moving and mice, rain and birthday cake

On Friday morning we went to clean and prepare my house to be moved in to. We hung up the curtains and got the mosquito net up on the bars, but then the string snapped. After that we were going through the cabinets to make sure there weren't any places that need to be dusted. When we checked out the kitchen cabinets we discovered that some small critter, most likely a mouse, had been chewing through the tupperware. There were also some droppings left behind, and traces of other small bugs living in the area. So we have to call a fumigator and that postpones me from being able to move into my house for a couple more days.

Yesterday we had English class with three girls that meet with Lynne regularly on Saturdays to learn English. They were very shy and Lynne said this was the most they had spoken since she'd begun meeting with them. It was fun to be able to participate and even learn a few Portuguese words and phrases myself. Later in the afternoon Lynne and I walked down the street to buy a few vegetables and other small items. The market area is close and only a short walking distance away, which is good.

This morning we had church, which was started completely by the interns, here at the house. Next to the house is an outside covered awning type area where the services are held, and also where the English class was held on Saturday. The service was great, although I didn't really understand too much of what was being said. It started raining halfway through and got really loud, which made it even harder to listen for words that I might recognize from Spanish. The worship was great as well. The service is done completely in Portuguese and translated into Changana (Tsonga) for an older woman who doesn't know Portuguese. The sermon was about James 2 and having works that go with your faith. But that you can't have faith without works, and that works without faith are useless, because even the Devil believes, and shudders.

As the service ended the rain started pouring harder. The back part of the awning had a lot of rain in it, and the weight of it cracked the wood planks that were holding up the plastic covering. Luckily it was in the back and noone was around it to get plunged under. 

 After the service I got to talk to my soon to be neighbor Mary, who is from Rwanda, which means she speaks English. Mary works at, CAM,  the same school that I'll be teaching at and has two adorable children Angel and Angelo. It was helpful to have someone that I could communicate with, then we talked to a few of the interns who also know some English. I'm still working on trying to learn their names. I then played some guitar from following what they were playing. That was entertaining for a bit. They wanted me to play a song and sing, but I couldn't really think of anything easy enough to join in on.

It is a Schmidt tradition to have a big Sunday lunch in the afternoon each week for the nine interns, Mary and Felix's family, and their family. Today was special as one of the intern's birthday was this past week. His family made him a cake, which he brought for everyone to share in celebration of his birthday. There is an enormous sense of community in this place.

I am both excited and anxious for Monday morning, when I report to school for my first day. It's going to be a good feeling to have my own classroom. There is a chance that I may be trading one subject out to teach high school US History, which could be interesting. One other thing that I'm looking forward to, that I didn't know about is that I get to teach Bible. I'm really excited for that. This week should be a great time of preparation before students arrive for the first day of class next Monday.

first days in maputo

I made it to Maputo yesterday morning. So glad to make it after the two and a half day journey. My flight was delayed by 24 hours which was a little annoying, but once I got on the first plane my excitement level rose quite a bit. It was a 17 hour flight from Washington DC to Johannesburg. Once I got to Johannesburg I was able to stay the night in a lovely guest house. I was quickly reminded that it is wintertime here right now and South Africa was very frigid. I had to pull out the hoodie. The next morning I had a short and sweet flight to Maputo where I was greeted by Lynne, Andrew, Stephen, and lovely 70 degree weather. It sure does beat Oklahoma winter and ice storms! 

In the afternoon I was able to see the house that I'll be living in. It is definitely very nice and also close (only about a 2 minute drive) from the Schmidt's which is nice. I'll post pictures once I get settled in. After visiting the house I was able to meet some of the interns that live behind the Schmidts which was good. Some of them even know English, which will definitely come in handy in learning Portuguese. 

Today was restful as I finally got a full nights rest. Trying to get through jet-lag can sure be a beast, but I think I am getting there. Today we went and checked out CAM (the school I'm teaching at). There is  a rottweiler named Molly who serves as the school watchdog! I also was able to see my classroom and meet Susan Weill, the director of CAM. Currently I will have five students. It was great to be able to finally see my classroom, meet Susan, and get a feel or at least a look at what life will be like teaching at CAM. 

Later in the afternoon we went shopping at the local grocery store. I was impressed to know that there is an actual supermarket in Maputo. It was nice as well because there are signs and names for all the food, which is helpful in trying to learn Portuguese words for things. It is taking some adjustment to think of things in terms of mets instead of dollars. When I read the price tag for something that says 100 mt, I have to remember that it really only costs about $4. 

I'm excited for the weekend. For moving into my house soon, for getting settled, and learning more about the culture and what things will be like to actually live here. Also for church on Sunday and meeting more people in the community. I report to school on Monday and will get the full rundown on things. It will be great to finally have my own classroom!!

ending times

There have been a flood of emotions going on lately as things are wrapping up. It is so hard to say goodbye to the people I care so much about here, while it is just as exciting to finally partake in a new adventure to Mozambique, that I've been spending the past couple years waiting and preparing for. All the while, I'm trying to not get too overwhelmed by the to-do list that tends to keep on growing. There has been a constant battle between finding the balance of visiting people one last time, and spending time packing. Throughout this time God has been continuing to show Himself faithful and I've been reminded of how blessed I have been with my family, friends, and church. I can't even put into words how grateful I am for so many of the individuals in my life. I'm thankful for the encouragement that has been found in them during this time of chaos as everything I know is changing.


Prayer Requests

• for my visa to come in, I'm still waiting!
• for healthy good-byes and closure
• for energy to remain as I enter a new culture and language
• to continue looking to the Lord for strength
  

rich young ruler

So I was lucky enough to be able to spend two weeks at Houghton College in Buffalo, NY. It was an amazing two weeks of preparation for teaching in Mozambique. I was extremely encouraged and taught how to teach more effectively at an International Christian school. It was great to be with other people who are preparing to do similar things all over the world. It was also refreshing to take time away from everyday life and the natural stresses of preparing to move halfway across the world, in order to have time to focus on what I've been called to in Mozambique. We got to go to Niagara Falls and walk across the bridge to Canada, eh. I even experienced world famous buffalo wings in none other than Buffalo, NY.

The countdown is now in effect and I officially leave July 26th! With the departure date shortly approaching good-byes are becoming all too familiar and more common by the day. Good-byes are tough, but something that is necessary. It has been a difficult thing to learn how to let go of things that I cherish in order for God to do a greater work in me. But I cling to the fact that He is faithful and knows how to provide exactly what His daughter needs. This calms my fears. He also knows that He is the only one able and willing to satisfy all my desires and wants, even when I am so quick to forget.

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "No one is good but One --God." You know the commandments:

• Do not murder;
• do not commit adultery;
• do not steal;
• do not bear false witness;
• do not defraud;
• honor your father and mother."

He said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth."
Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, "You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."
But he was stunned at this demand, and he went away greiving, because he had many possessions.

Mark 10: 17-22

I pray that this story of the rich young ruler would melt my heart. That I wouldn't cling to anything so that it would prevent me from freely following Christ. I see a tendency to hold onto things that are good and that I hold dear, such as friendships. These are a gift, from the Lord, yet still something that I so easily cling to more than following Christ. My desire is that this would not be true.

remembering

I was able to spend the past week in Colorado with some good friends. Two good friends in particular who met at a very special time about two years ago. It was great to spend time with Meagan and Nate before their wedding this past weekend. Something that was extremely enjoyable was that we were able to hang out, talk about and remember our time together in Mozambique. This encouraged my heart because it was a time that a lot of growth occurred. We so often forget to reflect on and remember times that the Lord taught us things and stretched us in new ways. 

They met during our time in Africa, and have now gotten married two years later almost to the exact date of meeting for the first time. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and reflected Christ and His beautiful love for the church. I'm excited to see what is in store for these two dear friends of mine. God definitely works in crazy ways, and never ceases to blow me away. As we hung out before the wedding we were able to reflect on God's goodness and His faithfulness in growing His children. It was nice to be with friends who share the same experiences, passions and joy for Mozambique and the hope that is brought there by the gospel.

This has been a season of transition, for Meagan and Nate, as they begin their life together. As well as for me, as I am preparing to return to Mozambique. All that to say, I am thankful to the Lord for His unique callings to each of His children. I'm also grateful for friends and for encouragement that they bring to my life.

the crew in Mozambique Summer '07

half of us two years later

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6

thinking back

As I'm preparing to move to Mozambique, several memories, stories, and events have been going through my mind. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on something that stood out to me when I was there two years ago. Our team spent a few days in a town called Manhica. We helped clear some brush and whatnot in the middle of nowhere, in the bush. We learned how to use hoes and machetes (correctly) which was definitely an adventure and learning experience! Even though most of the time we were being laughed at. 

The thing about this village was that 50% of the people there were HIV positive. This wasn't something that I was able to swallow easily. As we were clearing brush it crossed my mind several times that every other person we were with was HIV positive, at least statistically. This was devastating and most likely means they wouldn't still be there in a year. Coming from America I don't understand this type of reality and devastation. My mind has a hard time even grasping the concept. Having family members or friends die often, because of this disease that seems to keep spreading and taking more victims. It is looming over these people and has become an everyday reality. Something that stuck out to me was the hope they still seemed to have. 

It is crazy how amidst tragedy one can still have such a hope, that stands strong. This hope can't be found in ourselves, things, or even those closest to us. It is only found in Christ. As a Christian, Jesus is my only hope. I have nothing but Him. But how often do I forget that and instead put my hope in people or things around me? 

The third day we were in Manhica we were able to take part in a baptism service. We walked a mile or so down to a river. Several people were baptized. It was a powerful time. There was a pastor who we were working with who had recently

 started a church in this place. As a young church the gospel was being preached and people were saved, who then needed to be baptized. This is what it is about. Bringing the gospel, the hope only found in Christ, to the ends of the earth. And not to help just for the sake of helping or serving, but to bring glory to the Father. That is our hope.

We helped clear the land in Manhica because the land was purchased to build a chicken farm and start a garden. You see good food is not something easily found in most of Africa. And if you have AIDS it is absolutely essential that you are able to have access to good food with plenty of protein and nutrients, if you want to increase how long you will live. This garden and these chickens are ableto provide for the people food that will sustain their lives. It encourages me to know that food isn't the only thing being provided. The gospel is being preached, which is what saves and sustains souls. In Matthew, it was Jesus who said, "Man must not live on bread alone but on every word 

that comes from the mouth of God." More importantly than eggs and vegetables, scripture and truth is what needs to be feasted on by all Christians. These people who have almost nothing still praise the Lord. Even more importantly they are hearing the gospel and being saved. Praise the Lord for this! My heart was encouraged more than words can say to see more believers coming into the kingdom. 

God has been extremely faithful. I lack in faith so often, yet He still provides and shows Himself completely faithful with His children. It never ceases to blow me away. I am currently completely funded. I have truly been blessed beyond measure. It overwhelms me when I think about the Lord's provision. 

I am heading to Mozambique the last week of July. School starts in the beginning of August. Please be praying for me as I am preparing to teach  for the first time in my own classroom. I am going to a training at Houghton College in New York in about a week to learn how to adapt to a classroom of missionary kids. This training should be promising and yield much fruit as I am preparing for Mozambique. Also pray for language skills and that I would be able to easily acquire Portuguese in order to communicate with Mozambicans in Maputo.

God's Faithfulness

God has been proving Himself to be beyond faithful lately. It's ridiculous. Time and time again His faithfulness is shown again. This is something that I've been trying to grasp over the past several months and something that my small mind still cannot grasp.

For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Things can easily become overwhelming as the semester is coming to a close, yet they never get full control. I'm learning more of how to trust in the Lord and His provision. For He is indeed a Father who knows how to give his children perfect gifts. He is enough.

Two things I ask of You; don't deny them to me before I die: Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny You, saying, "Who is the LORD?" or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God.

Proverbs 30:7-9