Greetings in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!
First I want to thank you for all the support, love, and prayers that you have given to our family over the past year. This has made a difficult time easier for us to get through.
I am sorry that I have not been in contact with you sooner. It was a difficult re-entry for me to Tanzania. Coming back to our house in Arusha that was filled with Meredith’s belongings and memories was not easy. The house felt so big, cold, and lonely. Also, it was one year that I lived in the USA and I was quite comfortable there. During the first couple of weeks I was even wondering why I came back.
Now after two months I am getting used to being alone and living here again. I am involved in my work and have renewed old friendships. I am feeling good about being here again.
Chris and Jesse were happy to have returned. Jesse is doing well in school. He is attending a boarding school about one hour from home. He likes his classes and friends. I think, and am praying, that this will be a turning point in his life.
Chris has now realized that there are limited opportunities for him here. He is planning to return to USA later this month to work and take some classes at a community college. We are currently working on these plans.
I have had the chance to visit two of the four zones of Heifer in Tanzania. I traveled visiting Heifer staff, farmers, church partners, and projects. I am very pleased with how well the fish farming and environmental projects progressed during my absence. More ponds were built and stocked despite having a severe drought. People are doing well and remain committed to their work. It was nice seeing these people again. I am looking forward to visiting the remaining two zones the next two months.
Heifer has asked me to begin working in other African countries. They want me to assist in starting fish farming and environmental work in several countries that have existing Heifer programs. We are looking at possibilities in Cameroon, Zambia, Mozambique, and Uganda. You may need to get the map out for that. We have written up a concept paper and proposal, and are waiting to get the go ahead to start.
I miss Meredith and probably always will. She was an amazing woman. I am thankful for the 25 years that I had with her. She taught me much about celebrating life and about dying. But God is good and there is life after death. I feel I need to go on with my new life. I can feel excitement about the challenges and possibilities that can be found in this new life. I am confident that God has good things in store for me.
May God bless you richly and give you Peace,
Dennis Murnyak
