Sunday, Nov. 4th
Dear Family and Friends,
  I apologize for the pictures that follow and commentary not lining up!  Obviously the learning curve is slow which seems to be the theme for our life these days!  I'll keep trying, but don't jump to the false conclusion---Tim is NOT cooking--we are probbably changing in many ways, but that's not one of them---yet!
  It has been a good week since I last wrote.  We had a wonderful time with Mark and Linda Jacobson who are Americans who have lived here over 30 years.  Mark told us some of the history of the country so we could better understand the politics, economics, and social issues that he faces as Executive Director of the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center.  It is a beautiful, new, 3 story hospital that has advanced technology and training for staff.  (Dr.) Mark starts each day with his staff in prayer.  He sees their role as healer/priest--a very wholistic approach to medicine.  You will be hearing more about ALMC when we return because it is a project worthy of your prayers and support.  After an enjoyable lunch, Linda showed her Tz. driving skills as she manipulated the jammed traffic as we looked for a toilet seat cover!  Even in Tz. the basics in life are still important.
(The President of Tz. was in Arusha proclaiming Arusha to have the status of a city, and dedicating the new Mandela University).
  We also met with Barbara and Andy Hinderlie yesterday for a delicious "American" lunch prepared by Andy.  The Hinderlies are the Global Mission Program Directors for East Africa.  They have lived in Africa for 15 years, so they were sharing their experiences in ministry in the various African countries in which they've lived.  Then Barbara took us for our first haircuts since we've been here.  I was a bit apprehesive since Aly, the haircutter, has a "unique" reputation.  However, the haircut turned out great and I look forward to going back again
   The great news is that after nearly 4 months of dry season, God opened up the heavens and we now have rain.  And I mean rain!!! This rain is not like what we have at home--rain for maybe 20 minutes and then that's usually it for most of the day.  This rain is like someone ripped open the heavens and massive amounts of water pour down endlessly for hours.  A Maasai student we've come to know well told us that this type of strong, heavy pounding rain is not what they usually get.  Usually they receive a softer rain this time of year.  He went on to say that the Maasai are not happy with this rain.  Their cattle are very weak at this time of year because the dry season lasted 1 month longer and the cattle had very little grass to eat.  Consequently, the cattle are extremely weak.  He said that in the past 2 days the Maasai have had many cattle killed by the fierce rain that went on so long ---amazing but true.  This rain is something else!
  Our classes continue to go well.  Last week after class a student talked with me about discipline of young children.  We had just completed a week of lesson on developmental stages.  She focused on pre-schoolers and said, that if a 2 or 3 year-old doesn't obey they are beaten with a stick, and later the child will come and say, "mama, I love you. Why did you beat me?"  Sometimes the parent will threaten the child by saying, "I will dig a big hole and put you in it if you don't obey"---or tell the child they aren't their first born any more.  Even at that young age, the child seems to know the importance and value of being the first born.  So this led to a discussion about healthy ways to handle such situation.  The needs in Tz. seem endless and parenting classes are unheard of, but I think I'll be mentioing in class how this could be a good outreach program for the church to offer.
  We hope this finds each of you well. We are praying for you as you vote and for our country's leadership.  The people here are very much Obama fans and they like talking to us about the upcoming election.  We miss being there at this important time in our country.
  Enjoy the following pictures.  Until next week--may you know God's peace,
      Tim & Diane