Ahhhh, sleep.....

Phew. After coming through the original Hannah "freak out" stage, I've now been in country for about 36 hours and have experienced so many firsts, it's hard to count. One of the best firsts was a rather refreshing but chilly faucet shower. That's right, full shower by faucet. One of the most distinctive things about Africa so far has been the smell. It's indescribable but completely distinctive and it goes away with the rain which is a wonderful experience: African rain. I've had the wonderful blessing of spending the past 36 hours with the Mitchell family who not only graciously took me in but gave me my first introduction to Africa. In the first 36 hours I've visited the local supermarket, a beautiful beach, a local South African woman's house who makes furniture out of old tribal boats, driven through more potholes than I ever have in my life, and slept under a mosquito net--- not just because they're decorative and cool like Pottery Barn claims them to be. I met Brook late in the afternoon today and the moment I met her all my nervous anxiety flew away. Amen! We grabbed some food and jumped in a taxi to take a crazy (very comforting when your taxi driver leans over you and says, 'Let me just lock your door", gulp) ride to the airport to get the girls and we all hit it off immediately. We leave tomorrow for our first full day on the bus which is getting more fun sounding by the moment. I wish I could write down and share every thought with you-- from the 6 year old who kicked my seat the entire 12 hour flight to the fact that I couldn't even take a picture my first taxi ride because I was so engulfed in what I was looking at. I will do my best to cover what I can and update as much as possible with our limited internet access. Thank you all for your love and support. Almost hourly I am reminded of God's presence and that I truly was brought here for a purpose. Pray that I will continue to find strength in that and that with each new experience He is growing me more into the person He has created me to be. Growth is not an easy thing and often it can be lonely, but, we've got the creator of the universe on our side and there's no better place than being nestled in His loving hands. Love to you all from Dar es Salaam. Hannah