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.