June

Delicia, me, Naomi: housemates

June is a hard month at HOPAC. Although the end of the school year usually brings joy to teachers and students alike, in a missionary community, it also brings the season of good-byes.

As a teacher, about the third to last week of school, I'm saying "Come on, end-of-the-year." But by the time the last week of school rolls around, I'm saying "What? Already? Can't we have just a little more time together?"

This year is no exception, especially as there are many leaving HOPAC and Dar for good: families who have been the pillars of our community, prayer warriors, HOPAC leaders, small group girls, friends at church, a housemate. (Naomi, below)

It's hard to have so many good-byes at the same time and to be leaving Dar myself for two months, knowing I'll be returning to a somewhat different community. At the same time, I am thankful for so many friends who will still be in Dar, at HOPAC, at church. And as one friend said, "I am ready to open my heart again" to new friends.

I find myself longing for the day when there will be no more good-byes, no more transitions. I am comforted by the knowledge that my citizenship is in Heaven and I entertain the thought that in Heaven, all of my 'groups' will get to meet all of my other 'groups' in one joyful, never-ending, Jesus-hosted reunion.

But still, June is hard.

TZ Driver's License

I am attempting to get my Tanzanian driver's license. Although I have an International Driving Permit, it needs to be renewed every year and since I'll be here longer, it makes sense to have a more permanent license.

So I'm trying to get my TZ license.

I have taken - and passed - an eye exam. Honestly, this was the thing I was most worried about! But I told the eye doctor I wear contacts and just read the smallest print I could. He signed and stamped a paper - everything here requires multiple stamps - and sent me on my way!

I turned in several passport sized photos, along with copies of my US driving license, paid for and recieved my Provisional Tanzanian Driving License. I only get a provisional because I'm an American and don't drive on the left side of the road.
>Side note about passport photos. You need them for everything here! I mailed 8 when
HOPAC first applied for my work permit, gave 4 more a few weeks ago, turned in several
for my provisional license, and was told yesterday that ... well, read on ...

Yesterday I went to the police station and spoke with the officers in charge of issuing licenses. I wasn't sure if I would need to take a driving test or if they would just give me a TZ license, since I have an International Permit.
>Side note about the permit: to get it, you just go into any AAA, show them your
US license, pay $15 and get your picture taken! Don't need to prove you can drive
on the left or anything!

At the police station yesterday, the officer seemed to be trying to discourage me from driving in Tanzania! He was saying, "It is too dangerous. The drivers here are crazy, more than crazy. Why do you want to drive in Tanzania? It is not safe. It is much worse than driving in America!" And this is the police!

I assured him that, yes, I do want to drive in Tanzania and have been driving here for two years. He seemed ok with that answer and actually didn't ask me to take the driving test. I guess I passed by having driven in Dar es Salaam before!

But then I needed passport photos. I had only brought one. What was I thinking?!?! I needed four. Another officer began explaining why I needed four but I got lost somewhere between official record and Tanzania Revenue Authority.

I just found out that they close at 3:30 so I will have to go in straight after school another day this week and try again...


:)