Monday, January 2, 2017

Found wifi!

Jambo! I found some wifi, so here is a quick update. Today has by far been my favorite thus far, it was right up my ally. Our morning was spent learning all about how sustainable agriculture is being implemented here at the STEMM center, involving both the crops and livestock. 

This first picture was taken shortly after we had finished harvesting chickpeas, here we were beginning to weed some soybeans. Fun fact, they only spend about 10 to 15 minutes a week working in the fields/gardens. The sustainable practices implemented here are incredible, they are working very well!

This second picture was taken after learning about the variety of plants they feed the cattle here at the STEMM center. One of the plants fed is the leaves from a Moringa tree. These leaves are very high in protein and the cattle here are gaining more weight per pound than when they are fed any other grassy product. This particular breed comes from Pakistan and is known as the Sahiwal, they are a very docile breed that can handle the hot temperature here.

I cannot wait to share more about this incredible experience and just how God is working through us! Please continue to pray for our team here in Tanzania! 

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

2 days!!

I caught a ride back to school on the 26th and spent my evening unpacking from break and packing the last of my things for Tanzania. I am finished and glad that part is over! Now, I have two days that I can truly focus in on the Lord and prepare my heart and mind for this trip. Please continue to pray for my team and I over the course of this trip.

Here is just one picture with many more to follow!


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Packing

I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Thanksgiving break rolled in and right back out in the blink of an eye. Returning to school for a few short weeks, my time was consumed by studying for finals and completing end of semester projects. Looks as though I passed all of my classes once again! Now that I am home again for another short break, the last minute preparation and packing is in full throttle. A day was spent shopping to pick up prescriptions and medications as well as a few light weight skirts and shirts. While packing shouldn't be all that hard, I have never flown before. So, not only am I packing for a third world country but also as a first time flier trying to make sure I carefully follow all of the rules. While it is a crazy, busy process, it is an exciting one. The countdown continues and the first flight takes off in just 9 short days.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. All of the donations and truffle purchases are greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for my team and I throughout the trip. We have come a very long way in the planning and preparation process and we are truly excited to see what God has in store for us.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Truffle sales have been going well! As of today I have made over 800 truffles and more to come. I am so grateful for the support from everyone. Please continue to pray for my team and I.


Sunday, November 13, 2016

The other week at church one of the members was talking with me about this mission trip and the organization, STEMM. The following week she handed me this article from our local paper. I thought that it would be nice to share with others as well. 


Please take the time to watch this video that a crew from Dordt put together 3 years ago - this digs into STEMM's mission and what my team and I will be experiencing.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

AMOR - Pre-Travel Health Visit

Time is closing in and I couldn't be more excited. I recently had my pre-travel health visit with the college nurse to determine what vaccinations I would need so that I can go on my trip. Lucky for me I will only be needing two pokes and two different types of oral vaccinations, you cannot understand my relief! Thinking about why I need these vaccinations and what could happen if I were to skip them, is really a scary thought. There are so many things that could possibly go wrong... This country is suffering from so many different things and for me to have the opportunity to go and possibly make a difference is quite encouraging. While prayers are requested for my team and I, prayers need to be sent out for the families in Tanzania that we might be able to make a difference in their community. It is my hope that this experience will help me to grow not only as a person but as a Christian and a global citizen as well. I am so excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to share all of my experience with you.