And now for the second installment of where in the world is Melissa going: MOZAMBIQUE! Let's get to know the place I'll be living one year from now:
<–Home sweet home January 2012
PEOPLE
- Portuguese is the official language (hence the title in Portuguese) since it was Portuguese colony for a very long time. Only about 9% speak it as a first language and 27% as a second language. Other languages spoken: Emakhuwa, Xichangana, Elomwe, Cisena, and Echuwabo.
- The life expectancy rate is about 41 years old.
- Women have an average of 5 children–wowzas!
- In 2007 about 1.5 million people had AIDS.
- Religious beliefs: 23% Catholic, 17% Muslim, 17% Zionist Christian, 17% other, and 23% none
- Years of schooling: 8
PLACE
- Slightly smaller than 2 Califorrnias.
- Has severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods
- Became independant in 1975
- They have about 1500 coastal miles so I could feel at home if we're by the water!
- Capital city: Maputo
DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
- Because of the AIDS epidemic, it is estimated there are about 1.4 million orphans
- People live on less than $1.25 a day.
- The floods, droughts and cyclones are destroyed many crops which keeps the cost of food rising.
- Children seriously malnourished because families unable to pay for food.
- 1 child out of ever 5 will die before they turn five.
WHAT I'LL DO:
"One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will be teach, preach, practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here." –World Race Website
As you can see my life will be VERY different next year (espeically since as I write this there is a bitter chill advisory and this morning it was -5 degrees out. I most certainly will not miss this! I'm so excited to another place and meet kids who are proably adorable beyond words (so look forward to lots of picture posts!).
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*Thanks www.cia.gov and www.savethechildren.org for the informations!
*Thanks google for the great pictures!
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*Been thinking about finanacially supporting me? AWESOME!! See my blog post a Penny saved or click on the Support Me link of the left!
*I'm leaving in less than 6 months…eeeeekkkkk!!!!!!
