Black beans, parmesan cheese and chocolate chips.

Friends, we are so excited...

We have a group from Grand Rapids Christian High School coming the first week of January! We can't wait to show these students both the beauty and brokenness of Dar Es Salaam and engage with them as they process the work of God here and in their own lives. We LOVE having groups and sharing this experience with them.

Not going to lie - we also love them because they get extra luggage space, and that means we get a few goodies from home!! :) We're filling a few suitcases with school/church items, and giving some space to friends who are in need of particular things. BUT have saved a little room for our family as well.

So if you're out at Meijer and want to pick any of these items up, we'd love you forever & ever. Let us know and we can connect you with someone coming on the trip to hand it off to.

Our list:

* 6 bags of dried black beans
* 2 containers of parmesan cheese
* 3 bags of chocolate chips
These three are the top of my list EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. :)

* 20 packages/containers of Crystal Light drink mix OR Kool aid  - various flavors, but several lemonade (this is for my Tanzanian friend who loves Kool aid!)
* Ziploc bags - 1 box quart size, 1 box gallon size
* 2 containers Italian seasoning (again, for my friend)
* Socks for Isaac (a package of 3 ankle athletic socks- he wears size 1-2)
* Tennis shoes for Isaac - he needs size 2 - used it great!
* Medications: Aleve, Tums, chewable Immodium, Children's tylenol, Zantac
* notecards. I would love packages of cute note cards to write notes to people.
* iTunes gift cards to buy movies/music
* hand-me down summer dresses size 4-5T for Hope. I've got plenty of other clothes for her, but running short on dresses.
* non-Chocolate candy - marc loves it. skittles, starburst, etc.

Thanks friends! I miss Meijer. :)

Your spring cleaning might = Our wish List

We have a few visitors coming in just under a month & they are able to take a few tubs for us!! So, it's wish list time once again.

If you happen to have any of these USED items laying around your house that you're looking to part with, please let us know! My sister is going to get a tub together and hand it off to our visitors in a few weeks.

* Bed sheets - double and queen or king TOP sheets (our mattress will be an odd size, so we have to use top sheets tucked in)

* bean bag covers (1-2)

* Bath mats (3)

* Beach towels (2-4)

* Big pots

* cookie sheets

* guitar stand (small/collapsable)

And if you happen to go to Meijer & want to pick up any of these, we'd love you for it:

* chocolate chips

* bags of dried black beans

* parmesan cheese

* Candy of any kind

* fruit snacks

* dry/powder flavored creamer

I will likely think of more, but just wanted to get a list going in case anyone is beginning their spring cleaning!

THANKS!!

WISH LIST

Hello friends & family!

Look for an update soon of our first Christmas in Tanzania!

Until then, however, we wanted to share with you our wish list. Our dear friend, Kelly, is coming to visit us in about four weeks and is able to take with her some wish list items. Many of you have expressed interest in cutting down our costs by contributing an item or two, and we are SO THANKFUL!!

I thought I would post the list here so you can take a gander & see if you might even have an itme laying around your house collecting dust. :)

Please let us know if you plan to get something, so that we can avoid duplicates!

Also, if you can plan to get this to Kelly in Grand Rapids before January 20ish that would be great. Contact me for her email/phone.  She lives near Burton/Breton. Likely you can leave it on her front porch anytime and she'll get it.  

* 4 bags of dry black beans

* 2 containers parmesan cheese

* fruit snacks for the kids

* Cindy Suds (diaper rash cream - Hopscotch) -

* crayons 

* Construction paper

* pipe cleaners & other craft supplies (even on sale Christmas stuff from hobby lobby  - kits, etc)

* scrapbooking paper of fun designs or cardstock

* Size 1-2 crocs for Isaac (new or used!) design of it doesn't matter, just has to have a back strap of some sort

* Pots & pans (our personal ones stored at my parents are TOO heavy to put in a suitcase, but we need some. Used are great, as long as they're not too heavy. Just put this on here in case anyone sees something at goodwill, is getting rid of theirs. We don't have a TON of space, but a pot or two might be good)

* DVD's (new or used)- especially TV shows for the kids. We're all tired of the 3 Dora DVDs we have :) We have other movies too, but would love TV shows so we don't have to put on a whole movie.

* rechargeable AAA batteries (Eneloop brand)

* Speedo bathing suit for Gretchen (for coaching swimming - email for specifics - $50-$75) -

* Projector (email for specifics - in the $200-$300 price range)

* Home security system (email for specifics in the $150-$250 price range)

* Work out capris or long bball type shorts for Gretchen (size M or 10)

* Marc would LOVE some specific posters for his classroom ($20-$40 range - email for specifics)

* iHome of some sort so we can play music in the house(new or used - for a 30PIN classic iPod!)

* amazon gift cards/itunes gift cards are always welcome

* Hand Burr coffee grinder (especially useful when the powers out & we want coffee - we could hand grind it!)

* 3 OLD SPICE SWEAT DEFENSE extra strong Anti-perspirant & deoderant