June 8

Yesterday was a day of getting to know a bit about the ministry of the Bordens, meeting amazing brothers in the Lord, and feeling jet lag effects.

We started the day eating a pleasant breakfast with Byron and Lisa, getting to know more about their family and their daily routines. Later in the morning we went with Byron into town and had lunch with Scott and Elisha. During lunch we heard the stories of these two men and how God has led each of them to work together with Byron on the BUV project.  This Basic Utility Vehicle is being manufactured here in Tanzania by Tanzanians and for Tanzanians. It is actually a franchise from a firm in the US who designed it to help the poor of this world in many countries, but this is the first place in the world outside the US that has picked up the "baton" and run with it. After assembling some prototypes, these three men requested the engineers from the US office to redesign it out of materials that are completely available in this country. As you can see, I was given the opportunity to take one for a test drive. Fun!

Although we had slept well on Thursday night because we were so tired from a thirty hour trip (door to door), jet lag struck me several times during the day. I would start to zone out and crave sleep but fought it off.  Marla did not have as much trouble with it, but she did feel some effects. We ate supper on the patio outside the Bordens' house, enjoying the heat from a wood "stove".  You might think that is crazy, this close to the equator, but since we are at 4,500 ft elevation it gets down to the low 50's here at night this time of year.  We listened to stories of ministry, raising a family here in Africa and other interesting things that go on in this part of the world.

Yesterday I told you about the dogs and rabbits the Bordens have, but I didn't tell you about their six tortoises. Five of them are very small and live in their strawberry patch. This big one, about the size of a small+ dog, roams the yard slowly, at will.

We're hoping our luggage arrives today. Please pray for our health and that we can be used by God to bless this family.

A special "Hi!" to M,K,M,C and C.