What a day we had! We set off bright and early at a little after 5 in the morning. We did not have electricity so we had to try to dress ourselves in the dark. It was quite the challenge! We arrived in South Africa a little after 7. We went through customs and got another stamp in our passport. Then we set off for Kruger! First of all the Restricks were wonderful tour guides because they have been to this park over a hundred times. I loved that they both were still so excited to go with us still. They did warn us that they last trip they made with the teachers of the seminary, they did not have any luck seeing any animals. We were all saying our prayers that we would have better luck!
We had driven around 15 minutes and had seen some impalas and also some warthogs. Then we saw something jogging in the middle of the road so we sped up to see what it was. It was a lion!!! We followed it while it was jogging to catch 2 other lions! They were on the hunt and we got to follow behind them for at least 5 minutes! Then they went and laid down on the side of the road and we saw at least 8 elephants standing in the field! We were so excited. I am sure Dave and Rhoda thought that the girls in the back seat were pretty funny. We continued on driving and we saw another cat-like figure ahead. So we sped up again... there was the most beautiful leopard walking slowly ahead of us, waving its long tail behind! We were so amazed. Kruger has "The Big 5" this is the 5 hardest animals to hunt and kill and we had already seen 3 of the 5!! We knew God was blessing our trip! This was just the beginning and we continued on and saw sooooo many other awesome animals:
giraffes, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, kudos, beautiful birds, baboons, Bambis, crocodiles, zebras, a vulcher, eagle, bush buck,wildabeasts, and even more but I can't think of them off the top of my head! As you can tell we had a very successful day and we got to see all the Big 5! We had so much fun. Then we ate at this place called "Wimpys" it was really American and hit the spot!
On the trip home Allyson, Kristin and I laid the seat back and looked at the stars through the moon roof. We had such great conversations. I am going to miss them so much, they have helped me greatlly during my time here. We returned at 9 and I began to pack my stuff. It is the weirdest feeling to know that I am going to be telling my kids bye tomorrow night. They have become such a huge part of me, and it will be so hard to say goodbye. I am dreading this. The Lord has blessed me so much here, and he used these kids to help me. I wish I could bring them all back with me, but since I can't I will carry them in my heart. I cannot wait to be home and see you all.
Here is my flight itenarary to El Paso for debriefing.
Depart Maputo Wednesday at 3:55pm (1 hour flight)
Arrive in Johannesburg at 5:05 pm
Depart Joberg at 8:40 pm (11 hour flight)
Arrive in London Thursday at 6:50 AM
Depart London at 8:30 Am(10 hour flight)
Arrive in Houston at 12:30 Pm
Depart Houston at 3:00PM (1 hour flight)
Arrive in El Paso at 3:57 PM FINALLY!!!!!
Hopefully I got this correct.
As you can see we have quite the journey ahead of us, so I would definitely appreciate your prayers that everything runs smoothly and that we arrive safely!
Can't wait to see you all! Thank you for EVERYTHING!
Love,
Kaylee
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Swaziland!
We returned from Swaziland last night! It was so fun to see this country since I have heard so much about it. It was really beautiful and a great break from the city. We got to tour the Manzini Nazarene hospital which Rhoda used to work at. We saw some heartbreaking things as we walked through the halls. We also go to see the Nazerene Bible college there. It was really nice. We also go to see the house the Restricks lived in by the campus and the church they got married in. We went to a place where they made candles and we also got to see some of the amazing artwork and Rhoda and Dave wanted to stop and get a cup of tea. Then on the way out we saw the Houses of Parliament. It was really interesting. We stopped by KFC and got some food on the go. I must say I have had my fair share of Kentucky Fried Chicken for a while. Today we are going to a service to honor the new General Superindent from Cape Verde. This is really exciting because he is the first GS from Africa and we get to meet him in Africa! (This will probably include a huge feast after wards.) Then tomorrow we are traveling to Kruger Park for the day! We are praying that the animals come out to see us while we are there! I cannot believe this is my last couple days here in Mozambique. I am definitely ready to come home but I am sad to say goodbye to my family here. Be praying that we have a good farewell to our friends.
I am excited to see you all!! Thanks so much for your support and comments. They mean a lot to me!
Kaylee
I am excited to see you all!! Thanks so much for your support and comments. They mean a lot to me!
Kaylee
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
God is present!
Thank you so much for your prayers during this challenging time. We are doing so much better. Although we have many unanswered questions, we know God has not forsaken us. He has definitely provided for us during this time. It is amazing how evident God is when you are challenged and weak. God is definitely my strength during times of limitation. I definitely believe that when I am weak, God is so strong.
We have had a very busy weekend. Saturday we attended the Maputo Youth District Concert. These are always fun because the people have such beautiful voices. I will definitely miss this when I am home. Not that people at home don't have beautiful voices, but these people just sing at the top of their lungs and it is so beautiful. At the end they sang "I want to march" and they started dancing and telling us (the three girls) to come up to the front and dance with them. Everyone loved that we joined in with them. It was a lot of fun. After the 5 hour event, we took the chappa with our friend Antonio to get us home (we were not sardines this time). When we got back the electricity was out (very typical) so we sat in the dark and looked at our wonderful pictures from the past months, and watched the funny videos we have made. We have been so blessed while being here, and I would not change my experience!
Sunday we had some miscommunication between the church districts, so Jerry attended a church in the Maputo district (the church we painted), and the girls attended the Mafuanine Nazarene Church which is in the Matola district. This church was almost to the Swaziland border, and it was a very pretty drive. We definitely got to see more African scernary. The church was the smallest hut we have been in. As we pulled up there were ladies outside working so hard to prepare a meal for us. The people were so welcoming to us. We sang "I love you Lord" and also "God is so Good." It was also fun because they had never heard of the God is good song, so we actually got to teach them it in Shangaan. Osvaldo spoke and he did a wonderful job. God really spoke to us today because we never can understand the service and we actually could understand it through translation. Not only that, the topic was perfect for us. God works in really creative ways. After the service we ate with the leaders of the church. Allyson got really lucky and got the head of the chicken on her plate. It is really hard to control your facial expressions in moments like this.
When we got home it was around 3 and Adimi called to say that his wife was preparing a meal for us, and he would pick us up shortly. He picked us up around 4 and we headed out to his house, which was also near the Swaziland border. As we were driving Adimi was asking us where each of us were from. I told him I was from Bethany, Oklahoma. He then asked me what church I attended. I told him I attended BFC and he interrupted me and said, "BETHANY FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE!!! Oh Kaylee this is just wonderful! I have met your Pastor David while he was in Swaziland and he is a wonderful man!" I was so shocked! What a small world! He then told me that he interpreted for him while Pastor Busic spoke at the church. He said it is a dream to visit the United States, and especially to visit my church! (I am determined to help him achieve this!) He told me he looks at our website once a month, and also was amazed that we have 10 pastors. It was really neat to make this connection with him.
His wife Celeste is really good friends with the Restricks and Rhoda taught her how to make pizza. So she made yummy pizza for us. Not only that, she made chicken that she cooked on coals. It was really neat to see that, and it was really delicious!! She also made coleslaw (with tuna), and potatoes. We were so stuffed but she made 6 pizzas so we had to stuff ourselves more so that we did not offend anyone. She also made cake and cut up huge pieces. We did not leave hungry! It was also wonderful to meet his children. It was the first African family that we have had the opportunity to be with. We enjoyed ourselves!
Monday we began our week of VBS and really was great! We went to two churches (one in the morning and one in the afternoon.) They both were in the Matola district and they were great churches. In the morning we worked with Adimi and helped teach a big group of children. We lead worship, taught a little bit about how they should take care of themselves (ex: brushing your teeth), we also helped with verse memorization, and had a competition at the end. It was a lot of fun! We had a little break and we went to eat at KFC! The only American place here. It was really good. In the afternoon we met with the youth and we had some group discussions. It went really well besides the fact that a man asked me if he could marry me. haha This is very common for us. (Watch out Seth, the men love American women!)
Today was one of my favorite days here, besides the fact that my stomach was not feeling good. We attended the Matola A church and the pastor was actually Adimi's mother in law. The kids were great and we did the same routine as yesterday. Then we met with the youth and they were all very interested in learning about us, and vice versa. After we were done we went again to KFC and the people who worked there acted like they were best friends with us because they recognized the Americans! After lunch we were supposed to go to the Liberdade church but the doors were locked, so we got to go home and set up for the birthday party. Kristin did an amazing job finishing the dresses in such a short amount of time. When we were all set up we brought 3 girls in at a time and changed them into their new dresses. Their faces were priceless. They looked so beautiful. After, we went outside to take pictures. Then the mothers of the girls started running up to us (we thought we might be in trouble) then they started telling us how beautiful they were. They started kissing their children. I seriously wanted to cry because this was the first time in almost 2 months that I had seen the mothers on campus truly interacting with their children. It was like the children had been awarded something, and the moms were congratulating them.
We brought the boys in and also gave them their shirts and they loved them! We sat everyone down and the loved all the decorations we had set up, especially the balloons.. We also made each one a cupcake so they enjoyed that. Then after we played pin the tale on the donkey. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed our time with them so much! We danced and played until it was time for dinner.
I know you all were praying for my team these past couple days, and it is so evident from the rewarding experiences we have had. Thank you so much for you faithfulness. I love you guys!
Can't wait to see you soon!
Kaylee Ann
We have had a very busy weekend. Saturday we attended the Maputo Youth District Concert. These are always fun because the people have such beautiful voices. I will definitely miss this when I am home. Not that people at home don't have beautiful voices, but these people just sing at the top of their lungs and it is so beautiful. At the end they sang "I want to march" and they started dancing and telling us (the three girls) to come up to the front and dance with them. Everyone loved that we joined in with them. It was a lot of fun. After the 5 hour event, we took the chappa with our friend Antonio to get us home (we were not sardines this time). When we got back the electricity was out (very typical) so we sat in the dark and looked at our wonderful pictures from the past months, and watched the funny videos we have made. We have been so blessed while being here, and I would not change my experience!
Sunday we had some miscommunication between the church districts, so Jerry attended a church in the Maputo district (the church we painted), and the girls attended the Mafuanine Nazarene Church which is in the Matola district. This church was almost to the Swaziland border, and it was a very pretty drive. We definitely got to see more African scernary. The church was the smallest hut we have been in. As we pulled up there were ladies outside working so hard to prepare a meal for us. The people were so welcoming to us. We sang "I love you Lord" and also "God is so Good." It was also fun because they had never heard of the God is good song, so we actually got to teach them it in Shangaan. Osvaldo spoke and he did a wonderful job. God really spoke to us today because we never can understand the service and we actually could understand it through translation. Not only that, the topic was perfect for us. God works in really creative ways. After the service we ate with the leaders of the church. Allyson got really lucky and got the head of the chicken on her plate. It is really hard to control your facial expressions in moments like this.
When we got home it was around 3 and Adimi called to say that his wife was preparing a meal for us, and he would pick us up shortly. He picked us up around 4 and we headed out to his house, which was also near the Swaziland border. As we were driving Adimi was asking us where each of us were from. I told him I was from Bethany, Oklahoma. He then asked me what church I attended. I told him I attended BFC and he interrupted me and said, "BETHANY FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE!!! Oh Kaylee this is just wonderful! I have met your Pastor David while he was in Swaziland and he is a wonderful man!" I was so shocked! What a small world! He then told me that he interpreted for him while Pastor Busic spoke at the church. He said it is a dream to visit the United States, and especially to visit my church! (I am determined to help him achieve this!) He told me he looks at our website once a month, and also was amazed that we have 10 pastors. It was really neat to make this connection with him.
His wife Celeste is really good friends with the Restricks and Rhoda taught her how to make pizza. So she made yummy pizza for us. Not only that, she made chicken that she cooked on coals. It was really neat to see that, and it was really delicious!! She also made coleslaw (with tuna), and potatoes. We were so stuffed but she made 6 pizzas so we had to stuff ourselves more so that we did not offend anyone. She also made cake and cut up huge pieces. We did not leave hungry! It was also wonderful to meet his children. It was the first African family that we have had the opportunity to be with. We enjoyed ourselves!
Monday we began our week of VBS and really was great! We went to two churches (one in the morning and one in the afternoon.) They both were in the Matola district and they were great churches. In the morning we worked with Adimi and helped teach a big group of children. We lead worship, taught a little bit about how they should take care of themselves (ex: brushing your teeth), we also helped with verse memorization, and had a competition at the end. It was a lot of fun! We had a little break and we went to eat at KFC! The only American place here. It was really good. In the afternoon we met with the youth and we had some group discussions. It went really well besides the fact that a man asked me if he could marry me. haha This is very common for us. (Watch out Seth, the men love American women!)
Today was one of my favorite days here, besides the fact that my stomach was not feeling good. We attended the Matola A church and the pastor was actually Adimi's mother in law. The kids were great and we did the same routine as yesterday. Then we met with the youth and they were all very interested in learning about us, and vice versa. After we were done we went again to KFC and the people who worked there acted like they were best friends with us because they recognized the Americans! After lunch we were supposed to go to the Liberdade church but the doors were locked, so we got to go home and set up for the birthday party. Kristin did an amazing job finishing the dresses in such a short amount of time. When we were all set up we brought 3 girls in at a time and changed them into their new dresses. Their faces were priceless. They looked so beautiful. After, we went outside to take pictures. Then the mothers of the girls started running up to us (we thought we might be in trouble) then they started telling us how beautiful they were. They started kissing their children. I seriously wanted to cry because this was the first time in almost 2 months that I had seen the mothers on campus truly interacting with their children. It was like the children had been awarded something, and the moms were congratulating them.
We brought the boys in and also gave them their shirts and they loved them! We sat everyone down and the loved all the decorations we had set up, especially the balloons.. We also made each one a cupcake so they enjoyed that. Then after we played pin the tale on the donkey. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed our time with them so much! We danced and played until it was time for dinner.
I know you all were praying for my team these past couple days, and it is so evident from the rewarding experiences we have had. Thank you so much for you faithfulness. I love you guys!
Can't wait to see you soon!
Kaylee Ann
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Family and friends,
I am sorry I have not written in a couple of days. The past 3 days have been the most challenging days our team has encountered. We are doing much better and really seeking the Lord's wisdom in the situation. We have had some frustrations and difficulties. We really believe that Satan is really trying to knock us down. We are really clinging to God's foundation during these time. Just please pray for our team as this next week approaches and our schedule is now changing. Please pray for wisdom and grace through it all.
We are all safe and healthy which is a total blessing. I believe your prayers have been so helpful during my time here, and that is why I am asking you to pray for this situation. Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me through your love and prayers.
"No temptation [trial] has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted [tested] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted[tested], he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
I look forward to seeing you soon!
In Christ,
Kaylee
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
2 trips to town in 3 days!!
That is right people!! We got out of the seminary 2 days in a row!! I know you are about as shocked as I am. It was such a blessing to be able to take a break a little bit and get out. Monday we went with Tomas to the store to stock up for the last week and a half before the Restricks get home. While Allyson and Jerry did the grocery shopping, Kristin and I went to a neighboring store called Pep. It has all sorts of things, but mainly clothing. We bought little girl panties (hardly any of the girls wear underwear, and if they do they are all torn up) , and boy t-shirts to give on the "Birthday party!" We spent quite a while at the store and took even longer because Allyson was buying a magazine and there was a little small issue in the middle and the lady thought she was trying to steal the little issue! SO they had to get the manager to check it out, but it was frustrating because we could not communicate with them, and Tomas was outside, but it ended up being fine. Shoprite did not have the best meat and the Restricks buy their meat at a different store downtown. We tried to tell Tomas this, but he took us to this store by the beach called Gam-e. It was really nice and had these huge TVs and hardware and some groceries. It was a South African store, so it was a bit more expensive then a regular grocery. We bought a few things, but could not find meat. When we were leaving they had this Mozambican hotdog stand and it smelled really good, so we tried our first hotdog in Mozambique. The bread was great, but the hotdog was nothing like an American hotdog. It wasn't bad while eating it, but I regretted it later!
When we returned home Allyson began a project and we weren't quite ready to start the afterschool program so we decided to just fly kites with the kids and play soccer with them. They loved playing with the kites, but it is kinda sad because the kids here don't really know how to take care of much because they have never had to take good care of anything. So we had 2 broken ones that we need to do some repair on. We had like 8 neighborhood kids join us for flying kites and soccer. I actually played with all the boys and it was a lot of fun. I think it is different for them to see girls playing a "boys" sport. Victoria even joined me and she had so much fun doing a different activity. It was really cute to watch all her excitement! Anyways Monday was a great day.
On Tuesday Adimi's wife Celeste took us to find a belt for that could fit our old sewing machine. It was so fun to be around a lady that could speak really good English, and she could drive! We went to several different places and could not find one that matched! We were crossing one of the streets, and it was kinda scary because cars do not stop for pedestrians what so ever! She was laughing at us and then she said, "When I went to America, they made me push these buttons that gave me permission to walk across the streets!"I thought that was pretty funny. She really wanted to help us find the belt so we could finish our project. She told us she was going to go South Africa on Friday, but she was going to call her boss and see if she could go on Wednesday. He ended up telling her she could! Then she said, "I better ask Adimi if he can come with me! It is ok though, he will understand because he is my friend!" Their relationship is a very unique African relationship because they chose to be together and were not arranged. It was really cute to hear their story about how they started dating. After running around for a while, she told us that she had to go to a funeral, so she said she would drop us off at Mimmo's to get something to eat! This is our favorite place because they can speak some English, and they have yummy food! We also got to buy a couple souvenirs by Mimmo's, so it was a fun day! By the time we got back it was getting dark. So, we just played some soccer and enjoyed the kids.
We were supposed to visit the Catembe Nazarene Church yesterday that is across the river, and I know all my faithful followers are shocked, but it fell through! We expected this so we had started on some projects for the birthday party, and then after we went and passed out "Jesus ama tu!" suckers (Jesus loves you!) It is so amazing how easily you can make someones day here. There were a bunch of ladies down the street, so we gave them one and of course they wanted one from all three of us. So we gave them each one and as we walked away they were all cheering and waving to us. We're praying that these small actions will plant a seed for the Lord. After, Kristin and I went and played soccer with the neighborhood kids and some students. It was fun and such a great way to connect to them!
Today we are back on for our after school program! I will let you know how it goes soon. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for my team as we finish up. We are realizing how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to these kids. They are not just kids, they are our friends. I have loved the relationships we have built with them and I do feel like we know each of them, and their personalities. This has been such a blessing for all of us. Also, another blessing is that the sewing machine is now fixed! Praise the Lord! We plan on finishing up the dresses so we can give them to the girls for the birthday party!
I cannot believe that in two weeks from today I will be in the United States! I am sad to say goodbye, but so excited to see everyone.
A verse that has really spoken to me during my time here is Proverbs 16: 3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Thank you for everything!
Kay
When we returned home Allyson began a project and we weren't quite ready to start the afterschool program so we decided to just fly kites with the kids and play soccer with them. They loved playing with the kites, but it is kinda sad because the kids here don't really know how to take care of much because they have never had to take good care of anything. So we had 2 broken ones that we need to do some repair on. We had like 8 neighborhood kids join us for flying kites and soccer. I actually played with all the boys and it was a lot of fun. I think it is different for them to see girls playing a "boys" sport. Victoria even joined me and she had so much fun doing a different activity. It was really cute to watch all her excitement! Anyways Monday was a great day.
On Tuesday Adimi's wife Celeste took us to find a belt for that could fit our old sewing machine. It was so fun to be around a lady that could speak really good English, and she could drive! We went to several different places and could not find one that matched! We were crossing one of the streets, and it was kinda scary because cars do not stop for pedestrians what so ever! She was laughing at us and then she said, "When I went to America, they made me push these buttons that gave me permission to walk across the streets!"I thought that was pretty funny. She really wanted to help us find the belt so we could finish our project. She told us she was going to go South Africa on Friday, but she was going to call her boss and see if she could go on Wednesday. He ended up telling her she could! Then she said, "I better ask Adimi if he can come with me! It is ok though, he will understand because he is my friend!" Their relationship is a very unique African relationship because they chose to be together and were not arranged. It was really cute to hear their story about how they started dating. After running around for a while, she told us that she had to go to a funeral, so she said she would drop us off at Mimmo's to get something to eat! This is our favorite place because they can speak some English, and they have yummy food! We also got to buy a couple souvenirs by Mimmo's, so it was a fun day! By the time we got back it was getting dark. So, we just played some soccer and enjoyed the kids.
We were supposed to visit the Catembe Nazarene Church yesterday that is across the river, and I know all my faithful followers are shocked, but it fell through! We expected this so we had started on some projects for the birthday party, and then after we went and passed out "Jesus ama tu!" suckers (Jesus loves you!) It is so amazing how easily you can make someones day here. There were a bunch of ladies down the street, so we gave them one and of course they wanted one from all three of us. So we gave them each one and as we walked away they were all cheering and waving to us. We're praying that these small actions will plant a seed for the Lord. After, Kristin and I went and played soccer with the neighborhood kids and some students. It was fun and such a great way to connect to them!
Today we are back on for our after school program! I will let you know how it goes soon. Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for my team as we finish up. We are realizing how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to these kids. They are not just kids, they are our friends. I have loved the relationships we have built with them and I do feel like we know each of them, and their personalities. This has been such a blessing for all of us. Also, another blessing is that the sewing machine is now fixed! Praise the Lord! We plan on finishing up the dresses so we can give them to the girls for the birthday party!
I cannot believe that in two weeks from today I will be in the United States! I am sad to say goodbye, but so excited to see everyone.
A verse that has really spoken to me during my time here is Proverbs 16: 3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Thank you for everything!
Kay
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Cultural experience...
This weekend we did not have a 4th of celebration, but more of a day in the life of a Mozambiqan. But before I go into that I will talk about Friday. Friday was our last day of the week for our afterschool program. It went great and we had a lot of fun! We began the after school program with music and then after we were done, we finally broke out the kites!!! The kids loved the "papagaios" and we had to try to make sure everyone was getting their turn with the 7 kites that we brought. After playing with them for about 45 minutes we headed in to start the crafts. We made brown bag puppets and they were so cute! We had cut out clothers for the bags and also had googly eyes that we glued on. It is so fun to watch them as they make them, and when they are finished they always say "Kaylee!! Allyson!! Kristin!!" and show off their creation. They also will say to us "En casa??" To ask us if they can take them to thier house. When we tell them that they can, they always clap and get so happy! It is so fun. So we had a great day, but we were kinda getting antsy to get off the campus since we had been there since Monday.
Well on Saturday it said on the schedule "Prayer and fasting" we had no clue what to expect (as usual.) Well we did end up going, but we of course arrived fashionably late. When we got there they were singing, and then we had about an hour service all squished on a bench. Then our "translator" (who can barely carry a conversation in English) was basically sitting on top of me and it was quite the bonding experience. After the service people started walking to these designated spots and we had no clue what was going on. Our translator Armino started like pushing to these prayer stations. He like pushed Allysons head down and said "Pray!" hahah We got a good laugh out of that. Then he pushes me to this prayer spot and I trip over these random stairs and make quite an entrance while the people our praying. I had no clue what I was praying for because the sign that said what it was, was in Portuguese. It is so interesting the way people pray here... so loud (like yelling) and passionate. It is nice to see their passion, but also so different. Then all the sudden a lady just passes out and they drag her out of the church and start like slapping her to wake her up. Kinda scary. Then no one said amen after all the praying, people just randomly started walking back to the benches.
After the service was over I texted Tomas to come and pick us up. He informed us that the leaders of the church wanted to bring us back. So we were a little bit nervous about this. We walked a couple blocks and then waited till a mode of transportation came our way. Then a bus pulled up and Olivia told me to run with her, so we all started running and got on the bus. Their was barely any seats left so Allyson sat on my lap. We thought it was crammed then, but they started piling about 30 more people on until we were maxing out the bus with probably 75 people on their. This bus was probably supposed to have 40 people on it safely. Allyson's knees were jammed into the seat in front of her, and my legs were going numb. Then a man passed out right next to us. All these people started yelling, and we have no clue why because we had no one near us that we could ask. While they were yelling Allyson and I were just sitting there and I said HAPPY 4th of JULY! We just busted out laughing, and it was good to break the ice. When we finally arrived at the seminary, Narciso tells us that it was our stop. We seriously had to push people out of the way to get to the door. No one was moving for us. Then when we almost were at the door there was like a pole right by and I seriously had to squeeze myself through and push a man to get me out of there!! When we got off we were all just standing there like... Oh my goodness, that just happened!! All that to say, we had our fair share of city time!
Today we went to the Mutatel Church of the Nazarene. Tomas was supposed to pick us up at 8 but showed up at 9:15 (we were supposed to arrive at the church at 9.) It took us about an hour to get to the church because of all the back roads and also there are so many speed bumps!! We arrived in time for the Shangaan service. No one translated for us, so we had lots of time for our imagination to wander. We sang "Trading my Sorrows" and also "God is good" (they love when we do "God is good" because we sing it in both Portuguse and Shangaan so it is always a must) Afterwards Tomas took us back to our house and we got to play with the kids for a little bit. Then our friend Clauvio called us and asked us if we wanted to go to the beach so we of course said yes! Then we waited and asked him if they were still calling and he said they had a "tyre punckture: or tire puncture and we would have to reschedule. This seems to occur a lot around here. We are really hoping to get to do some fun things here in Mozambique before we leave, but we are kind of lacking the resources (as in transportation.)
Anyways, I just ask that you pray that we stay motivated to keep taking initiative especially since nothing is set out for us. Also, the sewing machine belt is broken so even when we have our down time, we can't make the dresses like we were. So that has also been a little frustrating. We just pray that we can get that fixed quickly, especially in time for our birthday party that we are throwing. Another thing added on to all of that is that the TV stopped working and we were enjoying watching a nightly movie. It was a good American break for us. Anyways I don't mean to sound like a debbie downer, but I just ask that you would pray for our team especially these last two weeks of work. I miss you all and I am getting anxious to come home!! I pray that the Lord will help me stay focused these last couple of weeks, and enjoy every bit of my last moments here.
I know I say this a lot but I am so grateful for the wonderful support system I have at home. Being away from home definitely confirms this. I love you all and thank you for your prayers.
Kaylee
Well on Saturday it said on the schedule "Prayer and fasting" we had no clue what to expect (as usual.) Well we did end up going, but we of course arrived fashionably late. When we got there they were singing, and then we had about an hour service all squished on a bench. Then our "translator" (who can barely carry a conversation in English) was basically sitting on top of me and it was quite the bonding experience. After the service people started walking to these designated spots and we had no clue what was going on. Our translator Armino started like pushing to these prayer stations. He like pushed Allysons head down and said "Pray!" hahah We got a good laugh out of that. Then he pushes me to this prayer spot and I trip over these random stairs and make quite an entrance while the people our praying. I had no clue what I was praying for because the sign that said what it was, was in Portuguese. It is so interesting the way people pray here... so loud (like yelling) and passionate. It is nice to see their passion, but also so different. Then all the sudden a lady just passes out and they drag her out of the church and start like slapping her to wake her up. Kinda scary. Then no one said amen after all the praying, people just randomly started walking back to the benches.
After the service was over I texted Tomas to come and pick us up. He informed us that the leaders of the church wanted to bring us back. So we were a little bit nervous about this. We walked a couple blocks and then waited till a mode of transportation came our way. Then a bus pulled up and Olivia told me to run with her, so we all started running and got on the bus. Their was barely any seats left so Allyson sat on my lap. We thought it was crammed then, but they started piling about 30 more people on until we were maxing out the bus with probably 75 people on their. This bus was probably supposed to have 40 people on it safely. Allyson's knees were jammed into the seat in front of her, and my legs were going numb. Then a man passed out right next to us. All these people started yelling, and we have no clue why because we had no one near us that we could ask. While they were yelling Allyson and I were just sitting there and I said HAPPY 4th of JULY! We just busted out laughing, and it was good to break the ice. When we finally arrived at the seminary, Narciso tells us that it was our stop. We seriously had to push people out of the way to get to the door. No one was moving for us. Then when we almost were at the door there was like a pole right by and I seriously had to squeeze myself through and push a man to get me out of there!! When we got off we were all just standing there like... Oh my goodness, that just happened!! All that to say, we had our fair share of city time!
Today we went to the Mutatel Church of the Nazarene. Tomas was supposed to pick us up at 8 but showed up at 9:15 (we were supposed to arrive at the church at 9.) It took us about an hour to get to the church because of all the back roads and also there are so many speed bumps!! We arrived in time for the Shangaan service. No one translated for us, so we had lots of time for our imagination to wander. We sang "Trading my Sorrows" and also "God is good" (they love when we do "God is good" because we sing it in both Portuguse and Shangaan so it is always a must) Afterwards Tomas took us back to our house and we got to play with the kids for a little bit. Then our friend Clauvio called us and asked us if we wanted to go to the beach so we of course said yes! Then we waited and asked him if they were still calling and he said they had a "tyre punckture: or tire puncture and we would have to reschedule. This seems to occur a lot around here. We are really hoping to get to do some fun things here in Mozambique before we leave, but we are kind of lacking the resources (as in transportation.)
Anyways, I just ask that you pray that we stay motivated to keep taking initiative especially since nothing is set out for us. Also, the sewing machine belt is broken so even when we have our down time, we can't make the dresses like we were. So that has also been a little frustrating. We just pray that we can get that fixed quickly, especially in time for our birthday party that we are throwing. Another thing added on to all of that is that the TV stopped working and we were enjoying watching a nightly movie. It was a good American break for us. Anyways I don't mean to sound like a debbie downer, but I just ask that you would pray for our team especially these last two weeks of work. I miss you all and I am getting anxious to come home!! I pray that the Lord will help me stay focused these last couple of weeks, and enjoy every bit of my last moments here.
I know I say this a lot but I am so grateful for the wonderful support system I have at home. Being away from home definitely confirms this. I love you all and thank you for your prayers.
Kaylee
Thursday, July 2, 2009
dreds, friendship bracelets, and dancing!
Yes.. I got dreds. Scary... I know, but you are only in Africa once right? Adimi took us to this ghetto African salon and it was quite the 2 hour experience. They have been fun, but they are itching our heads like crazy, so I think they will last about a week. I tried to post a picture but for some reason the blog won't let me. BUT you should check it out on facebook...it's beautiful.
This week has been really good and we have been able to use our creativity for the after-school program.
We started out Monday with going outside and singing some familiar songs that they can sing along with and also do the motions. We are trying to do the same songs everyday so they can get the hang of them. We have been doing Pharaoh Pharaoh, Hip-Hip-Hip-Hippopotamus, Trading My Sorrows, Every Move I Make, and God is good. The kids have loved singing with us and learning the motions. After music we play some games. On Monday we played Red Rover and the kids seemed to really enjoy that. Tuesday we played red rover until some of the big kids were overpowering the little kids and basically close-lining them as they ran through the "gate." It was so funny because one of the smallest ones got taken out and she just got up and started laughing. Then her sister (who is a drama queen) gets taken out and starts crying, so we decided it might be best to swith games. We then started playing duck duck goose. The kids have really loved it.
Then after the games we go into our guest house and we have prepared a craft station for each of them. On Monday we made popsicle stick picture frames, and on Tuesday we colored pictures to put in the frames. After craft time we give snacks. Monday: popcorn, Tuesday:apples, Wednesday: store bought cookies, Today: chocolate chip cookies. (We have loved spoiling them because they never get treats like this.) Yesterday we were supposed to go to a "youth meeting" at some church but as you probably have guessed by now, it fell through. I know you are surprised. We kinda expected it, so we just went ahead and prepared for that. We had a lot of fun yesterday just being around the kids. We did not feel like we had to be entertaining them, but instead we kind of felt like we were one of them. This is so neat because we have been around them daily and we have built great relationships with them. It will be really hard to say goodbye to them.
Today was another good day! We woke up and finished working on the friendship bracelets for the kids and then we made some suckers tags with "Jesus loves you!" in Portuguese to pass out on the streets. We also made the chocolate chip cookies for today as the kids watched us through the kitchen window with very eager eyes. It was also very humorous because while they were watching us, we noticed that half the time they weren't even looking at us they were looking at themselves in the window's reflection and dancing and posing. It was really cute. After we were prepared we began the daily ritual with the usual songs and a few more neighborhood children joined today which was fun! Then we played duck duck goose, and then we took the kids to our house. We brought 3 of them in at a time and gave them their friendship bracelet that we made specifically for them. They loved them and it was fun to see their faces when they realized that they were theirs! For the craft we made noodle necklaces, and they also were a hit as were the chocolate chip cookies. I decided to end the day with some dancing! Of course this is so common for African culture that all the kids joined in and it was a great end to a great day!
The girls and I were talking and kind of reflecting on our time in Maputo. (By the way these girls are wonderful and have become two very close friends! Such a blessing.) We were just talking about how crazy it is that we were sent here and were kind of just on our own with no big plans for our time here or anything. I am so thankful because we have been really taken initiative and have been trying to use our resources in the best way we can to make our time as productive and useful as possible. When I have been doubtful I have received God's assurance that this is where he wants me. Although I may not be able to see any direct effects of our ministry, that is perfectly fine with me because I am not here for my satisfaction. I believe that through our genuine love and interest for these precious kids, the Lord will speak. I praise God for his assurance through this whole experience.
Thank you all for praying for me!
This week has been really good and we have been able to use our creativity for the after-school program.
We started out Monday with going outside and singing some familiar songs that they can sing along with and also do the motions. We are trying to do the same songs everyday so they can get the hang of them. We have been doing Pharaoh Pharaoh, Hip-Hip-Hip-Hippopotamus, Trading My Sorrows, Every Move I Make, and God is good. The kids have loved singing with us and learning the motions. After music we play some games. On Monday we played Red Rover and the kids seemed to really enjoy that. Tuesday we played red rover until some of the big kids were overpowering the little kids and basically close-lining them as they ran through the "gate." It was so funny because one of the smallest ones got taken out and she just got up and started laughing. Then her sister (who is a drama queen) gets taken out and starts crying, so we decided it might be best to swith games. We then started playing duck duck goose. The kids have really loved it.
Then after the games we go into our guest house and we have prepared a craft station for each of them. On Monday we made popsicle stick picture frames, and on Tuesday we colored pictures to put in the frames. After craft time we give snacks. Monday: popcorn, Tuesday:apples, Wednesday: store bought cookies, Today: chocolate chip cookies. (We have loved spoiling them because they never get treats like this.) Yesterday we were supposed to go to a "youth meeting" at some church but as you probably have guessed by now, it fell through. I know you are surprised. We kinda expected it, so we just went ahead and prepared for that. We had a lot of fun yesterday just being around the kids. We did not feel like we had to be entertaining them, but instead we kind of felt like we were one of them. This is so neat because we have been around them daily and we have built great relationships with them. It will be really hard to say goodbye to them.
Today was another good day! We woke up and finished working on the friendship bracelets for the kids and then we made some suckers tags with "Jesus loves you!" in Portuguese to pass out on the streets. We also made the chocolate chip cookies for today as the kids watched us through the kitchen window with very eager eyes. It was also very humorous because while they were watching us, we noticed that half the time they weren't even looking at us they were looking at themselves in the window's reflection and dancing and posing. It was really cute. After we were prepared we began the daily ritual with the usual songs and a few more neighborhood children joined today which was fun! Then we played duck duck goose, and then we took the kids to our house. We brought 3 of them in at a time and gave them their friendship bracelet that we made specifically for them. They loved them and it was fun to see their faces when they realized that they were theirs! For the craft we made noodle necklaces, and they also were a hit as were the chocolate chip cookies. I decided to end the day with some dancing! Of course this is so common for African culture that all the kids joined in and it was a great end to a great day!
The girls and I were talking and kind of reflecting on our time in Maputo. (By the way these girls are wonderful and have become two very close friends! Such a blessing.) We were just talking about how crazy it is that we were sent here and were kind of just on our own with no big plans for our time here or anything. I am so thankful because we have been really taken initiative and have been trying to use our resources in the best way we can to make our time as productive and useful as possible. When I have been doubtful I have received God's assurance that this is where he wants me. Although I may not be able to see any direct effects of our ministry, that is perfectly fine with me because I am not here for my satisfaction. I believe that through our genuine love and interest for these precious kids, the Lord will speak. I praise God for his assurance through this whole experience.
Thank you all for praying for me!
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