Shopping in Arusha

Today the team hit the streets of Arusha to do some shopping. There was a fine mist during the day and overcast skies. This was actually fine with us as we didn't have to battle the hot sun. Our assistant driver was unavailable in the morning, so all 9 of us crowded into one vehicle. We called our adventure, "A day in the life of a sardine." We loaded some black crates on the top of the vehicle to hold our wares, as there was no room in the vehicle for any extra things. We shopped for shukas, spears, fabric, cashews, coffee, and other gifts. Stan met a man on the street who was homeless and looking for a job. He talked to him and prayed with him. During our devotion tonight we reminded ourselves that we need to continue with our goal of being ambassadors for Christ, both here in Africa while we're still here and also when we get home as we share our adventures, our lessons, our answered prayers, and how God transformed us.

We ate dinner (fortunately we took 2 vehicles as Polycarp, our driver showed up in time for dinner) at a place called Khan's or affectionaly referred to as "Chicken in the ditch." It is a place where they grill the chicken out on the sidewalk and there are a couple of cement tables along the wall of the building. They offered delicious salads, naan, something called Zanzibar pizza, and chicken. We ordered our drinks at the walk up window. The smoke drifted over our table as we discussed the events of the day.

Tomorrow our safari company is picking us up at 8:30 a.m. to take us to Lake Manyara, then the following day we will be visiting the Ngorongoro crater, which has been called the 8th wonder of the world. I won't be updating the blog tomorrow, so you'll have to check for updates on Wed. night/Thursday morning (Tanzania time).

We have been blessed by the many friends we've met, the people we've been able to pray for, preach to, share with. They have touched our hearts, and our spirits. We can hardly wait to come back and share with everyone our adventures. Wish us a safari njema (good journey) tomorrow.

Asante sana (thank you).