Hellos & Goodbyes

 I am so thrilled to finally be able to share this life with my parents. The two people who have raised me, and supported me, and loved me unconditionally, and now I get to show them this new life that I have found, with these amazing children. I think the even more exciting part is getting to share my parents with these kids. The kids love my parents, and my parents love the kids. Basically there is a whole lot of love going around here.

My dad is quite impressive to these kids, at first it was his muscles that had all their jaws dropping, but now they love all the great things about my dad that I do; his strength, his kindness, his gentle heart, his willingness to always be near them and hold them, and all the things that make him the exact opposite of a typical Tanzanian man. Tanzanian men do not cook, they do not serve food to women or children, they do not show affection, and the fact that my dad does all of these things has greatly impressed the children and villagers alike. In fact when we were making dinner for “special” one of the kids said to my dad, “You. Cooking?!?”

The kids also love my mom, like generally everyone that gets the pleasure to meet her. She is loud and funny and when she played soccer with the boys they were quite shocked that she had so much mad skill on the field. The boys ask everyday if she is going to play with them again. She reads them stories in the evenings and is teaching them songs in English. The staff also loves her because of her willingness to help them with their daily duties; washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and assisting with cooking. I cannot describe how incredible it is to have them here and to watch them fall in love like I have. This place and this life that I have been given was meant to be shared. SO Karibu Tanzania! (Welcome to Tanzania.)

Well although things have been really great and exciting lately we also had to say goodbye to someone we all know and love. Sunday was Corrinne’s last day at Sunrise. We had a huge party for her on Friday evening with lots of good food, good company, and good dancing. I believe we sent her off in true Tanzanian style. With her leaving the torch as manager of Sunrise has been passed. I am now officially in charge. It’s terrifying and kind of exciting all at the same time. (So extra prayers will be needed on my end.)

This past week and a half has been full of laughter, and excitement, and as usual learning. We went to a friend of mine’s house in the village, and they served us potatoes and tea. My dad was sitting in front of the dish so he was serving up the food, everyone in the house started laughing when he served the woman who made the food. Not that it is culturally offensive, it’s just not culturally normal. Mom and Dad have learned the village greeting, “komwene”. (com-when-a) Whenever you are walking through the village you must greet everyone, and they are passing with flying colors, not to mention impressing everyone with their knowledge of the language, well until the next greeting is said and they have no idea how to respond.

Our biggest and most hilarious learning experience was just last night. In Kiswahili trash is taka taka, so I was telling the children that their candy wrappers needed to go in the taka taka not all over the floor. Dad says, “Did you say taco taco?” The children all bust out laughing and start to tell us that taco, spelled tako, means butt. That’s right, dad was saying “Butt Butt”! We all laughed and laughed and were still laughing about it this morning. I was explaining to the staff that taco was a kind of food that we eat in America. I am not sure that they will ever try one, and I can’t say that I wouldn’t have a hard time eating something that is called butt in my language either.

For special this week we made a good old fashioned American meal; cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chips, French fries, and soda. The adults all had delicious burgers, made by dad, and the kids had hotdogs. The meal was fantastic! My first burger in over 6 months!

The trip so far has been amazing, and I expect that the safari and Zanzibar will be exciting too. I just want to say thank you SO MUCH again for all of the donations that were sent for the kids. They are so thrilled with all of their new things and so thankful too. I have never known a more deserving bunch of kids than these.

Parents Addition:

 

We have been in Africa, specifically Uhekule for 12 days now, the majority of it we have been here at the orphanage with Courtney and 15 wonderful children. So far the only hiccup has been our luggage not showing up for six days. Instead of living through Courtney’s blog and Facebook posting, we have the privilege of seeing and living her life for a short time. Everything she describes in her Blog is accurate. The children here at Sunrise and the staff are all wonderful. It is a family and naturally there are differences of opinions, minor squabbles, and everyday family issues, but in the end the children look out and protect each other. It has been awesome getting to know 15 different personalities. The kids are so excited to see you and just want to be loved. They follow a pretty tight schedule here, on school days they are up at 5:30 a.m. to start their day and it ends at 8:30 p.m. when they go to bed. In between school and bed time, they all have chores to do. These kids work harder than any children I have ever seen before. Life here is not easy as far as modern conveniences go, for instance they wash their clothes by hand twice a week. It is not all work; they also have free time to play football (soccer) with friends from the village. The scenery surrounding the village is incredible; some of the distant hills remind me of Eastern Oregon. I can see why Courtney has fallen in love with her life, the children, staff, being in Tanzania, etc….. I’m very proud of her and what she has given up to be here. I’m pretty sure she is receiving more in return, just from watching the children interact and love her unconditionally.

-Steve                                                                                                                                                                            

I don’t even know where to start.  This past week has been incredible. I was never worried about Courtney coming here.  I think some people did not understand that.  This is what she has wanted to do since she was six years old.  I knew without any doubts this is what the Lord wanted her to do.  He gave me what I needed to be able to let her go.  Being here with her and seeing firsthand what the Lord’s vision is for her has been such an honor.  Like Steve has already said, these kids are so wonderful.  They are always so happy to see you and they make you feel so loved.

I have not been able to get good at washing clothes by hand because the staff always ends up asking to wash Steve’s and my laundry.  They don’t however seem to mind when I help sweep, mop or do the dishes.  

I am so proud of Courtney and I am very happy for her that she is able to live her dream.  The kids and staff love her so much.  Well, the dinner bell is ringing and I am starving.

-Lynn