Today as usual started with a lovely hour  relaxing at home prior to the start of school, this was accompanied by a wonderful call from my grandma asking 'when are you coming home?' (needless to say the questions make me more eager to come and give you all hugs!).  I told her the end of Juneish. 

School went well, and flew by in a blur, Monday's are a crazy busy day for me with no breaks at all.  After school I headed for another part of Dar where I tutor 3 kiddos.  The kids worked diligently today and were focused the entire time I had them.  I was thinking again about how much I love my job! 

The ride home began and my friend was driving the bajaj.  There were many officials and thus began the game (or skill?) of dodging the gaze of the officer.  I was laughing so hard I couldn't stop.  Everything is cool and we weren't doing anything wrong (except that we are still missing one sticker from TRA on the new bajaj).  The officers seem to enjoy stopping people to chit chat.  At one point we turned around and back tracked through traffic 5 min to take a new route. We stopped at Mwenge picked up some more friends and continued home.  While stopping for some bajaj parts I received another offer for a husband and if I wouldn't accept that I could be a girlfriend.  I told the guy goodbye, and my friend politely sent him off using Swahili.  Again...thankful for great friends who come to the rescue, and the opportunity to pray for a guy who needs Jesus.  

Today as I arrived in church I was feeling exhausted, it's been a long week. I continue to think about praise.  Yesterday in Madale village I had the kids make tambourines and we wrote Psalm 34:1 (in Swahili) (I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.) on their tambourines.  A reminder to praise constantly.  Pastor Shaun has challenged us with a continuing reminder that we should praise constantly.

 Today's sermon focused on Revelation 5 and the Lion of Judah.  A very insightful message.  Following the service I enjoyed the time to visit and fellowship with others. While chatting Pastor Shaun called me up to the front where he was praying with a teenage gal.  He said I have a feeling this girl needs a hug.  Don't know all the situations with this dear teenager but I do know that God has laid her on my heart to continue to pray.  Please keep her in your prayers if you think of her.

This evening my adventure was to go to the market and buy potatoes for supper.  My friend was here and needed a lift so I gave him a ride and purchased my potatoes.  On the way back I was right near 'the short cut' road.  I turned down the road without so much as a second thought.  I got to the precarious place but thought-it will be ok, we haven't had any rain.  OOPS! I was mistaken! before I knew it, I was STUCK in gross, yucky, stinky, MUD! I had an instant second of panic as I realized it was dark, and there weren't others around. I got out and tried to push my bajaj but to no avail.  I needed to steer and push at the same time and it just wasn't happening.  A few minutes passed and along came a piki-piki (otherwise know as a motorcycle).  The piki piki (with driver and passenger) quickly passed through the muddy substance.  I quickly hopped out of the bajaj and in my limited Swahili asked if they would please help me.  Without hesitation they came to my rescue, we rocked back and forth a few times and then they finally pushed me out!  I couldn't thank them enough for their kindness.  I've decided no more short cuts for awhile! :) Thankful for the kindness of Tanzanians and friends.