Boomerang

I always felt that I would return to Moshi but I didn't expect it to be so soon.

Yup - we're heading back to Tanzania. In just a few days Jill and I will once again be shrouded in the hot humid air of Moshi with the taste of burnt dust on our lips. And our hearts will open wide. Tanzania is like that; it opens its arms and cradles you; invites and welcomes you; changes you.

I struggled with my motive to return. I wasn't so naive to think that I was really needed, that life in Moshi wouldn't go on without me. I considered how better spent my airfare could be - the impact of $1200 on the tiny informal organization of Good Hope; the good it could do. I even thought how exciting it would be to use that money to bring someone from Good Hope here to Canada.

Jill announced she was going back to reconnect with her mamas at the women's empowerment group of Mkombozi. She didn't want too much time to pass without contact. We talked it over; debated the reasons to go, and not go. And in the end we couldn't resist.

 Good Hope doesn't need me. But I need Good Hope. I'm going back for a heart-full.

Sowing Seeds

The 23 pound bird roasting in the oven is the star of the Thanksgiving pre-show, and is filling the house with anticipation. Butternut squash soup is bubbling in the crock pot, the apple crisp that I made last night is poised on the counter, tempting me to pull a piece of the well-baked "crisp" off the top for a nibble.  The family should be arriving momentarily, all 18 of them.

The joy and fun is in the preparation -- peeling, chopping, stirring, and seasoning my way to family love. We have a rule in our family regarding our famjams -- whoever can make it - great, however we don't lament those who are missing. We simply toast them and celebrate the gathering that is our family.

Hubby and I walked through the autumn splendour with our dog, inhaling in the fresh crisp air, chatting about all that is good in our lives. And there is alot of good.

I hear a knock at the door. Daughter one has arrived, and the good times are about to begin. Come to think of it, the good times have been with us all along,,, so I should probably say, let the good times continue!

I hope wherever you are in the world, that you have someone to share this day of Thanksgiving with and that you have much to be grateful for. I hope all is well in your world, as it is in mine.