August RUSH

July was a crazy month, and I expect nothing less for the month of August.

Construction:
In order to receive a considerable bonus check, the workers were given a deadline to complete the second phase of construction. In spite of missing the deadline by three days, Melvin Kelly (missionary construction supervisor) decided to hand out the bonus checks for good effort. Things are really starting to come together as we enter into the third and final phase of construction for CAM (Christian Academy in Mozambique). The bathroom blocks are nearing completion, only lacking electricity and doors. The main school building that holds nine classrooms and three offices is all but finished with window panes left to be installed this week. The sidewalks around the building are being poured as I type.

School:
It's a good thing construction is getting close to being over, because classes are scheduled to start in two weeks! Teacher orientation is next week. I will sit in on daily meetings where fellow missionary and school administrator, Diane Gray, will share insight with the school staff on how to be a professional in the classroom. I get to create my own curriculum for Physical Education class as well!

New House:
Last Tuesday night I came home from Bible study with the mission team, and I walked in on a little firework show in my living room. Sparks and a small flame were coming from the fuse box in the corner of the room. I quickly shut everything off (after taking a short video clip). So there wasn't much electricity to speak of for me last week. I think it is being resolved today, but it won't affect me anyway. My freshly, renovated pad for the rest of the year is officially ready for me to make the move. In fact, I spent my pockets of free time last week moving bits and pieces. Most everything is moved now. Tonight may be my first night in the new place. You are free to visit anytime! (Just bring a sleeping bag if you aren't up for cuddling.)

Below is a picture of the remains of the firework show:


Moving:
My transition to the new house isn't the only moving that's going on out here. This week we have hired a giant moving truck to pack up everything from the school in the capital city and move it out to the compound. Over the weekend, I helped Larry and Susan Weil (treasurer and school administrator) get the computer room and office moved. We decided to move it ourselves, because we didn't want to risk the moving company damaging or mixing up the electronics. Tuesday and Wednesday are when we will be making the move, so prayers are appreciated.

Sports Ministry:
I don't think I have told you about the sports side of my life in Africa yet. It took me about three weeks to finally gain the trust of the team to drive around alone. When that happened, I started seeking opportunities for what I believe God has brought me here for - sports ministry. I met with my old high school basketball coach, Avelino Mujui, and we started thinking about ways to reach people through basketball. Since that time, I have joined a team that plays an average of two games a week. Our record is 3-2. Our wins have been by 10, 15, and 30 points, but each of our two losses have been by one point. It's a good time, and with each swat the white guy quickly becomes the talk of the court. :)

We have taken a second step by organizing a basketball tournament between a few local high school basketball teams in the city. The first round begins today. My team will play the second game later this afternoon.

I am still pushing the mission team to lay a basketball court, but the quickly diminishing construction budget keeps pushing that project further down the road. I thought I was coming to be a basketball coach. Reality is hard to stomach when expectations aren't met, but God knows what He's doing. He has me here for a reason. He has already blessed me with opportunities to influence people through sports, and I am convinced He will continue to do so regardless of whether or not we have a basketball court on our mission compound.

Below is a picture of our team:


Visitors:
My arrival on the compound in June was the first of what has become a continual influx of guests, missionaries, and transition.

Two weeks later, an Irish couple, Ian and Sharon Thompson, visited for two weeks to help run electric in the school.

Aimee Howarth moved to Inhambane a few weeks later to kickstart women's ministry in a northern Mozambican province.

Gary and Diane Gray arrived at the beginning of July. They are filling in for the Weil's while they are away on furlough. Gary has been Larry's shadow, getting the low-down on how to keep books, pay staff, and handle logistical leadership. Diane has been rocking out her preparation for serving as CAM's administrator for the 2011-12 school year. Both of them are great! I filled in as their temporary chauffeur until Gary felt comfortable enough to tackle the African road system from the driver's seat.

Below is a picture of Gary and Diane:


Larry, Susan, and Kyla (a nurse from Canada) moved out to the property two weeks ago now. They are mostly unpacked and adjusted to compound living.

Ro, a computer wizard from the UK, arrived last week to help set up the computer network at CAM. She is staying in the guest house on campus (which is attached to my old house).

I just moved into my new house that is actually one-half of the second part of the Weil's duplex. Crazy times, I know! Yesterday evening we had more visitors arrive for a one night stay.

Claude and Marilynn Meyers, all-star veteran missionaries and former administrators of CAM, crashed at the Gray's house on their way out to South Africa to pick up some visitors of their own. The Meyers live in Beira which is a two-day drive north. They are serving as the administrators of a secular international school. I had a chance to talk with Mrs. Meyers for a while this morning, and I found out that they are facing some unique struggles at the school. I am sure they would appreciate your prayers if you happen to think about it.

And finally, I have opened my pad up to welcome my first official visitor. Her name is Cheza. She is a four year old ridgeback mix. I'm glad the Weil's decided to bring the school's guard dog out early. Right now she is chilling out on my kitchen floor. Gary and I gave her a bath, and she smells SO much better! We're already buds.

Below is a picture of Cheza and myself:


PRAISES:
- My dire is in process! I apparently didn't apply for the correct visa when I left the States. When they catch this mistake, it means I have to leave the country and start the visa application process over from scratch. It would have been a bad deal…IF THEY WOULD HAVE CAUGHT IT! In a country where illegitimate reasons are used to delay applications and encourage bribes, God let my legitimately inaccurate application slide through the cracks! I was sitting there at the desk with a perfect peace as the lady looked over my application packet. I figured if God wanted me to be in Mozambique, He would make a way for me to stay. And if it were denied, God must have had something for me to do in South Africa. But it was all processed without a glitch. My faith was stretched to the next level that morning. God is SO good!

- I am SO thankful for the amazing times God has given me with a couple of our night guards on the compound! I occasionally go out to the guard post with bread and tea or coffee. On the average we spend two hours talking about life, philosophy, and religion. It's some serious good times!

Below is a picture of me with Arlindo and Hilario:


Prayer Requests:
- Moving the school (Pray for safety of people, driver's, and supplies as CAM makes the official move from Maputo to Machava this week.

- Meyers in Beira (Ask God to bless them with wisdom in how to deal with unsatisfactory academic situations.)

- Chronic Headaches (One of our missionaries has dealt with constant headaches for six years now. Please remember Kyla when you lift up our team. God still heals!)

- SMI Direction (Ask God to speak clearly and to have His way with me and sports ministry opportunities this year.)

Oh yeah - one more PRAISE! I made it down to the famous 'chicken place' this past Sunday! Oh my word! You haven't had grilled chicken until you've tried this platter splattered with unrivaled piri-piri hot sauce! Good times right there!

Don't take my word for it - check it out for yourself:


Peace and blessings to all you amazing people out there! Thank you again for your support and prayers!

Living it up to raise Him higher,
Phillip