Today, Friday, has turned out pretty good. We ended yesterday a little shaky and my comfort level was not too high when we started. The biggest issue was trying to finish the cement work in the inside bathroom since that was the only thing left to do...well, you know how it goes.
Anyway, the mason started out and we thought he would be 3 days. After lunch and a little more thought, we start at 5 a.m. on Saturday and then...finish! Actually, since I leave Sunday, the mason wanted to finish before I left, so he re-calculated. But we are going to get it all done!
It is amazing what God has done on this project. The first 2 or 3 weeks were Ugly! Then we started to see some real progress and then things started falling into place. We had problems, but God has guided everything!
Today, Hafiz hosted a going away party for me with all my workers and contractors. It was most interesting to here a Muslim cleric compliment me and acknowledge my belief in God as a basic in my life. The men were stoic Muslims but God was present and an atmosphere of friendship was all around the table. It was cool.
I would like to thank everyone who sent support to me from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity made an impact on a neighborhood and an entire community. You enabled me to help Rodger get his house prepared in a way that Rodger did not anticipate. You helped provide over $700 in construction costs that we could not have foreseen. You also helped me become Baboo and Amigo to some young men and children that I hope will have an impact in Eternity.
Thank you,
Baboo
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Motorscootin in Mozambique
Since this past Sunday was the last full Sunday I would be on Ilhe, I decided to go for a motorbike ride. I kept putting off the off island excursions to make sure my money was adequate, and so I finally took off.
I rented a 50cc motor bike from one of the guys on the island, and after a little learning curve, I was off the Island! Now, a 50 cc motor bike is small....I mean real small. People kept looking at me as I would motor along partly because they don´t see a white guy on a motorbike...ever...and I was a little big for the thing anyway. But, as I would go along I would wave at everybody and I would hear Bon Dia! and cheers and yells and the little kids would giggle and laugh and everybody waved back. Some waved back enthusiastically and others in sort of a dull shock like the circus had just ridden by.
I did get to see 2 cool things, at least I think they were cool. First, there is an old airplane hanger just off the main highway and a couple of white buildings back behind the hanger. So, I turned up this little dirt path on my little motorbike to see what I could see. I ran into...Aeropuerto de Jumbo! This is a cool little airline terminal with an equally cool control tower. The one employee met me as I drove up and gave me a tour of the entire facility! He said that maybe 2 or 3 airplanes a month land there and he did have a photo of a private jet sitting on the tarmac. It was fun to see and I get to tell the visitors on the island that are doing research about the airport...which they don´t believe.
The second thing I did was take the motorbike on a dirt road out to the country side to see what that was like. It brought back great memories of my cousin Steve and I riding his motorscooter on the dirt country roads in Oklahoma when I was 12 and he was 14. In fact, that is how I learned to dirve a motorscooter. Thanks, cuz!
The people on the country road were as enjoyable to see as the scenery. EVERBODY stopped what they were doing to look at me go by. They were all very friendly...just confused or amused or both.
We are moving the end very fast on the project now. The mason has completed all but one small task and he is trying to get the bathroom floors and walls finished before I leave. We need to stain a little bit of door trim and some small stuff but other than that...we are done.
I posted pictures on Flickr if you want to see.
Mike
I rented a 50cc motor bike from one of the guys on the island, and after a little learning curve, I was off the Island! Now, a 50 cc motor bike is small....I mean real small. People kept looking at me as I would motor along partly because they don´t see a white guy on a motorbike...ever...and I was a little big for the thing anyway. But, as I would go along I would wave at everybody and I would hear Bon Dia! and cheers and yells and the little kids would giggle and laugh and everybody waved back. Some waved back enthusiastically and others in sort of a dull shock like the circus had just ridden by.
I did get to see 2 cool things, at least I think they were cool. First, there is an old airplane hanger just off the main highway and a couple of white buildings back behind the hanger. So, I turned up this little dirt path on my little motorbike to see what I could see. I ran into...Aeropuerto de Jumbo! This is a cool little airline terminal with an equally cool control tower. The one employee met me as I drove up and gave me a tour of the entire facility! He said that maybe 2 or 3 airplanes a month land there and he did have a photo of a private jet sitting on the tarmac. It was fun to see and I get to tell the visitors on the island that are doing research about the airport...which they don´t believe.
The second thing I did was take the motorbike on a dirt road out to the country side to see what that was like. It brought back great memories of my cousin Steve and I riding his motorscooter on the dirt country roads in Oklahoma when I was 12 and he was 14. In fact, that is how I learned to dirve a motorscooter. Thanks, cuz!
The people on the country road were as enjoyable to see as the scenery. EVERBODY stopped what they were doing to look at me go by. They were all very friendly...just confused or amused or both.
We are moving the end very fast on the project now. The mason has completed all but one small task and he is trying to get the bathroom floors and walls finished before I leave. We need to stain a little bit of door trim and some small stuff but other than that...we are done.
I posted pictures on Flickr if you want to see.
Mike
Friday, July 22, 2011
Photo link
Diane posting here...just in case you have forgotten...link to view photos is www.flickr.com/photos/oldslush
Please keep praying for Mike to have a strong finish there...that Satan's attacks won't rob the joy of his last days there (for this trip...he'll be back)!
Oh and didn't mean to get this on there where you don't see his latest post. A great new observation posted on Friday evening (his time).
Please keep praying for Mike to have a strong finish there...that Satan's attacks won't rob the joy of his last days there (for this trip...he'll be back)!
Oh and didn't mean to get this on there where you don't see his latest post. A great new observation posted on Friday evening (his time).
Old wood to new
Things are coming together and winding down all at the same time. One week from tomorrow is my final work day on the island and I am trying to move as much forward as I can.
One of the things Rodger wanted was new doors because the existing ones are really bad looking. When the doors were installed, no type of protection was applied to the outside of the doors, just bare wood. The effects of wind, rain, sea spray and sun really took its toll on 2 of the doors especially. I kept looking at these doors thinking all was lost when we installed a new door for the utility room. Right beside the beautiful new door was the old wooden trim which was literally grey/gray with age. When I was not watching, Willey started to scrape and sand on the old wood. To my surprise there was beautiful wood just beneath the surface, so off we went in a new direction. After we finished sanding and prepping we put the new marine grade sealant on the old wood and WOW did it look good. I posted a picture of that yesterday.
Today, I started the boys sanding and scraping on the door and door frame that connects the breezeway and the house. Late this afternoon we then put the marine grade sealant on and you cannot believe the beautiful door that was behind all the gunk.
I guess if I was speaking in parables, there would or should be one here. God takes our old, tired and worn out life and scrapes and sands all the gunk off and then seals us with his Holy Spirit. What a beautiful life is then revealed for the world to see.
I hope you have a great weekend and go to church somewhere for me!
Mike
One of the things Rodger wanted was new doors because the existing ones are really bad looking. When the doors were installed, no type of protection was applied to the outside of the doors, just bare wood. The effects of wind, rain, sea spray and sun really took its toll on 2 of the doors especially. I kept looking at these doors thinking all was lost when we installed a new door for the utility room. Right beside the beautiful new door was the old wooden trim which was literally grey/gray with age. When I was not watching, Willey started to scrape and sand on the old wood. To my surprise there was beautiful wood just beneath the surface, so off we went in a new direction. After we finished sanding and prepping we put the new marine grade sealant on the old wood and WOW did it look good. I posted a picture of that yesterday.
Today, I started the boys sanding and scraping on the door and door frame that connects the breezeway and the house. Late this afternoon we then put the marine grade sealant on and you cannot believe the beautiful door that was behind all the gunk.
I guess if I was speaking in parables, there would or should be one here. God takes our old, tired and worn out life and scrapes and sands all the gunk off and then seals us with his Holy Spirit. What a beautiful life is then revealed for the world to see.
I hope you have a great weekend and go to church somewhere for me!
Mike
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The drunk Frenchman, 2 college students and a road trip to Nacala
You remember the drunk Frenchman? Well, he came back. This time, however, he showed up at the guesthouse where I am staying! He was...drunk. He checked in and then went out to party...all night long.
Sunday morning when I got up, there were 2 new additional guests. Two young men traveling through Africa. They have been away from school for the past 7 months, but are students at Yale and Georgetown. As we were talking, our Frenchmen came into the dining room...with a towel wrapped around him. That´s the way we all ate breakfast, with the Frenchman still a little drunk, but with a towel wrapped around him. It was fun. He drank half of my coffee since it was fresh brewed. Why not.
Anyway, I showed the college guys around the island...it took 2 hours. We did enjoy each others company and they are looking to buy a guesthouse as a long term investment. I am sure parents are involved in this equation somewhere. Anyway, they leave in a few hours so we will have dinner together again and then they are off to someplace else in Africa. They said they haven´t figured out what they want to do when they grow up...just like me!
Monday morning at the worksite sprung up as usual, and as usual, I needed to spend more money that Rodger had not planned on. The carpenter came with the window and screen frames and announced we needed to get the window handles and hardware, none of which could be purchased on the island or acrosss the bridge on the mainland...we had to go to Nacala. So at 10 o´clock in the morning, Miguel and I set off for Nacala...only a 1 1/2 hours drive by car. The Gilligan´s Island theme keeps rolling through my head right about here.
We piled into the back of a truck..with 25 other people, and went across the bridge. Well almost across the bridge. It´s a one lane bridge and part of the way over, our driver came truck to truck with another driver and we sat there for 10 minutes waiting to see who would back up. We backed up.
Once, across the bridge we waited for and then got into a mini van or choppa. It has seats for about 16 people, but as we drove along we managed to put about 25 people in there. The drive to the main highway is about 35 miles and after about 2 hours, we finally made it! Once we were at the main highway we then waited for another truck to take us the 40 to 45 miles to Nacala. You have to picture a delivery type truck with 2 wooden benches and a metal top where you can store all your carrying stuff. Once again, the driver moved me up to the cab to sit. I´m not sure if this is a sign of respect or if no one wants to sit next to a bald headed white guy. But, after another 2 1/2 hours...we were in Nacala! We would actually drive down the highway for 3 or 4 minutes and then stop for 10 minutes to load someone on the truck.
I have to confess I was concerned, because if it took us 5 hours to get there and it was already 3 in the afternoon, what was I facing trying to get home! We did make it to the hardware store and made a record time of only staying there 1 1/2 hours. Did you know that chrome is the same as brass...only different? I won´t bore you with that story since it only took 1 1/2 hours to straighten out.
So at 5 o´clock in the evening, I set out for what I anticipated to be another 5 1/2 hour trip except in the dark.
We got into another mini van/choppa and made it to the edge of town where we then got on 2 motorbikes to go another 5 kilometers to the area where people gathered to get whatever kind of ride they could to get home. As soon as we hopped off the motorbikes, Miguel ran up to the driver of an 18 wheel deisel truck driver and asked for a ride. If it had been raining, I would be singing "Me and Bobby McGee" right now. So, Miguel and I got in the cab of an 18 wheel deisel truck. Oh yes...the driver insisted the bald headed white guy sit in the passenger´s seat.
Well here I am, rolling down a dark 2 lane highway in Mozambique in the cab of a deisel truck, watching the mud huts and their campfires go by listening to...ABBA´s greatest hits. It was actually quite a bit of fun. In about an hour we made it to our intersection and hopped out and the truck driver went on to Nampula. We still had 35 miles to go and it was dark. However, there are people everywhere! Picture the darkest 2 lane highway you have ever been on through the countryside. Now, picture people on bicycles, motorbikes and on foot walking along the side of the highway. It´s like that everywhere. Some people are carrying stuff home and some are just out walking to see someone or something.
After a few minutes, 2 young men in a 4 door Toyota pulled up and after a brief conversation, we got another ride. Oh by the way, we paid the truck drive and these guys in the Toyota for the ride...that´s how it´s done.
So back on the dark 2 lane highway. buzzing past mud huts, campfires, pedestrians and etc. and listening to...Phil Collins and Whitney Houston! Another hour and I am back on Ilhe! Only a little over 2 hours to get home. Praise the Lord!
So what did I learn? I´m not sure other than God watches out for people like me.
I am posting some new pictures of our infamous sliding door, so I hope you enjoy.
Mike
Sunday morning when I got up, there were 2 new additional guests. Two young men traveling through Africa. They have been away from school for the past 7 months, but are students at Yale and Georgetown. As we were talking, our Frenchmen came into the dining room...with a towel wrapped around him. That´s the way we all ate breakfast, with the Frenchman still a little drunk, but with a towel wrapped around him. It was fun. He drank half of my coffee since it was fresh brewed. Why not.
Anyway, I showed the college guys around the island...it took 2 hours. We did enjoy each others company and they are looking to buy a guesthouse as a long term investment. I am sure parents are involved in this equation somewhere. Anyway, they leave in a few hours so we will have dinner together again and then they are off to someplace else in Africa. They said they haven´t figured out what they want to do when they grow up...just like me!
Monday morning at the worksite sprung up as usual, and as usual, I needed to spend more money that Rodger had not planned on. The carpenter came with the window and screen frames and announced we needed to get the window handles and hardware, none of which could be purchased on the island or acrosss the bridge on the mainland...we had to go to Nacala. So at 10 o´clock in the morning, Miguel and I set off for Nacala...only a 1 1/2 hours drive by car. The Gilligan´s Island theme keeps rolling through my head right about here.
We piled into the back of a truck..with 25 other people, and went across the bridge. Well almost across the bridge. It´s a one lane bridge and part of the way over, our driver came truck to truck with another driver and we sat there for 10 minutes waiting to see who would back up. We backed up.
Once, across the bridge we waited for and then got into a mini van or choppa. It has seats for about 16 people, but as we drove along we managed to put about 25 people in there. The drive to the main highway is about 35 miles and after about 2 hours, we finally made it! Once we were at the main highway we then waited for another truck to take us the 40 to 45 miles to Nacala. You have to picture a delivery type truck with 2 wooden benches and a metal top where you can store all your carrying stuff. Once again, the driver moved me up to the cab to sit. I´m not sure if this is a sign of respect or if no one wants to sit next to a bald headed white guy. But, after another 2 1/2 hours...we were in Nacala! We would actually drive down the highway for 3 or 4 minutes and then stop for 10 minutes to load someone on the truck.
I have to confess I was concerned, because if it took us 5 hours to get there and it was already 3 in the afternoon, what was I facing trying to get home! We did make it to the hardware store and made a record time of only staying there 1 1/2 hours. Did you know that chrome is the same as brass...only different? I won´t bore you with that story since it only took 1 1/2 hours to straighten out.
So at 5 o´clock in the evening, I set out for what I anticipated to be another 5 1/2 hour trip except in the dark.
We got into another mini van/choppa and made it to the edge of town where we then got on 2 motorbikes to go another 5 kilometers to the area where people gathered to get whatever kind of ride they could to get home. As soon as we hopped off the motorbikes, Miguel ran up to the driver of an 18 wheel deisel truck driver and asked for a ride. If it had been raining, I would be singing "Me and Bobby McGee" right now. So, Miguel and I got in the cab of an 18 wheel deisel truck. Oh yes...the driver insisted the bald headed white guy sit in the passenger´s seat.
Well here I am, rolling down a dark 2 lane highway in Mozambique in the cab of a deisel truck, watching the mud huts and their campfires go by listening to...ABBA´s greatest hits. It was actually quite a bit of fun. In about an hour we made it to our intersection and hopped out and the truck driver went on to Nampula. We still had 35 miles to go and it was dark. However, there are people everywhere! Picture the darkest 2 lane highway you have ever been on through the countryside. Now, picture people on bicycles, motorbikes and on foot walking along the side of the highway. It´s like that everywhere. Some people are carrying stuff home and some are just out walking to see someone or something.
After a few minutes, 2 young men in a 4 door Toyota pulled up and after a brief conversation, we got another ride. Oh by the way, we paid the truck drive and these guys in the Toyota for the ride...that´s how it´s done.
So back on the dark 2 lane highway. buzzing past mud huts, campfires, pedestrians and etc. and listening to...Phil Collins and Whitney Houston! Another hour and I am back on Ilhe! Only a little over 2 hours to get home. Praise the Lord!
So what did I learn? I´m not sure other than God watches out for people like me.
I am posting some new pictures of our infamous sliding door, so I hope you enjoy.
Mike
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Jan and Dean and the proper mixture of Cement
In the early 60's, I lived in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I would go to my buddies, whose name was Homer, and listen to Jan and Dean and all the surfer music. One of my favorite songs was Sidewalk Surfin, and I loved the background of Bust Your Buns, Bust Your Buns. I listened to it the other night and today, I got real close to sidewalk surfin except it was Dumptruck Surfin.
We had to go across the 1 1/2 mile bridge to get cement blocks and I rode, no I stood, in the back of a dumptruck type vehicle with about 30 to 35 other people. We went over speedbumps and when we slowed down everyone moved forward and then over the bump and everyone went backward...just like on a surfboard! It is interesting to see vehicles that are used for taxis and buses packed beyond what you would think is their capacity. And I have to admit, it was a little fun.
We bought cement blocks the other day for construction here on the Island. What a disaster! The block maker did not use enough cement and water to make a good mixture. The blocks looked like a cement block...until we tried to transport them. They literally fell apart. We did stored them at the house but we can't use them. Any pressure at all on the blocks and they crumble. When you pick up the parts, you can crush this cement block bits with your hand and you can see there is little if any cement content. They are unusable and we are working to get our money back. But we did find good cement blocks on the mainland, hence, Sidewalk Surfin.
These cement blocks remind me of Christians in many ways. There are a lot of people who call themselves Christian but when the pressure of life comes on, they fall apart. They look like Christians and it's hard to tell them apart from the real thing. But without Jesus Christ as the binding agent in their life...they crumble, just like a cement block made without cement.
Enjoy the new pictures, I am in one of them to make my wife happy.
Mike
We had to go across the 1 1/2 mile bridge to get cement blocks and I rode, no I stood, in the back of a dumptruck type vehicle with about 30 to 35 other people. We went over speedbumps and when we slowed down everyone moved forward and then over the bump and everyone went backward...just like on a surfboard! It is interesting to see vehicles that are used for taxis and buses packed beyond what you would think is their capacity. And I have to admit, it was a little fun.
We bought cement blocks the other day for construction here on the Island. What a disaster! The block maker did not use enough cement and water to make a good mixture. The blocks looked like a cement block...until we tried to transport them. They literally fell apart. We did stored them at the house but we can't use them. Any pressure at all on the blocks and they crumble. When you pick up the parts, you can crush this cement block bits with your hand and you can see there is little if any cement content. They are unusable and we are working to get our money back. But we did find good cement blocks on the mainland, hence, Sidewalk Surfin.
These cement blocks remind me of Christians in many ways. There are a lot of people who call themselves Christian but when the pressure of life comes on, they fall apart. They look like Christians and it's hard to tell them apart from the real thing. But without Jesus Christ as the binding agent in their life...they crumble, just like a cement block made without cement.
Enjoy the new pictures, I am in one of them to make my wife happy.
Mike
Monday, July 11, 2011
When the boss comes to town
Itºs been a good few days. Rodger came to the island on Wed. night and left today, Monday. He brought Jonathan Edwards with him, who is a summer intern at MozOvos. Jonathanºs dad is Paul Edwards who is a paster at Sunrise Church and who I also happened to go to Haiti with last year.
We had to make some changes on the kitchen, such as moving the door over so the sea breeze would flow through the house. Today we were able to mount the hardware that will hold the door. The door is about 6 feet wide and is on rollers. It will open to the side to give a big space into the breezeway.
Other than that bit of news things are about the same. God is a gracious and loving God and I am thankful for the gifts of friendship he has provided me so far through this adventure.
Thanks for following, There are some new photos, too.
Mike
We had to make some changes on the kitchen, such as moving the door over so the sea breeze would flow through the house. Today we were able to mount the hardware that will hold the door. The door is about 6 feet wide and is on rollers. It will open to the side to give a big space into the breezeway.
Other than that bit of news things are about the same. God is a gracious and loving God and I am thankful for the gifts of friendship he has provided me so far through this adventure.
Thanks for following, There are some new photos, too.
Mike
Monday, July 4, 2011
They call me Amigo!
Things have been moving along quite well lately. We worked all weekend on the house and made some major headway. If you want to look, I put some new photos up for your enjoyment.
The internet problem has been interesting. It has forced me to evaluate things a little differently, which is good. I can't imagine the Apostle Paul being frustrated over the internet and so I have taken a different approach. The internet is simply a way for me to communicate and keep in touch with the outside world. While that is good, my job here is to be God's servant for Rodger and to be the face of Jesus to the island...a bald headed Jesus is not what you might envision, but that's the way it's going to have to happen. So, I am glad to be able to use the internet, but if not...
Being the face of Jesus has become interesting. When I walk into the neighborhood all the kids under about 7 charge up to me screaming Amigo! Amigo! So, I stop and they hold out their hands for me to slap 10 and then I hold out my hands and they give me 10. We then do fist bumps, elbow bumps and thumb bumps. Of course, I made the mistake of lifting them up in the air and they all demand to be picked up as high as I can lift them. They all laugh and giggle and scream and the Mom's stand back and watch. Some Mom's laugh with approval and others just look at me as though this is really weird for a grown man to do. Now when I walk down the street, other kids run up to me and want to slap my hands. And a lot of really little kids all wave and say Tah Tah !
Anyway, that's what is going on here on Ilhe. I've got to go back to the house and see how the work is going this morning so I'll mentally slap 10 with you and say Tah Tah!
Mike
The internet problem has been interesting. It has forced me to evaluate things a little differently, which is good. I can't imagine the Apostle Paul being frustrated over the internet and so I have taken a different approach. The internet is simply a way for me to communicate and keep in touch with the outside world. While that is good, my job here is to be God's servant for Rodger and to be the face of Jesus to the island...a bald headed Jesus is not what you might envision, but that's the way it's going to have to happen. So, I am glad to be able to use the internet, but if not...
Being the face of Jesus has become interesting. When I walk into the neighborhood all the kids under about 7 charge up to me screaming Amigo! Amigo! So, I stop and they hold out their hands for me to slap 10 and then I hold out my hands and they give me 10. We then do fist bumps, elbow bumps and thumb bumps. Of course, I made the mistake of lifting them up in the air and they all demand to be picked up as high as I can lift them. They all laugh and giggle and scream and the Mom's stand back and watch. Some Mom's laugh with approval and others just look at me as though this is really weird for a grown man to do. Now when I walk down the street, other kids run up to me and want to slap my hands. And a lot of really little kids all wave and say Tah Tah !
Anyway, that's what is going on here on Ilhe. I've got to go back to the house and see how the work is going this morning so I'll mentally slap 10 with you and say Tah Tah!
Mike
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Water Tap Civilization
Water, water, water. Without it...everthing stops.
A few days ago, the city came out and hooked up Rodgers house to the citys main line. Cool huh.
Well, Rodger only gets water on Tues., Wed., and Thurs., so today was our 1st day of city water. Well, almost. A little after 8 a.m. the tap was still dry, so we inquired. After much discussion a crew was sent out to see the problem. A little confused, they opened a valve to bleed the system. A little water bubbled out, so down the street we went to open another valve. A little water came out and then...nothing. Seems as though there is a problem.
Eventually, an electric pump was hooked up to the houses water supply to draw water from the city. I personally have more water pressure than the city. If anything came out of me that looked like that water...I would go to the hospital right then! One of the pictures shows the water going into the cistern.
So, go to your water tap right now and fill a glass full of clean water and thank God you live where you can drink the water out of the tap and live to tell about it. Think of me when you do.
While this liquid adventure was going on, I kept hearing a thump, thump, thump. I knew it wasn't me, but I could not figure it out. Finally, I looked at the path between the Rodgers house and the neighbors, and there was a woman with a 5 foot long wooden pole beating wheat grain in a wooden container! I took a picture that I labeled Centuries Collide. Here is a woman making flour like they did 4,000 years ago in front of a mud hut with a grass roof with a motor cycle and a TV antennae on the roof. My mind still is rocked by some of the things I see.
Well, the college kids leave tomorrow so I will keep my eyes open for the next group to come my way and see what other adventures are awaiting me.
Mike
A few days ago, the city came out and hooked up Rodgers house to the citys main line. Cool huh.
Well, Rodger only gets water on Tues., Wed., and Thurs., so today was our 1st day of city water. Well, almost. A little after 8 a.m. the tap was still dry, so we inquired. After much discussion a crew was sent out to see the problem. A little confused, they opened a valve to bleed the system. A little water bubbled out, so down the street we went to open another valve. A little water came out and then...nothing. Seems as though there is a problem.
Eventually, an electric pump was hooked up to the houses water supply to draw water from the city. I personally have more water pressure than the city. If anything came out of me that looked like that water...I would go to the hospital right then! One of the pictures shows the water going into the cistern.
So, go to your water tap right now and fill a glass full of clean water and thank God you live where you can drink the water out of the tap and live to tell about it. Think of me when you do.
While this liquid adventure was going on, I kept hearing a thump, thump, thump. I knew it wasn't me, but I could not figure it out. Finally, I looked at the path between the Rodgers house and the neighbors, and there was a woman with a 5 foot long wooden pole beating wheat grain in a wooden container! I took a picture that I labeled Centuries Collide. Here is a woman making flour like they did 4,000 years ago in front of a mud hut with a grass roof with a motor cycle and a TV antennae on the roof. My mind still is rocked by some of the things I see.
Well, the college kids leave tomorrow so I will keep my eyes open for the next group to come my way and see what other adventures are awaiting me.
Mike
Monday, June 27, 2011
Picture info
This is from Diane again...we finally figured out a way to get some pictures from Mike. They just wouldn't email. So I set up a Flickr acct! It is a photo sharing site. They are slow to upload so he doesn't have too many yet. But here is how to access... http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldslush
(Notice no "e" in Flickr!) I can try to transfer them to this blog but it may take a few days. Also hope Mike can add captions so we know what we are looking at!
Thanks...Diane
(Notice no "e" in Flickr!) I can try to transfer them to this blog but it may take a few days. Also hope Mike can add captions so we know what we are looking at!
Thanks...Diane
The Drunk Frenchman and 4 College Students
I hope I am able to do justice to the past few days, so here goes.
On Saturdays we quit at 12 or 1 p.m. whichever works. This past Saturday I went back to my room until about 4p.m. and then went for a walk. I saw a drunk guy stumbling along one of the courtyards and he waived and off he went. About an hour and half later, I went to eat dinner at a nice restaurant that has outside seating looking at the bay. Wanna guess who else was there. When I tried to sit down at a table I heard, NO, NO come over here and sit with me! At this point use a drunk French accent and you will get the picture. I tried to wave him off but, NO! NO! sit with me! So I sat with the drunk Frenchman.
First thing he said was, So your American! Sometimes I cant stand Americans and other times I love them! I feel the same way, so we were off to a good start! Anyway, I order my meal and he pushes his plate into the middle of the table and insists I share. Wont take no for an answer.
Well, we talk and I found out he is a diving instructor at a 5 star resort across the bay. This is his day off so, voila! We continue to have a little disconnected conversation and in the midst of all this 4 college students and 2 chaparones sit at the table a little ways behind us.
We keep talking and pretty soon he lifts up on his left cheek and lets a big one rip! Of course the people look at us and I just continue on. He is close to finishing his meal and wants the rest to go with 4 more beers. He then gets up and approaches the students and says, Hey, are you Americans. Anyway, they acknowledge they are and after about 10 to 15 minutes of handshakes, hugging me because I am American and getting my phone number so I can go snorkeling at his resort....he leaves.
I then talk to the other table. They are 4 college students from Colorado Springs with their Portugese teacher and a lady who live in Mozambique who is from Brazil. I tell them why I am here and after a few minutes the students leave and I talk to the 2 women.
She is a believer and he husband works for Compassion International. The Brazilian woman has been a missionary in Mozambique for 20 years. Cool, huh.
It has been interesting the people God has brought to this place. In spite of the internet issue, things are going well. These students and sponsors have been fun to talk to and I really am enjoying my time.
People are waiting to use the computer here, so I am going to sign off. Hope my story made sense.
Mike
On Saturdays we quit at 12 or 1 p.m. whichever works. This past Saturday I went back to my room until about 4p.m. and then went for a walk. I saw a drunk guy stumbling along one of the courtyards and he waived and off he went. About an hour and half later, I went to eat dinner at a nice restaurant that has outside seating looking at the bay. Wanna guess who else was there. When I tried to sit down at a table I heard, NO, NO come over here and sit with me! At this point use a drunk French accent and you will get the picture. I tried to wave him off but, NO! NO! sit with me! So I sat with the drunk Frenchman.
First thing he said was, So your American! Sometimes I cant stand Americans and other times I love them! I feel the same way, so we were off to a good start! Anyway, I order my meal and he pushes his plate into the middle of the table and insists I share. Wont take no for an answer.
Well, we talk and I found out he is a diving instructor at a 5 star resort across the bay. This is his day off so, voila! We continue to have a little disconnected conversation and in the midst of all this 4 college students and 2 chaparones sit at the table a little ways behind us.
We keep talking and pretty soon he lifts up on his left cheek and lets a big one rip! Of course the people look at us and I just continue on. He is close to finishing his meal and wants the rest to go with 4 more beers. He then gets up and approaches the students and says, Hey, are you Americans. Anyway, they acknowledge they are and after about 10 to 15 minutes of handshakes, hugging me because I am American and getting my phone number so I can go snorkeling at his resort....he leaves.
I then talk to the other table. They are 4 college students from Colorado Springs with their Portugese teacher and a lady who live in Mozambique who is from Brazil. I tell them why I am here and after a few minutes the students leave and I talk to the 2 women.
She is a believer and he husband works for Compassion International. The Brazilian woman has been a missionary in Mozambique for 20 years. Cool, huh.
It has been interesting the people God has brought to this place. In spite of the internet issue, things are going well. These students and sponsors have been fun to talk to and I really am enjoying my time.
People are waiting to use the computer here, so I am going to sign off. Hope my story made sense.
Mike
Friday, June 24, 2011
Ending week 2
Whew! That's about the best I can do. I have struggled all week with Internet issues and maybe things are coming together...maybe. There are 2 internet cafes on the island. The one I am at now has 2 computers and it costs me 1 Met per minute. 30 Mets to a U.S. dollar. The other cafe is...well I think I already told you so...
I have been thinking a lot about this place because I have a lot of time to think. This is a very young population.
You don't see too many people my age around. Tons and tons of children. Most go to school in shifts and wear uniforms. They are like bees when school lets out. They are taught English in school and several practice with me when they can. It's fun but frustrating since being a typical American...I just speak English. They do receive a good education but once that is finished what do they do. There is not any industry except tourism and that is low because the island is so small. It takes me 30 minutes to walk the length of the island and 10 minutes to walk across the widest point. Guess how many times I have done that.
So pray for these people. Rodger has a goal for the egg farm, the goat cheese farm and the guest house, all of which will bring some help but not nearly enough.
There are several NGO s that come here, but they mostly have meetings to talk about things they would like to do and the goals they have set..for next year. Of course, next year they have other meetings to discuss what they planned last year and how they could improve on last year by having a few more meetings this year to set goals for next year. Sounds like they worked where I used to.
The work on the house continues to do well. The city put the water pipe in all the way to Rodgers house today. No water yet...but we gotta pipe! Tomorrow we will raise the water tank and continue to work on the septic system. We, the plumber that is, should start on the drainage for the bathroom and kitchen.
I tried to download pictures but I can't figure it out. I can see the pictures but I can figure out how to download them. Technical dunce.
Thanks for your prayers,
Mike
I have been thinking a lot about this place because I have a lot of time to think. This is a very young population.
You don't see too many people my age around. Tons and tons of children. Most go to school in shifts and wear uniforms. They are like bees when school lets out. They are taught English in school and several practice with me when they can. It's fun but frustrating since being a typical American...I just speak English. They do receive a good education but once that is finished what do they do. There is not any industry except tourism and that is low because the island is so small. It takes me 30 minutes to walk the length of the island and 10 minutes to walk across the widest point. Guess how many times I have done that.
So pray for these people. Rodger has a goal for the egg farm, the goat cheese farm and the guest house, all of which will bring some help but not nearly enough.
There are several NGO s that come here, but they mostly have meetings to talk about things they would like to do and the goals they have set..for next year. Of course, next year they have other meetings to discuss what they planned last year and how they could improve on last year by having a few more meetings this year to set goals for next year. Sounds like they worked where I used to.
The work on the house continues to do well. The city put the water pipe in all the way to Rodgers house today. No water yet...but we gotta pipe! Tomorrow we will raise the water tank and continue to work on the septic system. We, the plumber that is, should start on the drainage for the bathroom and kitchen.
I tried to download pictures but I can't figure it out. I can see the pictures but I can figure out how to download them. Technical dunce.
Thanks for your prayers,
Mike
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Posting from Mike!
Hi everyone, or all 3 or 5 of you.
As you know by now, internet access is a joke. The internet cafe is open when it is convenient for the employees which is not very often. My wi fi issues continue, so if you would like to pray for that, as well as everything else, feel free. So far, internet access is the biggest stumbling block. I cannot communicate like I would like to and I have extremely limited access to outside news. Internet access would be a huge moral boost for me since my weekends are hugely boring without anything to do.
Progress on the house is coming along very well. We are getting close to having a complete septic tank, the plumbing is about half done and the platform that holds the water tank is upright and being welded on as I type this. It is amazing to watch the welder work with equipment that we would have thrown away 20 years ago. I donºt know if that speaks bad for us and good for them or what...but it is amazing to watch.
Speaking of amazing, if you had an 8ft long piece of PVC pipe that had to make a 90 degree turn and you didnºt have connectors to glue together, how would you do it. Canºt get all keys to work, sorry for punctuation. I saw workmen take an 8 ft long section of PVC, blocked the end with paper, fill it with sand, block the other end, mark where they needed to make the bend. put the plastick pipe over a paper sack on fire and as soon as the pipe softened, they bent the pipe. Because it was filled with sand, the pipe made a nice smooth bend, no kinks. Really cool. At least for me.
The workmen at the house are doing great, and as a sign of appreciation, I bought everyone working at the house a Coke or Fanta. No big deal right? Wrong!
Four city workers are working on the water pipe from the street to the house. They are 50 to 60 yards away. These guys saw me buy their friends Cokes and so they ran down the path between the houses. We had to go to the Mayorºs house so he could interpret what they wanted. Hafiz, the Mayor, said that since I bought their friends Cokes, they wanted one also. So, I agreed. Then they told me the rest of the day is a holiday for all municipality workers....and they quit for the day!
I have met some interesting tourist while I am here as well. Last night 4 chineses tourists stayed at my hotel. They bought a car in South Africa and are taking 3 months to drive to Egypt! I did have a special treat on Sunday night. A pastor from South Africa was on a 3 month sabbatical with his wife and 4 children. The 3 girls were aged 14 to 9, their son was about 3 or 4. They had driven from Durbin, South Africa to Pemba, Mozambique to work with Iris Ministries. Iris Ministries is run by Rolland and Heidi Baker and some of you may be familiar with their books and stories. They stopped in Ilhe de Mozambique as a rest and stayed here 3 nights. I had a wonderful time with Jacque and his family. We talked about Iris Ministries, his church and my general overall craziness. He comes to the states every other year to attend a conference in Redding, CA and so I invited him to stay with Diane and I for a couple of days next time he comes to CA. They were a Godsend!
So, I will stop. I will try to download pictures, but without Wi Fi working, I donºt know how I will.
Want to pray? Pray for my wisdom and discernment. Pray for our workers, they are great men. Pray for Ilhe de Mozambique, things here are tough. This is a diffucult place to make a go of life. All of Mozambique is difficult. Pray for the internet and for WiFi!
Thanks for your support, interest and prayers,
Mike
As you know by now, internet access is a joke. The internet cafe is open when it is convenient for the employees which is not very often. My wi fi issues continue, so if you would like to pray for that, as well as everything else, feel free. So far, internet access is the biggest stumbling block. I cannot communicate like I would like to and I have extremely limited access to outside news. Internet access would be a huge moral boost for me since my weekends are hugely boring without anything to do.
Progress on the house is coming along very well. We are getting close to having a complete septic tank, the plumbing is about half done and the platform that holds the water tank is upright and being welded on as I type this. It is amazing to watch the welder work with equipment that we would have thrown away 20 years ago. I donºt know if that speaks bad for us and good for them or what...but it is amazing to watch.
Speaking of amazing, if you had an 8ft long piece of PVC pipe that had to make a 90 degree turn and you didnºt have connectors to glue together, how would you do it. Canºt get all keys to work, sorry for punctuation. I saw workmen take an 8 ft long section of PVC, blocked the end with paper, fill it with sand, block the other end, mark where they needed to make the bend. put the plastick pipe over a paper sack on fire and as soon as the pipe softened, they bent the pipe. Because it was filled with sand, the pipe made a nice smooth bend, no kinks. Really cool. At least for me.
The workmen at the house are doing great, and as a sign of appreciation, I bought everyone working at the house a Coke or Fanta. No big deal right? Wrong!
Four city workers are working on the water pipe from the street to the house. They are 50 to 60 yards away. These guys saw me buy their friends Cokes and so they ran down the path between the houses. We had to go to the Mayorºs house so he could interpret what they wanted. Hafiz, the Mayor, said that since I bought their friends Cokes, they wanted one also. So, I agreed. Then they told me the rest of the day is a holiday for all municipality workers....and they quit for the day!
I have met some interesting tourist while I am here as well. Last night 4 chineses tourists stayed at my hotel. They bought a car in South Africa and are taking 3 months to drive to Egypt! I did have a special treat on Sunday night. A pastor from South Africa was on a 3 month sabbatical with his wife and 4 children. The 3 girls were aged 14 to 9, their son was about 3 or 4. They had driven from Durbin, South Africa to Pemba, Mozambique to work with Iris Ministries. Iris Ministries is run by Rolland and Heidi Baker and some of you may be familiar with their books and stories. They stopped in Ilhe de Mozambique as a rest and stayed here 3 nights. I had a wonderful time with Jacque and his family. We talked about Iris Ministries, his church and my general overall craziness. He comes to the states every other year to attend a conference in Redding, CA and so I invited him to stay with Diane and I for a couple of days next time he comes to CA. They were a Godsend!
So, I will stop. I will try to download pictures, but without Wi Fi working, I donºt know how I will.
Want to pray? Pray for my wisdom and discernment. Pray for our workers, they are great men. Pray for Ilhe de Mozambique, things here are tough. This is a diffucult place to make a go of life. All of Mozambique is difficult. Pray for the internet and for WiFi!
Thanks for your support, interest and prayers,
Mike
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday night post from Diane
I wish Mike was getting to write this...it would be much more eloquent than what I write...and more detailed. He still cannot get the wireless to work and the Internet cafe seems to only be open sporadically. When I ask why, as with most other questions...response is TIA....this is Africa. (quote from the movie Blood Diamond)
We are texting back and forth a lot....it is a quarter a text message compared to $2 a minute to talk....still will add up to a hefty bill. But I know he is lonely and dying to share his experiences.
He is pleased with the progress but hasn't told me exactly what is getting done. He says the workers are great and working hard. I asked if he was learning Portuguese...the response I got was Mashakamdo. Which is actually a Macua greeting for anytime of day.
He met and had dinner with one South African missionary family that was there for vacation. Today he said there are Chinese tourists there who are taking 3 months to drive from South Africa to Egypt. What a cool chance to interact with other cultures.
Please continue to pray for their work there and for the funds they need to get the project completed. Pray for him to build relationships and not be lonely. Pray for working Internet. For health and safety...the list goes on. But most of all, pray for the example of Christianity that he is exhibiting in all he says and does...that he make the gospel attractive to the Macua people there. And that that will start a foundation for Rodger to continue building on.
Please add comments as you read this...I would love to then share those with him even if he can't read them on the internet himself. I will post pictures whenever he can get some to me.
Thanks for your love, prayers and concern for him and for me. (BTW...arm healing well...definitely some supernatural recovery going on there!)
We are texting back and forth a lot....it is a quarter a text message compared to $2 a minute to talk....still will add up to a hefty bill. But I know he is lonely and dying to share his experiences.
He is pleased with the progress but hasn't told me exactly what is getting done. He says the workers are great and working hard. I asked if he was learning Portuguese...the response I got was Mashakamdo. Which is actually a Macua greeting for anytime of day.
He met and had dinner with one South African missionary family that was there for vacation. Today he said there are Chinese tourists there who are taking 3 months to drive from South Africa to Egypt. What a cool chance to interact with other cultures.
Please continue to pray for their work there and for the funds they need to get the project completed. Pray for him to build relationships and not be lonely. Pray for working Internet. For health and safety...the list goes on. But most of all, pray for the example of Christianity that he is exhibiting in all he says and does...that he make the gospel attractive to the Macua people there. And that that will start a foundation for Rodger to continue building on.
Please add comments as you read this...I would love to then share those with him even if he can't read them on the internet himself. I will post pictures whenever he can get some to me.
Thanks for your love, prayers and concern for him and for me. (BTW...arm healing well...definitely some supernatural recovery going on there!)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Saturday, June 18
This is getting posted by Diane. Mike is having issues with getting wireless to work there on the island...he is able to use the Internet cafe for us to send a few email messages back and forth and he has posted short messages on Facebook but I will try to do better at keeping things updated. It has been a rough week for me. I broke my lower left arm in a fall in my hotel room in Tokyo. Have had some major surgery on it this week and spent two days in the hospital after what was supposed to be outpatient surgery. Am still having trouble With using it ...the pain meds are making me very drowsy/loopy. Ok...enough about that...let's talk about Mike's week.
He and Rodger flew to Nampula on Monday and then got their ride to the island, about 2 1/2 hrs. Away and almost $100 for transportation. They are hoping to work some deals since this may have to happen frequently. Mike says the island is beautiful and I would love it. Tuesday was spent assessing the work that needs to be done and figuring out what purchases they needed to make. This is what he wrote me Wednesday night their time....
"We went to Nacala to get the materials. I sat in the front of the truck while Rodger and 6 others rode in the back. We loaded the truck and drove back with Rodger and everyone sitting on top of the load. It rained coming home.
I have pictures.
Rodger is at the house going through more building issues with the local water company and a couple of other people. We will drive across the 1 1\2 mile bridge to the mainland to buy bricks this afternoon. I have been out running some errands. I bought a backback for $8.
There are 2 internet cafes on the island. I found 1 that I don't think Rodger knows about with the help of Abdul, an 18 year old boy who walked along with me trying to sell me Portugese coins.
The Wi Fi set up is not working yet. Someone is coming to Hafiz`s home to set it up. Hafiz is the mayor of the island and lives 1 short block from Rodger`s house.
I wish I could talk to you and hopefully when we get wi fi I can. Otherwise, things are going fine...but Rodger is still here. Once he leaves, I will start a whole new dimension in living
in Africa."
Nacala is a port city about 1 1/2 hr north...and as for the pictures, I will post them as soon as he figures out how to send them to me. He says his translator is good and they have the local workers all set up. Thursday he posted: "Great day. A lot accomplished. Rodger is nervous about leaving me alone. I am probably not smart enough to be nervous. Thanks for your prayers and keep me in your thoughts." Yes, he is smart enough and I know he is actually nervous too but he is learning to lean on God in a whole new way.
Not sure what tasks Friday held but here is the email from him today, Saturday night his time....ha!
"OK here's the deal. Hafiz's 13 year old son is in charge of internet issues at the house. He will not leave the wi fi plugged in long enough for it to self configure. Communication barriers abound. What can you tell a 13 year old.
So...guess what. Rodger goes back to the hotel to get his ride to Nampula. We are digging a really big hole for the septic system and do you know what we find. The remains of some long lost soul. These are really old bones.
Either the bones of the first missionary who wanted to live in Macua town, or the guy whose was helping him build his house. Either way, we wrapped the bones in a white cloth and buried them in the Muslim cemetary next to the house. Rodger was nowhere to be found.
I don't think I will have internet access until Monday. I will keep trying."
Sounds like something from tv series "Bones"! Now he just sent me a text that says night is getting topped off with electricity out!
I know he won't have a church to go to tomorrow and they won't work on Sunday. He will
probably spend time exploring the island.
Last thing I wanted to share...in my devotions today I read: "Learn to laugh at yourself more
freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I Am God With You. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities--things that are beyond your control. Find freedom in accepting the boundaries of your domain.". Then one of the scripture readings was Proverbs 17:22. "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.". please pray for Mike's spirit to be cheerful.....and not dried up ones like the skeleton they foundW,
More soon, In Him who gives to us more generously than we can even imagine imagine, Diane
He and Rodger flew to Nampula on Monday and then got their ride to the island, about 2 1/2 hrs. Away and almost $100 for transportation. They are hoping to work some deals since this may have to happen frequently. Mike says the island is beautiful and I would love it. Tuesday was spent assessing the work that needs to be done and figuring out what purchases they needed to make. This is what he wrote me Wednesday night their time....
"We went to Nacala to get the materials. I sat in the front of the truck while Rodger and 6 others rode in the back. We loaded the truck and drove back with Rodger and everyone sitting on top of the load. It rained coming home.
I have pictures.
Rodger is at the house going through more building issues with the local water company and a couple of other people. We will drive across the 1 1\2 mile bridge to the mainland to buy bricks this afternoon. I have been out running some errands. I bought a backback for $8.
There are 2 internet cafes on the island. I found 1 that I don't think Rodger knows about with the help of Abdul, an 18 year old boy who walked along with me trying to sell me Portugese coins.
The Wi Fi set up is not working yet. Someone is coming to Hafiz`s home to set it up. Hafiz is the mayor of the island and lives 1 short block from Rodger`s house.
I wish I could talk to you and hopefully when we get wi fi I can. Otherwise, things are going fine...but Rodger is still here. Once he leaves, I will start a whole new dimension in living
in Africa."
Nacala is a port city about 1 1/2 hr north...and as for the pictures, I will post them as soon as he figures out how to send them to me. He says his translator is good and they have the local workers all set up. Thursday he posted: "Great day. A lot accomplished. Rodger is nervous about leaving me alone. I am probably not smart enough to be nervous. Thanks for your prayers and keep me in your thoughts." Yes, he is smart enough and I know he is actually nervous too but he is learning to lean on God in a whole new way.
Not sure what tasks Friday held but here is the email from him today, Saturday night his time....ha!
"OK here's the deal. Hafiz's 13 year old son is in charge of internet issues at the house. He will not leave the wi fi plugged in long enough for it to self configure. Communication barriers abound. What can you tell a 13 year old.
So...guess what. Rodger goes back to the hotel to get his ride to Nampula. We are digging a really big hole for the septic system and do you know what we find. The remains of some long lost soul. These are really old bones.
Either the bones of the first missionary who wanted to live in Macua town, or the guy whose was helping him build his house. Either way, we wrapped the bones in a white cloth and buried them in the Muslim cemetary next to the house. Rodger was nowhere to be found.
I don't think I will have internet access until Monday. I will keep trying."
Sounds like something from tv series "Bones"! Now he just sent me a text that says night is getting topped off with electricity out!
I know he won't have a church to go to tomorrow and they won't work on Sunday. He will
probably spend time exploring the island.
Last thing I wanted to share...in my devotions today I read: "Learn to laugh at yourself more
freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I Am God With You. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities--things that are beyond your control. Find freedom in accepting the boundaries of your domain.". Then one of the scripture readings was Proverbs 17:22. "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.". please pray for Mike's spirit to be cheerful.....and not dried up ones like the skeleton they foundW,
More soon, In Him who gives to us more generously than we can even imagine imagine, Diane
Friday, June 10, 2011
Week One
Whew...what a week!
I have spent the last few days in Mozambique being Rodger's man servant and general fix-it man.
So far, I have replaced 2 shower curtain rods, 2 shower heads and 1 kitchen faucet. But, just like home there was one repair I couldn't do because of time and so the plumber has to show up.
Speaking of home, have you been following my wife's adventures on Facebook? She broke her arm while on a layover in Tokyo. Actually she re-broke her arm...I broke her arm on our 28th wedding anniversary on our infamous slow motion motorcycle wreck. But telling of that adventure requires too much time.
I have worked at MozOvos collecting eggs and replacing 150 ft of chicken wire, and met the Secretary of Agriculture.
Rodger and I leave for Nampula and Mozambique Island on Monday, since no flights were available until then. But we needed the time here to prepare for the island and to accomplish enough tasks for Rodger to be available next week.
I think most of you know that Internet access on the island will be limited so I will do my best.
Mike
PS. the picture is of my new "island" haircut!
I have spent the last few days in Mozambique being Rodger's man servant and general fix-it man.
So far, I have replaced 2 shower curtain rods, 2 shower heads and 1 kitchen faucet. But, just like home there was one repair I couldn't do because of time and so the plumber has to show up.
Speaking of home, have you been following my wife's adventures on Facebook? She broke her arm while on a layover in Tokyo. Actually she re-broke her arm...I broke her arm on our 28th wedding anniversary on our infamous slow motion motorcycle wreck. But telling of that adventure requires too much time.
I have worked at MozOvos collecting eggs and replacing 150 ft of chicken wire, and met the Secretary of Agriculture.
Rodger and I leave for Nampula and Mozambique Island on Monday, since no flights were available until then. But we needed the time here to prepare for the island and to accomplish enough tasks for Rodger to be available next week.
I think most of you know that Internet access on the island will be limited so I will do my best.
Mike
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
MozOvos Pics
The Internship runs the MozOvos egg farm to train the young men in business practices and for income to support the internship project. During this week that Mike is staying in Maputo with Rodger (this is being posted by Diane), he is helping out at the egg farm. Tuesday he worked there all day, helping gather eggs and then replacing old sections of chicken wire on the sides of the buildings. It was good for him to be there working along side the interns. One picture shows the interns on break. The individual picture is of Carlos. The other pictures are shots of the building that they were working on....and pictures of "the ladies" (more than 10,000 chickens!)
Also, hopefully he will get a chance to blog and add some more specific prayer requests. But I do know one...he had some medication that he would need during his time there. Because it needed to be kept refrigerated and that would have taken up large amounts of luggage space for the ice packs, I sent it FedEx to him. It should have arrived yesterday but was held up by security checks (not on it, but on the FedEx plane) in Great Britain. It is now winging it's way to South AFrica. Please pray for it not to have been ruined before it gets there! And for quick delivery. Thanks so much for praying for him and for the project there.
More soon....
Also, hopefully he will get a chance to blog and add some more specific prayer requests. But I do know one...he had some medication that he would need during his time there. Because it needed to be kept refrigerated and that would have taken up large amounts of luggage space for the ice packs, I sent it FedEx to him. It should have arrived yesterday but was held up by security checks (not on it, but on the FedEx plane) in Great Britain. It is now winging it's way to South AFrica. Please pray for it not to have been ruined before it gets there! And for quick delivery. Thanks so much for praying for him and for the project there.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday in Mozambique
I hope you are beginning a blessed Sunday!
I got up at 5:15 a.m., got ready and went to visit about 10,000 of the prettiest ladies you've ever seen! MozOvos operates 7 days a week because the girls need to be fed. Once we fed all the chickens, we drove a few blocks to the neighborhood church.
We had a small group session then a wonderful worship time and a sermon presented by 2 of the MozOvos interns.
Pray for us as we start out the planning of this week, a Loy of unknowns are in store.
Since it is Sunday afternoon right now...I guess I'll take a nap...no need to break a good habit.
Mike
I got up at 5:15 a.m., got ready and went to visit about 10,000 of the prettiest ladies you've ever seen! MozOvos operates 7 days a week because the girls need to be fed. Once we fed all the chickens, we drove a few blocks to the neighborhood church.
We had a small group session then a wonderful worship time and a sermon presented by 2 of the MozOvos interns.
Pray for us as we start out the planning of this week, a Loy of unknowns are in store.
Since it is Sunday afternoon right now...I guess I'll take a nap...no need to break a good habit.
Mike
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Pictures of the project on the island
This is being posted by Diane. I finally got the pictures of the project where Mike will be working on the island...Ilha de Moçambique. They show the roof that has to be totally redone, a breezeway area which will be between the living area and the "outdoor" kitchen, a room that looks like a storage closet (the one with the baby walker sitting in it) that will turn into a bathroom, the water holding system currently on top of which they will build a holding tank, and I am sure he will correct me and add more when he is able to post. He landed in Moz a couple of hours ago and I am sure is getting adjusted to the drastic time change. Blessings were that his flight connections went very smoothly and he got on the first flight he tried each time. God is good. More soon....thanks for your prayers for this adventure.
Diane
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Well.....I'm off!
This is my first ever blog...so be patient.
I discovered I am about a day behind in being ready, but when ya gotta go...
Hopefully, the flight to JFk will be pleasant and then South African Airways will have an empty seat for me. Flying standby can test your spiritual preparedness REAL quick.
Good news. God continues to surprise and amaze me at his faithfulness and goodness. A friend who could not go and his supporters gave money to my trip that was completely unexpected. I cannot express my appreciation enough!
Well, I'm waiting see which wonderful seat American Airlines will give me for my tripy to JFK, so I will sign off.
God Bless all of you,
Mike
I discovered I am about a day behind in being ready, but when ya gotta go...
Hopefully, the flight to JFk will be pleasant and then South African Airways will have an empty seat for me. Flying standby can test your spiritual preparedness REAL quick.
Good news. God continues to surprise and amaze me at his faithfulness and goodness. A friend who could not go and his supporters gave money to my trip that was completely unexpected. I cannot express my appreciation enough!
Well, I'm waiting see which wonderful seat American Airlines will give me for my tripy to JFK, so I will sign off.
God Bless all of you,
Mike
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