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We started 2010 with another trip back to New Zealand for the birth of our third child, Rachel. The resources and healthcare in a western country has so much more to offer, if there are any complications during childbirth or with the newborn, than the system in Tanzania. We have witnessed a number of times where babies die from easily preventable complications. We were not prepared to take this risk with our precious number 3. Jenny and the children were in NZ for 10 weeks, Richard for 7 weeks, having lots of work to do in Africa before he left.
It was a good time for us all, with us returning to Tanzania tired but emotionally refreshed. We used the time to give the kids experiences they do not get in Tanzania like playing at the beach (we live 6 hours from the coast), visiting farms, having dance and music lessons, getting books from the library and catching up with friends. Grace really came back out of her shell as she made friends with various children every playground we went to. Caleb, who is always on the go, loved the variety of playgrounds and was always in the water! We had a nice time up north at Houhora for a week and also did an overnight trip to Tauranga to catch up with doctor friends, see potential water project partners and for Jenny to attend the NZ Surgical Conference.
 
We had the privilege of catching up with many friends and family, and also updating people about progress in Africa. Richard also endevoured to gain financial support for the business ventures the mission base is starting (see business update). We spent time with our home support team, further defining their role in what we are doing in Tanzania and just gaining feedback and sharing ideas / strategies etc. We loved being back at our home chuch, Life. Thanks to all who made our trip home such a wonderful experience
It is interesting switching between Africa and the West. The differences are just so striking - whether it is the supermarket, the roads, the driving, McDonalds, developed businesses and high-rise towers, numerous diggers and machinery, the boats in the marina's and the playground in every park. The colour of peoples skin is reversed and most people speak English - it is easier to communicate. Lions and elephants are in a zoo and you have to make appointments to get to see people. Few people walk and most people drive. We love aspects of both places - the amazing thing is though - in the end it is all just about people and there are wonderful people everywhere!
We have enclosed a photographic record of our experiences.
   
Since returning to Tanzania, the kids have settled in very well with Grace and Caleb enjoying attending their preschool. Richard has been busy with the practical side of The Joshua Foundation and getting the accounting system working well. Jenny is on maternity leave and enjoying just being mum to the 3 children, particularly with the baby.
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