Africa Time....

One thing I love about Africa is no one is in a hurry....it really makes the day seem longer. I cant believe we have only been here 4 days we have already done so much! Wednesday morning we of course went and visited baby Neema in her village and lets just say she is not a baby anymore! She is talking so much!!! Its all swahili so who knows what she talks about all day but she doesnt seem to mind that I dont understand her. I took her with me to dinner at Alexis and Jacqui's house and we had so much fun as they were able to translate everthing for me. She is actually really witty apparently. She is doing really well, and im so happy to be with her.

We have visited Lohada and met the director and we plan to go to the second campus which is where the school is located next week. We have also already been out to Cradle of Love to see those babies and it was amazing to see how they too have grown so much! it was so fun to see all the sweet nannies who i had grown so attached to! The new infant facility is done and there were so many preemie infants, very tiny and sick. It made me so sad.

Last night Dad and I went to a restaurant called Blue Heron to see some of my friends from church play guitar and drums. It was a big reunion among a lot of our friends from last fall. It was so good to see everyone again. Life in Arusha is wonderful. The weather is perfect (about 70), the people are so lovely, and the Spirit is alive and well here!

I hope you all are doing great! I miss you!

Back to Africa....

It is Wednesday. The last few days have been a blur. I have been running around trying to get everything ready for another 6 month (ish) stint in Tanzania! I am thrilled because my dad is coming with me for the first 2 1/2 weeks and he has never been to Africa! We leave on Monday May 18th! It is a very exciting time as I know he too will fall in love with the culture and her people. I cannot wait to introduce him to this place where I have been absolutely captivated. :) 

When he leaves I will then go on to work with a Tanzanian organization called LOHADA. There are several projects within LOHADA: an orphanage, a school, a family rehabilitation program, and a program that supports the elderly. In addition to helping out with the daily needs of the children, running supplies back and forth between campuses, and filling general gaps, my main role will be to serve as the volunteer coordinator. Volunteers are one of the main ways LOHADA generates income and there are many great needs among the children and families. 

As summer approaches, if you are a high school or college student or maybe someone who is jobless at the time, please look into coming and working at Lohada for a few weeks/months. We will set you up with a Tanzanian family and provide all of your meals and perhaps take a day or two for safari! If you are interested, want more details or know someone who might be please contact me at hdupree@gmail.com

I am extremely excited to return to African soil and continue partnering with orphanages in the hope of connecting more people to the heart of Jesus. Thanks for reading and more updates to come soon!!  

www.lohada.org

just a little dose of perspective......

Pint of Beer $4.50

50 liters of fresh water $1.50

Handbag $32

Food for a week $4

Aftershave $35

Basics for new home $6.50

Sunglasses $24

Access to water $8