Kwaherini!

'Goodbye Ben and Katy' 

It has been a while since we last blogged, but as we learnt on our 'en route' course we have been  sure to follow our own 'RAFT' plan before leaving for Tanzania. 

RAFT is an acronym for:

Reconcilliation - making every effort to restore relationships and situations that needed reconciling. 

Affirmation - Saying thank you to those who should be thanked and receiving encouragement.

Farewells - Taking time to say goodbye to those close to us and important places.

Time - Ensuring that we don't rush through each of the above

As part of this we have been travelling around the country an awful lot visiting friends and family members. So we hope you forgive us for not being in very good communication of late!

As we have been from place to place we have felt as if we have been on a raft of goodwill. People have been so generous with their time, encouraging words and gifts. In April, we had a beautiful concert organised by Katy's cellist sister Rachel in aid of Neema. This was followed by our commissioning service at our home church Holy Trinity Combe Down (a very moving occasion). Last weekend we also throughly enjoyed our leaving do at All Nations.

I would particularly like to thank all of the people who have contributed to the tools and equipment we will be taking with us to Neema. Especially, Hugh Davis, a plumber from Harrogate, who worked at Neema installing the showers in the new guest house a few months back. Since his return he has worked tirelessly, sourcing every conceivable carpentry tool I could think of of from suppliers who have often given enormous discounts on their equipment. It literally brought tears to my eyes when I saw the shipping container packed full of equipment destined for Neema. It will be so exciting when it arrives. Please do pray that we are able to get it all through customs without any going missing.  

Our worldly possessions

Katy and I have just had our final dinner with my parents before we fly off to Dar es Salaam tomorrow and as I write this my dear Mum is sticking on the last of the labels to our boxes for air freight. We will let you know how we get on when we finally arrive....