Saturday, November 17th
Today I got back from immersion. This is where I spent the night with a mama and her family in the village. I really had the most wonderful time. So we (me and three other girls) met our mama on Friday afternoon at 2PM. Because our mama did not live really close to the base, we got a ride to her house. It was so beautiful when we arrived. She lived on a steep hill leading down to the ocean. The hill was covered in houses and she lived halfway down the hill. The hill was so steep that the roof of her house was in line with the foundation of the house above her. And the base of her house was in line with the rooftop of the house below her. This being said, she had the most amazing view of the ocean!
I will tell you a little bit of her story. (We know her story because she works for Iris a few days of the week and one of the staff she works with is my group leader.) She has two kids of her own who are now in their late teens, but while she was living with her husband one of her sisters died so she took in her two children. The only issue was that her husband was not too happy about the kids so he told her it was either them or him, but she could have have both. So she left, taking the kids with her. Iris was there to help her. They built the house we stayed in. And just a few week ago another one of her sisters passed away so she brought her four little children to live with her. Her family was so welcoming and wonderful. Of course, the little kids are quick to fall in love with you while the older ones hold back a bit more. By the end, we were good friends (even though we could not speak the same language!).
We arrived a bit after 3PM to her house and after she showed us around we took a trip to the well. I got to carry the bucket of water on my head ... ha ha ha this was so hard. Not only to keep the bucket on my head, but also keep the water in the bucket. All the mamas and the villagers were watching, cheering and laughing me on. It took me a bit of time to get back to the house but I made it. And yes, my neck and back hurt, though thankfully once I stretched out a bit I was great!
We spent the evening relaxing in the shade of her house, visiting with her neighbors, and painting the girls' nails. We ate an amazing meal and went to bed. I slept with one other girl on a daybed. It's like a wooden frame with ropes woven across it. Though I did not sleep the most amazing I ever have, I was happy that I got quite a lot of sleep. There was a chicken in their house but it was in the other room, as were the mice we heard running around.
Of course, one gets up with the sun, which is at 4:30 AM. This is really not that early being that you go to bed with the sun as well. Well, not quite with the sun for it goes down at 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening, but we go to bed a few hours later. We took a trip in to the village market to get some bread and sugar for breakfast. Let me tell you, they put so much sugar in their coffee and tea! It is like drinking a cup of sugar!!! Ha ha ha. Again we spent the morning relaxing in the shade of her house. I braided one of her daughters' hair, African style. Well, there is really no other way to braid it! I was so proud of my ability; it turned out so good! Ha ha ha.
We taught them some worship songs in English and they taught us some songs in Makua. We prayed with them and blessed them. After lunch we had to go, for our ride was there to pick us up. The Mama invited us to come to their church on Sunday, but sadly we are not. I would love to come, and go [to their church], but it is not going to work out. Anyways ... That was my wonderful overnighter in the village.
Blessings,
Esther
Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Best Day in Mozambique So Far! And, a Prayer Request!
Thursday, October 25th 2012
Thursday afternoon. I think I heard that it is the 25th, but I am not sure.
I have had such a great week so far! Monday I went to the hospital to visit and pray with people. One of the boys that I met here got into an accident and is now in the hospital; so I went first to visit and pray for him. He was happy to see me, I believe, and I was very happy to see him! I really wanted to visit him earlier but I am not allowed to leave the base unless there are three of us going. :0( It is probably a good rule for my safety because I know I would just leave and go on my own!
The hospital was the cleanest one that I have been to outside of the US. Well, I have only been to two others [outside the US], so maybe it's not a great comparison - but still, I was impressed. I greatly enjoyed my few hours there visiting and praying with people. I honestly received much joy from being there and interacting with the patients and their friends and family. Because I was in the post-surgery room, there were many different ages of patients in the room, though they were all male. We prayed with a little boy about 3 or 4 all the way up to an older man. I know I said this, but I got such joy out of just loving the people! Next time I go in, I plan on taking some sweets. :0)
Yesterday, Wednesday, I went into town just with a couple of my roomies and a Mozambican friend. I know I am not so great with words and explaining things is not my gift, so I just want you to know as you read my little story of yesterday that it was one of my best, if not the best day, that I have had so far here in Mozambique.
It started out as normal as any other day, taking a trip into town to visit my friend in the hospital and get some veggies at the market, maybe a little ice cream, and just enjoy the day.
Being that I have been to the hospital earlier, I knew where it was; but our wonderful Mozambican brother took us the scenic route. He took us all along the ride so we could see the ocean. It was so beautiful! He then showed us a place to buy chickens for dinner (though there are places all through the villages where you can get live chickens to eat), and took us back to the hospital. So apparently there are visiting hours, which I did not know, so I just go walking in to see my friend. :0) But we were soon told to leave because it was not visiting hours. But we got to talk with friend for about five minutes before we were shown the door. Ha ha, it was funny.
Once we got our ice cream and cokes, we headed to the veggie market. But when we arrived our wonderful guide said he could show us another place that was cheaper, And of course I was up for it (though I was not buying anything, I always love going to new places). He ended up taking us to the real Mozambican market, where the locals shop. It was amazing!!!!! I LOVED IT!!!! I was in heaven, I thought! Ha ha ha! There were so many barakas with everything from clothes, to ice cream, to car parts, to veggies ... It was so big!!! So many little stands. :0) I just walked through in amazement. I received many marriage proposals then! Our guide just laughed and thought it was so funny! The word wife sounds like how they say America, so at first we just thought they were asking if we were from America so we said, "Yes, we are from America." Ha ha ha!! I don't know how we left without being married! Ha ha ha now that I have been there I really want to go back and honestly don't think I want to shop anyplace else. The only problem is that I am not sure how to get back. I know the area in which it is and I am sure I could find it by wandering around, but there are so many little pathways that we took to get there and back I know I would be lost at least for a bit.
After we were done with our shopping, we walked back to Iris base through the village (we took a bus there). This again was so great! Just walking through all the villages and greeting everyone. Always hearing "Akoonya, akoonya!" said with lots of excitement. They want you to greet them and wave, and not just the kids or the men but the women as well. They would just laugh and smile real big when we spoke to them in their language. I cannot say it enough: I loved it!!!
When we got back, I told our wonderful guide that I felt like it was Christmas day, and he just gave me the best gift ever!!! It truly was a great, great day!!!!
And i just want to note that our Mozambican brother did not go to town with us as our guide. I was talking to him right before we left and he asked to come along, and I said of course!!! He just ended up being out amazingly wonderful guide! Again, I said this earlier, but this truly was one of my best days here in Mozambique so far! I greatly love getting to know the people and living with them!
This is a little side note but I originally signed up to do the ten day bush-bush outreach in December, but I am not thinking I may just live in the village with one of the families for ten days. Anyways, you could be in prayer with me for that if you would like.
Blessings, blessings, blessings on my dear family and friends!!!
Esther
Thursday afternoon. I think I heard that it is the 25th, but I am not sure.
I have had such a great week so far! Monday I went to the hospital to visit and pray with people. One of the boys that I met here got into an accident and is now in the hospital; so I went first to visit and pray for him. He was happy to see me, I believe, and I was very happy to see him! I really wanted to visit him earlier but I am not allowed to leave the base unless there are three of us going. :0( It is probably a good rule for my safety because I know I would just leave and go on my own!
The hospital was the cleanest one that I have been to outside of the US. Well, I have only been to two others [outside the US], so maybe it's not a great comparison - but still, I was impressed. I greatly enjoyed my few hours there visiting and praying with people. I honestly received much joy from being there and interacting with the patients and their friends and family. Because I was in the post-surgery room, there were many different ages of patients in the room, though they were all male. We prayed with a little boy about 3 or 4 all the way up to an older man. I know I said this, but I got such joy out of just loving the people! Next time I go in, I plan on taking some sweets. :0)
Yesterday, Wednesday, I went into town just with a couple of my roomies and a Mozambican friend. I know I am not so great with words and explaining things is not my gift, so I just want you to know as you read my little story of yesterday that it was one of my best, if not the best day, that I have had so far here in Mozambique.
It started out as normal as any other day, taking a trip into town to visit my friend in the hospital and get some veggies at the market, maybe a little ice cream, and just enjoy the day.
Being that I have been to the hospital earlier, I knew where it was; but our wonderful Mozambican brother took us the scenic route. He took us all along the ride so we could see the ocean. It was so beautiful! He then showed us a place to buy chickens for dinner (though there are places all through the villages where you can get live chickens to eat), and took us back to the hospital. So apparently there are visiting hours, which I did not know, so I just go walking in to see my friend. :0) But we were soon told to leave because it was not visiting hours. But we got to talk with friend for about five minutes before we were shown the door. Ha ha, it was funny.
Once we got our ice cream and cokes, we headed to the veggie market. But when we arrived our wonderful guide said he could show us another place that was cheaper, And of course I was up for it (though I was not buying anything, I always love going to new places). He ended up taking us to the real Mozambican market, where the locals shop. It was amazing!!!!! I LOVED IT!!!! I was in heaven, I thought! Ha ha ha! There were so many barakas with everything from clothes, to ice cream, to car parts, to veggies ... It was so big!!! So many little stands. :0) I just walked through in amazement. I received many marriage proposals then! Our guide just laughed and thought it was so funny! The word wife sounds like how they say America, so at first we just thought they were asking if we were from America so we said, "Yes, we are from America." Ha ha ha!! I don't know how we left without being married! Ha ha ha now that I have been there I really want to go back and honestly don't think I want to shop anyplace else. The only problem is that I am not sure how to get back. I know the area in which it is and I am sure I could find it by wandering around, but there are so many little pathways that we took to get there and back I know I would be lost at least for a bit.
After we were done with our shopping, we walked back to Iris base through the village (we took a bus there). This again was so great! Just walking through all the villages and greeting everyone. Always hearing "Akoonya, akoonya!" said with lots of excitement. They want you to greet them and wave, and not just the kids or the men but the women as well. They would just laugh and smile real big when we spoke to them in their language. I cannot say it enough: I loved it!!!
When we got back, I told our wonderful guide that I felt like it was Christmas day, and he just gave me the best gift ever!!! It truly was a great, great day!!!!
And i just want to note that our Mozambican brother did not go to town with us as our guide. I was talking to him right before we left and he asked to come along, and I said of course!!! He just ended up being out amazingly wonderful guide! Again, I said this earlier, but this truly was one of my best days here in Mozambique so far! I greatly love getting to know the people and living with them!
This is a little side note but I originally signed up to do the ten day bush-bush outreach in December, but I am not thinking I may just live in the village with one of the families for ten days. Anyways, you could be in prayer with me for that if you would like.
Blessings, blessings, blessings on my dear family and friends!!!
Esther
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Settling In - Without Running Water!
Thursday, October 4th
I still have not been to town where I could get internet, so this may be a bit behind by the time you read it. :0) Much has happened since Sunday. I am staying busy for the most part; classes are in the morning from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM or later depending. Wednesday, all of us Harvest School students were put into groups with the Mozambican Bible students. We had a great evening full of games, dinner, dancing, serving ... They love to sing and dance!
So far I have learned three greeting words. :0) Ha ha ha so at least I can say hello, how are you, and I am good. My luggage finally arrived on Tuesday! Praise the Lord. I could have made it with my carry-on but having all my stuff has been great!!!
I got to wash my hair once before the water went out - yes, the water turned off! I now have no running water. This means bucket showers, using the latrines, washing hands with a cup of water - basically saving water any way you can. I washed my hair this morning with about a quart of water total. Crazy! I do believe there is a well someplace on the property, I just have to find it. I will be needing to wash clothes here soon so hopefully, there is. :0) Who knows how long the water will be out - they say it could be a week or three weeks.
I just finished dinner and yes, it was rice and beans! Ha ha but it was great! I ate Mozambican style, which is with my fingers!! :0) Ha ha ... it was great!!
Sorry my letter is so choppy with not many details! My brain is not focusing very well. It is going all over the place. Thank you all for your prayers!!!!!!!!!!! I sosososososososo appreciate them all!!!!!
Esther
I still have not been to town where I could get internet, so this may be a bit behind by the time you read it. :0) Much has happened since Sunday. I am staying busy for the most part; classes are in the morning from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM or later depending. Wednesday, all of us Harvest School students were put into groups with the Mozambican Bible students. We had a great evening full of games, dinner, dancing, serving ... They love to sing and dance!
So far I have learned three greeting words. :0) Ha ha ha so at least I can say hello, how are you, and I am good. My luggage finally arrived on Tuesday! Praise the Lord. I could have made it with my carry-on but having all my stuff has been great!!!
I got to wash my hair once before the water went out - yes, the water turned off! I now have no running water. This means bucket showers, using the latrines, washing hands with a cup of water - basically saving water any way you can. I washed my hair this morning with about a quart of water total. Crazy! I do believe there is a well someplace on the property, I just have to find it. I will be needing to wash clothes here soon so hopefully, there is. :0) Who knows how long the water will be out - they say it could be a week or three weeks.
I just finished dinner and yes, it was rice and beans! Ha ha but it was great! I ate Mozambican style, which is with my fingers!! :0) Ha ha ... it was great!!
Sorry my letter is so choppy with not many details! My brain is not focusing very well. It is going all over the place. Thank you all for your prayers!!!!!!!!!!! I sosososososososo appreciate them all!!!!!
Esther
Safe Arrival in Pemba - but missing one important thing!!
Sunday, September 30th
As I write this it is 9:30 PM Sunday night, the 30th. It is now cool out and feels very comfortable.
This is the second night here in Pemba and I am still experiencing jet lag. But let me back up and catch you up on my flights here. I flew from Seattle to Detroit, from Detroit to Amsterdam, and then on to Johannesburg where I stayed the night at Bob's Bunk House. I flew out the next morning into Pemba. On the first four-hour flight I was already ready to be out of the plane! Ha ha! I met up with a gal and two guys in Amsterdam and traveled the rest of the way with them. On a side note, Bob's Bunk House was great!!! If you're traveling to South Africa and need a place to stay, I would recommend staying there.
My flight into the very small airport in Pemba was short and sweet: it was only two hours and I slept the whole time. :0) Upon arriving I patiently waited for my luggage to arrive ... and it never came around the little belt. Thankfully, I packed some stuff in my carry-on so I am surviving; and everyone is very generous in sharing their things with me.
Church this morning was in three different languages and lasted over four hours. I danced, sweated, worshiped, and prayed along with a ton of other people. I will say it was great having people dancing in front of me so I could just follow along. :0) After church, we had lunch of rice and beans which is the main dish here in Pemba. The only way it could have been better would be if there were a little salsa added to it. (It's the exact same beans and rice as my mom makes.) It was so warm, and with a full stomach I was easily lulled to sleep, which thankfully was just a quick nap.
I finished my evening with a walk to the beach where three girls decided to braid my hair. They just wanted to touch it and play with it - by the end of all this, my head was a big frizz ball, hahaha! But the girls just thought it was great.
The day is now nice and cool and feels amazing after the heat of the middle of the day (though from what I hear, it will be even hotter later on - but hopefully I will be a little more used to it by then).
I just wanted to give you a quick update on my time here so far. Not too many details but, an idea of what has been happening. As I write this I actually do not have internet so I will post it once I do - maybe tomorrow or the next day depending on if I head to town or to the airport to look for my luggage.
Esther
As I write this it is 9:30 PM Sunday night, the 30th. It is now cool out and feels very comfortable.
This is the second night here in Pemba and I am still experiencing jet lag. But let me back up and catch you up on my flights here. I flew from Seattle to Detroit, from Detroit to Amsterdam, and then on to Johannesburg where I stayed the night at Bob's Bunk House. I flew out the next morning into Pemba. On the first four-hour flight I was already ready to be out of the plane! Ha ha! I met up with a gal and two guys in Amsterdam and traveled the rest of the way with them. On a side note, Bob's Bunk House was great!!! If you're traveling to South Africa and need a place to stay, I would recommend staying there.
My flight into the very small airport in Pemba was short and sweet: it was only two hours and I slept the whole time. :0) Upon arriving I patiently waited for my luggage to arrive ... and it never came around the little belt. Thankfully, I packed some stuff in my carry-on so I am surviving; and everyone is very generous in sharing their things with me.
Church this morning was in three different languages and lasted over four hours. I danced, sweated, worshiped, and prayed along with a ton of other people. I will say it was great having people dancing in front of me so I could just follow along. :0) After church, we had lunch of rice and beans which is the main dish here in Pemba. The only way it could have been better would be if there were a little salsa added to it. (It's the exact same beans and rice as my mom makes.) It was so warm, and with a full stomach I was easily lulled to sleep, which thankfully was just a quick nap.
I finished my evening with a walk to the beach where three girls decided to braid my hair. They just wanted to touch it and play with it - by the end of all this, my head was a big frizz ball, hahaha! But the girls just thought it was great.
The day is now nice and cool and feels amazing after the heat of the middle of the day (though from what I hear, it will be even hotter later on - but hopefully I will be a little more used to it by then).
I just wanted to give you a quick update on my time here so far. Not too many details but, an idea of what has been happening. As I write this I actually do not have internet so I will post it once I do - maybe tomorrow or the next day depending on if I head to town or to the airport to look for my luggage.
Esther
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