Farewell Dinah

It was difficult to see Dinah go. In many ways, she became part of the family. To Jason, she was, "my Dinah girl." And we are proud of her because she accomplished what she came to do. What Dinah did was make this extremely difficult transition to Tanzania possible. She sacrificed being able to go to school or work at the hospital as a CNA. She exchanged family, a country she loves, and lasagna to change diapers and chase two energetic boys all day. Because on some days missions is an adventure, but on most days you find it is just this: Everyday life. And missions becomes what we ought to do anywhere we are. Serve God by loving Him and his people. And Dinah did this very well.

The night before we had a surprise go-away party with the neighbours for Dinah.

Both girls must have been thinking the same thing - where's the beard?

All the children (three 5yr olds, three 3yr olds, one 2 yr old) lined up and told Dinah what they liked best about her.

 Cards and drawings from the kids

Mzungu in Swahili means "white person" and it is a word we quickly learned. Many times as we drive by in a vehicle or are walking in the street we hear people exclaiming, "mzungu! mzungu!". Definitely not a shirt to be worn in Tanzania, but we figured it appropriate for our Dinah as she goes back to the world of mzungus.

And then we all signed the back of  it.

As Dinah is now back in the States, we will be employing a young Tanzanian woman who will be watching the children while we continue language. We would appreciate prayers for this relationship to go well and for the children to continue to thrive.