An Update From Holly

Hi! My name is Holly Martin. As you may already know, my friend/travel buddy/roommate Rachel and I are from Dan and Jana’s home church in Minnesota. We have been here in Tanzania for a week now and are really enjoying the time that we have already been able to spend with the Eads family. The very first night after Dan gave us a tour we were both overwhelmed by how much is going on with the ministry here in Shadi. First there is the church, as well as the Bible Institute, and Tumaini, the orphanage. In order to help sustain all the children, they also raise animals and farm crops. We are REALLY looking forward to spending more time with the children in the coming weeks as we will be helping them with their homework and whatever else the need may be. I speak for both Rachel and myself when I say that the children here have already worked their way into our hearts. We have both enjoyed the times we have been able to sit them in our laps and simply love on them. These are definitely times that we will cherish!

Even though we have just barely been here for a week, Rachel and I have definitely had plenty of opportunities to make fools of ourselves! …It doesn’t really take much for us, but it has become a more frequent occurrence in this completely new culture while attempting to grasp the language. I could probably write this entire blog post about all of our laughable moments, but I will just give one example. On Thursday, two days after we had arrived, Rachel and I decided to go up to Tumaini to visit the four children that don’t go to school yet. So we walked up there and joined some women who were sorting beans under the gazebo. We attempted to learn a few new words and sort a couple handfuls of beans and then told the women we’d see them later. Then we headed for the orphanage building where we greeted another woman. We didn’t realize (until it was too late) that: 1. She had just washed the floors, 2. Our feet were very dirty, and 3. The children weren’t even in there! So we quickly made our way off the previously clean floor and acknowledged our mistake, but neither of us could remember how to apologize in Swahili…so we muttered a couple possibilities and pathetically told her “see ya” (which we DID know how to say in Swahili) and we left. Not our best work…! But the good thing is that everyone here is very patient with us and they understand that we are learning! We have been very encouraged during times when we have no idea what to say or how to say it by people smiling and laughing rather than getting frustrated with us. Dan and Jana have also been very encouraging by helping us along when we are confused (Grace and Silas have been a big help too) and also by reassuring us that everything we have been experiencing and feeling is completely normal. Already after the first week we are so thankful to be here. The journey has only just begun… There is so much more to learn and we can’t wait to see what else we can take away from our time here. There is so much more to say, but I can’t possibly say it all! For now, I will end by saying that being in the company of the Eads family is a blessing in itself and that we couldn’t have asked for a better first week in Tanzania. J

 

Comments

[jeri erickson]

Happy to see your smiling face, Holly. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your time there and allowing God to use you in His special way. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Looks like hugging on the darling little ones is one of your specialties. Love you,

[Janet]

Holly, Great to see you. I have been praying for you and will continue to. I just know God is going to do amazing work through you during your time there. Your laughable moment brought a smile to my face, I know you have plenty of those and that you have had plenty with Sarah. What a blessing for the people of Tanzania to get to know you.
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10"
Love, Janet

[Abby Reemtsma]

We miss you all and will continue to pray that Holly and Rachel's time will be life changing for them as well as all those they are ministering too.

[Craig Muri]

Great post, Holly. My first thought was that the picture said it all, but your words give the bigger picture. We are praying for all of you.

[Laura Martin]

I actually Laughed Out Loud reading your account of the visit to the orphanage and your lack of "the right words" to utter! Too funny! I so enjoy hearing about the ministry there with the Eads and the Orphanage! The picture is adorable and Edina is beautiful! (do I see a new piece of jewelry around your neck???)Love you!
<3Mom

[SandI Forness]

So nice to see your beaming smile! We are so happy you are enjoying your time there. I hope there will be lots of updates!
Love, Uncle Steve, Aunt Sandi, Dalton & Tyler <3