Holiday Overview

Do you remember the school I helped teach in last year? The new school is now complete and it is beautiful!! (and so are the dear students that attend!)


Here I am helping harvest cocoa.


Oh, sweet little Eric's lamb!



Here Praise and I are enjoying the beach. The last night with them Christine, Praise and I enjoyed at a beautiful beach resort. Many thanks to all of you who encouraged me to take the time to go to Ghana. Also, for you who helped us be able to spend this time at the beach. Thanks not only from me but also from Christine and Praise as we all thoroughly enjoyed our time. Thank you so much!


Christine, Praise and me enjoying dinner on the beach. A couple days of admiring the majesty of God at the beach really reminds me of His greatness and His power. A God who can tell the waves where to stop and has more thoughts for me than there are grains of sand- that is worth standing in reverence!

I love Ghana!

Hi all- just a quick message to touch base. I am in an internet cafe in Ghana and will be starting my trek back to Mozambique tomorrow. I will write a more indepth message when I have time to think, process my time and better articulate my thoughts. Let's just say that I have daily praised God for allowing me to have this time- time to reconnect with friends, students and the village people, time to rest, itch LOTS of bug bites, read and reflect. If nothing else (and there is more but if this were the only thing I get from this time) I have realized what a gift it is that I have been give this opportunity to have relationships with people who live in a rural African village. God has allowed me to see a larger world (outside of the States). I now respect a different culture, a different people group. Not only do I respect them but I care about them, I love them. I have spent time in the last 2 weeks with children and young people that I really want to see be blessed. They are young people with hope, with dreams and a desire to live big, and well. They are children that have touch my heart deeply and that I have to fight off tears when saying goodbye to them. What a blessing and gift this is- to have even more wonderful people in my life. Thank you God!
Gosh, all this and I haven't even mentioned the example, friendship and inspiration of Kirk and Christine! I have a lot to share with you! For now, know I have had a wonderful time, I am doing well and look forward to heading back to Mozambique and "finishing well!"
I just made my return flight arrangements and will be arriving back in Phoenix on February 13, 2009- it really is coming quickly! Blessings and please email me...my inbox has significantly decreased the last couple months. I do apologize that I don't personally email as often as I would like- but I do love hearing from you. Miss you!

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).

Thank you from little hearts!

Success! It was a bit chaotic. I was a bit stressed at times as I tried to eye up the children and see what articles of clothing would fit but...all in all yesterday was a wonderful day. The volunteers did most the work of going through and sorting the clothes but you can only do so much prep before hand. You can't chose clothes for kids before you see the kids. In the main area where we distributed the clothes we used a building which is usually the chicken coup! The chickens have grown and new chicks haven't yet arrived so the building was able to double as the clothing store.
This is a picture of me with Carlos and Santos after most the clothes had been sorted.



Here we are sorting clothes early yesterday morning before the kids arrived. Laura and I had 3 of the bales of clothes at our house to take to this area first thing yesterday morning. For those of you who have ever helped me move or seen me try to lift something heavy, you know that my lifting ability is closely related to my laughing ability. Laura and I had quite a time trying to lift these 100lb bales of clothes at 7am- I am quite sure I am weaker than normal at that hour!



Here are a few happy children with their wonderful volunteer Adao. In addition to the bales of clothes we purchased we also had these cute colorful t-shirts from GSK (a donor) to hand out. These clothes and t-shirts will be seen around the community for a long time!



Here are some more children with their new things.







One of the sweetest moments was after we had fit a dear little girl with a few things. She left the building glowing. As she walked away I watched her. As I did, she took off running up the dirt path towards her home. She was so excited and she wasn't going to risk anyone else getting her hands on her new things. Her little legs had a new bounce in them. She found joy today. I don't think this is day she, or hundreds of others, will soon forget!
Thank you for your help and entrusting me to be a part of something like this. Thanks for allowing me to be the one to reap the benefits- to see the smiles and get the hugs. I think God smiled down on Mozambique yesterday as many people came together and did as Jesus said, "I needed clothes and you clothed me..." Matt. 25:36
Thank you, thank you and thank you! God bless you!

Significance??

Many days I continue to wonder what the significance of my being here actually is. As far as doing anything for Mozambique or the people, most days it feels as if it is too big, the need is too great and I am too weak. All these things are true. I can do nothing here. I realize that more and more each day. My ideas of leaving a mark or doing something "significant" has changed drastically. I continue to have to shed my Western mind. I feel the "honeymoon" stage of missions is over. Now, each day, I learn something more about the culture. I am gaining more insight into life here. I see the web of problems and the depth of them. What can I even dream of doing to help?

I have come to realize there are two parts in answering this question. The first is that these feelings of helplessness are a lie from Satan. He is trying to discourage me and make me give up. I will NOT give up. I will persevere through this knowing that I AM here for a purpose and it is God who has called me here. The second answer to this question is that I really can't do anything here. That probably sounds like I am little crazy. Let me explain...to think I can do anything in my own strength is a joke. I can't. I am just now learning about HIV/AIDS and tropical diseases. I know very little about any culture other than my own and I can't even communicate with these people! BUT (here's the good part)...God can do amazing things! If I am called here just to pray that is far more than I can "do" on my own. God can (and is) making changes here.

On Tuesday we went to a town called Nhamatonda where we did training to volunteers who are starting a home-based care program. It was incredible to see how keen they are to learn. Their enthusiasm to serve there community is based on nothing else than a desire to care and love. They have no other motivation to do this than God. It is a desire that has been put on their hearts. The fact that I get to be part of this by training them to care for orphans and patients is significant. God can use them to make a difference for a long time after I leave! I now see that even though I am doing very little- God is doing very much. The most important thing I can do is pray for this new project and the volunteers. God can do something significant with that.

Here they are! Joyful and ready to go be the hands and feet of Jesus!



In the midst of so much heaviness and darkness the simple things are big here. Blowing bubbles for children- such joy!



As we departed they gathered to send us off singing "God go before them and bless their travel..."



Beautiful! Just beautiful! This is significant.

Estamos Juntos

This is my Mozambican family! They have taken Laura and me in like we are their own. Carlos, Pascoa and the girls are so much fun to be with. We spend much time with them. Today I was thinking about them and came to the realization that if nothing else happens in my time here or I learn nothing else, the impact that this couple is having on me will make this whole year worth it. There is much to learn from people who start their day at 3am just to pray for their community. There is also much to learn from a young lady who, when she was 16 yrs old, took in an orphan and has since loved her as her own. It's people like Carlos and Pascoa that are making a difference in Africa. Not only to Africa but also to people from around the world that get to work with them! Bless them!





Here's Laura and me with the girls- Jessica, Nyasha, Tabitha and Dominga.



We all spent yesterday together just having fun. Our friend Carly from Hands at Work South Africa is also here with us for a week. We all drove to this incredible dam and water reserve. We then went swimming in a pool and had a wonderful lunch together. It was a much needed break from the challenges of daily life! We always have so much fun singing, dancing, laughing and playing together. They do all they can to make us feel welcomed, loved and at home. The common Mozambican motto is this: Estamos Juntos, meaning, we are together! We are...we are together! ESTAMOS JUNTOS!