Getting Closer!

Three weeks tomorrow, actually, before we leave... but as Ben said, it is really two weeks, for one week is full of holidays! Our team is trying to finalize plans and review details before the holiday rush sets in. We have a group meeting tonight and then our next all group meeting will not be until January 4th!!! Three days before we leave!

I cannot believe that Christmas is nine days away! I am not sure if I will ever again go on a major trip like this right after Christmas. My schedule has been crazy. Not just busy, but insane. I think I might sleep for a month when I get home!

Climate
The climate of Tanzania is tropical on the flatlands with cooler weather as you travel up the mountain. The current temperature in Dar es Salaam is 81 degrees, with a high of 90 degrees and a low of 77 degrees, with 84% humidity. January is part of their rainy season, which makes for lush landscape and frizzy hair!

Swahili
The language we will most commonly hear and communicate with will be Swahili. Although there are many different family dialects, Swahili is the "language" of Africa. The following phrases are some that we are learning:
- Jambo! Hello, welcome!
- Asante Sana. Thank you very much.
- Sahara! Good-bye!
- Pole sana. I'm sorry.
- Tafandhali. Please.
- Lala salama. Sleep well.
- Hakuna shedia. No problem. (The most frequent Swahili phrase used in America, yet we say it, Hakuna matata. The natives know what you mean, but it can also mean a strong alcoholic beverage!)
- Uio Mbwana. Good-night.
- Bwana as a feway. Praise the Lord.
- Yesu anakupenda wewe. Jesus loves you.

Housing
At our meeting tonight we saw some pictures of the lodge we will be staying at in Moshi. It is like a resort! It is fairly new, indoor bathrooms, nice mosquito nets, fans, closets and I am sure a gorgeous view out the window! The other places where we will be staying are not as nice, so I am sure that we will enjoy it while we can! It is from this town that we will have a vast view of the Ngorongoro Crater (where we will finish our trip with a 2 day safari!). It is absolutely beautiful.... I hope 20 rolls of film and our digital camera are enough.

Dress
I have started scrutinizing my wardrobe. I have no idea what shirts I am going to take. I have many broomstick skirts, but limited shirts to go with them that will be cool. I also do not have a good pair of walking shoes/sandals. I broke my favorite pair of sandals in Romania and have never replaced them. I may have to break down and visit my favorite store... Goodwill! Although, I might go ahead and get some new shoes. Wow, what a treat that would be! Ahhh, I am sooo cheap!

Finances
Ben and I received an update on our financial donations. Wow. What a blessing. We are almost fully covered for our trip expenses! God is so faithful and perfectly good. He has supplied for all our needs. Thank you to all who have supported us!

That is all for now! Sahara! Bwana as a feway!
For His name and renown,
Jaclyn