My Favorites

I admit, the last blog was somewhat depressing. Loneliness is a definite reality of being a single, American male surrounded by a razor-wire fence that gets shut out from society each night at nine. But I have quickly found that it is also the perfect motivation to be intentional in learning the language by mingling with the locals during the day. When American fellowship is limited, branch out, right?

Each weekday, twenty-six young men from the community come onto the property to help with construction projects. It didn't take long for me to jump in and get dirty - slopping concrete together, helping with plumbing, and transferring truckloads of rock and sand to different sites on our compound.

In a matter of days, I have found myself communicating in a language I never really took seriously, sharing national dishes with the workers during lunch, and playing soccer in the sand. I have been somewhat adopted by a group of workers around my age. In fact, I just got back from a walk through the village to meet one of their families. I went to visit Bino's family. Four other workers heard of my plans and ended up following us out there and escorting me back to the property. On our trek through the bush, I was informed that I am no longer a "mulungo" (white man), but a "mulandi" (black man). Unfortunately, I doubt this will affect my vertical jump, but I am glad to know they have officially accepted me as a brother. :) Community is awesome, community is colorful, and community is always available in the Body of Christ. That is one of my favorites!

Another one of my favorites is meeting old friends who are so excited to see you that they can't stop laughing and smiling with joy. This is what happened earlier this afternoon when I met up with my high school basketball coach, Avelino. It had been five years since we'd seen each other, and words couldn't express the happiness of the reunion, so we just kept laughing, smiling, and re-shaking hands. We walked the streets of Maputo together reflecting on good memories, sharing life updates, and encouraging one another with our current difficulties and struggles. He is going to begin networking for me in an attempt to get my foot in the door of a professional basketball club team. Let's just say, I think God might have something super special lining up in the near future! :)

One more of my favorites is God's amazing providence and perfect timing. He knew I would be feeling lonely these first few days, and He purposefully placed special individuals (suitable helpers - GEN. 2:18b) in my life to help encourage me to glorify God by continually taking up my cross and following Him. My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-2 which tells us to "run with perseverance". It's amazing how difficult discipline and dependance on God can be, but "humility comes before honor" (Proverbs 15:33). I asked God for one special friend. Now I have many.

Tap into the vine (John 15) and see what He has in store for you!

God is GOOD!







Avelino & I at CAM