  I found it extremely interesting and intriquing.  A missionary in Thailand who comments on this blog had her first child there and is trying this herself (kudos to her).  Check it out (there are even videos! – of which will one day mortify her daughter):

Baby Notes (see November 7th’s post: Diaperless Update)

Million Butts Can’t be Wrong

For more detailed information on this, she lists these resources:

Diaper Free Baby

Tribal Baby

So am I trying this myself?  Well.  It really does peak my interest and I do wonder how much easier it makes potty training (thinking it may eliminate it entirely).  But can I just get through a week of packing and saying goodbye, over 30 hours of flying and layovers, 24-48 hours on a train, and many days of unpacking and settling in first?  Then we’ll see…

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I’m happy one minute.  Excited the next.  Sad a few later.  Nervous every once in a while.  It’s quite a roller coaster to be on.  Part of it is hormones I’m sure.  Another is just the big change in front of us.  Again. 

On one side we’re looking forward to setting up our home and beginning our work in Mbeya.  On the other hand we’re saying goodbye to America when we just did that a number of months ago.  I’m acutely aware of how much I’m going to miss everyone here – much more aware this time around.  I’m also anticipating the withdrawal symptoms I may experience when transitioning from the luxuries (and food) here to life there.

Then there’s our family.  We started all this as just the two of us.  Now we have our little one and we’re all still figuring each other out.  This is the biggest transition I’ve ever been through.  He’s wonderful and beautiful and challenging and life changing…  the hardest but best thing that’s ever happened to us as a couple.

So there’s no wonder I’m feeling a lot now as I go through a lot.

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I need to hear from all of you who have had babies and especially those who breastfed them. 

I was told at first to keep track of Asher’s dirty and wet diapers as well as how often I fed him and for how long.  I had a great little book that helped me do it which I just filled up.  So I face a decision.  Do I continue or quit? 

I do love keeping records, filling out forms, and having a detailed log so I’ll probably do something but probably not to the extent I have been.

This is where I need you.  Did you keep track of any of this?  What did you record?  For how long? 

I appreciate your help!

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They say if you make it through the first two weeks of nursing you’re home free.  I did make it through the first two weeks – sore, cracked, bleeding, frustrated, confused.  The cracked and bleeding did end about then but the pain, frustration and confusion continued. 

I’m now six weeks into it and finally, finally, finally do I feel I have my body parts back to myself.  The soreness has all but subsided.  Asher and I have learned a lot and gotten used to this whole nursing thing.  Pretty much, anyway.  He’s still a bit wild but not as spazy as he was at first. 

My next task is to figure out how to nurse him with a cover-up on.  That’s been tough so far but I have to figure that out especially for the long trip over.  Every time I feed him I think, “I should be doing this with a cover-up on.”  I must start this soon!

But my main point is that, yes, you may be one of those who if you get through the first two weeks you’re fine.  Or you may have to keep persevering, staying determined, for six weeks or longer.  Don’t give up if you’re still having a hard time after those first few weeks.  It’s SO worth it and such a wonderful gift to give your child.  Press on, ladies!!

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