Whoa, hold your horses! The last 5 days have been a whirlwind. Three continents in less than 48 hours: South America (Argentina), Europe (England) and Africa (South Africa). Time to slow down a bit? But it doesn’t look like that will happen any time soon. This crazy world…this crazy journey…mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually – it’s quite the life. An abundant life. The abundant life that God promises.
We had a day layover in England. So, lucky us, we had about 8 hours to explore London. We started in Picadilly Circus, soaked up some sun in Green Park, caught the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, enjoyed the National Art Gallery in Trifalgar square, downed some steak and mushroom pie in a Pub while in Covant Gardens, strolled around the Theatres and before leaving we quickly peeked inside of Herrod’s (the most expensive department store ever!). A full day after pulling an all nighter on the plane! My head was definitely bobbing on the subway at the end of the day!
After leaving one of the most affluent continents, we slide into Africa – the poorest. A day in the life of a world racer. Yes, it makes my head spin. After a day of rest, we hit the streets of Johannesburg racing. I am proud to state that, for the first time, Team Nessa didn’t get last! We came in second!
Within the next few days, we head to Dondo, Mozambique. After two days of travel by bus, we will arrive in this small African village that has been hit by flooding. I guess flooding is “normal” in this town as it lies close to a major river. Mozambique is the 4th poorest country in the world. Two-thirds of the children die before the age of five. Malaria and dysentery claim the majority of the deaths. Both of which are preventable and curable. Rice, beans, kale, fish are staples. Fruit is a treat!
While in Dondo, we will be working with Iris Ministries. This is an incredible organization that has been a major influence in the revival that is taking place in Mozambique. They train up native pastors and send them out into the bush. They also father many orphans and head up major feeding programs throughout the country. Thirty-three orphans live on the Dondo base…we may be helping with disaster relief, open air outreaches, feeding programs…And, I may be able to brush up on my African cooking skills this month as we will be fending for ourselves.
Blogs and e-mail will be few and far between this month. I’m sorry about that, but will update everyone as soon as I am able. Please pray for travel safety and good health!
My mind is reeling. It has been for a while, but the wheels are turning more quickly now. A day ago, I was walking around in Herrod’s – Prada, Gucchi, $500 sunglasses, a plate of oysters on the half-shell for $50. In a few days, I will be holding kids who are dying of dysentery – ahhhhh!!! We (WR’s) deal with it all the time. Yes, it’s annoying, but it’s not a matter of life and death…for us. But for many kids in Mozambique (and all over the world), death by dysentery is their fate.
