Inspiration

One thing compelling us back to Mozambique was wanting to spend time with those working hard for the flourishing of the people here. They are an inspiration. While there are others in the country doing this, both Mozambicans and expatriates, here are the ones with whom we recently spent some time.

Mark and Helen Van Kovering. After helping us get settled in Lichinga 15 years ago, they went to the UK for seminary. Helen became an Anglican priest and served/s a congregation upon their return here. She also does work for the diocese and Mothers Union/Women's groups in the area. Mark also became a priest and serves as the bishop responsible for over half of Mozambique. He travels a ton, on roads you can only begin to imagine (think slimy red mud and wobbling-planks-over-murky-water type bridges) and does a lot of equipping, teaching, and encouraging of church leaders and churches. They seem to be constantly thinking of ways to build the capacity, food security, and dignity of the people here. I hope you sense our respect for them and their work.

We've also had the privilege of meeting Rebecca Vander Muelen who works with the mission/community development arm of the Anglican Church in Lichinga. She, along with her colleagues, Mario and David, seek to develop more opportunities for faith formation in the youth and are involved in education and other community development initiatives in a large area of northern Mozambique. Rebecca rides her bike most places, has worked for Bread for The World, and thinks hard about issues of justice. It was a delight to spend a little time with her.

We also spent a little time with Dr. Peg, who is involved in multiple aspects of health teaching and improvement in northern Mozambique. We're told she is the only doctor responsible for the health care of about 20,000 people, yes, 20,000. She quickly reminded us that there are nurses and trained health workers in the area as well, but truly, her work is vital to the health of a large portion of people in northern Mozambique.

Since I began writing this post, we have arrived in Kenya. There are so many stories to tell but I think this post is long enough for now. We'll only add a few humorous thoughts about travel/life in Africa.

You know you're in Africa when.....
1. the thought of doing laundry with machines is an exciting prospect.
2. you think less about how cool your mosquito net looks draped over your bed, and more about how well it will keep out the rats, mice, mosquitoes, and many other potential creepy crawly visitors.
3. the immigration officials find great satisfaction in making the loudest bang possible in stamping your passport. (not sure why this is, it just is)
4. you're struggling to fall asleep and find it conducive to count geckos on the wall as opposed to sheep over the fence.
More to come..
Shalom, friends.

Pictures:
1. Life's necessities are often carried on your head.
2. Ruth and Rebecca
3. Mark and Rebecca
4. Mark and Helen's backyard view
5. Dr. Peg in the forefront
6. Communion last Sunday morning