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!!!!
