Ever since our return to the States toward the end of June we have been receiving puzzled and confused comments from family, friends, and supporters after our last blog update, "Final Week Update", was posted. Apparently, some misinterpreted that to mean we were not returning this fall for a fourth year! It was meant to only refer to the final week of our third year - the final week before we returned for our summer break.
After we return to the States, as it has been for the past three years, Village Schools requires us to spend a week or two in prayer and reflection as to whether we feel the Lord is calling us to return for another tour. If we are so led, we then submit our "Applications to Return" to the Tanzanian leaders. The national leaders decide whether they want volunteers to return, and they also determine where the teachers should serve, because needs change all the time, especially now that there are 22 schools open and enrolling students.
Though we pretty much knew already, we did as we were required. We prayed & reflected upon the Lord's calling for us. And, we felt led to continue serving with the Lord in Tanzania. We submitted our applications and waited. The next day Steve Vinton wrote,
"Well it wasn't a hard decision at all for everyone to say not only should you come back, but that you should definitely go to Idigima! So enjoy sharing with everyone there in America and I'll tell them (VSI support staff) to work on your tickets out of Chicago to arrive in Dar with the rest of the gang (new mission teachers going in). Just remember, training for them starts from the time they land in Dar, so be helpful and friendly and all of that so that they like you, BUT do tell them, 'Ah, you know you guys are just going to have to learn it all yourselves just like we did!!!'
SEE YOU SOON AGAIN AND KARIBU SANA.
Love, Steve (and Susan and the rest of the gang)!"
Our return date is tentatively set for August 31st - give or take a day or two.
In the meantime, we plan to spend the summer visiting family & friends, attending reunions, and sharing with our supporters our experiences & work in Tanzania. If you wish for us to speak to your church, small group, or family, please let us know by sending us an e-mail to: garjo77@gmail.com.
Your Hands & Feet in Tanzania,
Gary & Joanne
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