Monday, January 23, 2012

On the Road Again


As some of you may know, I have recently made a change in my plans for the second half of the year – a BIG change…but a great one!  I am writing this post from Wihanzi Guest House in Iringa, TZ.  I’ve had my dinner – chipsi mayai (a favorite of mine made of eggs and french fries, especially at the cost of 1600 Tsh – about $1).  
Chipsi Mayai

Wihanzi Guest House
I took a 13 hour bus ride from Arusha in northern Tanzania, down to south central Tanzania today.  It’s been a long day;  however, judging by the speed (or lack there of) of my internet here, I have a feeling it may be difficult to post anything from the villages so I figured I better give you all a quick update now.  Also, when you have a chance, take a second to look at my “Photos – Munich 2011” page on the right.  I’ve uploaded a few more pics from Germany that I didn’t get time to put up over Christmas. 

This morning I said goodbye to my dear sweet friend, Carolina, who I met in Arusha over Thanksgiving break.  I nearly missed my bus.  Everything here in Tanzania is slow…except the long distance busses which seem to be in the biggest rush when you are trying to load 3 suitcases and a backpack in the storage space underneath.  The ride was hot and long, but beautiful.  I saw 3 herds of elephants, several impala and a random warthog along the side of the road.  And the landscape in central and southern TZ is amazing.  We were moving too fast to take pictures, but as soon as I get some I will post them on the blog.

After a lot of “no’s”, much prayer, and good advice from friends and family, I have been given the opportunity to work as an intern with Village Schools International – Tanzania (VSI).  I won’t go into much detail about the organization now, as I’m sure I will have much more to share once I get to work, but take a minute to check out their website www.villageschools.org  Steve and Susan Vinton started VSI in 2005 and have since helped poor villages build over 20 secondary schools in rural Tanzania, with many more in the works.  There is a severe shortage of secondary schools for children here in Tanzania.  Less than one in eight children will ever have the chance to attend secondary schools purely due to a lack of space, teachers and schools.  VSI is working to bridge the deficit between supply and demand in rural Tanzania

Tomorrow morning, Steve Vinton and a couple of the Tanzanian VSI workers who have been with him since the beginning will pick me up and we will head out to the village of Igoda where Madisi Secondary School, VSI’s first school, is located.  I believe I will be living in Igoda, but to be honest, I have no idea where or what to expect.  I’m a little nervous that my excessive luggage might even scare Steve away!  I’m hoping he sees what’s in my heart before he judges me by all the stuff I’ve managed to cart across Tanzania in my bags!

So tomorrow I am heading into the unknown.  I may or may not have a shower, flushing toilet (or flushing hole in the ground), real floors or even a tin roof.  Who knows.  But, what I do know is that working with VSI in Igoda, Tanzania is exactly where I am supposed to be.  And while it may be challenging and a huge lifestyle change for me, I am not afraid.  Something big is around the corner…I can feel it. 
Mt. Kilimanjary - 1.23.12

4 comments:

  1. Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

    HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

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  2. Oh Becki, I am so excited for you. I know that you will be such a blessing to VSI and that you will be blessed for your willingness to take this giant step of faith. I will be praying fervently that God will meet your needs, that you will KNOW that you are in the center of His will, and for your health and protection! Can't wait to hear from you again with more of this amazing story!
    Love you! Mrs K

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  3. I am so excited for you! You sound like you have finally gained as sense of peace that you are doing exactly what you should be doing. Too many suitcases? No problemo, man...you can just give everything away once you get there! (just kidding) I have a feeling that you are going to do more personal growth there in your time that remains than you have had in your whole life. God bless ya, honey! We'll keep the lights on for ya (just like the Motel 6-which I am SURE you are not gonna see where you are headed!;>) xo Diana

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  4. Beck, this sounds so exciting. I can hardly wait to hear about all you adventures and all the exciting ways that God will show you more and more of Himself and how He lovingly prepares the way and supplies all your needs! I am praying for you all the way! You go girl!

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