Practical Details and FAQ’s

Where?
Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

Accommodation
They have built a house on the Joshua Foundation base in Arusha, Tanzania

When?
Left New Zealand is scheduled in June 2007

How long will Richard & Jenny be in Tanzania?
They do not expect to permanently return to New Zealand. They plan to return approximately every one to two years for necessary upskilling, resource gathering and connecting with friends and family. 

Have they taken all their household items with them?
Yes – two containers were packed and shipped on 11th June.  These had in them building materials, books (including Jenny’s medical library) and all their personal items, among other things.

How do they fund themselves in Tanzania?
They are working voluntary for both Selian Hospital and Joshua Foundation, and so will be raising funds through partner donations and establishing revenue streams once in Tanzania.

What about general safety and HIV?
Tanzania is a relatively safe and stable African country and is a very good African base.  HIV/Aids is a problem throughout Africa and it is something they know is a risk factor, especially for Jenny as a surgeon.  They will take all possible precautions; including having a supply of retrovirals, but in the end will trust God for their protection.

How will they overcome the language barrier?
Richard & Jenny have been learning Swahili.

What is available for schooling in Tanzania?
There are a number of options including 3 very good international schools in Arusha.  Grace currently attends one of  the International school's preschool two mornings a week. They also know that in the future their children may return to New Zealand (or some other country) for tertiary education.

How will their pilot’s licenses be beneficial in Tanzania?
Distance is a significant challenge for any person wanting to have wide impact in Africa.  The vast spread between centres, coupled with poor roads, make travelling even relatively small distances time consuming and at times dangerous.  The ability to fly maximises efficiency and effectiveness.  Their desire is to own a plane in Tanzania and put their private pilots licenses to good use!.

If people want to visit, what can they do and where will they stay?
There is a large array of opportunities for service – from medical, sport, business, ministry, practical, IT, education to engineering, mechanics, building and agriculture.  We have built a two bedroom apartment for visitors on the Joshua Foundation Base.  There are also a range of other accommodation options available.