...and the excitement continues

I apologize if I have left all of you worried about me. Friday just after I posted my blog, there was an incredible thunderstorm and all of the power went out...for five days. And the internet in Morogoro is still being repaired. Much has happened since the last time I wrote, but I'll try to recall as much as I can. Sunday we went to another village very deep in the bush. As soon as we turned of the primary road, we encountered another flat tire! Luckily we had Luca, Moreto, and Kadeghe with us this time and we were all feeling healthy so it wasn't near the experience of the first one. Upon arriving at the village around noon (after an almost 4 hour drive) we finally began the service around 3. PH began by praying for rain. Unfortunately he didn't specify what he meant because within two minutes, clouds were rolling in, winds were picking up and dust was blowing everywhere. Within 20 minutes, the rains started, and they just kept coming. We were glad that prayers for rain were answered, but we were deep in the bush, like 2 hours worth of good driving on mud roads and pasture ground that is completely impassible during heavy rains. So the ride back was adventurous to say the least. To get a ride like that in the U.S. you'd have to pay good money. But once again, we made it home safely.
Monday afternoon, we went to Mikumi National Park where we stayed overnight in their beautiful accomadations and enjoyed a great meal and most importantly the wildlife. We had a great view of soooo many twiga (giraffes), tembo (elephants), zebra, Cave buffalo, impala, Warthogs, simba (lions), crocadiles, hippos, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. One lion was even taking a siesta in the middle of the road and let us slowly creep up on him until we were RIGHT next to him. (When I get back to my own computer, I will post a picture of how close we were). It was a GREAT time!!
This weekend, Josh and I have traveled to Dodoma in order to stay with Audrey and Paul at their project - The Water Project. The facilities are amazing, the food is great, the company even better. I have greatly enjoyed both Paul and Audrey as they have so many great stories to tell about their work/experiences here in Tanzania. They are quite the adventerous couple. They have offered to take me to Zanzibar this coming weekend to join them for an international music festival. I think it's going to work out and I can't wait!! They have also offered to let me come and stay here for ten days or so during the end of my time here where I may be able to spend some time in one of the hospitals/clinics nearby and hopefully be able to offer a little help around here as they have so much going on. For now, I should go and enjoy my time here as we are leaving tomorrow.
The storms are going to continue to interfere with the power and internet capabilities, so please don't worry if it takes some time between blogs, as 'efficient' is probably not one of the first words I would use to describe Africa, especially when it comes to power lines.