Living Truth

I have lots of things on my mind as I get ready to start my "holiday" tomorrow. I just wanted to write a quick message before I go off to the bush of Ghana...
One thing I wanted to mention is that the programs that the film crew from Canada came to tape are supposes to be air in October. It is my understanding that the last 3Sundays of October are supposes to be the programs related to Hands at Work. The first week about South Africa, second, Mozambique and third, Malawi. The program is called "Living Truth". It is a program from Toronto, Canada (Pastor Charles Price) but I think it airs on some stations in the US as well. I believe that their website is www.livingtruth.org I would think that you could find out on their site how to watch these programs. I hope some of you can see them and really get a feel and glimpse of where I am and what I am doing. Let me know how they are too.
Okay, off to bed. I am exhausted as I saw Bridget off today. It was so great to have her and the time went too quickly.
If you don't hear from me for the next 2 weeks just trust that I am in great company relaxing and rejuvenating. Please pray for safety as I travel and to stay healthy. Also that it truly will be a time of renewal and I will be ready to come back to Mozambique with renewed joy, enthusiasm, energy and desire to finish off my last few months here. Thank you so much. Thanks to those who encouraged me to take this time and go "find rest". I know that it is much needed. I go with anticipation.

Here's a word that has been on my mind and heart this week:
Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Would love to hear from you!

Cast Your Burdens

The Rubatano Volunteers



Since I last wrote a lot has been happening. The team from California left yesterday. The last 10 days have gone so quickly as we were busy showing the work of Rubatano and doing lots of special events. One day we hosted a workshop for about 250community caregivers, the next a workshop for 45 Rubatano volunteers, the next a day for over 400 children to gather and play. It was busy and it's getting hot so by evening we were all ready for some rest.
As usual seeing so much and processing the lives lived here in Mozambique can be exhausting. It has been incredible to see things anew again. With Bridget here, and the team, I have been sharing and rethinking a lot of what I have been experiencing in the last few months. It is A LOT to process. I am repeatedly reminding myself that it is because of all this that I would obviously be tired. Today I have been thinking...most of these things that burden me, and make me feel so overwhelmed, are truly not my burdens to bear. "Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 That sounds simple enough doesn't it? Unfortunately it is something I am struggling with. So I pray for the faith to be able to do my part yet cast my anxiety unto Jesus to do the real work. I continue to be thankful for the perfect timing for Bridget to come and for the team to come. It was such an encouragement to have the team from Wellsprings here. It was incredible to see and hear the things that were challenging them. Most of all it was exciting to know that now 9 new people have seen the work, the need and the heartache here. Thank you Wellsprings from coming and caring. Thanks for your encouragement and energy.



As I continue to try to find renewal, energy and strength, I am looking forward to a break. After much prayer and contemplation, a few weeks ago I decided that I need a rest. On Oct 2nd I am flying to Ghana to spend 12 days and see the friends that I spent time with last year! I am so excited. When I told the people from the team that I was going there for my "holiday" I realized how much I have changed in the last couple years. I never dreamt that I would think a holiday would be to go somewhere where there is no running water and I may eat rat! BUT, I am sure that it's the company that will truly grant me the rest I need. As I enjoy the last few days of Bridget's stay I look forward to this trip and a chance to leave behind some burdens, at least for a few days.
Please pray for me as I continue to learn how to "Cast my burdens..."

Blessed

God is good to me. Very good to me. I have always known this but yet again I am reminded. As fatigue, exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed has heavily set in I am slowing being restored, renewed and refreshed.
Before I left AZ to come to Africa there were numerous people speaking of visiting Mozambique. Of course this sounded wonderful but I wasn't sure it would really happen. Well...Thursday I made the 2 hour trek to Beira to pick up Bridget at the airport. How fun it has been to show her the area, introduce her to people and to see things with fresh eyes again. As Bridget read me the email she was writing to her family and friends, I cried. I am not sure why. I think it's because after all this time finally someone else can see the things that make me laugh, cry and get on my knees to pray. It's so special to have her here and to share this time with her. What a blessing!



Before heading out to the "bush" we enjoyed some seafood at the beach. Mmmm, prawn curry- my Mozambican favoriite!



Here I am buying some vegatables at the market today. When I couldn't understand the number that the guy was saying he grabbed a carrot to write the number on the dirt. So clever.
I will try to write in the next couple weeks but if it isn't as frequent it's cause I am enjoying my time with Bridget. We also have a team coming from CA on Tues and they'll be here for 9 days- we'll be busy.

Do you have a Mom and Dad?

I realize I write for therapy. Sometimes it’s here; sometimes it’s in my journal. Again today, I have a lot on my mind.
There’s a girl here at the mission. She’s 15 years old. I met her one of the first days I arrived to Mozambique. At that time she was pregnant, very pregnant. She’s petite. When I met her, she was stone faced. I am sure she didn’t want to be pregnant. Shame, fear and anger was written all over her face. The night before she delivered when we sat with her she hardly responded to any interaction. I wondered if she even knew what was about to happen. A few days after she successful delivered her baby we were asked to pray for her. She needed to bond with her baby, to show some interest and interact with her- to feed her. Eventually she did, she’s now feeding her baby and taking care of her needs. She’s now a Mom.
Recently she’s been stopping by our house more. She quietly comes to the door. She still doesn’t say much- her English isn’t that strong, neither is my Portuguese. It’s a bit awkward sometimes. I don’t know what to say after a few minutes. She drinks some juice and eats an apple.
One time I was taking my bath and heard her come. There were some others sitting on the veranda with Laura so I didn’t rush my bath. When I opened the door of the bathroom she came in, “Sista Dara? I need money. Tomorrow I need to take the baby to the hospital for injections and I don’t have money for the chapa (transport).” I am ashamed to say my first thought was, “oh, great, now I she’ll be coming asking for money all the time.” Then it hit me. This girl didn’t ask for this life. She didn’t even really want this baby. She’s asking for the equivalent of 2 dollars. I gratefully gave her the money.
Today she stopped by again. She was suddenly at the door, as quiet as a mouse. I invited her in. I greeted her with the typically Mozambique greetings and got her her juice and her apple. That’s about all I know to say to her. Then we sat in silence. She doesn’t feel uncomfortable, I do. Baby is eating- Wow, is she beautiful. She has such a thick head of gorgeous black, curly hair.
Then as I sat there with the pile of “work” before me, she said, “Do you have a mom and dad?”
I was shocked. Frightened even to respond. “Yes, yes, I do. I am very blessed,” I said.
She pressed on, “Do you have family?”
“Yes, I have a sister and a brother-in-law and a nephew.”
“Oh,” she said expressionless.
Then it was silent again.
I wondered what she was thinking. I can’t relate. I don’t know what to talk to this young mom about. I can’t even believe we are living on the same planet. She asks if I have a mom and dad like I ask my friends if they have a boyfriend- they may, they may not- no big deal either way, just a question.
I spent the rest of the afternoon with her. She’s so quiet. I don’t know what to say. I am learning though. Maybe I don’t need to say anything at all. She keeps coming back. I don’t know what to do but I’ll sit with her- in silence. If she wants to talk, I’ll talk. If she wants to eat apples- I’ll buy an orchard.
I don’t know what to do with these thoughts. I don’t know what to do with these relationships. I don't know. I just don't know.
I’ll see what tomorrow brings and I’ll pray that I can love enough to make a difference, that she'll know she's loved.
Even just to one…

Wind, fire and prayers!

This week has, yet again, showed me more challenges of life here in Africa. As if I wasn't thinking life here isn't hard enough for these people, it just got harder. It's been crazy this week. This time of year it is quite common for the people to burn the land to clear brush and tall grass. A good idea if your other option is to clear the whole land by hand with a machete. BUT, it is a bad idea if there are gale force winds and your house has a dried grass roof. Tuesday I did home care and the wind was blowing so much my skin turned black and the volunteers skin turned white. In some places on my drive home there was fire on both sides of the road. Despite this, there were still people riding along the road on their bicycles hauling wood, charcoal or livestock. What else can you do when you need to survive? To make a long week brief, the wind and fire did major destruction on Tuesday. Many houses lost their roofs. Many houses burned to the ground- some with people inside. Some people died as they were working in their fields and the fires encircled them. Things are heavy here. Heavier. I figure it is bad when I hear Mozambicans say they just wish Jesus would come back. Somehow we keep keeping on. I find things to laugh at. We've been out of power all week. As a result my new favorite accessory is a head lamp! In an attempt to save my food I ate more meat last night than I usually eat in a week. It's always interesting. Despite it all, God is good, tomorrow will be better and if my heart hurts, how much more does God's?
Keep praying...miss you all!
(If you don't hear from me it's cause we still don't have electricity, I am in town at a friend's now typing this. I will be back on the weekend if there still isn't power).