1. Construction:
I have been highly involved in the construction projects on our mission compound. We have built a bathroom block which is nearing completion. A couple from Northern Ireland, Ian and Sharon Thompson, spent a little over two weeks with us. Ian is an electrician who was invited to use his expertise to help OMS complete the new school building in time for our deadline. I was blessed to spend quite a bit of time with him as we strung different buildings with electricity, installing sockets, switches, and light fixtures. Ian was a fun guy to hang around, always making light of serious, stressful, or relaxed situations. The Thompson's left this past weekend having done an incredible job. They will be missed.
Three weeks after being here, I received the official go ahead to begin driving on my own. I am living in a new area, one of which I am still getting to know. I know my way around the capital city of Maputo, but the outer cities of Matola and Machava are still a little blurry. I apparently know enough now to get around well enough to make the missionaries on our compound feel free to ask me to run errands for them. I enjoy the style of driving here. It is a little quicker-paced and quite congested, especially in the city. But there IS a system to the madness. The key is definitely being flexible.
3. Relationships:
I have been blessed with the opportunity to make new friends, meet with old friends, and become better acquainted to people I didn't know very well in the past. I have made some fun friendships with some of the construction workers on our compound. I have been incredibly blessed each Sunday as I talk with pastors who were trained under my father. I have also had the chance to meet up with old schoolmates, teachers, and even my basketball coach! Toward the beginning of the month I struggled with loneliness, but God has overwhelmed that prayer request with a bounty of buddies! He is amazing! Thank you for praying.
4. Language:
Portuguese has never been my strong suit, but my vocabulary is developing rather quickly as I mingle with construction workers, share in churches, talk with the guards, hang out with Brazilians, and translate church services for other missionaries and visitors. God has answered this prayer request as well. I feel comfortable going anywhere, talking with anyone, and even praying and leading Bible studies in Portuguese. Granted, my vocabulary is still probably that of a 3rd grader, but it is definitely enough to get around. :) Praise God.
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers! I know God is using you to keep me strong. I was telling my mom in an email earlier that I have written multiple sermons since arriving. God has been talking, and I have been writing. I actually start preaching to the birds outside my kitchen window when I can't write fast enough! :) I might write some of my ideas down in an update letter one of these days. We'll see what happens.
PRAISES:
safety (God is definitely my protector, and I know it.)
health (My body has adapted to African cuisine perfectly thus far.)
friends (Ministry is relational, and God has given me many areas to minister.)
REQUESTS:
dire: (My resident visa was apparently the wrong kind, and the immigration office is threatening not to issue my permanent resident visa [dire]. If they don't accept my visa application, I will be forced to leave the country and begin the process from scratch, which would be a major pain! Please pray God works things out. His will be done.)
safety: (Driving is dangerous here. I would appreciate your prayers for me as I will now be on the roads regularly, getting construction supplies, running errands, and driving into the city. I would also ask that you cover our entire mission team in prayer in relation to our personal safety on the compound. Pray our armed guards would be awake and alert. Please also pray for our workers to be safe while we continue cranking out these construction projects.)
Thank you again for your prayers and support as I attempt to allow the gospel to flow through me a little further for God's glory.
Boa Noite, todos!
(Good night, all!)
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