4:30am in the distance is heard a series of drum beats of unknown meaning or origin.
The sun rises shortly thereafter and the African day begins.
The people of Vilanculos rise and retire early by nature (and necessity due to firelight being the only source of illumination available.
Squad A is living on the grounds of a church led by Pastor Laura.
The church was demolished in the recent cyclone and the congregation has been busy at work dedicating all their free time and resources to rebuild.
At any given point in time, wooden shafts can be de-barked and large tree trunks can be cleaned in the same fashion.
The church is home to a community of individuals many of whom are still ambiguously related if related at all.
Children run everywhere, many of whom have been orphaned but are cared for by the village of people.
The children are happy and mesmerized by the group of American’s now living nearby.
They stay as late as possible to watch how we do everything and engage with us whenever is permitted by our hosts.
Music fills this culture like none other I have ever seen.
The repertoire consists of many spirituals and a series of upbeat choruses.
The acapella refrains echo in natural two and three part harmonies in an incredibly beautiful blend of voices.
The style is for one individual to lead and somewhat improvise as the chorus chimes in in complete unison to follow.
The children know their own set of music and complicated dance routines and love performing for us on a regular basis.
The African culture has been unbelievably hospitable.
We have realized that there is almost nothing that won’t be done for us should we ask including rides into town and around the area and water should we need it.
It is an insult to offer compensation unless it is presented as a gift.
We are living almost directly on the
Indian Ocean on the Mozambiquan coast.
We have discovered that Vilanculos is a known hot spot for Marlin and Barracuda fisherman so South Africans and other tourists are not uncommon to see around town.
Despite the remote nature of the town, it is surprisingly familiar to many foreigners.
Our ministry over the next couple days is to work with the church plants from this home base where we are currently residing. The church has 17 daughter churches of various sizes and various places around the area.
7-8 of these churches will be our destinations in an effort to be an encouragement and presence to the congregations at these locations.
Mozambique is beautiful, the people are friendly and God is very apparently present.
Praise God for Africa!
