Serving HOPE ::: Tanzania: July 2011

Opportunity: sometimes it knocks while other times it opens the door, runs, and jumps in your lap! The opportunity I've been given is one of the latter variety.

Shortly into my time here in Dar, my supervisor casually mentioned, "I wonder if there is a way we could have you stay out here longer." I thought he was just being nice and honestly, didn't think too much about it beyond that. It wasn't until I was grounded in my new surroundings, that I realized my heart was full of so much joy with what I've been doing out here! Every person I've met, every ministry opportunity, every learning experience I've had has brought to the forefront of my mind, the shortness of my stay here.

My heart was longing to stay longer.

Several weeks ago, my supervisor called and said, "Holly, would you be willing to do school online this semester and how much do you think it would cost for you to live out here for a couple more months?" With each 'financial' hesitation I presented to him, his response was, "We'll take care of it." Well, isn't that convenient. Basically, this opportunity was gift wrapped and placed right in my lap....I just had to choose to accept it or not. So I began to pray and create "Pros and Cons" lists (which seemed to be quite lengthy in the "Pros" category) and pray some more. I felt nothing but peace. I've learned from past experiences that even though an opportunity is placed before me, they are not all meant to be taken and in those times of praying about them God has given my heart hesitation and many "red flags". This opportunity, however, was lathered in peace and much, much joy!

So the decision is now finalized: I will be hired on by The Ocean International Community Church through till Thanksgiving!

Thank you, Porter family, Ocean staff and elder committee for this amazing opportunity to serve with you longer! My heart is very full of joy!

Two weekends ago, The Ocean Community had one of its Young Adult (YA) Retreats. It was such an awesome time with great people on a beautiful white sand, private beach!!!! Much to our pleasant surprise, there were absolutely NO mosquitos (We were warned about the bad mosquito problem AND how easy it would be to catch malaria out there)! We played games, slept in tents, and some stayed up to the wee hours of the morning talking and catching up with good friends. We had great music being blasted from out portable sound system, outstanding food (I was the cook, so of course I was a little partial), and my absolute favorite: the evening service. Our first night at the bonda, our Pastor brought us all out to the shore (which was a little walk through the dark wooded area surrounding our bonda). People were using their phones for light to see where we were stepping. When we arrived to the spot on the beach where he would be sharing, there was one, small fire-lit lantern in the middle of the circle....and millions of stars. Because we were so far away from any major city, there were no other lights on the beach....just the millions of stars, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and our pastor sharing about Jesus walking on the water and Peter stepping out of the boat to meet Him. Everyone sat silent, soaking in every word that was being said. After being challenged to "step up and step out" of our current situations to follow Jesus wherever He might be leading us, we scattered across the beach and had our own time to talk with God. This was, by far, my absolute favorite moment of the whole retreat!
Last Sunday our church held one of its Tidal Wave (youth) events. Emily is a lady at our church who works for the American Embassy and booked the whole pool and recreation area for our youth. We had a little over 20 VERY excited teenagers who attended this event. Most of them didnt bring a swimsuit (I forgot mine too!), but that didnt stop us from swimming in our clothes! How could you NOT when it was so hot outside and the cool, crystal blue pool stood alone....not one ripple in the water....not one person in there! Dont worry, though, because it was soon filled with many teenagers (and some non-teenagers;0) Emily payed for a catered lunch for every person there, 2 sodas a person, and then two other adults payed for ice cream for everyone. The teens were so blessed and enjoyed themselves tremendously!!! So, Emily, if you are reading this, THANK YOU for being such a blessing to the youth at The Ocean!!!
After the youth event, I took a car full of teenagers back to the church to wait for their parents. In that short time of sitting in the parking lot, they began to ask me questions for things that they are going through right now: do you think its ok to....what do you think about.....why does this always seem to happen...what do you do if your friends are.....? That time of brief ministry stirred my heart. These youth are so precious......and seeking. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be working with them while I'm here! Below are some pictures from the YA Retreat and me with some friends!