Hello!

Well hi again,
few things happened here recently, shot was fired in the square next to us after a crazy man smashed a car up then got attacked by all the pedestrians who saw him do it, luckily the shot was fired by the police who were trying to break it up! so no one, except the crazy guy, got hurt.... i don't think hes dead but it turns out street justice out here is pretty brutal, they caught 4 guys breaking into a house the other week, 2 got away but the other 2 got killed. then the police took the bodies away. nice.
so, went out to Kedesh yesterday, was pretty good, played football and kicked the ground really hard, feels like i've broken my big toe... ouch.... met an american couple out there too, seemed pretty cool!
dondo today, messing about with the kids, killed a big ol' pig too! was a bit reluctant to go though.... which made everything quite messy.... blood all up our legs and stuff! nearly got free at one point halfway which would have been really unfortunate, he had his front legs out and had got his mouth free, was frantically trying to bite everyone! but in the end we got him!
sadly i didn't get to stay and help gut him, which is what i was really looking forward too, i had to go due to a dinner invitation, with 3 english girls who turned out to be really nice! had a great time with them, good old chat and they're all my age too!
hopefully they'll visit at some point... its nice to speak english properly again!
theres lots more and lots more detail but i won't go into it now! pictures too! they'll come on the newsletter!
xxxx

Second Newsletter

I’m starting to wonder whether it’s really a good idea to name each newsletter “First…”, “Second…” and so on! At the moment there isn’t a great deal happening, when I was asked to write the newsletters I imagined great long essays written in the dead of night… But there isn’t much of particular significance to write!
Base:
A problem again, Alfredo once again has malaria, so prayer for that would be greatly appreciated.
Brought one of the puppy’s from Dondo back yesterday, just for an overnight stay, he lives at Inihamizua now, he’s Augusto’s and was named Frog…. For what reasons I can’t really be sure……. The gorgeous little thing’s covered in fleas but he’s so cute……. I can overlook fleas.
Going to try and get the paint for the stairs and do that jazz in the evenings when it’s a bit cooler. One of the main problems for me working here is of course the heat, so I’ve decided it would be much more clever for me to try and paint in the afternoons and evenings, when it’s “cooler” haha.

Inihamizua:
As far as I know there’s no one ill out at Inihamizua at the moment anyway! Mungo is all good so the prayer obviously helped that along to say the least.
The building seems to be coming along slowly but surely! I’ve attached a couple of pictures of that so you can have a peek. Sorry, I’d totally forgotten about Pastor Bongo’s house, so I’ll get some pictures of that for the next newsletter! Will begin painting the front walls next week hopefully! Make it look a bit posher!

Dondo:
Going out to Dondo again today, had a big old thunderstorm out there a few days ago, after a rather loud, to say the least, crack of thunder – at which point the electricity went out - I was immediately engulfed by a horde of screaming children! Seven had gone up in the coconut trees earlier after many futile attempts to knock the things down with a few big rocks. So fresh coconut all round whilst we sat watching the storm.
The painting is all finished there now, everything’s yellow!
Seven and I started walking back to town at about 1700, in the rain, which was actually really nice, walking barefoot along a warm tarmac road, in the warm pouring rain. It just wasn’t as uncomfortable as the normal heat, which made a nice change. We flagged down a lift from a big bus when it was still miles away from us, the driver decided to charge straight ahead until he was within about 5 feet away from us at which point he slammed on the brakes and came to a halt – after skidding for about 30 feet!
Suddenly walking is looking very appealing……..
Also turns out that I am Steve Irwin (RIP), if you don't know who he is shame on you! At Dondo I heard cries of "Cobra" which means snake in Portugese, so I immediately rushed over and caught it, the kids were going to kill it but I stole it away and let it go free! Not before having a couple of pictures taken though! Sadly I can't commend the efforts of the camera man - 7 million megapixels ain't any help if you're a small African kid!

Other news, met John from Kedesh the other day, was sat in the office when suddenly this hairy white man walked in! I just went “oh! Er, you must be er, John?” Turns out he’s a brilliant bloke, a really nice guy. I must say he looked like the type of person you could definitely see wearing a tie-die t-shirt though! I’m planning on visiting out there at some point during the time here, apparently he has about 20 kids living at Kedesh. For some reason I was under the impression that he was miles and miles out but he’s in between Inihamizua and Dondo.
Got to go, the dogs crying…..
xxx

Pulling Sickies

Hey everyone,
just to apologise for the lack of info coming back from me, not too well at the moment, not malaria luckily though! Got a few pills to pop for it so should be well and sending back the newsletters soon enough.... will try and keep you updated on that!
Dan
Also, as far as I know Pedro does not have malaria, and if he did he recovered from it remarkabley quick!

This is Pedro introducing himself. He's the one with Maleria and this was done on my last day in Beira.

Phil's last days in Beira

It's difficult to know where to begin as I write this having just got in from Birmingham airport and with my luggage only making is as far as Jo'berg - same as last year.

Such a lot has happened since Sunday. God is Good - Deus é bom.

On the way back from Dondo I called in at Inhamizua and prayed over Alfredo aka William that the malaria would leave him. On Monday when we called in on our way to Dondo there he was as large as life vertical and saying he was almost completely well again. Allelulia Amen. Thanks to all of you who prayed for him - God has answered.

Over the weekend the blue truck was mended. But hey nothing is simple. On Monday it wouldn't start. Corrosion of one ot the battery terminals meant that insuficient current was getting through. However by the time Dan and I were due to leave Dondo the blue truck was on the road - it came to pick us up. Photo evidence to prove.

Now Pedro has Malaria.

On Monday we complete the outside lighting of Dondo as per Alece's or is it Alice's instuctions. We also do a lot of the painting of the outside with help from the bigger boys. Dan should be able to complete the rest as most of it is high altitude stuff.

Back to base for dinner. At 9-15 Dan says he's going out with some lads he's met at the centre. They're going for a Pizza. I'm not sure who the boys are but they have been in the centre. I later find that Dan hasn't taken his Mozambique phone with him. When 11-00pm arrives and Dan hasn't I am quite concerned. So I go and ask the guard if he has Pastor Bonga's phone number as Dan is missing. The guard takes me out on to the front balcony and asks Sophia about Dan. She says he's gone out with Bento, so at least I have a name if we have to involve the police. Does she know anything about Bento, 'Yes he's quite safe Bento's good' Phew I breathe a sigh of partial relief as I don't know where he is. She calls Bento and I speak to him. They are both apologetic they were just having a meal and a good time. I'm just another nagging worrying parent - but not Dan's - Deus é bom. You can hear it cant you, "I don't know what all the fuss was about I was fine". "Ah! yes but I didn't know you were"

Tuesday dawned and with it the enevitability of my return to England. I'm not good at goodbyes. We were off to Inhamizua to say goodbye. Nothing ever seems to be straight forward. We don't go to Inhamizua, but to some place I've never been before in amongst the shanty buildings of one of the suburbs. No one has said why. Than it happens the blue truck joins us. we stop and I'm called in this house. There in front of me are the gass cookers they're complete and ready for shipping out. Deus é bom.

Off to Inhamizua with the stoves, a gas bottle and the cooker engineer. Yes they work - Allelulia Amen.

The boys sing for me and pray over me for a safe journey. They present me with a book of good wishes and than it's back to base for a quick lunch, more prayers and another presentation then it's off to the airport. Check in. Pay exit tax. Say goodbye to PB, Boniface and Simao. Go through Passport control and suddenly I'm on my own. I've left ......... For the time being physically, but not mentally, spiritually or prayerfully. I will return.

We have achieved a lot but there is more to do - much more.

Beira Trip November 07

Here is a link to a photo album of our visit on Picasa - hope you enjoy them....

First Preach

Yeh so, for the second time, it's Dan, your beloved! (and wow, literally just as I was writing that the mice/rats tried to kill each other...... who needs mousetraps when you can breed anger between the things!)

So, quite frighteningly the pastor of the church I was to preach at only arrived 5 minutes late! Totally scared, totally not prepared, just so...... argh!

Got to the Church and after waiting about an hour, people started turning up. I won't go through the whole of church as it was quite long, but all in all my preaching went well I think! YAY! No one left anyway so it couldn't have been that bad!

Caught the public transport back to base, wow, now thats something...... All you people who think the underground is bad check this out, at least the underground isn't likely to crash into another train, wall, person, bike, dog, goat etc... Its actually amazing how many people you can pack inside these things..... and sardines think THEY have it bad!

At about 1530 we were supposed to be going out to Dondo for a "feast", Pastor Bongo arrived at 1550, which to be honest, was a pretty good effort for him! I'm kinda hoping they don't adjust to English timings just for me though, as i'm definitely enjoying the lazy ol' laid back style of an African!

Ok, so, got to Dondo after stopping to check out some land Samao had just bought, turns out the "feast" is a birthday party for 3 of the kids!

As you can see, pictures of the three kids, and their names up on the wall, everyone had a good time, pretty awesome cake!

Sadly some bad news too, which can be turned into good news I'm sure, a little girl was taken to the hospital as she was very ill, don't know her name or whats wrong with her but please pray! Williams also not doing too great, so prayer for him would be appreciated too!

Ok, well as far as I know thats it...... no noise coming from the mice/rats....... they've started being far too cute recently..... not good!

xxxx

Sultry, Sunny Saturday in Dondo

Phew! What a Scorcher - went the 'Sun' headline during one of our hottest summers in the UK. Don't know what the paper would make of today - hot sunny and humid, OK if your on hoilday but no picnic if you have to work. I doubt that any of you reading this in England will have the slightest sympathy for Dan and myself as you struggle with the cold and we compalin about the heat. God created both to challenge us.

Dondo went did we. Lights fit some and paint did we. That was Yoda speak. Dan, Pedro and yours truly. Pedro was the guy who helped us paint a lot last year - Josh will remember him - he sends his regards to Josh.

This is Pedro painting at Dondo. That's not Dan in the background.

Dan painted the high bits - I knew his altitude would come in handy. Dan also played loads with the little children on his own. Though he did get help when he discovered on of the little ones with pants off and a huge soft steamy lump on the floor entangled with his pants which were also on the floor. He'd done the job and certainly wasn't going to carry it around with him for any time at all. What's the point of a Poo after all. One of the helpers came with bucket and disinfected water to wipe up after scooping, much to Dan's relief. Dan helped one of the little ones to walk. There should be a video below showing her first steps and the part Dan played. But it took to long to load. After an hour and a half it ground to a halt with an error. So no video.

The electrical installation at Dondo has had a number of additions and modifications which might have seemed logical and appropriate at the time but now they've weathered and been used present some problems. That's a polite way of saying the wiring's a nightmare. At least I can turn it all off, which I frequently do. Progess is slow, by the time the transport to Beira arrives I've only done 3 of 5. But hey that's 3 less to do. Then the list of lights grows as Alece (or is it Alice) tells me she wants 2 more on the outside. We'll have to return on Monday to complete the work as the painting is not done and the table not repaired.

All this is good news as God is continuing to work with us. However some stunning news is that the blue truck is now back on the road. Augusto told me he had taken it for an 'experience' - think he ment a test drive - and he says that it is all ok. We will just have to see if the MTBF has improved. (MTBF = Mean Time Between Failures.) I'll try and get some shots for the record tomorrow. Oh yes Sunday, Dan is preaching having been asked by another, different, pastor to preach in his church. Not sure If Pastor Bonga knows. Dan says PB does know. Dan has gone to prepare.

Back to England for 7 but two remain

Well the 'Magnificant 7' left yesterday and it's all gone a bit quiet. The did all achieve a lot though.
Electrical fittings changed, walls painted crockery and cutlery for Dondo bought, bottled GAS Cookers for both Inhamizua and Dondo bought. Prayerful support given, Sermons preached faith deepened and friendships made or made stronger. And that's only some of it. Julia who was unwell for some of the time is now safe in the loving arms of her family and the doctor.
No photos today as I'm doing this from an internet cafe - 30Mtn for 1 hour that's 60p - as by the time we got back from Inhamizua Boniface had locked the office and with it the possibility of uploading photos. Dan was miffed as he had planned to Skype people. That was hard for him but I dare say his inginuity will improve as time goes by.
We should be collecting the cookers tomorrow, well that's what Pastor Bonga told me today, we will have to see if it happens. We are going to Dondo to do some work out here tomorrow - Saturday - we aim to paint some of the outside of the building and replace some of the electrical fittings.
Talking of electricians, William my trainee (bright and quick to learn) has got Maleria and seems to be quite poorly. He has tablets and says he's getting better but he seems quite weak. Please can you all pray for him and for a full recovery and no lasting damage. We are so lucky.
Better go now as my internet time is running out.
Let's see what challenges God puts before us tomorrow.
May God bless you all richly and may he persuade you to support the Casa Reom Trust. Get in touch if you want to give to the work we are doing.

Nhamatanda

So, the first entry from yours truly.

Tuesday (I think!) 13th of November

At the moment I'm peering up to the next level of the room, listening to a mouse scratching about, I reckon hes considering making another visit like last night, more info on the mouse loving side of things in a sec!

The day started at about 0740 for me, casually rolling out of bed (wow I love Africa!) and hopping into the shower. Gradually people started arriving for the 0800 start it had been decided we would make the previous night. Due to a slightly late driver some of the group, no, i'll admit, not me, continued the painting effort until about 1000!

Leaving on the drivers arrival we set off for Nhamatanda, dropping in at Inhamizua and Dondo on the way. Leaving Beira it struck me just how green it was in places, then how desolate and barren it looked in others, passing various small villages on the way we finally saw some of the traditional mud huts for which I'm sure there is a proper name but at the moment can't inform you of it due to the lack of locals around! Discovered that slowing down anywhere near dwellings of any sort instantly attracted a swarm of people selling their various produce, all of which looked absolutely delicious. (Mousey just made another appearance, too quick for me....)

Arriving at the site in Nhamatanda after travelling for a little while on the dirt tracks was a welcome stretch of the legs for all, we walked around the site and were shown where the maize crops were being planted, quite dry at the moment out there, they are hoping for a lot of rain to fall as it will produce a good crop, apparently the fact that it's a little late shouldn't matter! Met yet another georgeous group of kids, who as usual were thrilled with the digital cameras..... We prayed before we left, proclaiming the land fruitful in the name of God!

Another long drive back, though for some reason it never seems as long on the way home...... Arrive at Dondo at about 1730 for lunch/tea (tunch?) a delicious meal made by some of the ladies there, consisting of rice, prawns, chickin and potatoes....... after eating messed about with the kids for a while, they're so beautiful! I LOVE THEM..... just wondering how I could explain 20-30 small Africans sat on my lap in the plane home..... I'll find a way!

Everyones tired so we end up heading back for sleep, droppng Phil and Dave off en route to discuss business with engineer Mario.

Once the guys got back we decided that, having been foiled by the crafty little fellas we'd put the mousetrap in a new room, perhaps hoping for not such a bright group of mice........ and a surprise we had when just an hour or so later we came back to find one dead mouse! Although at first overjoyed we soon started to feel sorry for the little bloke........ Oh well 1-0 to us! The killings won't stop there we hope!

Well, currently all rustling has stopped, thinking about buying a hammer................

xxx

Monday

Just a short note to keep in touch, as folks are off to bed now - had a busy day today including buying paint and brushes (yes, more!) and visiting the airport to confirm our flights. Then to Inhamizua and 3 of us to Dondo for painting and Phil to do some electrical repairs. We now have photos of all the children at Dondo & Inhamizua (apart from 10 who are at Nhamatanda - where we are going tomorrow).

While we were away, William did a great job of continuing the paintwork at base camp - Thanks, William!

After returning from Inhamizua, we were all treated to another feast - this time by Pastor & Mama Bonga who welcomed us into their home - we returned this evening fully fed and a bit tired. Hopefully someone else can blog tomorrow and fill you in on more details - however, in a nutshell, we are getting a lot done in the time we have available. I expect we will have quite a lot for Dan to finish off when we leave.

A day of rest.

Today's blog is written by Sue & Bob Cooper:
[A message for Ben Lenton - I was sorry to hear about your Grandma, Ben. Was unable to put a comment on your blog, so hope you see this.]
Another amazing day today, Sunday. We split into 2 teams to worship at Pastor Bonga and Pastor Boniface's churches. One team took puppets to Pastor Bonga's church, Victoria played her flute, and Dave preached. The people enjoyed learning "Praise ye the Lord, Alleluia" with the usual actions! The rest of us went to Pastor Boniface's church where we were warmly welcomed. The worship & praise were energetic and joyful - I (Sue) was priveleged to be given a sarong by Pastor Boniface's wife and lead forward to dance with all the ladies in the church. I wasn't really in step but I enjoyed it, and they seemed happy with me. After this, 4 new converts came forward and Bob & Dan were asked to pray for them. Phil then preached a challenging sermon. I then had the exciting but daunting task of giving a name to a baby boy. I felt God wanted me to call him Abraham, a man of faith and father of many righteous people. (see picture - Left to right, Pastor Boniface's wife Helena, Sue holding baby Abraham, & his mum)


We were joined after the service by the rest of the team and given a delicious feast in the church, cooked and served by their members.

After returning to the centre we walked around Beira - through a shanty town on the edge of the beach (an amazing experience) on to the port, where we watched a beautiful sunset.

Returning eventually through the city back to the centre, where yet another delicious meal of fish heads and tails awaited us!

A real day of rest.

Day 5 - Jocum Beira and the inhabitants

I know that many of you will be keen to know the situation with the rodents in our building -I have decided to refer to them as mice (not rats) for 2 reasons - the ones I have seen are small with the appearance of field mice (or town mice) - ans we have bought a mouse trap to try to eliminate them. Night one saw the trap bated with left-over BFC (Beira Fried Chicken) and in the morning the bait was gone and the trap not sprung. So last night I purchased sausages to tempt our rodent friends - in the morning I found the trap had been sprung (I was woken by a distant snap) and the bait was still there. A note was left by the girls who had been sleeping in the lounge to say that the cat who has appeared yesterday was seen poking the trap and setting it off - but probably was scared off so didn't return to eat the sausage. Let's see what tonight brings!












This morning we went in search of paint, scraping materials, polyfilla etc. to spruce up the lounge - Marion has been wanting the brown wall neutralised for ages. William Karshima (a YWAM visitor from South Africa, originally from Nigeria) has been helping us - you can see him and Bob preparing the wall for painting and Phil meanwhile looked at repairing some of the electrics. Meanwhile the girls went shopping for Dondo and returned frustrated without the items they really wanted.


This afternoon we were invited to the Youth group in Pastor Bonga's church which consists of about 20 people aged 15 - 25. We had an opportunity to give a testimony and introduce ourselves as well as giving "a word" (luckily I had brought a Bible)!!

These evening we have just returned from praying on the beach with about 25 people which was another opportunity to see how things are done here and introduce ourselves again. I think we are all finding these experiences uplifting - even if we are taken out of our comfort zone. Tomorrow we are splitting up and half of us will be at Pastor Bonga's church with the puppets - the others go to Pastor Boniface's church, where we will all meet up for lunch.....

Day 4 I think

Dan Chant arrived safely and is now well installed. He's good competition for Victoria bot enthusiastic and jolly so that's good. Yesterday we did various things including shopping for things for Dondo. We gave Corinne a list and some cash and sent her - don't worry Richard not alone - off to get items on the list. "Success" she said, " I've got it all". "How much I said" oh it was all at bargin prices", she said. "but how much does bargin prices add up to", I said. "Oh well there wasn't enough cash so I put in on my card" - Sorry Richard - "But Corinne how much was it altogether?" "Well i suppose it was about 8,000 metacaix". "OK I suppose that the children at Dondo do need plates, cups, cutlery and table cloths would be nice so I suppose it was worth it. You know it was worth it.

Today I believe that we have ordered 2 industrial gas cookers for Inhamizua and Dondo so that they don't have to cook outside. We paid a 50% deposit of 11,000 metacaix so the man could get materials. We trust him because Boniface trusts him and he has a genuine aire about him. We laid a specification out with safety devices built in so theat the children cannot accidentially turn them on - Boom prevention. They will be ready in a week he said. That would be good we said. I should be able to take some photos before I leave on the 20th Nov.

Today we had a minibus provided and went of somewhat later than planned to Inhamizua and Dondo. At Inhamizua we've painted the wall framework in white. We've put up 5 light fittings well William put two of them up after I showed him - he's one of the boys. We played games and introduced them to parachute games.

At Dondo the team painted, presented and had a banana cake made by the children. They played loads of games and handed over the net book. The book to the boys at Inhamizua was also handed over.

Home for tea - the weather is now cooler after the roof ripping storm we had yesterday so I geuss we'll go out tonight for a pastry and a drink without getting drenched.

That's all for now from gorgeous Mozambique. Bye and may God bless your ever move.

Days 2 & 3 in Beira

I am writing this at 6:15pm on Thursday (you may notice the clock on the yesterday's posting is USA time - we don't normally post at 2.03am. Sorry about the missing picture - I have added one now.

Today's post is written by John:

It was about midday (Wed) when we made our way by pick-up truck to Inhamizua. The familiar yellow wall confirmed that we had arrived at the compound. The boys, initially somewhat diffident, crowded around as we took pictures of them with our digital cameras and they laughed with delight as we showed them pictures of themselves. One or two in the party allowed them to use their cameras and they quickly got the idea. We went into the school room where the boys wrote their names for us on the board. Afterwards we watched them kicking a ball around. Several of them showed promising signs! After about 2 hours we made our way back to Beira - and the evening meal of pasta, rice and meat.

Today we went further afield to Dondo to see the younger children who are there. As with Inhamizua, the children are very friendly and they enjoyed the puppet Corinne brought very much.

Greetings from Beira!

We arrived yesterday evening a little late after a very bumpy flight from Johannesburg. The weather on arrival was rain & thunderstorms - which stopped after we landed. After some questions about our medical kit in Corinne's case we were allowed through and eventually got our passports back. We enjoyed meeting and greeting Pastor Bonga, Boniface and some other YWAM base leaders who are in Beira for the annual conference today and tomorrow (led by Jan van Stetten).
After transporting our case in one vehicle and 10 of us (including Boniface & Pastor Bonga) in PB's car - very bumpy on the road back to Beira. Then we met Augusto, Simao, Joanna, Dorcas, Rebekah and others for food and a drink before taking the 5 to the Infanta Hotel round the corner. All of us were very tired after our long flights and ready for an early night - this morning, most of us were wakened by the Muslim call to prayer at 4.15!
This morning we have breakfasted and walked around the local banks looking for ATMs which work with Cirrus/Maestro and landed at the Standard Bank. Attached is a photo of us all outside Beira Airport.

Departure day

8 go to Beira. Today is 'Setting off' day 7 members of the team set of from B'ham @ 1320hrs. I after a minor delay with extra luggage - Lufthansa came through in the end, weel done - am on my way due to fly through Frankfurt to Jo'berg for 1000hrs tomorrow 6th November. When I looked at the international clock Beira was 2 hours in front. Catch you all what I get there.

This is our team of 8 from St Matthews Church, Rugby on Sunday 4th November 2007 before we set off. The congregation prayed for us this morning & Stephi prayed that her mum didn't forget her nightie.

Just one more day before we go

An email from Boniface & Pastor Bonga last night told us that today the wife of the President of Mozambique was paying Casa Re'om a visit today. Below is part of the email which told us about the visit.

........ Therefore, Maria Daluz Guebuza is visiting us tomorrow. This is a real thing!
Our center is really attracting more people and we are praying for more assistance.
Thank you very much for a great thing you are supporting in Beira at Casa Re’om. Out of nothing there is a thing and you can find a new center where the boys and girls are enjoying an orphaned life. You are transforming them to enjoy it. Once again, thanks a lot.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Bonga and Boniface.

The weighing in

Well we met up - all 8 in Rugby - at Dave's place and weighed our luggage. 120 Kg in all. We had 40 Kgs of goods to take, without the inks which Phil Hemsley gave us. So hay-presto it all fits. Phew!

Preparations

We will all be meeting at 9-00am on Saturday 3rd Nov to weigh luggage and share out gifts and other items that we are taking. That should be fun as we have got 20Kg luggage allowances and we have asked people to leave 5Kg spare for extras. One less pair of knickers I think.

Getting ready to go

Welcome to the blog for the November trip to Casa Reom in Beira, Mozambique!
3 days to go, and we will be leaving for Casa Reom - better think about packing something.
This blog is where we hope to post our thoughts, experiences, prayer requests..... Check here regularly for updates.