We have had several visitors the last few months. They came for various reasons, came from various backgrounds, cultures and countries but one thing stood out as a common denominator: They love people and they have been blessed to be a blessing.
Our vision: “To love God and to love people, so that others can love God and love people” has been the primary reason why we partner with so many to make this dream possible in the lives of those who are hurting. These teams and individual visitors made a huge impact as you can probably tell in all my previous blog postings.
Visiting Mozambique though is not as easy or comfortable as you may think. From terrible roads to unforgiving border posts and even more unforgiving customs officials. Then for those who drive ….. the hours on the road unimaginable. There is flat tyres, broken trailers ……….. and the 20 road blocks that will add more than 3 hours to your travelling time if you are unlucky. Did I mention the odd tropical rain storm, mud and animals who it seems are getting paid to run in front of oncoming traffic. Oh yes …. and then there is me trying to explain to everyone exactly where they need to turn off. And yes ….. nearly every time people get lost – even with a GPS-thing(y) hanging on the vehicle. If they google us …….. “we only see green jungle” they say.
Anyway I am on my way heading up north on the border of Mozambique and Malawi visiting Women’s Ministry schools with my wife. Will keep you updated on all that is happening ……….. but in the meantime: Here is a few survival tips for visitors to our base in Mozambique (as experienced by former groups!)
RULE 1: While travelling do it with a smile. This photo was taken with the Polokwane group (in Zimbabwe) still needing to travel ….. well about 650 km’s.
RULE 2: Get your hands dirty as quickly as possible. Stellenbosch University students getting use to serve about 280 kids their daily meal out of our bush kitchen.
RULE 3:
Even if you don’t trust the local bush food – trust in your prayers and sit back and enjoy the food.
Hanno, a medical student from Stellenbosch University trying out the local satza (maize meal), beans and even some potatoes provided by our local school kitchen.
More than 280 kids are daily fed in our school kitchen. For many kids, in the hungry season this will be the only meal they will receive.
RULE 4: Meet the people. Working with the local communities and children will teach you many things we have taken for granted. Mozambique (as elsewhere) is all about the PEOPLE!
RULE 5: Enjoy the journey. Make some time to relax in nature.
RULE 6: Bring your talent and serve ….. as a primary school teacher, Dalene Pieterse proves.
RULE 7: Serving and talents ……… oops I already mentioned this! Africans love music. This group brought a lot of good music to a local church ……….. we danced on the dust floors until no one could breath anymore.
RULE 8: Leave a legacy – students painting the Chitundu Health post which the community will use as a first aid station to treat malaria and other tropical diseases.