We're Gonna Need a Little Help

This is awkward. So, we're flying the family across the globe to Tanzania. We're settling down in the tropics, living close to the beach, running around a big yard with a monkey. On the weekends, we hope for some snorkeling, and a safari now and then.

And we'd like to ask you to help us pay for it.

We hope and pray that we can prove worthy, at least a little bit, of your trust and money. Because while we are looking forward to the adventure, we also are looking forward to the job. We believe God wants us in Tanzania, and we believe He has some good things for us to do there. We'd love it if you partnered with us.

Tim's Plan: I'll be working at Haven of Peace Academy, teaching middle and high schoolers technology. In America we spend a lot of time talking about "21st century classrooms" and "preparing students for the future of the information age." I don't think it's very different in Africa -- only more important. If students in developing countries don't keep up, I fear the divide between Haves and Have Nots gets greater. I am excited to start teaching critical skills for the students of HOPAC and grow the technology program there. I want students to get workplace-ready skills that they can use to be successful in college and international careers. I want students to develop critical thinking skills -- problem-solving and media criticism. And I really, really want students to learn more about a reformed Christian worldview that engages culture and technology and looks to transform it rather than have it transform them. I am going to also teach a Service Learning class. During the 3rd trimester, the school turns its focus to creating ways the students can reach out and help the community around them. I can't wait to be a part of that!

Steph's Plan: While Steph will wait to look for a specific job until after we arrive and settle in, she has a growing passion for agriculture and nutrition. She really hopes to find an NGO in this area that she can work for. While Tanzania is a stable country, many many people there continue to live on less than $2/day. Steph hopes to be able to learn more about the agricultural situation in Tanzania and Dar Es Salaam and help the impoverished improve their chances to be fed.

We want to be very open with our supporters about our finances. Currently, we are planning to live on an annual budget of $40 - $50K. That includes plane tickets home once per year, rent, food, health insurance, paying for household help, utilities, and setting up a whole life in a new country with 3 young kids. Already, we are astonished at the cost of some things: cars aren't made in country, so duties drive the price way up. Rent has to be paid up front for a year. We found some used air conditioners for the house, but they cost thousands!

HOPAC pays us about $14,000 per year (plus tuition for 3 kids!). That's enough for rent and some of the food we'll eat. We're responsible for everything else. The truth is, we can't afford to take this plunge without your help.

We'll be on an adventure that sometimes will be thrilling with crazy opportunities and real joy. We also expect it to be a tough challenge as we learn new cultural norms, a language, and miss home. We think God is calling us to attempt this for a reason.

Please, prayerfully consider if this is an opportunity for you to also help God's kingdom by supporting us. We'll keep you super informed of everything going on in our lives through this blog, emails, and newsletters. We'll continue to follow God's plan and try to bring whatever peace, justice, and opportunity to the people of Tanzania that we can.

You can donate now by sending a check to Christian Reformed World Missions and putting our name in the memo (2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49560). Soon (hopefully next week), you'll be able to donate online through their website (http://www2.crcna.org/pages/crwm.cfm)