young generation

This weekend was filled with young people as I went to an orphanage and to a youth gathering. 

On Friday we were out of school for yet another Mozambican holiday. This time Heroes Day. In the morning I went with some other teachers from CAM to visit an orphanage. It is at a place called Iris Ministries. It has been running since 1998 and houses over 300 orphans. I was impressed at how nice the place was for an orphanage. One requirement for the kids to be able to stay at the orphanage is that they must attend school each day during the week from 8-12. One other surprising thing was how much freedom the kids have to come and go as they like. This is something that is very much in line with Mozambican culture as kids are independent at a young age. The kids are taken care of by Mozambican women called tias, they are able to discipline under their own culture, which is much better than someone from a completely different culture trying to come in and discipline in a foreign way. After we were given a tour we were able to play with some of the younger kids. They were precious. Once a few of them realized that when I was holding them they could reach some leaves on a tree a line formed to be lifted a get some leaves. 

Some of the kids at the orphanage.

On Saturday I went with two of the interns, Reggie and Emilio, to a youth meeting at a local church. When I came to Mozambique two years ago we went to a youth meeting at the same church. I actually recognized the place. The people were extremely friendly and there were people representing youth groups from seven different churches. The church that it was at was actually Emilio's church. We sang some songs, some of which I recognized from church on Sundays. Then there were a few skits about evangelizing to people. And we watched a video and closed by singing and dancing to a couple more songs. As it started Reggie was trying to help me out and explain what was going on without really being able to communicate very well, but definitely trying. A man then came and sat by me asking if I spoke English. He then interpreted what was happening for me. I was so grateful and encouraged by being able to finally understand what was being said besides a few words here and there. 

Picture taken after the youth meeting on Saturday evening.

My dusty feet after walking to and from the youth meeting.