All in an Unexpected Week

Well, it definitely wasn't a week we expected. The unexpected death of Martin was a sad shock to all of us. We had not expected to be packing a bag and going back to the airport parting ways again, before we had even finished unpacking! There were many phonecalls and quick plans made on Tuesday. We were sorry we could not all go, but thankful that Tim could fly out to Dar es Salaam first thing on Wednesday, and attend Martin's funeral on Thursday, taking our condolences and sympathy to Esther and also Martin's sister, Penny. Martin will be much missed by his church family at Victory Christian Centre. As his body is returned to the UK, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends there, as they prepare for a funeral.

Family gather to honour and remember Martin

Even though it was only three days, the girls and I were very pleased to have Tim home again on Friday and on picking him up from the airport went and enjoyed a late meal out. It was the first time to eat out since begin back in Mwanza, and Tim and Louisa introduced Amisadai and me to a restaurant new to us - The Copenhagen Burger House! They do a great pizza combo! The other bonus with him being back was that he was able to deal with the dead mouse in the kitchen this morning, as I had started the a battle against the mice while he was gone!

Mamas Good News

While Tim was away, I met again with the Upendo wa Mama Group and was so happy to discover that one of the women had become a Christian and was happily sharing how wonderful she feels with a peace that she has never known; Jesus is with her and there to help her! Fantastic! It was also encouraging for the group to receive the proceeds from selling some of their products in the UK and Canada. They banked half of it and the other half was divided amongst the group. They then all gave contributions from their profits for gifts. And the rest of that story was today...

The mamas all arrived at our house this morning (Saturday). After chatting over chai with sweet breads and fruit, they gave us a gift, especially for Amisadai, to contribute to our expenses to help her get better. After praying for her for so many months, they were so pleased we were all back and so happy she was better, they wanted to give something to "their daughter" in honour of that. We are so blessed by and thankful for these lovely ladies!

When a Land Cruiser Has Limits!

The mamas then all piled up in the land cruiser and I drove us to Mama Laurensia's house. Always an adventure! Trying to get directions from a car full of passengers who have never driven a vehicle can get confusing! I think we turned around at least five times! Attempting to drive up steep rough tracks without being able to get into second gear because of the crowded front seat blocking the gear shift! Being assured that of course we can find the house driving down a particularly rough and rocky narrow path ...been there, done that, got stuck! So I firmly suggested we left the car at the top of the hill and walked on foot down the track to find the house! A good move, I soon realised!

Twins!

It was so very wonderful to see Laurencia again! In April, she gave birth to twins! I had known she was pregnant, but it was a great surprise to find she had two babies! We all had a cuddle with these adorable babies, a boy called Elisha and a girl called Esther! After a refreshing glass of avocado juice, we prayed God's blessing on them and their family. It was so special for us and also Laurencia was so thrilled to have the whole group there at her house with her children!

Mama Laurencia with her precious babies!

All the mamas with Elisha and Esther and their older brother and sister

The showering of love gift-giving continued as we all trekked back up to the land cruiser and drove to the market to purchase another gift. Then we arrived at Samantha and Joel's house! Samantha has been a good friend and support to the mamas and they were so happy about little Ethan's arrival and wanted to bless them. We enjoyed sodas with the family and the mamas were able to give their gift and pray for little Ethan and his family!

With Samantha and baby Ethan and his big sister

Truly they demonstrated we are blessed to be a blessing to others! From what they have received, they gave out in love!