Baby Stuff

Several people have asked me if there is something that they can do for us or send us since we are having the baby here in Tanzania. To be honest there are just a few things that I am truly needing.
A big need is a baby scale. I have done some reviews and one of the best and most reasonably priced ones that I have found is actually at Wal-Mart. It cost around $60. Unfortunately the shipping may also be around this cost. 
The other things that I am needing are birthing supplies. For example, cord clamp, scissors, suction, etc. I have already ordered these things and just need to get them shipped here to us. Shipping can be costly and a medium sized box can be about $100. So really My Need Is the Shipping Cost to get the needed supplies to us.
I would also Love to have a pulse oximeter machine or a blood iron testing machine to check the oxygen level of the baby or to check for anemia on myself or the baby, but these things run around $200 each. So they may have to wait.
I know that these things are not nearly as fun to give to someone as a fuzzy blanket or cute baby clothes, but really it is what we are needing. If you are one of the ones that wanted to help in some way then you can send funds with a check made out to Bear Valley church of Christ, note attached for - Carey Samford, baby stuff.
 Even $10 would help towards shipping cost.
Bear Valley church of Christ
For Carey Samford
2707 S. Lamar St.
Denver, CO 80227

Our address here in Iringa, Tanzania, Africa is :

Carey Samford
P.O. Box 613
Iringa, Tanzania

(no zip code) short and sweet address

And the thing that would be most beneficial above all else is Prayers !!!
With Lots of Love,
Bonnie and Family

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Firetruck Comes To Our House

No we didn’t actually have a fire and the kids didn’t accidentally dial 911 (which we don’t have here) we just needed water. The city water had not come for a while, so we ran out of water in our water storage tank. A man that helps us around the house (Claude) told us that sometimes the fire department can bring you water. Sooo... here came the fire truck. I was actually surprised that the town of Iringa had a fire truck, but they did. It was interesting to see them pump the water from the truck up into our 3,000 Liter tank. The water tank is built up pretty high so that the water pressure will be better in the house, because it is gravity fed through the pipes.

 Until Next Time,
Bonnie

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Kids At Play

Unfortunately the power outages are more frequent here than when we lived in Arusha. Lately the power has been off about every other day. It is either off from 8 am to 6 pm or from 6 pm to 11 pm. When the power is off all day, the kids and I try to spend most of it outside. We have been coming up with some creative game ideas. For example, bowling with a potato and empty water bottles. I also like to have fruit juice popsicles in the freezer to eat as a special treat out on the porch. I am glad that the kids are so close in age because they are the best of friends and they play so well together.
(Most of the time, smiles)

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The Recent Seminar

We recently had a seminar with the church. It was to help encourage and build up its members. Attendance was great and it was a really encouraging day. We had a break at lunch and we went to one of the members homes. We had bananas, rice, meat and sauce, bottled water and even  sodas - which usually signifies a special occasion among the Tanzanians because sodas are seen more as a special treat.  The Tanzanian people provided the location and all of the food. The only thing that they asked for was for Charles, George, and Carey to teach. This was encouraging because it means that the missionary doesn’t have to provide everything. These members would not be considered as being wealthy or “well-off.” One is a carpenter, another has a french fry stand, and another is a widow. Simple people bringing together what they have for the benefit of the church.
Having lunch in one of the members homes was nice because it gave more of a personal feel of fellowship among us. I believe this is the same principle applies in Africa as it does in America, just being in someone’s home just makes you feel closer. I suppose that is why the Bible tells us that we are suppose to be hospitable.

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