We are at the end of our month here in Beira, Mozambique. This is my first real experience with culture shock while on the race. We are staying with our contact and his two brothers in their home in the African bush.
This is our first experience on the race with no indoor plumbing or running water. We’ve experienced bucket showers, an outhouse, seriously hot humid weather, hunger, difficult transportation, and mosquitoes in all their glory. This is the first month where we have experienced life truly different from the lives we left in America. It has forced us to realize why we are here and why we chose this year of abandonment and a radically different lifestyle. We came here to serve God and His people, but have received so much love in return.
Despite our drastically different circumstances, we have been so blessed to experience the real Africa.
- Our contact has graciously welcomed us into his home. He and his brothers have given up their rooms and beds for us.
- Antonio, our contact’s brother, cooks delicious meals for us 3 times a day with charcoal grills and no refrigerator or kitchen.
- Worship with passion
- Joy in the African people despite their circumstances and their thankful hearts for all the Lord has provided.
- Hospitality and welcoming hearts to us!
This is the first month I am pretty much without all of my physical comforts. However, it is the month I am most comforted by the Lord. Discomfort leads to growth. Even though life is more difficult in Mozambique than what we are used to, God is always good. My team and I are choosing joy this month and are open to what the Lord has for us and this nation.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again-Rejoice!”
-Philippians 4:4
