What’s
the plan? Wouldn’t you like to know?
Yep, so would I. But that’s all part of the adventure.
We
left Buenos Aires in the morning on May 1st, we landed in London at
7:30 am on May 2nd played around for the day (see my London blog)
then left again at 7:pm, finally we reached our destination, landing in
Johannesburg, South Africa at 9 or so in the morning. Praise the Lord that we landed safely with
all our gear, despite the British Airlines rule of only one checked bag and one
carry on per person. You could only
imagine the frenzy we were in. Perhaps
you might not be aware of the accumulation of “have to have” stuff that has
occurred.
And
that’s where things get interesting. As
far as we are concerned, we are leaving South
Africa for Mozambique somewhere around
Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the visa process and transportation. Word has it that our destination in Mozambique is
lacking in electricity and security, two things that we have been
semi-fortunate to retain so far.
Fortunately, Alabanza, our current residence in South Africa has provided a secure home for our
valuables that we chose not to take (since we will be returning here after Swaziland). So for the first time we will have the
opportunity to really leave it all behind.
I
don’t really even know what that means any more. I thought I had gone through that back in
December when I left the “big” stuff at home.
But what about the fancy digital camera, I Pod, and lap top? Then there are my “nice clothes” (the nicer/newer
articles out of my missionary attire) that I am not too eager ruin or
lose. But I know it will (hopefully) all
be here when I return for it 5 or 6 weeks.
So
what does it really feel like to go with the bare minimum? I don’t really have
the answer, and I’m not sure I will know yet, as I am sure that my bag will
still have entirely more than I need.
There was a moment where I wanted to erase all this as I realized how
much value I have placed on my material items.
But it’s only fair that you see the reality in the difficulty of merely
leaving it behind. Perhaps it will present a better understanding when I have a
chance to share what it is like actually living with out it. I fear however, this may be the least of my
challenges. I am faced with potentially
less or no communication back home, major cultural differences ( we are not in
the America’s anymore), we will be on the coast where although it is winter its
comparable to summer for us and very humid.
Also, there is the safety factor, or lack there of.
Things
are certainly different on this side of the world, but I am anxious to go to Mozambique
with learners heart.
Please keep myself and the team in your
prayers.
