A week on

So, I have been back a week, and I still wish I was out there! everything about the African way of life appeals to me!
I would love to go back out there to make sure it is what I want but if it is, I would definitly think and talk about long term possibilities! Who would imagine I would ever talk like that!!

English reality!

How cold is it over here?!! it is about 30 degrees colder than it has been in Beira!
What have I learnt - I cant do things in my own strength! it was great to have a team to go with, who you could talk things over with daily, and it was great to see the faith the Mozambicans have - if I could have half the faith they have I would be a much better person.
It was also amazing how I coped in situations I wouldn't even dream of living through in England, which showed me that it was meant to be that I went.
If I ever doubted that there was a God, the last 10 days have shown me that there is!
Africans have so much fun, even if they are going through turmoil. The youth pastor at Pastor Bonga's church was telling us he and his wife lost their son in February this year (they have 2 daughters) but he was so full of life, and so keen to praise God and thank him for all that is he still has.
It was lovely to see Pastor Bonga, Boniface and Simao again, they (as well as everyone else) made me feel so welcome in their homes/churches or just if we met up, I really felt like I have family members in Beira.
I've learnt even more so that we have so much over here, some of the babies in Dondo are there because their mum's "have problems of the mind" if they were here they would most probably get treated for postnatal depression, and would be able to keep their babies, and recover. I felt bad on the day that we went shopping for things for Dondo, that we could buy much much more than was on the shopping list, and not worry that we were spending so much, when they couldnt imagine spending that much - Boniface found it amusing when I said we had over-spent the budget!
I discovered that Victor the baby goat will be eaten for christmas day next year!!! if I dont want it to happen Simao said I need to go over there for christmas to save him! or they could eat him with me on my birthday!!
Tolerance is a very important gift to have when you live with so many people that you would never think possible! I am pleased to say I only lost my patience once and that was on the second flight home - I did apologise and we were fine after!
African time is much much different to English time, you can arrange to meet at 8 but not get picked up until 10 or 11! I really struggled with it to start with, but after a few days just found it amusing and didnt get in a stress about, it just meant I could have a bit longer in bed! I told Simao and Boniface that in England I have to be in work for 7.30am but now I was in African time I wouldn't turn up until 11am, after laughing they said for work I had better get back into English time - (dont worry I will and I will be there at 7.30!!)
When I played my flute in Pastor Bonga's church it was so lovely to see everyone joining in the singing and the actions, and a man in the congregation had a guitar and started playing along too.
I could go on and on, but I am sure I have bored you all enough over the last few days.
Thank you so much for reading and comments - you never know as i reminisce over the next few days I may add a few more photos, I did take over 500 after all!!!!

Its still a sad day!

A very sad day

Well I am back in England, although nice to see people I cant say I am over the moon to be back.

We had 3 flights on the way home that seemed to take forever!

Last Tuesday it took all that I had in me to walk into the base in Beira because of the rats, and I cried a lot. Yesterday we went to say goodbye to the boys, they sang a song which said "dont forget us" and prayed for us, which made me cry, one of the boys cried too as we left, which was heart breaking.

All the staff members came to the base to say goodbye to us, and gave us a sarong each, and after lunch we all stood in a circle holding hands while they prayed for us - and I cried, in fact I cried all the way to the airport because I didnt want to leave, it didnt help at the airport that Simao looked just as sad that we were going as we felt to be leaving.

Last Tuesday the 10 days seemed a long time to saty but it has flown by - it wasnt long enough!!

Had a good time on Tuesday when we went to Nhamatanda, on the way there we saw straw houses and I kept saying to Sue " we really are in Africa!" even a week on it still didnt feel real! Simao joked when we got there that there was a house for me to live in when I move over there - the only thing is that it doesnt have a roof yet!!

Wednesday was fab, we went shopping with Simao in the morning, then in the afternoon went to the beach, and swam in the Indian ocean!!

I am going to put some pics up and may add some more tomorrow.

To summarise, I have had the most fantastic time, better than I could have ever imagined, even with the tensions at times. I have so much over here, they have nothing compared to them, but yet they have so much more than I could ever dream of having.

Will I go again? YES! can I book now?!

home time

I cant believe we start the long journey home today - I dont want to come back to England - who would have ever thought I would say that?!
Yesterday started with Simao taking us to a couple of shops, before we went onto Dondo. There I cuddled a baby about 4 months old, I found it really hard as all I could think of was the better life he could have in England - we have to pray they do get that life in Casa Reom.
In the afternoon we went to the beach it was fab, and I even went in the sea - I nearly drowned, but thats another story!
We stayed on the beach and watched the sunset -amazing!!
Then we went to pastor Bonga's church for a little service and they all prayed over us with us going home. Then another lovely meal put on for us!
Poor Julia is still not feeling well, so I hope she is ok on the flight home.
So this is it for now, I will update when I am home and put a few more pics on!

Time to Relax on the Beach on our Last Full Day

Look at Us!

Me Painting the Wall on Monday

Hi
it is becoming increasingly difficult to get on the computer, so this is going to be quick!!
Had a great time on Sat with the youth, absolutely amazing and very moving.
In the evening we wnt to pray on the beach which was great - i didnt think i would enjoy it, but was amazed that I did!
On Sunday we went to church and Pastor Bonga got the congregation to guess who Pastor Martin's son or daughter was! they guessed!! We then had a lovely lunch at Boniface's church.
Busy day yesterday painting - a saga about the yellow paint! then a lovely dinner at Pastor and Mama Bonga's house!!
Today we are off the land where the boys farm!
Thanks Dad for putting the pictures up!
Thanks for all your messages!

Here's a couple more pictures

Pictures on Sunday

Some pictures I took today of the sunset, a coconut tree and shanti town

In Pastor Bonga's Church

Pastor & Amai Bonga arm in arm!

Here I am at Pastor Bonga's church - the International Church of the Body of Christ.

We came here today to meet some of the young people and pastor Ezequiel.

ups and downs

Well, Thursday night, what a night, we had the most awful storm, I was sat on the balcony as during dinner we could hear rats squeaking!! but doors and windows were bashing thunder and lightning, and corrigated (not sure of spelling) roofs were falling off, so I was made to go in the room, then, the lights all went off, I was terrified that the rats would be running around, legs were up!! Poor Julia was afraid of the storm. Thankfully after about 30-40 mins the lights went on, and I managed to get everyone out to the cafe round the corner - storm still ongoing!!
Had a very restless night after that.

Before we went to do jobs with the Boys, Coz, Julia and I went to the street market to look around, I went to buy some Mango, I asked for 2, but got 6!! it cost 20 metacash about 40p.

Yesterday we went to Inhamizuha (the older boys) they were so pleased to see us again, we played with them, took their photos, which they love looking at, had lunch with them, yes I had a bowl of maize and beans which actually wasnt too bad! then we started painting the wall, we did the white border first and after a while the boys wanted to help, we all had such a laugh doing it, despite the sweat dripping off us!
We had given the boys some frisbees, one boy came up to me and said "what are they called in England?" when I said a frisbee they were saying "a Frisbee, frisbee..." and laughing and laughing.
Coz got the parachute out for them and played a couple of games then they took it and walked all over the sight with it, and made up games themselves - it was lovely to see.
They also had a goat born the day we arrived, and Simao has decided to name him Victor after me!! when I get home you will all see the the photo of us together!!!

In the evening we went to an indoor shopping centre where there is a posh cafe for drinks.

Today some people are starting to decorate the base lounge, then this afternoon, we are supposed to be meeting the youth at Pastor Bonga's church, before going to a prayer meeting on the beach this evening.

I cant believe how relaxed I am being about having cold showers, looking rough and sweating so much! it is a real turn about for me!
Every day has its own chllenges, good and bad, I am still learning a lot.

Thank you all for reading my blog, please do comment.

Here's some new photos

A rat came in...

..and i ran out and I even laughed at it, I am so proud that I didn't cry again!! I am more worried about tonight though!
After it happened I made them all come to the cafe (if you can call it that!) and had drinks and pastries!
This morning we went to the orphanage in Dondo, where the younger children are, it was very moving and humbling to see, as I walked into the building the smell of urine hit me - they dont have any running water. All the children wanted to do was climb up and have cuddles, or play and hold hands - what a priviledge to be able to do that.
This afternoon we went shopping for things for Dondo, as they have nothing we managed to over spend, but it all seems so obscene that we can buy all that without thinking and they have nothing.
I am having challenges every day, some I am not enjoying but I would not miss this for the world.
please keep praying that there wont be too many more rats - lets not even think of the spiders and snakes!!!!

What an experience

this afternoon we all had to climb in the back of the truck on the way to the orphanage
first thing i did was climb in ok - hooray!!!!! then I sat on the side and was even brave enough to not hold on at some points!! - dont worry Mum I am fine!
We got to the orphanage and what a welcome, the children were so pleased to see us and all they wanted to do was have their photos taken, have cuddles/hands held and a bit of attention - I even started doing maths with them - ME doing maths!!!! one of the boys said I was an intelligent lady - he doesnt know me too well then!
One lovely thing to see, but also sad, was when Sue and Bob gave them balloons, the boys were thrilled with them and were having so much fun with them as we were leaving!
We had a very windy journey on the back of the truck, slightly concerned when the driver started texting!!!
Have had a lovely meal tonight!!

Me on the Side of the Truck Today!

I'm here

Hi Just a quick update to let you all know I have arrived safely, the flights were interesting, especially the last one in a 27 seater plane and in a thunderstorm!!
I have shamed myself by crying so much when we got to the base, because of a fear of the rats - i am so glad I have got everyone with me to help me!
The hotel we have re-named Fawlty Towers - say no more!!!
We all seem to be settling in now, but everything is such a major culture shock, and I feel fully out of my depth!
Please keep thinking and praying for us
xxx

Setting off for Beira

Here we are setting off outside Bob & Sue's house.









Everyone arrived safely at the airport and we had a lot of fun sorting out Corinne's hand luggage which was several kilograms overweight - we were all overweight by the time we put some of hers in ours!

Richard had assured her "Emirates never weighs hand lugguage"!!!! lol!

Today's the day!

Well November 5th has finally arrived, and in a couple of hours I will be off to the airport!
Feeling quite nervous this morning, I dont enjoy the airport thing checking in etc, so will be pleased when it's all done!
Have 3 flights Birmingham - Dubai, Dubai - Johannesberg and J'berg - Beira, we should land in Beira tomorrow afternoon, about 1.30 English time!
Will let you know how we all get on!

one day to go

Well here we all are the 8 of us going out tomorrow to Mozambique!! it all feels very real.

We saw each other at church, and it was so nice to get so much encouragement and support from all our friends and families, it is so lovely to know that you will all be thinking of us while we are away!

Corinne, very kindly let me borrow her portugese ipod disc, so it is now all updated on my ipod - there are no excuses now!!!

I will let you know how the hand luggage packing is going on later.

panic over.....

.........found my ticket!!! lets hope I can keep it safe until Monday!
need to start thinking about packing my hand luggage, but cant really be bothered!
When we met this morning, we saw a video, made by some people who were in Casa Reom in the summer, one of the first things on it, were the rats running around in the base where we will be in the evenings, and where we will eat our meals, someone, please remind me why I am going, I HATE rats!!!!!!!!

2 sleeps....

and if last night is anything to go by, it wont be sleep! more like nervous/sick feelings!
We all met up today to distribute things - not that I was a lot of help! It was the first time I have been with everyone going, and it still doesnt feel 100% real!
I am now at home adding more music onto my ipod, so I should have plenty to listen too, I bet I dont listen to any of it.
The most important thing I need to do today is find my ticket and insurance mmmmmmmmm, I know it's somewhere safe......

3 sleeps left!

I cant believe I have 3 sleeps left and then I am off to Beira, Mozambique! having a real headache because we are supposed to leave 5kg weight to take extras out there, but I am fairly sure I wont have any weight left, and its not like I have even pack excessively because I knew weight was going to be a real problem! hey ho - can always cancel my ticket if its a problem!!!
I have started with a cold today too!!!!
Right best go an dcheck I have packed everything i need!
bye for now