grass, white skin, and english

Yesterday was such a good day. We went to church in the morning... in a hut! Yes, it was this small hut that ended up holding about ninety people for four hours. It was definitely an experience. The whole service was in Shangaan (a native language here) so we didn't understand one word of the service (not that we ever do when it's in Portuguese either, haha), but it's so good to see people that are so different than us on the outside, worshiping the same God. Sunday was also "Mother's Day" at this church. Mother's day is just on whichever day each church feels like having it here... so it was yesterday! The Mom's all marched in with a dance they all do here... and did a drama as well. It was definitely different, but also fun. We were so hot and ready to leave by the 4th hour, but it was good! We're still adjusting to the length of the services here in Mozambique!

(The hut that we had church in, BEFORE all the people came in!)

After church we went back to the Restrick's and ate a great meal of roast, gravy, mashed potatoes, cauliflower and cheese, mixed veggies, and popovers. It was so good, and reminded me a little of home! (They're so good to us!) After this scrumptious meal, Dave took the four of us to the beach!! Which turned out to be only about 15 minutes away! It's amazing that it's only fifteen minutes from here, because it's a little ritzy and touristy. The Indian Ocean was beautiful. It was a very strange feeling to think we had our feet off the tip of Mozambique, into the Indian Ocean. We didn't swim because it was cold, but also because it's unsanitary. But it was pretty to see and we were able to collect some sea shells. After walking the beach, we went to this park-like area to get an icecream cone! What a TREAT. Those of you that know my eating habits, know that I love icecream, too much! So I was thrilled and had a chocolate icecream that I thoroughly enjoyed. Like I said, we were at a park (which was definitely the first one we've seen since we've been here) and we saw grass, people with white skin, and heard english! It was so exciting, and very unexpected. I never would have dreamed I would have been so excited to see someone that looked like me, but I was. For the first time in what feels like forever, I didn't feel like a martian in public. There wasn't anyone staring like I was from another world, or strangers taking pictures of me. I wasn't the center of attention for the first time as we walked through the crowd and it was very comforting. It was such a resfreshing afternoon... and it was something that I really needed. It was strange because I didn't realize how much I really needed this break... but thankfully it was provided. I feel very refreshed. The whole afternoon made me really think about those that are always the minority, even in America. I can't imagine always feeling alienated.. I hope that I never forget what it feels like to be looked at this way. I definitely identify more with those that are perceived as 'different' now. I think yesterday really helped me realize that.

(The sunset- facing shore from a flat spot of sand)

(I love them! And would be totally lost here without them.-Kaylee, Me, Kristin-)

(The Indian ocean!... facing shore though, but the sky was beautiful! - It's weird to see it set on the other side (towards shore)!)

Today we are making blankets for an orphanage that a man recently started here. It's a place that 'street children' are allowed to come and live. They have many needs, but one need is simply bedding... so Rhoda has gotten out all her spare fabric and batting and we're going to sew away! We're hoping to take these blankets on Saturday and show the Jesus film for children that night as well! This project should keep us busy until Thursday.... then we begin to paint a church! I'll update you all on the progress soon :)

(playing with the kids after returning home from the beach. It was really dark outside because of a power outage, so they weren't ever expecting the flash, so funny!)


Love Always, Allyson

ps: I'm probably going to have albums and albums of pictures on facebook when I get home... I just can't put them on yet because the internet is too slow with facebook for some reason. But get ready :)