No power in Mwanza

I sit here typing by candle light as I experience one of the realities of living here in Mwanza. Often we are without power! With a gas stove and several candles I can do without the electricity but makes the days a lot shorter as one seems to get tired much quicker when there is a lack of light. Although there is no power running through the wires here in my house right now, I have experienced the Sovereign power of the Lord in the last week. Monday afternoon, on my way home from language class, three young teens came up to me and stole my gold necklace right from me. I was very scared as I continued on my way home, in a very quick pace, trying not to think about what happened or I would just begin to cry. The Lord protected me that day, as I was not harmed in any serious way. His angels were standing over me as I walked and ensured that I got home safely. After a phone call home, Jan, a friend and one of the missionaries here through the CRWRC came over. I spent the rest of the day at the Michmerhuizen’s house trying to work through a few of the feelings that I was having.
The Lord provided me with peace as I continued to talk with friends and my family about the whole situation. Several things have been put into place now so that I will no longer be walking by myself. I have a great community here in Mwanza and have several numbers to call if I need to go to the store or market for food. A friendly taxi drives me to and from language class each day, which has been a blessing beyond measure. I was comforted by Psalm 91 which was given to me by my Mom the day the incident happened and several other friends afterwards. It is amazing how alive the Word of God is!The rest of the week I spent relaxing and getting adjusted to my new environment here in Mwanza. Today was my first day working as a nurse. This was a day that I had been dreaming, praying and waiting for, for several years. Just like several other firsts, it had its good times and hard times. I am beginning to understand more about the routines at the AICT Makongoro Health Centre but continue to struggle with the language barrier. Continue to pray that I would find peace in the reality of learning a new language, allow myself to make mistakes and create ways to remember important words for working as a nurse and living in Tanzania. I praise the Lord for new friends like Dave and Heather, Naomi and Esther. Each day I wake up with a renewed sense of my relationship with the Lord and pursue after Him in all that I do. And as I finish this post, there continues to be no power, but I have experienced His power in my life and want to share that with the Tanzanian people.