Imagine if you're asked to write about your wedding day, putting down all that beauty, happiness and wonder into just a few hundred written words – oh the pressure! Thus the short phrase to summarize the delightful affair you end up choosing is: "Guess you had to be there!"
That's what my 5 days in the Village of Joy in Pemba Mozambique was like (Iris Ministries), it seemed longer than 5 days because He showed me so much, yet shorter because when it was time to leave I wanted to stay forever.
A morning view: from the prayer hut overlooking the village.
As I arrived the peaceful and ethereally beautifully village nestled along the Indian Ocean coast and houses hundreds of orphans, facilitates two schools, one for international students (Harvest School) and one to equip local believers, I could already feel the welcoming and warm presence of You. You are drawing me near to You – You asked me to unload my burdens, my big heavy pack and just come to You now. Like the gentle breeze you woo me near to You. I am delighted and myt heart opens up to Your love. You want me to rest and enjoy You.
Just Be – You said.
Just listen, just receive, just be loved.
A sight to see: the sweetness of this girl's smile at Sunday Church.
To make the trip enjoyable, You also gave me a few good companions at the Village. First there was World Race friends I met in Malaysia on that epic Spirit filled evening, Michael and EJ who were the teams before us serving the same contact Pastor Thomas. They welcomely me so warmly, then there were fellow treasure seekers: Toby from Germany, Nathalie from Switzerland, Chris from South Korean, and Caroline & Ann-Elin a mother and daughter team from Norway, who were visitors like me and all hungry to see the Spirit move. As if seeing our desperation and wanting to show off – You showed up in ways we've never seen. Read Part 2: Did I See Gold Dust?
Surprise dinner: meeting up with WR alumni at Iris's Harvest School. Left to right,
EJ (G), Myself(L), Michael (G), Joanne (R), Caroline & Mark (E).
At the Village of Joy, my days' routine started with the sunrise and finished with the sunset. Everyday, so much happened its like I lived a thousand lifetimes, knowing I'm blessed to see and experience things others long to see and experience, realizing I am Your favored and beloved daughter. We saw healings, we saw glory, we saw freed people shout and dance for joy, we saw celebration as Harvest School graduates lifted their hands and were commissioned to the nations by Heidi and Rolland Baker, founders of Iris Ministries.
A joyous moment: commissioning prayer for new graduates of Harvest School.
My favorite activity: holding babies in the Baby Room.
