March 16, 2008...12:47 pm
It’s all in the family….
I had the joy of having my parents with me in Tanzania for several weeks. My father was here for two weeks and my mother was here a whole month.
We were able to safari, worship with leaders of the North-East Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, swim in the Indian Ocean and break bread together with my friends and colleagues. To be safe, while my parents were here the Diocese blessed by laying on hands and offering prayers the car that I drive. 
(Dad said after driving down the mountain toward Tanga that we should have prayed a little longer.)
For the most part I was able to have my parents to myself but for a couple of days I shared them with the North-East Diocese and SEKUCo. At SEKUCo, my mother taught Early Childhood Intervention to a class of 70. In the North-East Diocese, my father taught a class of seasoned local clergy on theology, ethics and Christian social ethics. Both of their teaching experiences went well and they got positive responses about what they taught.
It has been three weeks now since my parents have left Tanzania to go back to the States and their names are still on the lips of the community. 
The students here on campus have not stopped talking about my mother and are eager to get her back here for another visit or for a longer period of time.
It is a blessing to have parents visit – especially for as long as did my parents - but it strikes me as funny that even on the other side of the world I am known as Ken and Marie’s daughter. 
3 Comments
March 16, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Amanda,
I always enjoy reading your blog to see what you are up to “on the other side of the pond”. It was great that not only could your parents come to visit but also were able to enhance their experience by teaching and interacting with the students and staff of the university. Your line about being half way around the world and still being known as “Ken and Marie’s daughter”. I grew up as “Bob Grant’s grandson” to everyone from miles far and wide.
Cousin Jeremy
March 16, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Hi Amanda!
So happy to hear how your visit went with your folks. I’m sure it was as much a treasure for them to see you at work there as it was to for you to have them join you. A very special bunch of people, y’all
Until next time, know you & the program & staff are held in my heart & prayers,
Blessings & love,
Annise
March 17, 2008 at 12:53 am
Hi Amanda,
Glad Mom & Dad could visit. I love reading the letters and hearing what you have been up to. Wow! What an experience. Soon I will have to come work for you!
Join the special club! I am still known as Ken Grant’s sister, Dick & Caroline’s Daughter and Bob Grant’s neice!
Have fun with Stefan when he gets there. Looking forward to the next letter.
Love & prayers,
Auntie
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