My New Addition!

I am the proud owner of a puppy. Boots belonged to another missionary family and they were unable to keep him as they relocated to another area of Mozambique. Boots has been quite a lot of company for me even if he does hog the couch!

The Week

The week

I had the opportunity this past week to travel out in the bush area.
Bush area is just a generic term for traveling out in the “country”.
It’s called bush because usually that is what is out there, you and
the bushes. By the way, bushes is where you go to the bathroom.
I won’t give any more details on that…

We (Larry, Dianne, and I) left at 6 am on Monday
morning. We arrived at our location at about 9:00 am or
so. It wasn't that far, 125 or so kilometers but I
think the top speed was about 40 mph on the bumpy roads.

We set up the tent first thing before the day got any
hotter. Then we unloaded our supplies, etc. Teaching
started at about 10:15 am or so. The students were all
waiting on us to arrive. Some of them had come the
night before after walking a long distance on Sunday or
riding a bike.

There were 9 students in the literacy part and about 9
students in Larry's part. Larry is teaching leaders in
the church who have the desire to be pastors. Dianne led
the literacy part which I'll
eventually be leading. These are people in the church
who desire to teach the literacy classes. It was good
to see some of the stuff in "action" like the pamphlets
which I helped make during the July literacy translation
workshop. Some of these from past years were handed out
in the literacy training time.

At about 2:00 pm on Monday we finally had lunch and I
was ready. It was rice, chema-the main staple food
here, no taste and no nutrition it basically fills a
whole in your stomach. The big "catch" of the day was a
duck which was the meat for the meal.

We ate the lunch meal
with the villagers and for the other meals we took our food.
When they don't have a lot it's a hardship on them to
try and provide all the meals for us. Africans are very much a
part of a community so the people who lived in the
village made sure that if they had food then the
students had food too. They didn't have enough plates
so they just put a bowl in front of a group of 5 to 10
people and people just eat out of the bowls as a
community. If you are African and you don't eat out of
the community plate then it's like you are insulting the
others saying I'm better than you and I don't want to
eat with you. They are used to Americans and since we
were the special guests we ate at a table in the church
which they had set up. We had taken our own plates.

Finally at about 8 pm we went to bed...I was ready.

The sun comes up at about 5 am or a little before. Some
mornings Africans start having conversations at about 4
am and they don't worry about keeping quiet...Anyway. I
slept good.

Tuesday morning we started with class between 7:30 and 8 am.
The literacy training was finished at lunchtime (1:00
pm). So in the afternoon Dianne and I wanted a bath.
We walked down to the pond area where they collect
water. Well, of course we couldn't go by ourselves, we
had a whole group go with us. It was fun. The water
felt so good. At first the African ladies were just on
the side watching us. Then I offered one of them some
soap so she came in and then the others came and joined
us. I must say it was the first time I had gotten in
the water in a skirt....It was so refreshing. Evidently
they had made it clear to the young guys to stay away
b/c they were on a rock waiting for us as we were
walking back up the path after our refreshing bath.

Then I was ready to play some ball with the kids. We
had a soccer circle going kind of. It turned into
volleyball some when it was easier to hit it with my
hand instead of chasing after us. The ladies sat on the
side. I tried to get one of them to play but she said I
don't know how. I said I can show you but she was too
shy. They did get a jump rope out and turned that for
some of the young girls to do. It was like open play
time at the gym. And of course this was all done b/t
picture taken time. They loved having their pictures
made especially to see the picture immediately. We
played until the sun went down about 5:30 pm or so.

This morning we got up and then they took us to the dam
so we could take pictures. We didn't know if we were
taken one car or two cars. Well, as I tried to get in
Larry's truck and I kept loosing my space I saw that we
would be taken both cars. For many of them this was
their first time in a car. There were two ladies
sitting in the front bucket seat and they didn't know
how to open and close the door so I know it was their
first time in a car. One lady tried to get in the
driver's seat with me. I didn't realize at first what
was happening and then I could tell she didn't know what
she was doing so I opened the back door for her. I
think there were 5 adults and 3 kids in the truck with
me. They were all happy though b/c they were going
about 4 kilometers down the road riding in a car. By
the way, the lake was pretty but we didn't see the dam,
not sure where that was.

Then we went back to the village said our goodbyes and
went on our way. I actually came back to Nampula by
myself. Larry and Dianne went to another village to
stay so he can teach until the end of the week.

By the way, I'm sure you are saying was there a bathroom?
Well, there was a hole in the ground which is considered
a bathroom. After all it had bamboo walls around it so
it was enclosed even if you could see the heads of the
tall people when we went in....Love, Carol

The Ladies Work

Do you wonder what the ladies do during the day? One of the main
things which they do is they go to the watering hole and collect the
water. Children are also taught at a young age to do this. Then they
carry the heavy water bucket on their head without spilling it!

Smile for the Camera!

Everybody wants their picture taken.

The nationals loved having their picture taken. They especially liked it when I could
take the picture and then they could look at it immediately. They had fun posing for
the camera just hoping I would take their picture.

It's the Little Things

The little things….Yesterday I enjoyed a Snickers bar. That is a candy which I haven’t seen here before. It was good. And yes I have one stashed away for another day, too.
Also, a friend’s mom brought some Crisco shortening to her and she was nice enough to share it with me. I made peanut butter cookies this morning with it. I have found that I have been really careful when I’m thinking about what to use it in. Since shortening is not something which can be found here it is a rare commodity so I want to use it for the best foods possible!

Storying Workshop

Many of you have been wondering how the Chronological Bible Storying Workshop went last week. All in all, it went good but I was tired at the end of the week. There were about 50 pastors and church leaders in attendance along with a few missionaries. As it turns out the main part of the teachings were in English and then translated to Portuguese. That was good because I was able to hear both languages. Then the small group times and everything else was in Portuguese. If you looked at the notes which I took it would be hard for someone to follow because some of the notes are in English and some are in Portuguese. I was trying to do it in Portuguese but sometimes my heart language just kicked in and I wrote in English. Plus I couldn’t always write fast enough to keep up in Portuguese.

Each day started with singing in different languages. There were different African people groups represented so each time we sang, we sang songs in different languages. The people really enjoyed the singing and dancing.

Chronological Bible Storying is used to teach Bible stories. This is something which anyone can do even if they aren’t a preacher or teacher. The speaker had us split into different people groups and to choose stories which would be pertinent to our particular people group. For instance in Africa there is a lot of hunger so the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 would be a good one to use.

Something which I noticed was that there weren’t any ladies at this conference. The people in charge of the conference said that it is difficult to have ladies at the conference because they can’t be gone from their families all week or if they bring their babies with them it’s a disruption for the conference. They are trying to figure out ways to get more involved in these conferences which I would like to see.

Thanks for your prayers for me during this week. It was a good week.

Rest and Relaxation at the Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique

After a busy week at the Chronological Bible Storying Workshop I was able to take a break on the weekend and travel with some others to the Island of Mozambique. This was the original capital of Mozambique before the capital was moved to Maputo. It was a good weekend; I even got a little sunburn.

Speaking of sunburn, many of you have asked about the weather here. I just want to say that it is getting hotter and hotter each day. I can tell that this is really going into the hot time of the year.

The Faces of Mozambique....Continued

The Faces of Mozambique

Just some of the faces I see as I experience Mozambique....

Fears....

9-21-05

Fears…When you think of fears you probably think of fear of animals, fear of heights, fear of sky diving, fear of water or other things like that. But there are other types of fears. This week I have really been dealing with fears of failure. Failure to God, failure to friends and family who are supporting me in this missionary endeavor and fear of failure in general, and other fears. As I look at my personality type I recognize that my personality type doesn’t allow for failure. I will do everything that I can not to fail you as a friend and I will do everything I can not to fail. These fears which I have been dealing with have brought me closer to God these past few days.

As I looked at a devotional from the book, Voices of the Faithful. I was struck by one which could have easily been written by me. The person who wrote it said that I am faced with fears of failure, (many of the same ones which I have been experiencing). She said that she had to realize that she isn’t superhuman; she only has to be obedient to what God has called her to do. She said she simply needs a heart which will trust God. That is the same place where I am at. I simply need a heart which will trust God.

My days this week have not been easier but my attitude has been lighter because I gave these fears to God. It doesn’t mean it will be easy, it doesn’t mean it will be a quick fix-even though I would like that, it just means that I need a heart which will trust God through all this.

A key thing which I need to remember is that when these fears come up. I can say yes, fears you are right, HOWEVER, I have a God who I can trust to get me through these fears.

For those of you who have been wondering and wanting specific ways to pray for me, I hope I’ve shared some with you. My intent was to share with you so you would know how to pray for me. Pray that I would trust in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 which says He who is faithful, He will do it. Because I know that all that is done here is not because of me, it’s all because of God. Pray that I would allow myself to know that it is okay to take a break and pray that I would find social and emotional outlets. Many times we, as Americans, think we have to stay busy all the time and be doing something. And I pray that you will allow yourself to take a break. Most of all pray that in the midst of it all I will have a heart that will trust God through all of this.

Reflections

September 14, 2005

As I have been working on unpacking my crate of items which arrived I have had a time of reflection. I’ve thought of different people as I’ve opened boxes and seen things which they gave me prior to my leaving. By the way, thanks for the Bounty paper towels and Charmin toilet paper among other things! I’m also reminded of some of the bad things. For example, I’m reminded of the time I got upset because a glass tray of mine was accidentally broken. At that time it was a great disappointment to me and I thought it was one of the important things in life. But looking back on it now I realize how that is not one of the things in life which is important. However now that I am miles away from the ones who had a part in the accidental breaking and the later fixing of the tray, I realize that I would easily give up the tray just to have them around again. As I’ve said so many times it is the little things that you miss and it’s the relationships which you miss once you are miles away. How wasted that time of being upset was for me.

Also as I was eating some 4 day old peanut butter crackers today I thought why am I eating these when I can make some fresh ones? I have everything I need to make them, so I made fresh ones. As I did this I thought how many times do we just settle for the old stuff from God instead of reaching out and taking hold of the new things which He wants to give us? How many times do we settle for the stale crackers when He has a brand new pack of fresh ones which He wants to give us? Don’t miss the new things which He has for you! As I say that to you I say it even louder to myself.

These are just different things I’ve thought of these past few days so I thought I would share them with you! Being away gives you a new perspective on a lot of things.

Carol

Emanuel Church

Going to church today (8-28-05) was good. This is a picture of the pastor of the church standing in front of the church. The church is a mission of a larger church. Also there is a picture of a father and daughter who were at church today.


The pastor's message was challenging. In short, he said do what God is telling you to do! God has a plan for each one of us, do the work He has for YOU!

We also sang one of my favorite songs, Tudo Entregarei -I Surrender All. That song has a lot of significance for me because it is probably one of the main reasons I ended up in Mozambique. Because as I used to sing that song with the words,
All to Him I freely give, I will always love and trust Him in His presence daily live, I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee my blessed savior I surrender all! How can you sing that and not do what God wants you to do? Even though at different times I have not done what He wants me to do and it is not a good feeling. Just remember that He has our best interests at heart and He will not leave us nor forsake us!

September Newsletter

Thanks for your prayers about Kim’s visit. She was finally able to make it here after about a five days delay due to the airline strike. I now have a new appreciation for travelers stranded by airline strikes! We were able to make the most of the time once she arrived though. We had a good time making new memories. I commented that it felt so natural with her being here that I almost forgot that she hadn’t been here. Of course modern technology of email helped that too since we have been able to stay in close contact. She brought greetings from many of you!

We traveled one day to the Island of Mozambique. It was very pretty. We climbed Table Mountain.

We explored around Nampula. She was able to experience the fun of going to many different stores to purchase different items. For instance at one place we purchased a lamp but we couldn’t go to the hardware store to buy a light bulb until the next day. I think she might have a new appreciation for being able to go to places where it is just one stop shopping.

She brought the birthday cards and items which many of you sent. Thank you! I have enjoyed reading the cards which she left. Also I’m glad to hear that many of you enjoyed the birthday party which you had for me even though I couldn’t be there. You did what I suggested that you do to celebrate my birthday.

I was able to fly with Kim to Maputo on her way back to America. We spent the night with friends in Maputo. Then Kim left the next morning and I stayed in Maputo for another day so that I could visit with some friends and do some shopping.

I am still in Portuguese language study. I would ask that you would continue to pray for my language acquisition and that I would find friends here who I can do things with whether it is playing games, going hiking or whatever it might be. I have a language helper who I am meeting with each day. Also I have been going out and visiting some with the ladies in their houses which is helping with my language learning.

Please note my new address. Thanks for those of you who have sent cards to this new address! Also notice that I have set up a website with pictures if you have an opportunity to look at those.

Love you!
Carol

Just For Dad

Even though most of the trucks are Toyota a Ford dealership still exists in Nampula, Mozambique. Dad, this is for you!

African Children

We were able to visit at these children's house a few days after they had experienced a fire at their house. Thankfully, no one was injured and the house wasn't destroyed. However, their important documents were destroyed. Documents are important for the Mozambican people to have with them at all times.

Car Trouble

Carol received lessons the other week on how to change a tire on the truck when it is flat. Thankfully, she was at home when it went flat. Another missionary and her worker showed her how to do it.

Keith

This is a friend of Carol's from North Carolina. I knew he would like to have his picture on the website and being true UNC fans, I couldn't disappoint him! Go Tarheels!

Carol's Birthday

This was taken in June at Carol's birthday celebration at a restaurant called Sophie's in Maputo. Carol's friend, Sara, made a delicious birthday cake for her.

Mozambican Lady

I just like this picture of a lady who was at church.

Will You Take Our Picture?

These folks just wanted their picture taken...It's the simple things in life that make life fun!

Steak on a Rock

Steak on a rock is a very good meal. The meat is brought out to you and then you cook it on a hot rock (possibly slate). Kim had a little help from the waiter cooking and cutting the steak.

Snapping Green Beans

She may be miles away from North Carolina but she still has to snap green beans! Of course, these beans were bought from a street vendor. Vendors roam the streets selling beans, potatoes, tomatoes, baskets, hangers, and anything else you can think of!

Posing for a Photo

A very pretty 14 year old Mozambican girl.

House Visit with Anna

While Kim was visiting, she and Carol were able to go visit Anna who had just had a baby a few weeks ago. She brought out her best refreshments for us- Cokes and Cookies.

African House

Traditional African Housing

Having Fun With The Timer

If you know our family, we like to take pictures. On our way back from the Ilha de Mozambique, Kim and Carol stopped on the side of the road to take a picture. Then we set the camera up on the truck and took a picture of both of us by using the timer on the camera. This is what came out, not too bad.