The last eight months have flown by and it is almost time to
return to Mozambique. Some people have
asked us if we feel safe there. I
recently read a quote by Mozambican author Paulo Coelho who wrote, “A boat is
safe in the harbor. But this is not the purpose of a boat.” Someone else said
“The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.” Living in the U.S. during the Sandy Hook
school shootings and the Colorado theater shooting among others makes us
realize that the U.S. isn’t the safest place in the world either. But we will
not let fear paralyze us or keep us from obeying God’s leading. He is our strong tower and He will always be
faithful.
When people ask if I am ready to return, my answer has been
that I was looking forward to Christmas with the family and then we could go.
We have had a wonderful time together and the first Christmas with a
grandchild. Today we have had a beautiful snowfall. But as the temperatures
lower, we are getting readier to return from the freezer to the frying pan! I heard
from a friend in Moz that it was in the 90’s and 95% humidity while she was
doing her Christmas baking. I have a feeling I won’t be using the oven for
quite awhile.Here’s another quote that challenges and encourages me from Nancy Frey who serves in West Africa: “Living in West Africa requires losing our sense that we are entitled to efficiency. It means accepting that a certain level of physical discomfort is normal. Both of those are good things. I feel blessed to live and work in Burkina Faso. I believe that God has chosen me for this work not because I am noble, but because God loves me and wishes to bless me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
We will end with a quote by Bonnie L. Mohr on a plaque given to us: “Life if not a race – but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say ‘thank you,’ ‘I love you,’ and ‘great job’ to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental – search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself – plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.”
God bless you in 2013, a year that will have challenges and
joys and many opportunities to serve God wherever you are.
