“Inspiration, inspiration, inspiration” as I begin to brainstorm my next blog, I sit here on my bottom bunk, at debrief in Swaziland. With the clasp of my headlamp strategically wedged between the planks of wood that are supporting the top bunk and my Palm Pilot dangling from the elastic headband, I’m attempting to sit ergonomically correct. And as I’m asking God to give me inspiration so I can begin writing, I hear God say, “Have you not been inspired through all that I’ve done thus far?”
Mozambique was amazing on so many levels (I needed a step ladder!). Getting to our destination from South Africa was an amazing experience all in its own (please read my teammate Leah’s blog “Stars”).
Because of God’s plans and His sovereignty, our original plans all fell through. Hallelujah! We were slated to live at the Iris Ministry base and orphanage in Dondo during our three week stay in Mozambique but somehow our plan was miscommunicated and the staff there thought we were staying only for a couple of days. And because the orphanage/base was going through some changes, they had no agenda for us either. Coincidentally (or not), an Iris missionary, Herbert, was passing through this town on his way to Morrumbala, a village that was 12 hours away. His plan was to distribute 30 tons of food to the starving villages, as well as, to preach and to pray for the sick. He invited us to go along and with wide eyes and big grins we accepted the invitation.
After over twenty hours and crossing the Zambezi River, we arrived at Morrumbala. Herb was able to arrange for our group of twenty three people to stay at World Vision’s base. He also made arrangements so that breakfast, lunch and dinner were prepared for us. (Is this even real?!) We worked hard and rested hard.
Daily, we had team members spending time playing with the kids at the nearby Iris orphanage and other team members piled into the flatbed truck with the local church members to visit far off villages, dropping off food and the message of Jesus’ love. I was able to satisfy some of the village children’s curiosities of who I was, by laughing and dancing with them. I’d take them by the hand and lead them dancing in circles for hours or I would pick one child and spend the whole time with her. After preaching, we would pray for the sick and God healed them (please read Jake’s blog). At the end of the day, we returned “home” to debrief the day and gather together to praise and worship God and marvel at all that He had done through us.
Six months have passed since the beginning of the trip and all is very well. God continues to amaze me and continues to privilege me in being His hands and feet to help the helpless, allowing me to see big smiles on their faces.
That
is awe inspiring.
Village Outreach:
Step into my office…
