VBS

 Water balloons flew through the air and little children sang their hearts out…thus started four fun-filled days of Vacation Bible School two weeks ago, organized by Alicia Hazlett, Stephanie Swanson, and Kaylen Tanner for the all of the younger children at Mavuno. Kaylen, the oldest child of Dan and Bethany Tanner, is visiting from college for a few weeks and Stephanie came to visit her friend Alicia.

VBS consisted of puppet shows, skits, songs, and games that all revolved around the central theme of obedience.

  The missionary kids and on-campus children were divided into four teams and competed against each other throughout the week.

  They finished off their time with a performance for all of the parents, singing songs and reciting the verses they had memorized.  All the children are hoping this becomes an annual event!

A Mavuno Wedding

 Marco, our administrative assistant, recently married Rehabu, a young lady he has known for several years, in early June. The wedding took place in the northern city of Moshi, a day’s drive away from here. 

 Marco and Rehabu currently live close to the campus near Joel and Lauren Wildasin. Rehabu was a camp counselor for girls camp this year and we are so happy that she has joined us here at Mavuno. 

Marco and Rehabu are passionate about Mavuno and we are excited to see what God will do through them in the future! 

Swingin'

 A group of eight Mavuno fans, who are also relatives of Bethany Tanner, visited us in early July, bringing with them some parts for a new swing set.

 They constructed a large set as well as a smaller one just a few meters from the Mbuguas’ house. After about a week of building the two structures, the volunteers painted them in bright colors and had the kids put handprints all over them. 

The swings have provided hours of fun for the children and even the adults as most of them experience a swing for the first time in their lives. These swings will be well enjoyed by the Mavuno kids for years to come. 

Men of Courage

 Boys Camp followed the week of Girls camp with a similar schedule of games, sessions, singing, and skits. The theme for the boys was Courage (Jasiri) and they had several wonderful speakers to lead sessions on the topic.  We hope that God has used camp to impact many of these young men’s lives. 

  

Busara

                 Last week 24 off-campus girls and their sisters came to Mavuno for a week of fun at camp. Upon arriving on Monday, each of them received a t-shirt with the camp name Busara (Kiswahili for virtuous or noble). This theme was taught throughout the week in sessions led by several different women who came to help.

                  The kids enjoyed water games, skits, singing, and excellent food. Eager teams presented their prepared skits and songs on the final night before everyone went down to the beach for a bonfire and a final wrap-up. After packing up the girls departed on Friday morning after a great week.

 We are thankful for an encouraging time with our Mavuno girls!

Friends Return

          The Miller family returned to Tanzania on Friday after a six-month-long furlough in the States. Josh and Amy’s four children, Hannah, Abby, Naomi, and Ezekiel are delighted to be reunited with their Mavuno friends. Josh Miller oversaw finances and bookkeeping for two years prior to their furlough. They are now hoping to stay for three more years to continue bookkeeping and also to train someone to take it over when they leave.

We are so thankful to have the Millers back.

          

An Invaluable Guest!

         This week we had the privilege of inviting Mavuno’s latest visitor, Julie Probst, out on the campus. Julie has been working as a missionary with AIM for the past two years, based out of Uganda. 

           Before coming to Africa, she worked in the inner city for six years as a teacher of children with disabilities. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education and now uses her valuable talents to train village churches how to care for those who are disabled or have special needs.  She also focuses on some individual missionary children.

           We are so thankful that Julie could help us make a game plan to help two of our Mavuno children who have some special needs. 

Esther, Julie and Sammy