The day began when Adimi let us know that we would be eating lunch in his office today. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but he ended up surprising us with having all the leaders there that have been with us along the way and they had prepared a lunch. Our lunch was so thoughtful!! They bought us Mimmo's pizza (our favorite) and KFC!! Their generosity was overwhelming and saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've done. After our lunch we spent some time packing and getting things together and went with Dave to buy a few last things in town.
Then we couldn't believe there was more, the Seminary had prepared a farewell feast for us in the dining hall. All the kids and parents were there and Margarita (the head woman here) talked and thanked us for being here. Everyone referred to us as "one of them" and we all agree that the feelings are mutual, we are family now. The day was so hard, but so amazing at the same time. I am thankful for the difficulty of leaving, because it definitely explains how close we have all gotten. I am getting ready to finish my packing and say the rest of the goodbyes tomorrow. Our flight leaves Maputo at 3:45ish.. so keep our team in your prayers as we travel for the next two days.
Thank you so much, all of you for everything. We will be arriving back in El Paso, TX around 4:00 on Thursday. I'll write a last update once we return :)
Love Always, Allyson
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Psalms 107:1
I know this one's lengthy, but it's one of the last few:
Earlier today I thought I would be sitting here writing about how unbelievably awesome Kruger Park was... and about how I saw lions, baboons, monkeys, kudos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and more! Don't get me wrong, it truly was an amazing experience and I have zillions of pictures to show for it. But on the way home I had a different ride than I had expected. Kaylee and I were in the back seat of our "Super Custom" van. Our seat was laid back and the sunroof was open. We were laying there, looking at the stars, just talking about how this is really all almost over. I asked Rhoda how the children would know that we were leaving. They are always full of anticipation when we say goodnight as they kiss our cheeks and say, "Manana?" Asking Rhoda that question created a knot in my throat and left my stomach feeling empty. How will we tell them there will be no 'manana?' How am I going to say goodbye? We continued talking and I felt the realization hit me at a million miles an hour. This really is coming to an end and goodbyes are in order. I couldn't hold back tears as I thought of each child individually. Sixteen children, to be exact:
We have come to love each of these children individually and genuinely. I have never in my life received more love and acceptance from any people in my life. As you can see, they have all impacted me, permenately. I am definietly looking forward to coming home to be with my family and friends, but I will miss this family here so much. I have hope for each and every one of them. I am not looking forward to goodbye, but at the same time, I am so thankful that the relationships we have build are the reason for that difficulty. I wouldn't trade the past two months for anything.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1
I wish more than anything that I could express the appreciation I have for all of you for your prayers and continued support. That would simply be impossible. I think the only way to fully express appreciation to someone is to do the same thing they did for you, but for someone else. To pass it on... to create a domino effect. I can only pass on the love I have received from these kids because there is no other option. I can only pass on the generosity and love that I have received from all of you because there is no other option for that either. Two months in Mozambique, Africa would be simply two incredible months if something wasn't brought home because of it. So I choose to pass it on, to push it over to someone else. I think that's how the Lord intends for us to love each other. I don't know what will happen here in Maputo after I am gone, but it is my prayer that the Lord works in his amazing way and harvests the seeds that he used us to plant. I pray that he spreads his love and his grace to these people in unbelievable ways.
Tomorrow is our last full day in Maputo, Mozambique. Tomorrow we will say goodbye. Tomorrow there will be endless tears and many hugs, but I am so thankful for that... because he blessed us with these relationships. These sixteen children, so many others that we have met here, and you all, have changed me forever. Thank you, so much, for joining me in this journey. It's been unbelievable. I will be writing tomorrow :) Love Always, Allyson
Earlier today I thought I would be sitting here writing about how unbelievably awesome Kruger Park was... and about how I saw lions, baboons, monkeys, kudos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and more! Don't get me wrong, it truly was an amazing experience and I have zillions of pictures to show for it. But on the way home I had a different ride than I had expected. Kaylee and I were in the back seat of our "Super Custom" van. Our seat was laid back and the sunroof was open. We were laying there, looking at the stars, just talking about how this is really all almost over. I asked Rhoda how the children would know that we were leaving. They are always full of anticipation when we say goodnight as they kiss our cheeks and say, "Manana?" Asking Rhoda that question created a knot in my throat and left my stomach feeling empty. How will we tell them there will be no 'manana?' How am I going to say goodbye? We continued talking and I felt the realization hit me at a million miles an hour. This really is coming to an end and goodbyes are in order. I couldn't hold back tears as I thought of each child individually. Sixteen children, to be exact:
Maria.. We tend to call her Big Maria. She is full of character and her big eyes are always full of wonder. She is adores Kristin and their relationship is priceless. She gives the greatest hugs. She is so beautiful, full of courage, but also timid at the same time. She has so much going for her and I know that she will do amazing things.
"Little Maria" has facial expressions that will make you melt. She is the sweetest, most gentle girl. She loves to be held and cuddled with. She's the oldest of her family and serves as a mom too much of the time, so we thoroughly enjoy holding her for a change. Her smile is unforgettable.
Victoria.. loves to dance. She isn't upfront about it, but whenever I really watch her she always seems to be moving to a beat. She has a gentle spirit, and is such a loving girl. She is the sister of Merrelli and couldn't be better for him. She is going somewhere, I know it. I'll miss her contagious giggle.
Selena is little miss diva. Miss priss would also be fitting for this "all pink," little girl. I don't think any six year old has ever made me laugh so much. She is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out and is completely full of spunk! I think I'll miss hearing her say the new english phrase I taught her, "I'm a divaaaa!"
Joannah marches to the beat of her own drum :) She is fairly quiet, but always content. I think I first noticed her individuality when I saw her little collection of "goodies" (misc. items like bottle caps and pieces of old plastic) that she stores in the top pocket of her blue, floral dress. She is a sweet girl that seems to always have a smile on.
Rebecca takes pride in being the big sister of Ada. She loves loves loves hugs and adores attention. Her big round eyes are almost unreal. She has come through a lot and we have even seen her through having teeth pulled! I know that she is being made stronger all the time. I will miss her daily hugs.
Tabita's favorite word for us "white girls" is Blancos. She tends to sit outside of our windows and call in with her sweet, high voice, "blancoooooooos?" It's so funny and we will definitely miss it! She loves to act as if I am a walking jungle gym and I must say I will miss that too. She loves unconditionally, every single day. Her sweet eagerness to love won't be forgotten.
Joyce! Oh, Joyce. Crazy girl. haha. She will make anyone laugh. She is spiratic and free spirited. She contains so much energy, but always makes sure that you are keeping up with her. She's a huge fan of "braiding" our hair and is always trying something new. She will grow up to be a very productive woman, I'm sure!
Ada could literally be a doll. She is the most precious thing I have ever seen. She is always quiet and a bit timid, but she has her moments of outrageous laughter and excitement too! I will never forget the day she "watered" our back porch while wearing only her little pants. She is a cutieeee. I will miss those beautiful, wide eyes.
Teresa is the oldest girl here and is maturing into a beautiful woman. She is always helping all of the girls around here. Her smile is beautiful and I will miss her hugs so much! We have enjoyed getting to know her and having her around for all our activities. She is so sweet!
Terezinya. Oh, Terezinya... She is our little dinosaur :) She is the youngest, and one of the funniest! She is packed full of personality and I will miss hearing her continuously recite her name. ("Ter-teen-ta") She cracks me up and I will miss her squishing my face together and watching her run to us from across campus.
Amarrar is the oldest boy here. He is always eager to help out and is sure to always keep all the kids 'in order.' He loves soccer and running around with all the boys. He is always so polite as he runs up and shakes each of our hands when he sees us. I will miss his uncontrollable laughter and his huge smile.
Jobe is the big brother of Big Maria. He is loves to get everyone in place and in order at all times. He is the "tough one" but has showed his soft side at times. He started coming to VBS for snacks, but stayed around much longer towards the end. I will miss that smile and that sweet boy that we discovered within him.
Jusomo. He is the most spiratically-seen of all the kids here, I think he may be a Momma's boy :) But when he is around, he is usually quiet, but full of smiles. His eyes are always so big and full of wonder. He is so cute and I will never forget his little red overalls.
Sergio is energetic and so sweet. He is all boy and is usually seen with his arms around a 'futbol.' He is extremely sweet and loves the hugs. He and Juvencu are best friends, it's my favorite to see them together. I will miss his contagious smile so much.
Juvencu is unbelievably sweet to the core. He is the oldest of Victoria and Merrelli and his laugh... guys, his laugh is the most beautiful thing, really! He is always watching out for his siblings, but also loves to have fun. Soccer is also his favorite and his smile can be seen from a mile away. I feel like I can relate to him so much, he tugs at my heart in so many ways. I will miss his eager, ginormous hugs.
Merrelli... you all have heard about Merrelli. He will be in my heart, forever. His loud screaming laughter, his gaping smile, his crazy energy, his slobbery shirt, his famous plaid shorts, his attempt at cartwheels, his kisses, his hugs, his laughter, his beautiful eyes, his bald head, his personality, his dirty hands and feet, his love of soccer, him. I will miss him so much.
"Little Maria" has facial expressions that will make you melt. She is the sweetest, most gentle girl. She loves to be held and cuddled with. She's the oldest of her family and serves as a mom too much of the time, so we thoroughly enjoy holding her for a change. Her smile is unforgettable.
Victoria.. loves to dance. She isn't upfront about it, but whenever I really watch her she always seems to be moving to a beat. She has a gentle spirit, and is such a loving girl. She is the sister of Merrelli and couldn't be better for him. She is going somewhere, I know it. I'll miss her contagious giggle.
Selena is little miss diva. Miss priss would also be fitting for this "all pink," little girl. I don't think any six year old has ever made me laugh so much. She is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out and is completely full of spunk! I think I'll miss hearing her say the new english phrase I taught her, "I'm a divaaaa!"
Joannah marches to the beat of her own drum :) She is fairly quiet, but always content. I think I first noticed her individuality when I saw her little collection of "goodies" (misc. items like bottle caps and pieces of old plastic) that she stores in the top pocket of her blue, floral dress. She is a sweet girl that seems to always have a smile on.
Rebecca takes pride in being the big sister of Ada. She loves loves loves hugs and adores attention. Her big round eyes are almost unreal. She has come through a lot and we have even seen her through having teeth pulled! I know that she is being made stronger all the time. I will miss her daily hugs.
Tabita's favorite word for us "white girls" is Blancos. She tends to sit outside of our windows and call in with her sweet, high voice, "blancoooooooos?" It's so funny and we will definitely miss it! She loves to act as if I am a walking jungle gym and I must say I will miss that too. She loves unconditionally, every single day. Her sweet eagerness to love won't be forgotten.
Joyce! Oh, Joyce. Crazy girl. haha. She will make anyone laugh. She is spiratic and free spirited. She contains so much energy, but always makes sure that you are keeping up with her. She's a huge fan of "braiding" our hair and is always trying something new. She will grow up to be a very productive woman, I'm sure!
Ada could literally be a doll. She is the most precious thing I have ever seen. She is always quiet and a bit timid, but she has her moments of outrageous laughter and excitement too! I will never forget the day she "watered" our back porch while wearing only her little pants. She is a cutieeee. I will miss those beautiful, wide eyes.
Teresa is the oldest girl here and is maturing into a beautiful woman. She is always helping all of the girls around here. Her smile is beautiful and I will miss her hugs so much! We have enjoyed getting to know her and having her around for all our activities. She is so sweet!
Terezinya. Oh, Terezinya... She is our little dinosaur :) She is the youngest, and one of the funniest! She is packed full of personality and I will miss hearing her continuously recite her name. ("Ter-teen-ta") She cracks me up and I will miss her squishing my face together and watching her run to us from across campus.
Amarrar is the oldest boy here. He is always eager to help out and is sure to always keep all the kids 'in order.' He loves soccer and running around with all the boys. He is always so polite as he runs up and shakes each of our hands when he sees us. I will miss his uncontrollable laughter and his huge smile.
Jobe is the big brother of Big Maria. He is loves to get everyone in place and in order at all times. He is the "tough one" but has showed his soft side at times. He started coming to VBS for snacks, but stayed around much longer towards the end. I will miss that smile and that sweet boy that we discovered within him.
Jusomo. He is the most spiratically-seen of all the kids here, I think he may be a Momma's boy :) But when he is around, he is usually quiet, but full of smiles. His eyes are always so big and full of wonder. He is so cute and I will never forget his little red overalls.
Sergio is energetic and so sweet. He is all boy and is usually seen with his arms around a 'futbol.' He is extremely sweet and loves the hugs. He and Juvencu are best friends, it's my favorite to see them together. I will miss his contagious smile so much.
Juvencu is unbelievably sweet to the core. He is the oldest of Victoria and Merrelli and his laugh... guys, his laugh is the most beautiful thing, really! He is always watching out for his siblings, but also loves to have fun. Soccer is also his favorite and his smile can be seen from a mile away. I feel like I can relate to him so much, he tugs at my heart in so many ways. I will miss his eager, ginormous hugs.
Merrelli... you all have heard about Merrelli. He will be in my heart, forever. His loud screaming laughter, his gaping smile, his crazy energy, his slobbery shirt, his famous plaid shorts, his attempt at cartwheels, his kisses, his hugs, his laughter, his beautiful eyes, his bald head, his personality, his dirty hands and feet, his love of soccer, him. I will miss him so much.
We have come to love each of these children individually and genuinely. I have never in my life received more love and acceptance from any people in my life. As you can see, they have all impacted me, permenately. I am definietly looking forward to coming home to be with my family and friends, but I will miss this family here so much. I have hope for each and every one of them. I am not looking forward to goodbye, but at the same time, I am so thankful that the relationships we have build are the reason for that difficulty. I wouldn't trade the past two months for anything.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1
I wish more than anything that I could express the appreciation I have for all of you for your prayers and continued support. That would simply be impossible. I think the only way to fully express appreciation to someone is to do the same thing they did for you, but for someone else. To pass it on... to create a domino effect. I can only pass on the love I have received from these kids because there is no other option. I can only pass on the generosity and love that I have received from all of you because there is no other option for that either. Two months in Mozambique, Africa would be simply two incredible months if something wasn't brought home because of it. So I choose to pass it on, to push it over to someone else. I think that's how the Lord intends for us to love each other. I don't know what will happen here in Maputo after I am gone, but it is my prayer that the Lord works in his amazing way and harvests the seeds that he used us to plant. I pray that he spreads his love and his grace to these people in unbelievable ways.
Tomorrow is our last full day in Maputo, Mozambique. Tomorrow we will say goodbye. Tomorrow there will be endless tears and many hugs, but I am so thankful for that... because he blessed us with these relationships. These sixteen children, so many others that we have met here, and you all, have changed me forever. Thank you, so much, for joining me in this journey. It's been unbelievable. I will be writing tomorrow :) Love Always, Allyson
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday & Saturday
Friday, we finished out our VBS and it turned out to be a really good day. The Jesus Film Generator ended up not working, so we weren't able to show the film, but we were able to see a little more of Maputo than before. It was a nice day to spend as a team with Adimi. We even had KFC again for dinner!
Yesterday was an amazing day. We spent our day in Swaziland!! We left very early and it took about three hours to drive there. Then we were able to see a lot of Nazarene history there. It was unbelievable to see what all the Nazarene church is doing there in Swaziland. There are numerous schools and churches and even an AIDS hospital. We got to go inside the AIDS hospital to look around. We got to see so many different wards like, maternity, men's surgical, women's ward... and then there was the children's ward. It shattered my heart. As we walked through the large room that smelled of Pinesol and soap, there were cribs lining the walls. There were mothers crouched over each rusty crib. We saw skinny, sick children with oxygen tubes in their noses and blankets covering their tiny bodies. They were so beautiful, but they each had a story. A hospital full of hurting people, but they were each getting the help they needed. It was amazing to me that this large of a ministry was started by a few people willing to serve... and churches willing to support them. It was beautiful, but also heart-wrenching. I am so thankful that we were able to see the Hospital.
We also went to a few touristy places to see Swazi Candles and a few other shops. The Restrick's did some grocery shopping and we headed back home. Our team spent the evening at Mimmo's as the Restrick's went to a Dinner Party downtown. Today we will be spending the day at church... and begin packing! Monday we will be going to Kruger Park all day! It is one of the largest Animal Reserves in Africa. We are so excited to experience a real safari! Our time is almost up, but we are enjoying every minute of it. Thank you again of all your prayers :)
Love Always, Allyson
Yesterday was an amazing day. We spent our day in Swaziland!! We left very early and it took about three hours to drive there. Then we were able to see a lot of Nazarene history there. It was unbelievable to see what all the Nazarene church is doing there in Swaziland. There are numerous schools and churches and even an AIDS hospital. We got to go inside the AIDS hospital to look around. We got to see so many different wards like, maternity, men's surgical, women's ward... and then there was the children's ward. It shattered my heart. As we walked through the large room that smelled of Pinesol and soap, there were cribs lining the walls. There were mothers crouched over each rusty crib. We saw skinny, sick children with oxygen tubes in their noses and blankets covering their tiny bodies. They were so beautiful, but they each had a story. A hospital full of hurting people, but they were each getting the help they needed. It was amazing to me that this large of a ministry was started by a few people willing to serve... and churches willing to support them. It was beautiful, but also heart-wrenching. I am so thankful that we were able to see the Hospital.
We also went to a few touristy places to see Swazi Candles and a few other shops. The Restrick's did some grocery shopping and we headed back home. Our team spent the evening at Mimmo's as the Restrick's went to a Dinner Party downtown. Today we will be spending the day at church... and begin packing! Monday we will be going to Kruger Park all day! It is one of the largest Animal Reserves in Africa. We are so excited to experience a real safari! Our time is almost up, but we are enjoying every minute of it. Thank you again of all your prayers :)
Love Always, Allyson
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The beginning of our last week...
This week we have been going to different churches in the mornings to do a VBS full of singing, bible verse memorization, and health basics. It's been fun to see different churches and have a chance to interact with the kids. Then in the afternoons we have been meeting with youth at a different church and experience what a "youth meeting" is like here. They all have endless questions of what it's like to be in America. They all seem to have dreams of getting to America one day... they're all so sweet. Also, at lunch time we have been going to KFC with Adimi. It has been wonderful!! True American food for the first time in a long time. It's the only American food place here... I can't believe we didn't go sooner!
Yesterday, the VBS time was cancelled by the church for some reason, so Adimi took us souvenir shopping! It was lots of fun. We got to experience the "market" where people were selling fresh veggies, fruits, and fish. On the other side of the market there were venders selling homemade goods and souvenirs. It was a lot of fun to be able to watch people carving and making things by hand and to pick out those things for family and friends. It's amazing how hard the people work at making things and how talented they are.
Today we are leading a big youth meeting, consisting of two districts, and the topic is "A Day in the Life of a Nazarene Youth in America." Just as we had many stereotypes in our heads of what Mozambique would be like when coming here, the people here have a "perfect idea" of America. The way our churches (Nazarene) run are very similar and we hope to break those stereotypes for them today. It will be fun to show them how similar we all are. Their youth meetings last much longer though... so we will be learning how to stretch it out as we talk!! I think we are expected to talk for two hours, that's after they shortened our time slot. (it was four hours!)
Tomorrow will be back to VBS and then we are supposed to show the Jesus film in the evening. Keep the prayers coming as we finish out our last week here :) I'm excited to see all of you.
Love Always, Allyson
Yesterday, the VBS time was cancelled by the church for some reason, so Adimi took us souvenir shopping! It was lots of fun. We got to experience the "market" where people were selling fresh veggies, fruits, and fish. On the other side of the market there were venders selling homemade goods and souvenirs. It was a lot of fun to be able to watch people carving and making things by hand and to pick out those things for family and friends. It's amazing how hard the people work at making things and how talented they are.
Today we are leading a big youth meeting, consisting of two districts, and the topic is "A Day in the Life of a Nazarene Youth in America." Just as we had many stereotypes in our heads of what Mozambique would be like when coming here, the people here have a "perfect idea" of America. The way our churches (Nazarene) run are very similar and we hope to break those stereotypes for them today. It will be fun to show them how similar we all are. Their youth meetings last much longer though... so we will be learning how to stretch it out as we talk!! I think we are expected to talk for two hours, that's after they shortened our time slot. (it was four hours!)
Tomorrow will be back to VBS and then we are supposed to show the Jesus film in the evening. Keep the prayers coming as we finish out our last week here :) I'm excited to see all of you.
Love Always, Allyson
Monday, July 13, 2009
BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!
We spent the evening last night (after VBS in other districts) decorating and preparing for our BIRTHDAY PARTY!!
These are some of the dresses that Kristin finished last night as well! Each girl has one, and each of us do too, so she made a total of 14!! She did such a beautiful job.
This was my Pin the Tail on the Donkey project :) I will never take those pre-made ones you buy from the store for granted after this! But it was lots of fun. The kids enjoyed this new game.
All the girls in their dresses!! Their mom's were SO excited when they saw them in the dresses. They kissed their girls as if they were congratulating them. It was so sweet. We all had the same dress pattern, so we all matched. We also bought each boy a t-shirt; they were all excited too.
We ate cupcakes that Kaylee made!! This is Ada, who LOVED her cupcake. I think it lasted her a good thirty minutes. She is adorable. The kids all enjoyed these treats!
MERRELLI. The hunk of love I wish I could take home :)
As I have written this, and looked through so many pictures, it's hard to believe that we'll be kissing these beautiful faces goodbye in one week. I'm so torn because I miss my loved ones and all my family more than anything. But at some point in the past seven weeks, these people have become our family too. They are so unbelievable. We love each one of them. We are finished with the after school program now, but will continue outside 'play time' whenever we can! The rest of this week will be full of VBS in different districts, and then we will be with the Restrick's for the weekend. Keep the kids in your prayers and all the churches that we will be visiting too.
Love Always, Allyson
Additional Prayer Request: There is a team from different churches in Tennessee that left for Guatemala early, early this morning. One of my best friends Emily is on the trip, keep her and her team in your prayers as they show the Jesus Film and evangelize to those people. They will be gone from 14th-21st. Thanks!!
This was my Pin the Tail on the Donkey project :) I will never take those pre-made ones you buy from the store for granted after this! But it was lots of fun. The kids enjoyed this new game.
All the girls in their dresses!! Their mom's were SO excited when they saw them in the dresses. They kissed their girls as if they were congratulating them. It was so sweet. We all had the same dress pattern, so we all matched. We also bought each boy a t-shirt; they were all excited too.
We ate cupcakes that Kaylee made!! This is Ada, who LOVED her cupcake. I think it lasted her a good thirty minutes. She is adorable. The kids all enjoyed these treats!
MERRELLI. The hunk of love I wish I could take home :)As I have written this, and looked through so many pictures, it's hard to believe that we'll be kissing these beautiful faces goodbye in one week. I'm so torn because I miss my loved ones and all my family more than anything. But at some point in the past seven weeks, these people have become our family too. They are so unbelievable. We love each one of them. We are finished with the after school program now, but will continue outside 'play time' whenever we can! The rest of this week will be full of VBS in different districts, and then we will be with the Restrick's for the weekend. Keep the kids in your prayers and all the churches that we will be visiting too.
Love Always, Allyson
Additional Prayer Request: There is a team from different churches in Tennessee that left for Guatemala early, early this morning. One of my best friends Emily is on the trip, keep her and her team in your prayers as they show the Jesus Film and evangelize to those people. They will be gone from 14th-21st. Thanks!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunday :)
Today was such a great day!
I woke up this morning, feeling completely refreshed and renewed. It was a true answer to prayer as the past few days have been difficult ones for me. We went to church this morning and it was an amazing service. It was such a small church, more like a hut, but the Holy Spirit was so evident and it was truly a beautiful service. The people were so happy to have us there and were so incredibly welcoming. It was probably my favorite Sunday of the trip. There were also so many children there! It was probably the most overwhelmed we have been by the children, as they pinched our skin and tugged viciously at our hair. It was funny and I also found it kind of sweet. I think one of the little girls was determined that she could scratch the "white" off my arms, and pick the tattoo out of my skin. Of course it was humorous, but a little painful too :)
We were also fed before we left, as always. This was my most memorable "food experience" as well. After we prayed, they told us to dig in! There was a bowl of chicken pieces in front of me. I was a little relieved to see that I at least recognized this meat, so I was quick to just scoop a piece onto my plate without much thought. As I placed the spoon back into the dish I quickly realized what I had actually put on my plate. Yes, it was chicken, but it was the chicken's head. I knew I had to face my fear and do my best to scrape what meat there off of it's head and eat. Oh what an experience. At least I didn't have to eat any bones or anything. Mom, aren't you proud?
Adimi and his family had us over for dinner tonight. It was so much fun! We got to know his children and they made us pizza, chicken (minus the head), and potatoes. We ate more than I ever thought possible, due to loads of encouragement. We had a great night of looking at pictures and dancing together to African music. It was great to spend time with a family and get to know them more. Their children, Noel and Shirley, were so much fun. Adimi and Celeste have been such a blessing to us, they are such beautiful people, inside and out.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. Your encouragement has been such an answer to prayer!! The past few days have made us stronger as a team and have definitely tested our trust and patience. I am looking forward to this upcoming week, even as it will be a busy one. We will be doing VBS with the youth in different districts. Our responsibility is to teach common health to the kids here, brushing their teeth, combing hair, etc. We are also going to be able to leave VBS early on Monday and Tuesday to finish the after school program we have been doing with our Seminary kids. Tuesday will be our great big Birthday Party with our kids. I could not be more excited about that! Keep our team in prayer as we take on our last full week here in MOZ.
Love Always, Allyson
We were also fed before we left, as always. This was my most memorable "food experience" as well. After we prayed, they told us to dig in! There was a bowl of chicken pieces in front of me. I was a little relieved to see that I at least recognized this meat, so I was quick to just scoop a piece onto my plate without much thought. As I placed the spoon back into the dish I quickly realized what I had actually put on my plate. Yes, it was chicken, but it was the chicken's head. I knew I had to face my fear and do my best to scrape what meat there off of it's head and eat. Oh what an experience. At least I didn't have to eat any bones or anything. Mom, aren't you proud?
Adimi and his family had us over for dinner tonight. It was so much fun! We got to know his children and they made us pizza, chicken (minus the head), and potatoes. We ate more than I ever thought possible, due to loads of encouragement. We had a great night of looking at pictures and dancing together to African music. It was great to spend time with a family and get to know them more. Their children, Noel and Shirley, were so much fun. Adimi and Celeste have been such a blessing to us, they are such beautiful people, inside and out.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. Your encouragement has been such an answer to prayer!! The past few days have made us stronger as a team and have definitely tested our trust and patience. I am looking forward to this upcoming week, even as it will be a busy one. We will be doing VBS with the youth in different districts. Our responsibility is to teach common health to the kids here, brushing their teeth, combing hair, etc. We are also going to be able to leave VBS early on Monday and Tuesday to finish the after school program we have been doing with our Seminary kids. Tuesday will be our great big Birthday Party with our kids. I could not be more excited about that! Keep our team in prayer as we take on our last full week here in MOZ.
Love Always, Allyson
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hello everyone!
I'm sorry that I haven't posted in several days, I've fallen behind!
Well this past week we were able to get our sewing machine fixed, and are almost done with all of the dresses. And we continued the after school program through this past week and we hope to end it next Tuesday with our big Birthday Party.
The last couple of days have been a real struggle for me, as we have had some frustrations and a few difficulties. Just please pray for our team as this next week approaches and our schedule may be changing a little bit.
We are all healthy and completely safe, so no worries, but please keep us in your prayers.
Love Always, Allyson
"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'm sorry that I haven't posted in several days, I've fallen behind!
Well this past week we were able to get our sewing machine fixed, and are almost done with all of the dresses. And we continued the after school program through this past week and we hope to end it next Tuesday with our big Birthday Party.
The last couple of days have been a real struggle for me, as we have had some frustrations and a few difficulties. Just please pray for our team as this next week approaches and our schedule may be changing a little bit.
We are all healthy and completely safe, so no worries, but please keep us in your prayers.
Love Always, Allyson
"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
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