These past two weeks have been PACKED with highs and lows. Exactly two weeks ago I had my first major emotional meltdown since arriving. In the middle of the school day I just couldn't continue, so I walked up to the office, sat down at Jade's desk and started to cry. And let me tell you (and Jade can attest to this) it wasn't a cute, "oh no poor girl" kind of  cry, it was an ugly, "I can't stop the tears from falling is that a girl crying or a cat trying to sing," kind of cry. The differences between Canada and Mwanza suddenly became more evident, like for the first time I was truly realizing how different my surroundings, relationships, and way of living were going to be. It all seemed to overwhelming to handle, and in that moment I wasn't sure I would ever be able to get through it. But, after talking through how I was feeling with Jade and hearing not only her encouragement but also her raw honesty, I was able to realize and accept that no, Mwanza is never going to be exactly like home. And it's not supposed to be. I didn't come here to live the same life I did in Canada. It's not going to be a walk in the park, but I can walk through these challenges with God. Anything is possible with Him. And look: here I stand, two weeks later, living to tell the tale. YES!

I got to visit Bismarck Rock this past week, which is a popular landmark here in Mwanza, try coconut water from an ACTUAL COCONUT, and begin attending a youth group with 10 other youth run by another expat family for teens ages 13-18. The other students I met at this youth group were extremely kind and welcoming! We played games, ate food, sang worship and had a group devotion! I am very excited to continue to get to know these awesome people!

I had the privilege of getting to eat lunch at one of the houses at the Village (aka the orphanage, each house has 8-9 children and a house mum). I love hanging out with children outside of school, getting to know their likes, dislikes and personalities is so cool!
Jade, Julius and I got the opportunity to visit Forever Angels Baby Home, which is home to 46 babies from newborns to age 5. Seeing the opportunities these babies will now have because of this home, and the community outreach programs they are implementing which are  providing babies and families with opportunities and insight made my heart happy... and so did all the cute babies!

"Remember that I command you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go." Joshua 1:9
This week marks the official start of VOH (Village of Hope) dance club! I am very excited to start and be a part of this new club, but prayers that our first meeting and first "class" go smoothly, and that my nerves don't increase too much would be appreciated! Thank you again for you continued prayers, I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a caring, encouraging and supportive community!

Emily

In 2 days I will be celebrating my one-month-anniversary of living here in Tanzania! How crazy is that?! Some days it feels like time has flown by, and other times I think, "It has ONLY been a MONTH? I feel like I've been gone for ages!" Truthfully, this feeling changes regularly. Although the past couple weeks I have often found myself missing home a lot, and even sometimes questioning why I would want to leave the place and people I love so much, they have still been a pretty amazing couple of weeks. 

Over the past 2 weeks I have been learning the daily routine of the class, how the children learn, what they enjoy, their names, what other teachers need of me, and where I "fit in" to the puzzle here. This has posed some challenges but has also been extremely rewarding. Let me explain. As I start to become more comfortable (although this is a very long process and I am nowhere near completing it) in my new situation, I often find myself even more worried about home; Like if I get too comfortable here home will surely disappear, right? Isn't that how it works? Before I left a dear friend/ mentor of mine told me this; Be 100% where you are. These are words I repeat to myself multiple times a day. Home isn't going to disappear, and frankly building a life here isn't going to make St. Catharines, my family, my friends or Bethany Community Church any less of my home. I'm not betraying anybody or anything by creating a life for myself here in Mwanza. There's no need to feel bad, so I can stop worrying and immerse myself in my new found circumstances, because this is exactly where God wants me to be.

Now for the rewarding part. I absolutely adore working at the school. Getting to know the children and all of their unique personalities, connecting with some of the older students my age at church on Sundays and slowly becoming friends with other teachers has been so cool. Everyday I feel challenged, whether it's by a situation, a conversation, or even a person, to step out of my comfort zone. To take a "leap of faith," because without it I will surely not be walking in Gods plan for my life. And where else would  I rather be?

One of my very favourite times each week is when we have music, also known as singing and dancing! The children love teaching me the songs they know, and often find it very amusing when I try to sing a song in Swahili or dance/ try to do the actions to a song I don't understand. After working so hard all week it's fun to see them let loose, be silly, and dance like nobody is watching! I will try and take a video of one of our music classes to show you just how much fun we have!

The past few days I have felt myself getting sick, prayers would be appreciated that it doesn't turn into anything too crazy and just stays a cold! There are also many projects coming up here at Village of Hope Mwanza, so prayers for the planning and executing of these exciting projects would be amazing!

You guys rock! Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Emily

PS. I have officially decided that I will update here every two weeks! BUT often throughout the week I'll post pictures on Instagram/ Facebook!