Houston - we have contact...

At last, the electrcity is up and internet is online! Yay! Life is good!!!

Well, I am finially here in Pemba, Mozambique! Oh, its such a dream come true. So far, it has been very beauitufl and peaceful. Its very hard to think that only a couple years ago, this seemless restful country was in a cival war.

I love it here! The food is good! - its rice & beans, rice & matapa, rice & rice, rice & potatoes, rice & beans and not to mention the not so fresh bread roll for breaky! Am drinking bottled water, as the connection from the town water hasnt been done yet. They always saysoon, but we are now running on Africa time, so we add an "is" at the end of everything...lol...

The culture is amazing, doesnt seem that much different, but I am sure there are things that separate Africa and Kiwiland. Village life for me is very interesting. There are plently of children around Iris and on the streets. The poverty is very real here - and its in your face all the time. My orginal understand of poor has changed dramaticly. The children are hungrey for love and attention - which I am more than happy to give them.

The missions school is going very well. We are very blessed to have wonderful speakers and also to have Papa Rolland and Mana Aida every other day! Am learning lots. God is breaking my heart for Him and also for the lost! Life is very simple here and its so amazing! Nothing is complicated and neither is the gospel. We have had opporunties to go out on outreaches, either for one evening or for two nites. The people are so very hungery - for God and his love! I was given the privillege to share a testimony so far! Oh it was so amazing! I am hoping to get the opporunity to preach - when? I dunno - so that is awesome! It really is such an honour to be used by God.

A little bit about the Iris Base! We have two bases. I am on base one witht he children & pastors. Then there is base two, which is where we have class (in a huge tent) and also church on Friday nite and Sunday morning. We have over 100 children here in Pemba Iris, but that number is growing daily! Its only about 10min walk between the bases. I love the walk! We get a chance to view the scenery and chat to the locals!
We have running water (well, not really), the water is supposed to come on at 6am & 9am, then again at 6pm & 9pm - but that hasnt happened often. So we pump our water for our bucket baths at the well! Talk about strength! Dust is everywhere, so you dont feel that clean, but hey, we are less than a 3min walk to one of the most stunning beaches in the world! (Riversdale, eat your heart out!)
Have just discovered that we shouldnt be walking around in barefeet, as there are worms in the ground and a couple of students have had to gone to the hospital (another interesting story) to get them removed - actually removing them is very mmm.....not for senstive stomachs!

Bless you all so very much! Big hug to you all! You are all in my prayers. Please continue to keep Iris Ministries and Mozambique in your prayers! Cause one day, Mozambique will be living for Jesus!