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Friday, March 1, 2013

A Big Decision


February. I've known for a while that the end of February marked a major decision for us teachers here in Moshi - to stay or go?  We are six months into our ten-month commitment at Hope International School (hey - new website here!), and already, the option of another school year is on the table.

I really love Tanzania - it's a beautiful country, and I've grown used to the amazing scenery in my everyday life. Kilimanjaro sits outside my bedroom window, and I get excited on the days when we can see this "shy" mountain come out of the clouds. The people of this country are also incredible. They deal with hardship every day with poise and courage, and I've learned a lot from them. They are joyful - the village churches give the phrase "the joy of the Lord" a new vigor in their worship.  And they are so creative with what they have. I so admire the genius ways they make life work for them. We have a hose at home, but not a sprinkler for the garden, so our guard punched holes in an old plastic water bottle and just attached that to the hose. Why didn't I think of that?!?  What they don't have here, they make up for with their determination and creativity.  The kids at the school are the same way. They have a passion to learn. The local kids love it and the fun atmosphere we cultivate here. One of my students was delighted when she got to have math manipulatives at her desk to help her visualize the work. She told me she used to secretly bring a bag of bottlecaps to her old school and use them on her lap to help her understand. I love that tenacity.  


Two months ago, staying in Tanzania would have been unfathomable to me. It was Christmas, and I was homesick and missing all the American conveniences you could imagine.  I told myself I would just get through the next six months and bid Tanzania farewell. To say God that has done some moving to change my mind is a huge understatement! Last week, I just knew that I wanted to stay here and I had peace about that choice.  It blindsided me! I hadn't even really thought about staying, and here I was, throwing caution to the wind and choosing to live in Africa until June 2014. The realization was that I have more work I want to do here, and I'm not ready to come back to Orange County and settle into a new position there. I am glad to do that eventually, but there's no rush.  This season in my life is an adventure that I am really loving, with ALL its ups and downs and pros and cons.  No place is perfect, but for now, I think I am where God wants me to be. 

2 comments:

  1. Megan, I'm proud of you and excited to see what God continues to do. Looking forward to the summer and hearing more in person. love you!

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  2. YAY! I don't know how I didn't know you had a blog but I'm glad I found it, and I'm glad you're staying! I'm excited to teach with you next year!

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