Our Students:

> Read a blog by current Micah Student Charissa Vandergrift who was recently studying at Uganda Christian University.

Sarah Nicolai 2007
+Blog

Justine Vandergrift 2007
+Blog

Lindsay Vanderhoek 2006
+Newsletter #1
+Newsletter #2
+Blog

Jonathan de Koning 2005
+Newsletter
+Blog

King’s Micah Intern: Lindsay Vanderhoek, Fall 2006

We have had rain about 3 times since I’ve been here- even hail once. It is getting to the ‘short’ rain season, when it rains every night- so I do hope it starts soon so that the temperature cools down- as of now I would guess that it is about 35 degrees. We have heard the news that in about 2 weeks we will most likely all be left without power- as of now we get it every night. This is because the lake on which the dam is located is very low- and has been operating at less than 30% of its potential- and that has provided power for Tanzania and parts of other countries like Uganda. Therefore all of northern Tanzania will be affected- this is not good news for business and NGOs that rely on power.Missionary families with freezers are wondering why they bought freezers…! They say it is and has been in the past possible to live entirely without power- so why have we allowed ourselves to become so reliant on it? I guess it has many pros and cons. There are generators though, so schedules will be made to run them in order for internet and computers to be used, and for fridges to stay cold.

Being here and living just as well as I would at home (to some degree- meaning I’m well fed, have a nice room and bed, and have access to a computer…) has been a struggle for me. Why is it so hard to give up things and easy way of living? Well because it is what I’m used to- the people who live near our gate with a family to maybe just 1 room are used to what they have. I am living in a situation where I can get the work done that I need to, yet I still struggle with feeling guilty, and then wondering why do I only feel guilt here and not at home? And should I feel guilt? One conclusion that comes regardless is knowing that I am rich- even knowing that I have safe drinking water every day means I am RICH! In situations like this, I tell myself I want to commit to living on less and with less- it is entirely possible.

I have found the culture here to be very rich, and there is no way that I will know an eighth of it before I leave. But I know enough to see that respect for elders is VERY important, that having a guest is considered a privilege- and they go about showing it in ways such as giving the guest a chair when no one else has one, and community and relationships prevail over many things. Much of the discussion that goes on between me and my roommate consists of trying to define the problems in North America by looking at the values in life here.

My work has progressed slowly, and I have been frustrated with my slowness- I think it is because of malaria medications, and getting used to culture here. I finished taking Swahili classes, which I really enjoyed, and hope to continue practicing so I can talk to people on the road as I walk and in the market. I have begun to make the database that I came to make, which is exciting. As well, just this past week I went with Jan Michmerhuizen (my supervisor’s wife, with CRWRC) out to the village Buhumbi from which the data I am working with comes. We did activities with the women involved in the Health program (weighing their children once a month) to find information about the past 10 years of rainfall and sickness, as well as what types of food they have available. I consider that the fun part, and now it is time to start the computer work and comparing data. I am very happy to be here, and see that God provides every day despite my doubts. This is a beautiful country full of beautiful people- even if they call me ‘mzungu’ and ask for money! Hopefully at the end of this month I will be able to go on a safari to the Serengeti National Park with my friend who is currently working in Kenya- can’t let that opportunity pass by… Thanks for reading and let me hear from you!

If you can, here are some prayer requests:* rains to come for farmers, and for the lake to rise (that’s a lot of rain…!)

* wisdom and perseverance for working through this data

* patience with myself and others

* appreciation and joy for where I am

Peace,
Lindsay Vander Hoek
www.lindsayvanderhoek.blogspot.com