CD

I had a lovely conversation with a Pastor I met yesterday. His name is CD! I was wondering was it the Lord giving me a gentle push to remind me why I am really here! We were chatting for ages… I almost missed this opportunity as my mind was somewhere else when he said “Hello” to me. He is a Pastor of a church in the “bush” which he says is about a 5-6 hour drive away from the base here. He has been to Bible school here for 4 years and is now pastoring a church of 300+ people. He is married, has 2 children and another due in March. His vision is to see the heart of Mozambique change and the nation transformed, which is an interesting theme coming through this week.

We got chatting about me, where I was from and how long I was going to be here. He was very amused at the way I spoke. He couldn’t understand why, if I said I had come from London, I didn’t sound like the other English people he knew! Do you know how hard it is to explain to an African person the concept of Northern Ireland and why I spoke differently? We were there for some time.

He then went on to ask about my father. I was thinking, we have only just met! You have a wife, and I don’t think my father would give his blessing! What was it he really wanted to know? Was my father a believer and also my mother? When I told him both believed and my father was also a Pastor he said to me. Have you any idea how blessed you are. To have both parents, and both who believe.

Up to that point I hadn’t given it too much thought (sorry mum and dad). As we continued talking about Zimpeto and Mama Heidi and all the rest my mind started to think about the gift my parents are to me. Ok, let me be honest! There are times it’s fair to say they annoy me and there are even more times I am sure I annoy them. But as I looked around the kids on the centre, most of whom are orphans, others with a parent somewhere, either not able to care for them safely, or in jail, or else they have been abandoned, I started to realise that Pastor CD was right about how doubly blessed I was to have my parents, ones who take care for me and take an interest in my life and also have given me a safe stable home. I walked away from that encounter with a lot of joy in my heart. Oh and Mum and Dad, he wants to meet you!

Its been a few days since I have written and again with a few valid reasons.

The following are a few highlights from this week.

Monday evening was the 2nd anniversary of the youth service in the city. Som do Ceu (Sound of Heaven) was a real treat. Being able to worship in English also made a nice change. The old cinema auditorium was quite full of the youth of Maputo. We take a flat bed truck from here crammed full of kids. it really is a sight to see and a ride to experience but not for those who get cramp easily or have major back complaints.

During the first part of the week we have the Head of Iris Brasil here, which was really nice. Because of that we moved church to Tues night, so every day since I’ve felt like it should be Friday as church is normally on Thursday nights.

Wednesday I went swimming and took Carmina from the Baby House. She has some learning and physical disabilities so doesn’t get out as much as some of the other kids would do and I have really wanted to take her swimming as she loves water. Well, she loved the pool. Hearing her screams of excitement as we floated through the pool together was excellent.

The biggest news of the week is that we have measles here on the centre. Four of the girls have it and so we are praying for no spread to the younger kids.

I am here a month now and getting my head around the cultural differences and challenges of living in a developing country has been interesting! Currently my body is getting used to the change of water and food and reacting in all the usual and not so appropriate ways!

I am being taught a lot about not being such an independent woman especially when shopping. I know these guys make their money by the small tip they get for packing the car after shopping but I do struggle with it too as it makes me feel the colonial days have NOT gone away. At times I am very aware of my skin colour.

The bugs in the country and I are not getting along too well especially the cockroaches as they climb over me or up the walls beside my bed!

At the moment we are out of gas for cooking and hot showers: the main supplier in Maputo doesn’t know when they will have more in! This doesn’t only affect us but the kids so we are praying that the kitchen gas stays lit so they get hot food. Here’s where Heidi’s tag line “There’s always enough” needs to come into its own!

I have learned 3 magic words. If when driving you are stopped by the police who are threatening to fine you (I wasn’t the one driving) “Ministerio Arco Iris!” The whole demeanour of the traffic cop changes and suddenly you are allowed to drive away!

One thing I am thrilled to be missing about the Festive Season back home is that awful Kirsty McCall song. Fairytale of New York. It is strange hearing "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas" being played in 105F as I walk through the supermarket. Only in Africa.

Monday sees the Christmas Party at the Bocaria - I am very excited! I know it will be so hectic but surely it will be hard to beat.