We have yet to set an exact date, but right now we are planning to leave in June of this year. We are committed to stay for at least a year, but possibly longer.
For those who don't know, Tanzania is on the eastern coast of Africa - bordered by Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and a few other nations. Tanzania is home to Mt Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Gombe National Park where Jane Goodall studied her chimpanzees. It is a beautiful country filled with breathtaking scenery and wildlife and incredible people.
You might wonder how we suddenly decided to move half way around the world. Well, I went on a short trip to Arusha in the summer of 2008, and I have never been the same. Our team spent a week teaching an English camp to a group of young soccer players: the Nyota Club. We also visited the Maasai people and got to experience God's amazing creation on Safari. Africa and the people there touched my heart in a way that no other place ever has; I have never felt more alive or purposeful.
Since then, God has been growing in me a heart for the nations and to see His kingdom come to all people. Similarly, Shannon's spiritual New Year's resolution this year was simple: Give Your Life Away. Together we have yearned for a life that is more than just about doing what we want and striving after things that will benefit only us. We want to live our lives for others and for God in a way that will impact this life and eternity.
Not knowing what our next steps should be, we attended Urbana (www.urbana09.org) with a group of young adults from our church. After a conversation with our pastor, Shannon walked away with a strong conviction that this was something we needed to do - that now was the time in our lives to do it.
So, here we are. We are stepping out in faith and obedience on what is sure to be an incredible journey. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for us!
