Arrival in Tanzania

Well, for the most part we had an uneventful trip. (Praise God!) Other than a slight downpour during our layover in Ethiopia where our bags got soaking wet, all flights were on time, all luggage arrived, we made it to our apartment, we got some shopping done, & finally we slept for 13 hours, so I'd say we're doing much better!

Funny thing, we got to the airport in Cincinnati only to realize that one of my suitcases was 14 lbs overweight & the other was 18 lbs overweight! Yikes! So, thankfully at the last second I had thrown an old suitcase into my Mom's car to take just in case. Well, thankfully I did that (definitely just God looking out for me). For my overweight suitcases to come it was going to cost $210 PER SUITCASE! But, to add an additional bag it was just $150! So grateful. Of course, Stacey packed 3 suitcases, 2 of which were exactly 50 lbs & 1 that was only 53 lbs! I'm notorious for overpacking. Although, I don't really feel like I overpacked, since we're here for quite sometime. I think what made my suitcases way overweight was that I used vacuum packs, which although it is great for space conservation it also allows you more space to pack which adds weight.

I have taken lots of random pictures of our apartment so you can see where we live. Pre-decorating & post-decorating. We brought a few items from home to help make our place a little more home-like. We love our kitchen tablecloth, it's very girly but also very colorful (& our apartment definitely needed that!).

We have met our landlord, she lives directly below us. She's very nice & thankfully her children speak English so we are able to communicate with her. She has cute little grandchildren. I'm sure we will be loving on them soon. However, I met Natianela today (her 3 month old granddaughter) & realized I wasn't totally ready to start loving on those children yet. Gave me a big lump in my throat when I was talking to her, I miss my Mary Emily like crazy! The day & time will come when I am ready for that but having only been here a little over 24 hours I'm not there yet. The other good thing about where we live is that directly next door to us is a teacher that works at the same school that we do. She's currently in the U.S. for summer break but will be back at the end of August. We're excited to meet her. Our bathroom has been interesting, there's no rod for a shower curtain so it is currently draped across the room using sticky tack & a push pin. Check our my FB soon for some interesting/innovative things we've done since coming here. Something we've had to adjust to is, outside of our window at night we can hear a Muslim worship service. We're not sure if that's just during Ramadan (sp?) or not. Reminds me of Haiti, except there it is Voodoo.

We also met a guy at the airport that we quickly became friends with. He is here with the University of Minnesota working on a project to eliminate blood born pathogens (I think!?!), he is the country manager. He has spent time in Tanzania before, except in Arusha. He is now in Dar (the same city we live in) for about a year. He does however live in a different part of the city & because of the traffic & bad roads we are about 2 hours apart.

We haven't had much of a problem adjusting to the time change. We got here Thursday afternoon (Thursday morning in the U.S.) & we did a ton of shopping, set up our internet & a few other quick things before making it to our apartment. It was totally dark & early evening before we made it here. So, after unpacking a few things & showering we slept for the next 13 hours. Then, today we got up & got to it with other things. So, the transition went quite well.

I must say, I'm so thankful that I came with a friend. Having Stacey here has helped a lot with the transition. We are able to do our shopping together & get our house in order together. She even made a yummy spaghetti dinner tonight! Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd be coping as well. Especially considering upon arrival we found out our apartment does not have air conditioning or hot water. Ugh! What a bummer but so far we have managed. We are buying additional fans for our rooms but it has actually been a bit chilly here at night. This is their "winter", summer will not be until December or January.

We will hopefully see our classrooms on Monday. We have not been to the school yet at all, but we also haven't really had time. I'll update you on that soon. We have gotten to meet a couple of people that work at our school & they have been very kind. In fact, one is coming tomorrow morning (Saturday) to take us shopping again! We've been told tomorrow we are going to the "Wal-Mart of Tanzania". I'll let you know what I think. Haha! Our school did not have a moving allowance, which we were somewhat disappointed about, but after arriving we are able to see why. They purchased brand new beds, mattresses, double hot plate (we don't have an oven), & refrigerator for us! We were also each given $200 upon our arrival to use to purchase household items (mainly kitchen items as our kitchen had nothing in it). So, they have been very accommodating and helpful since our arrival.

I'll post pictures soon! Please keep the prayers coming that things continue to go well here. :)

Saying Farewell to the Princess

1st I must say a HUGE thank you to the many people who came to my going away party last night. Wow! I felt loved! Thank you! Thanks to my Mom for the yummy treats and being the work-a-holic of the event. Thanks to the Stephen's for allowing us to take over their home. & thanks to Derek for being the "wine expert" that purchased the wine for the evening.

Then . . . on to the question I've been asked 10,000 time since announcing I'd be moving to Africa. How are you going to cope with saying goodbye to sweet Mary Emily (my niece)? YIKESS!!! My heart hurts just thinking about leaving my favorite princess. But, through a few tears and lots of prayer, God revealed something I totally didn't expect.

As I spend every precious moment I can with the cutest princess in the world...God laid it on my heart that Africa isn't just a selfish dream I've had for so long. Instead, it can be a teachable journey for my sweet niece. Through my journey/adventure she can see that sometimes dreams are hard to follow, but with God all things are possible. Although, the world thinks you're crazy or seems to provide every reason why you shouldn't go follow some crazy dream, my God is far more powerful than any silly distraction of this world. I hope that as Mary Emily grows older she can see, yes, her aunt is insanely crazy (& crazy about her!) but if you have a little faith & a heart for the Lord, you can do absolutely anything.

There's nothing I want more for this sweet princess than for her dreams to come true & for her to love Jesus! & I simply hope, that though I'll miss her more than ever, she can see that her Aunt Shannon, had a dream & a love for the Lord....& she got to live a dream & serve the Lord.

Mary Emily - Aunt Shannon loves you to the moon & back! & here are some of my prayers for you: - that God gives you a heart of adventure & faith on fire, - that you may know God so intimately that upon every heartbreak/tear/frustration/fear you can know that you are NEVER alone & He LOVES you like crazy, - that your every dream comes true, - that you have the faith to seek out what God has in store & the courage to achieve all that He has planned for you.

Africa bound in just 2 short days ....

The Journey Will Soon Begin

Since the word is out I decided it was about time (after more than a year) to finally update my blog. Especially since I've told many of you that I'd do that during my time abroad for the next 2 years. It's true, in just over 3 weeks I will have 2-50 lb bags packed to board an airplane to spend the next 2 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa. When the opportunity 1st presented itself for me to go, I thought, there's no possible way. I talked with my Mom about it, since she's known for a long time this is something I've dreamed of! She encouraged me to apply and simply see what happens. So, I did. After much prayer and thought, I applied & then....heard nothing. For those of you who don't know, one of my good friends also applied for a job at the same Academy. She applied & immediately had a returned e-mail. I began to think, this just isn't what God intended for me. Days passed by & then I finally got an e-mail from the Elementary Director, that said ... Shannon!!! We've been trying to reach you for days, your e-mail is account is blocking all of our e-mails. So, after thinking this simply wasn't God's plan for me, I had to then begin rethinking the whole situation. I turned off all of the security settings on my e-mail, only to soon realize that still, for some reason, all e-mails from the directors at DIA were being blocked. I finally solved this problem by opening a gmail account. Within hours I had scheduled my 1st interview. Following my 1st interview I thought things sounded good. I couldn't wait to begin this new journey in life. Then....I began to allow the world sink into my brain & to believe this was still completely impossible. I drove down the street in front of my condo that day & it seemed every house on the street was for sale or rent. I nearly started crying in my car, as I thought of all the things that were standing between me & pursuing a dream. Then, a sweet song came on the Christian radio station I listen to. A song that encouraged faith and perseverance, a song that reminded me, I have no control. I decided to pursue the opportunity & let God take care of the details, & that He did. About a week after my 1st interview, another interview/meeting with the director, & a contract, I accepted a position to be the newest 2nd grade teacher at Dar es Salaam International Academy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I didn't know how God was going to work out all the details, but I knew He would. Soon after my house went up for rent/sale, I had renters within a week. I sold all of my furniture & put the rest of my belongings in storage. I resigned from Southern Elementary & packed my classroom into a storage unit. As the crazy frenzy to get everything done ensued I had a complete sense of peace that God was in total control & had a perfect plan. Months ago, before really beginning my search for a job abroad I knew God was calling me to downsize. To realize that it's not "things" that make life worth living & to put those things aside & focus on what is really important in life. I did just that, as I watched each piece of furniture leave my home I felt yet another sense of relief, knowing that to the world my life & ideas were completely crazy but for me, God was just removing the obstacles that I had allowed to come between me and Him. I've known since my 1st trip to Africa in 2005 I wanted to go back, yet I kept allowing the world to get in the way. But now, God has the reigns for an amazing journey that lies ahead. Thank you for all the sweet well wishes & prayers for the journey ahead. I'm excited to see what God has planned & am happy to soon be serving Him in Tanzania.

Take my life and let it be

All for You & for Your glory . . .

Keepin' On

Wow! I obviously forget about this quite often. I never seem to update. Since my last update I have endured also a whole year as a full time 5th grade teacher. I went to Haiti for Christmas, returning 8 days before the earthquake. Wow! How God did a lot of work on my heart during that time and after returning when many of my friends were devastated by a national disaster.
In late February, my Mom and I flew to Charleston, South Carolina for my old roommates wedding. It was a fantastic weekend and so great to see all of my friends from there. I truly miss the wonderful people I met there.
Then in early March I went to Washington D.C. with 100 of our 5th grade students. We had a fantastic trip and all of our 5th graders learned a lot. Returning completely exhausted early Thursday morning, I then hosted a Civil War Living History Day for our 5th grade student's at ACE. Why not add a little more to the week, right? The student's really enjoyed the day and I truly appreciated all of the re-enactors that came to support our day. God was so faithful that day, as it was overcast all day but not a drop hit the ground until the last truck was pulling off the field that day.
Now, I'm sitting in Denver Colorado for Spring Break, visiting yet another old roommate. A roommate who is now married with a cute little 5 month old. It has been a great week and after them having 18 inces of snow last week the weather has been incredible! So thankful for no more snow.
Ohh and I am leaving again in 2 weeks to go back to South Carolina for another friend's wedding.
I have been in fervent prayer, as to what God wants me to pursue this summer. After an absolutely exhilerating summer in 2009, it is hard to think of just sitting and not traveling this summer. However, there are no plans, other than a quick trip back to Haiti on late July. So, I am praying for God's guidance on accepting some responsibilities at an Appalachian Ministry organization, we'll see where He leads.
Blessings!

Life is Spinning

Wow! I can't believe it has been over 2 months since I last posted, yet it seems like yesterday when I was sitting in Sonja and Peter's apartment leaving to go out for my birthday! Life is pretty much spinning. After returning from Denmark I left 4 days later for Austrlia. Upon arrival at the airport to leave for Australia my friend that I was going with and I realized we did not have visa's to get in to a country that required visa's. By the amazing grace of God and some changes in Delta flights, a wonderful Delta agent got our visas for us online and we made our flight. Australia was amazing but New Zealand was even better! I hate to say that since I had amazing time visiting my cousin Down Under but New Zealand it truly one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been! I recommend everyone go there! :) Both places were amazing and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go. I wish I had the opportunity to spend time in the classroom while I was there but unfortunately that just did not work in to our schedule.

Upon arriving in the U.S. I had a voicemail from my old principal offering me a job back at the school I was working at! Hooray! Exactly where I wanted to be and prayed all summer God would provide and sure enough He did just that! I'm now teaching 5th grade at Athens-Chilesburg and I love it! I was a little nervous about having the "big kids" but really love them and the changes that I get to be a part of in their lives.

Since then it has been non-stop. Organizing my first official classroom, spending Labor Day weekend in Texas with a friend, completing some work for a grad school class from this summer and helping a friend through a family crisis, let's just say God has provided lots of energy!

I want to share with you a painful yet God-filled story that has occured in my life in the past week. Well, actually the past 18 years. I have had an amazing friend since elementary school who we have stayed in contact on and off for the past eighteen years through lots of life changes. In 4th grade she lost her father and for the past 7 years her Mom has endured a roller-coaster journey with cancer. The past 9 months have been exceptionally rough for her and then this past week she went into hospice. In the hospice care unit at St. Joe I had the amazing priviledge of visiting her numerous times. Her faith was simply amazing, I don't know how to describe it any other way. In the last few days and moments of her life she found the strength to praise God amid the most unbelivable physical pain. She spent priceless moments and memories with her children and expressing her love of the Lord to everyone she came in contact with. I'm amazed by her strength and faith. On September 11th she was called home, to spend her eternity with Jesus, and receive her mansion, which we believe for Momma K was definitely pink and purple! She will be missed, especially by her children but she instilled in both Angel and Seth a passion and faith in the Lord that is undeniable and that is what will see them through. Although, I do ask you to continue to pray for these two young people who are enduring pain that few can imagine.

Ohh and amid all this, I purchased my first house! Well, condo! So I'm also moving! :)

Blessings to you!

Birthday Madness

So, as I was sitting in Copenhagen on the 4th of July and my 24th birthday I realized it has been quite sometime since I have been in Kentucky on my birthday. Umm...yeah, like 5 years!! I was in Ghana, West Africa, Haiti, Haiti again, West Virginia and now Denmark! Crazy! And crazy it was here in Denmark.
On the 4th of July I went with Melissa McDonald (an American who teaches at Copenhagen International School) to another teacher's house (also an American) to celebrate. It was interesting that there were four American's (another guy visiting from New York was also there) and 1 Danish person, and yes, we were in Denmark!
The clock struck 12 during our time there and I was serenaded to a lovely Happy Birthday by everyone there. Then as if that wasn't enough, I was brought a plate with cookies on it and a decorative candle in the middle. Yay for random made up birthday cakes! They also provided me with one of my favorite drinks, Somersby Pear Cider, yum!
We then headed out for some time out on the top that evening, which was also all too interesting. Did I mention the gay bar?
The next day Melissa and I went to a Museum and walked through the Botanical Garden across the street from where I am staying. We then met up with Daniel (friend of Melissa's) and had some Mexican food for dinner! (At my request.) Melissa was also sweet enough to provide me with a phenomenal birthday cake from one of the best local bakeries. It was some kind of cream pie with chocolate covered crust and strawberries on top (and it's strawberry season in Denmark so they are fantastic!). It was super yum! I also got some organic tea from Melissa, and if you didn't know I absolutely love tea (especiall organic)!! On the way back to Sonja and Peter's (where I am staying) I did have a slight mishap. Daniel and I have just gotten off of the train and were walking down the street when I slid my hand across from right thigh. Ughhhh, bird poop!! That's right, walking down the street, carrying stuff in my hands, a bird pooped on my right thigh! It was quite lovely. The Danish however think this is a sign of good luck, we'll see!
Since then I have just been rummaging around Copenhagen. My stay here has been interesting, there was a water leak and we were without water at Sonja and Peter's for a day, then the electricity went out one evening, whoo hoo. We're campin' out now in Denmark. Just kidding, it's all back on! :) We're good.
Today I had the opportunity to go on another field trip with the Copenhagen International School students, they are tons of fun. We went to a museum that has a children's portion (although a not so appropriate children's portion), part of a jazz festival and then the botanical garden. However, the most fun part of the day was when we stopped at the ice cream shop on our way back to CIS. Let's just say some tiny cones with entirely too much ice cream on them for 9-11 year olds, made for one big melting mess!! We left a train of melted ice cream all the way from the ice cream shop back to school. The students had a great time with it though.
Tomorrow is my last day here in Copenhagen. I'm ready to go home because just one week from today I will be leaving with my best friend for Australia! Whoo hoo!

Copenhagen International School

So I guess I should really tell you about yesterday, but the insanity that ensued today is much more fun. But, as for yesterday anyway, Dr. Larison and I went to 2 places in Sweden, Lund and Malmo. Can I just say, I LOVE SWEDEN!! It is so amazing there. Dr. Larison and I did lots of tours of castles and churches, ohh and lots of walking but that's definitely the norm here, and I even got him to do some shopping! Of course we had to stop at his favorite bakery imbetween as well. It was tons of fun though, we had a great time.

Today I met Melissa at Copenhagen International School. She asked me if I'd like to join a field tirp she was taking 11 of her summer school students on. Of course, I obliged! I was super pumped about hanging out with these kids, they are from all over the world! First, all of the students made it to class and then we had to find all of the food we were taking along for the picnic. We made it with all 11 students to the train station and to the landing where our train was suppose to leave from! Melissa needed to buy clipper tickets so I had all of the students with me. The language difference was quite powerful and I kept having to say Stop in different ways to get the students not to get on the wrong train, thankfully, we all survived that. We were 1 minute from arrival and one student takes off running! Melissa and I yell WAITTTT!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?! He turns as he is running and says, THEY CHANGED IT!! We immediately knew then sent all of the students hurdeling through the train station. The train had switched platforms and was already at the station ready to leave. I'm not exactly sure how we rounded up 11 students who speak very little, if any, English ran them through the train station and made the train, but we did it!! When finally on the train I had the opportunity to talk with more students before busseling them out the door at the next stop. What a treat! We arrived at the beach, played with the parachute, splashed in the water, and ate cake, fruit salad and rolls that the students had prepared.

The fun part was returning. Unfortunately I did not convey the correct time to Melissa and we eneded up leaving the beach at the time we needed to be at the train station. I took off with a group of student who were ready and the rest followed along. Thankfully they knew their way around pretty well, or at least remembered how we got to the beach. When we arrived back at Hellerup station Melissa had to run with one student all the way back to school because she was suppose to be in a cheerleading presentation at the time we were stepping off of the bus. So, yet again, here I am with 10 students who don't speak English. Frantic handwaving, stop, no, and gestures work quite well if you ever happen to be in this situation. All of the students and myself made it successfully back to CIS! I was quite proud.

The best part though was along the way I got to talk with a few students. One especially, her name was Victoria. She was a very sweet girl and wanted to know all about my pets. However, it took a little disifering to really figure out what kind of pets each of us had, yet again, scattagories is great practice for this situation!

Just another day at the beach .....