Today i was again woken by the Mullah - chanting his prayers from the mosque at about half 5, not sure of the exact time but i know it's way before i want to get up would be ok but he has an amplifier. I normally get up about 6.30 - 7.00 as breakfast is at 8 and I get a chance to have a quiet time in the sunshine before then. Today we had some cake for breakfast which was left from yesterdays celebration which was a real treat, tea and cake - how British!
We all went to Pastor Bongas church, we were due to go at 9am and they came to get us about 9.45am - I was a little surprised as i always add at least an hour on to whatever time we're given but i was fooled this morning!
The conference began with some wonderful lively singing and dancing we all introduced ourselves and said why we had come to Mozambique. Pastor Bonga used his gift from England, a cordless clip on microphone, you could tell he was over the moon with his gift as it is the latest in technology here and he was a real trend-setter!
After introductions Ruth, Anne & myself left Martin & Dave to continue with the 1st day of the conference, which i am told went really well, and we travelled on to Dondo. We spent the day playing with the children, balloons, parachute men, tennis balls, ring-a-ring a roses, relay races and just fun things. We had some rice and fried fish for lunch, I must say i am starting to crave some home-cooked food. The food here is wonderful, saw papaya today, pineapple, mango, giant advocados, fresh fish and veg, it is just cooked in a way we're not used to. Ruth struggles with the food as even at home she only eats certain things and at the moment has an ulcer in her mouth, she is ok with bread and rice but today they went out and brought her a bag of chips for tea - a real treat ! i have no idea where the chippy is but they really tasted like chips from home, we have had chips before this week but not quite the same as these! - Jane, thanks for message, it's definately fish n chips with you next week!
Dondo is dusty and dirty and very basic but the children have more than most and Alice who works there is a saint, she lives there with them and is a mum to all, a remarkable lady. One girl, whos' photo i will post when it finally works from my phone, has hugged me every day i have visited and i just walk round with her in my arms, her name is Douiche. I left the dusty ground of the orphanage with her and walked to a small area of beautiful pink flowers and grass with a little African hut behind on the YWAM base opposite, i sat her down and took her photo in these stunning surroundings and showed her, it was beautiful, she was beautiful. I sensed God's presence, how he often lifts me out of the mire and carries me to beautiful places, safe in his arms, it was a very special moment, i hope she sensed that too, I believe she did and knew she was loved and beautiful, it was a captivating moment.
Tonight we are resting at the base, Martin & Dave are at the conference tomorrow, as is Anne who is giving a talk on Aids. Ruth and I have know idea what we are doing but whatever it is it will be at least an hour later than planned!!!!
7 comments:
what a lovely picture of all of you!
chips, neopolitan ice-cream - you are being really treated out there!!
glad you girls had a nice day in Dondo - carry on playing games and enjoying the time with all the children, Ann dont worry about your talk, im sure it will be fine!!
Looking forward to reading more updates!
take care, look after each other
love, victoria xxxx
Thanks for taking the time to blog, I understand it needs a lot of patience with the computer and internet speed there. Victoria and I love reading what you are doing. Look forward to tomorrows report on how Ann's talk was a sucess.
Love to you all. Jackie
This is Phil out of Crick. I am so glad that you feel special that your presence makes them feel special. God will bless all that he wants you to do.
Are that right to desire all that we have in the West? radio mics, chips neopolitian ice-cream. have we in the West got it right? I tend to think not. We should desire some of the the things they have - less dependencey on material possitions, greater family unity, a very deep faith that God will provide all they need.
We have so much to learn from them, coping in what we would consider dire circumstances, with dignity and pride.
Keep up the good work and may Godd continue to bless you and your work.
Phil
A fabulous report Dawn - thank you. It made me cry and you sum up the events so well. Your perception is great, and I think you are spot on with your image of God leading us to quiet beautiful places in the midst of our bleakness and when we are surrounded by grot. Enjoy sitting in His sunshine and sharing in his beauty. I feel so sorry for Ruth and know exactly what that feels like. It's a good excuse not to eat, but a very painful one too. Marmite helped my ulcers a bit, and salt was recommended too. Try and eat some fruit if you can too and get some good vits into yourself honey. My god bless you all greatly today in all that you are doing - trust in Him and he'll be right there beside you. You'll never be out of your depth, just struggling to find the side occasionally!! Lots of love xx
I have really enjoyed these blogs, I really wish I were there with you, as I have already told you, I am so proud of you and of how far you have come through lots of trials. So glad you feel God's presence and are able to share it with folk who seem less fortunate than us, but are they really, I ask myself. Give my love to all and continue to enjoy the wonderful experience.
Luv Mumx
it's great to hear about whats happening and how God is moving in you all! ruth- I can understand it is hard, but take coz's advice and u will be ok,
my prayers are with you all x x x
Anne & Ruth say thank you for the comments and kind words it is so nice to know that you are concerned for us and are all thinking of us and praying for us. Anne says she is relaxed after her talk, giving one in English was a challenge but in Portuguese and Sena for the locals!!!!!
Hopefully the information on AIDs will be used by those who heard it. Ruth says "I,m doing ok got some bongela for ulcers and i am having lots of fun!!!"
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