I have now been in Mozambique for 2 weeks and I can say that I have quickly fallen into the lifestyle of this country. My favorite part of my ministry here is walking around with the women of the church and praying at different houses.
This is what a typical day looks like. We leave for prayer around 11am and walk in the heat to many different houses. Most homes that we walk in are literally one room cement floor houses. The common prayer request is for protection over the family and house because in December accidents and sickness are much more prevalent. But we have met many families’ with different requests. One little girl we met had burns all down her legs and another woman had lost her baby 7 months into the pregnancy. We encountered a young woman who was flailing on the ground unable to speak. We were told she had malaria which affected her brain. No matter what the case may be the women we pray with prove to be strong in their faith, walking with confidence and boldness.
Typically we will walk for several hours and end up at one of the houses we are praying for where the family will prepare lunch for us. Most families do not have the money to provide a large meal but they want to bless us in this way. We tend to sit underneath the shade of a tree and feast on fish, rice and veggies. Then we will sit and relax for as long as they feel. Mozambiquans run on their own time, they don’t rush for anything.
As I was sitting in the back of a pick-up truck on our way home from the ministry, crammed with just me and six Mozambiquan women I took the time to soak up the moment. I felt my skin absorbing the sun, watched as we passed homes which could be mistaken for sheds and just listened to the women talking and laughing about who knows what because I don’t understand Portuguese. I sat there smiling and enjoying every bit of my afternoon. The simple pleasure of being in the company of friends and appreciating what you have.
The World Race has helped me find joy in the small things like drinking a cold bottle of coke on a hot day and having a working fan to keep us cool at night and bug spray to reduce the large amount of mosquito bites I get. I am becoming more thankful for God’s blessings each day and it is with the help of my Mozambiquan friends.
