Greetings from Tanzania!

Thought it was time to check in and give an update on our current plans.

Over the past several weeks we concluded the process of purchasing a car. It wasn't the easiest endeavor undertaken. It took 3 attempts to be successful.  We made the decision to find a vehicle after our visit to Bukoba and experiencing the topography and climate. It is very hilly and very rainy. Plan "A" was to live in town and walk a lot. This is not practical plus we will need transport to villages etc.

So we found a small 4wd, 4 cyd, Mitsubishi in good shape in the city of Mwanza, about 4 hrs. from here by bus. The process was incredibly rewarding as it was the hand of God guiding it. Will explain the details when we get together.  Here is what the car or "gari" may or may not look like:

This is our last week of school. We are leaving on Saturday (1 week early) but won't miss any important lessons. We will stop in Mwanza on the way to Bukoba to get new tires and a few little items repaired.

Regina, Rachael, & Polina recently have emailed us good news. They said our visas arrived back in Bukoba yesterday from Dar Es Salaam, so if they are the right permits, we are now ok. Won't know for sure till we get there and look at them.

Next priorities for us are to find suitable housing and open a local bank account in Bukoba. Regina/Rachael are supposed to show us some possibilities plus  another gent whom we met on our visit, has some options. Our objective is to be settled within a couple of weeks.

We feel comfortable but not fluent yet in Kiswahili and truly believe these past 4 months have been most rewarding/enjoyable/difficult. Take your pick!  We now are turning our attention to the true purpose of our Mission that of service.

During the past months, Karen & I have discussed what our priorities should be with BUWEA and how we can best serve them. They honestly have significant accomplishments with little guidance from outside influences. We are comfortable knowing that we can offer substantive help in a number of ways, but plan on having Regina set our agenda initially. We still have a learning curve to traverse with Regina and the rest of the organization. So, for the first several months, we will be absorbing and contributing where we can.

We are looking forward to our arrival in San Antonio for the Orientation, meeting all the new missionaries and the Sisters.  See you all on the Wednesday June 27th, God willing.

Frank and Karen Wimbush, Incarnate Word Missionary Candidates