Boas Saidas e Boas Entradas

We had a very restful end of the year. Our preference would have been spending it with family but the next best thing was to find some beautiful spots in Mozambique. So we went to the beach!

Our friends Rachel and Natasha joined us for a few days.

After the beach we headed to Swaziland to a lodge on a working farm.

 

 

 

Here is the view off our front porch.



One evening we saw an incredible sunset that lasted for about a half hour.

 

We went for many walks around the farm, usually accompanied by the farm dogs. Unfortunately the ticks found us. Rachel got African tick bite fever a week later but thankfully Steve didn't get it, because he's already had it and is immune to the fever. With the help of some antibiotics and God's healing, Rachel is fine now.

 

After one day at home to catch my breath it was on the road again. This time I accompanied the WR Africa directors to a working retreat. I helped organize the logistics and this bus was a huge answer to prayer when we were down to the wire.

 

It's back to the beach again!
 

The sunrises were awesome!



Of course we spent most of our days inside this room and only got to enjoy the beach on our breaks.



The last evening we had a very meaningful time of communion and hand washing.

On the last day of our retreat we visited the villages where WR works and this church leader's training.
One of these women, Carlota said,

 "We used to think about the life to come but not how to live in this world.

Now we know it's not only important to come to church but how to care for my family. We had to find the African God who cares for us and is stronger than the witchdoctor."

Carlota is conveying the lessons and stories she is learning to five other people in her church.

 

 

We also made a home visit to Rosaria. She was full of rage after her husband abandoned her. After she started attending WR church partners trainings she realized she needed to forgive him. God has done many things for Rosaria. She is now a leader in the agriculture association and in her church. 

The verses Rosaria wanted us to read:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done.
I Chron. 16:8-12a