Journey to our new home

Taking 2 children, 10 suitcases, 2 car seats, a buggy, computers and hand luggage to Tanzania was always going to be challenging.  Little did we expect however that our greatest challenge would be at Heathrow airport.  Some 'problem' with our ticket meant that BA weren't willing to take all our bags.  1.5 hours after after arriving at check in we were still there trying to sort it all out!
Finally, after paying excess baggage (which we expect to get back) we jostled through security, ran for the plane and were the last to board.  Phew!

Arrival in Dar es Salaam was far less eventful and our visas, bags and flight connection all worked perfectly.

It was great to arrive in Mwanza and be welcomed by the team, begin to settle into our tanzania house and start the huge unpack.  Isaac and Hannah were wonderful throughout.

God is good all the time.  Through the rush and travelling challenges we knew his constant peace and security, and continue to know his peace.

The plans of Isaac...

Almost ready to go!

It's been a long journey to get this far, but we're almost ready to go.  

We first chatted with Ian Wilson (founder of Bridge2Aid) about coming out to Mwanza in September 2009.  We had no idea what lay ahead, but knew that God had called us to use our dental skills in developing nations, and felt this was the time to begin to make a positive step forward.  

Over the last 21 months, we've had numerous telephone conversations with the Bridge2Aid Mwanza team, visited Mwanza as a family (Paul's since visited twice more on DVP), been through an interview process,  had a new baby and spent months preparing ourselves for this move.  Throughout this time we have known God's peace in everything as we've taken each step.  Philippians 4v6-7 is completely true in our experience and we have known the peace of God which transcends all understanding.

What's next?

We get on a plane on June 23rd, arrive in Mwanza the next day and the following week it's straight into our roles.  It's going to be busy, it's going to be challenging, it's also going to be a lot of fun and we're really looking forward to working more closely with the rest of the Bridge2Aid team.  Watch this space - we intend to keep you updated on our news as we settle in to life in Tanzania, get down to learning Swahili and working to make a lasting difference in northern Tanzania.