August 2011
As she looks outside she finds herself reflecting upon the last five months. There have been ups and there have been downs. Moments where God’s favor was moving upon her life and moments where she felt as though she was in the middle of the dessert.
This journey in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania has not been easy, but it has been an experience she will never forget. She has watched three beautiful ladies move forward in their relationship with God. She is humbled and honored that they allowed her to step in and invest in their lives. She knows that both lives have been changed forever. She will never forget the sparkle in *Susan’s* eye and the joy displayed across her face as she learned more about God and the excitement she has for her future in Christ. It was joy every time she saw her. A moment she will never forget. She is simply reminded that if it was only her that she was used to impact it would have been all worth it in the end.. But God had so much more in stored for her. Beyond what she could have imagined.
And it didn’t stop there.. She was asked to speak at a Beauty for Ashes event in June. She opened the eyes and hearts of 30+ women about the some of the sensitive issues here in Dar. It was not easy to talk about how sex has become a way of life here, but it needed to be discussed. God moved in a mighty way at that event.
Then came the highlight of her time here.. Launching the women’s ministry at the Ocean. It was beautiful watching God place three mighty women of God into her path to walk this road with her. She grew in her leadership skills and was put to the test at times, though in the end the vision was cast and a dream was finally a reality. 35 beautiful “Pearls” attended the first women’s event at her house. The women were blessed and excited about where God is leading them as they moved towards understanding of what their beauty is in Christ.
Her heart has grown so much for the women of Tanzania. She has made friends that will last a lifetime. She has stories that make her laugh every time she thinks about them.
She won’t forget the days without electricity and learning to live using candlelight and taking bucket showers. She won’t forget the smiles across the kids faces in her neighborhood as they waved and smiled as she walked or drove by. She won’t forget hiding in a small shoe repair shop (duka) from the rain with eight other people for about 20 minutes. She won’t forget the Bajaj rides during the raining season and wondering if they would make it through the BIG puddles that were a small lake at times.
She is grateful for every experience good or difficult. She is grateful for everyone person she has met while on this journey. God is simply amazing! It has been an honor for her to serve the people of Tanzania and be God’s hands and feet to them.
Thank you for your constant support, encouragement and prayers during this journey. She couldn’t have done it without you.
With love and thanks!
Natalie Green Missionary to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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