June 30, 2018

WRITTEN BY PASTOR BRANDON NEWTON

Asante sana (thank you very much)!

As we prepare for the long drive and flights back to Minnesota tomorrow, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We are grateful for all the wonderful people who helped make this trip possible. We are grateful for all our new friends in Tanzania. We are grateful to you for your prayers and support of our partnership with God’s church in Nyanzwa.

We have just returned to Iringa after enjoying several days at the Mwagusi Safari Camp in Ruaha National Park. It was a great way to be tourists while in Tanzania. We saw some amazing animals up close (too close for Pastor Brandon, particularly one elephant at night while trying to sleep). In the midst of God’s good creation we saw almost everything—from impalas and zebras to two lion brothers and a ton of elephants (pardon the pun). There were hippos and crocodiles and all the good stuff. We saw so many giraffes that Pastor Paul said they’re thinking about re-naming the park. . . Giraffic Park. J

It was good to spend time with Pastor Paul and Sally and share good food and creation. We couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast from lifestyle and food between Nyanzwa and the safari camp. Our hearts are full, but a piece of them remains with our siblings in Nyanzwa as they strive to live and improve their community.

As we marvel at yet another beautiful African sunset, so the sun is setting on our time in Tanzania. We return home with weary bodies but full hearts and many stories to share. All we ask of you is that you continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Nyanzwa and that you take some time to listen to our stories and hear what God’s been up to here in Tanzania upon our return.

We’ll see you soon! PBN, Karla, and Randy