MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry  Christmas one and all!

I've been waiting to send this message because I wanted to have something profound and wonderful to write. But, the truth is that it doesn't feel like Christmas. I've tried baking, I've tried listening to Christmas music for weeks now and even watching movies with snow. It's just not the same. My heart longs to be with family and friends in a cold place (I know there's no snow in MN this year). I don't want to be sweating when I try to sleep on Christmas Eve. I don't want to try to figure out how to make Christmas dinner because there's no gas to be bought in all of Mozambique. 

But, this is where I am and no matter where I am it's the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The very reason I'm here. So, I hope between now and Christmas day I can claim that peace in my heart and experience that peace that surpasses all understanding and, celebrate with real joy, even in a difficult time and place. 

Maybe next year we'll be home.

It does bring me much joy knowing how many people are standing with Nede and me here and how much we're loved. We love you, more than I can express from such a distance. xoxo 

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, may the joy of the LORD be OURS!

(conserving gas while baking Christmas cookies)

christmas cards

In an attempt to show some gratitude and appreciation to many of you who have been so supportive I decided to send a little Christmas greeting this year. I made Nede sit down with me on numerous occasions to do her part in this American tradition. Thankfully I had a friend returning to the UK who was able to bring the completed cards to mail from London. Unfortunately, there were about 15 that I wasn't able to finish before my friend left. 

This week I had another new experience, trying to mail something from the Mozambique postal system. Let's just say it took 2 conversations on 2 different days before I made up mind to give it a go. After I had paid my money (too much) I then found out that they only had 4 international stamps. But, I was reassuring that, "of course when the 'Cheif' (boss) comes he'll bring more stamps and the other 10 letters (that they're securely placing in this folder) will most definitely" be sent on to make the big journey across the pond.

I'm not so sure. 

So...here it is. If you've been one of our faithful supporters I did write a personal message and try to have a variation of this card sent to you:

You never know, you may be in for a treat and get a Christmas card around Easter or 4th of July or, just in time for next Christmas. Or, never.

Either way, know that our thoughts, thanks and love are being sent your way.

the seasons

It is litchi season--

We love litchis and have bought approximately 20kg of the sweet, juicy goodness--

Nede thinks this dress was made only for litchi season. 8 litchis fit conveniently in the front pocket--

 
With the rainy season also brings flying ant season--

Mozambican's like to eat fried flying ants--

Nede came exuberantly in the house saying, "They're sweet ones!!!" I wrinkled my nose and took a look. I accidently dropped a few on the floor and put them back in her container and she responded with, "Mom, I can't eat those, they were on the floor. Gross!"

I like that it's Christmas season best.