12Stone Mozambique Blog: We. Are. Lost.

Today began with an amazing sunrise viewed by Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce while George, Daniel, and Christian got a little more rest. When the World Hope staff member (Daniel) arrived to pick us up he told us that today we were going to do 2 well dedications. Some of us knew that we were in for a special day. As we drove to the village of Mangone’ north of Xai-Xai, we picked up two “officials” (one Chief, and her assistant) our anticipation greatened. The Lord had a special event for us and we were ready as a team to receive the gift. Shortly after we arrived, Chris cut the ceremonial ribbon off the first well with his Swiss army knife. Todd was invited to pump the well also. Soon after, we headed “in the truck” to see where the villagers used to gather their water. We saw the swamp that they used to get their water, they also took baths there. Insects that lived in the swamp would bite the villagers frequently. It was while we were headed towards the old water hole that we stopped at a local house to get directions. Our driver, Daniel said, “We. Are. Lost.” Those of us in the truck started laughing and someone said, “Yes, we are.” It took us awhile, but we were able to get directions from a local.

After a long down-hill hike, the old water hole they used to use for life can only be described as something that would be an old drainage pipe. The hike to the old water source was quite difficult (without 5 gallons of water on our heads). Insects swarmed the area and the air was filled with the indescribable smell of stagnant water. Over and over the people of the village thanked us for helping change their lives. As we walked away from the well, it was difficult to comprehend what a gift the people of 12stone have given these villagers.

When we finally got to our next well dedication, Daniel was given the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon and pumping the well. As well as an important time for the village, today was also Mozambique’s Independence Day. So, there was a large number of people in attendance (at least 300) to celebrate both the dedication of the wells, and Mozambique’s Independence. We were able to witness the two communities from both well dedications coming together to celebrate not only the wells, but also their independence from the Portuguese. They had a grass star with a stone altar in the middle to honor their independence. At the monument, all of the villagers sang their National Anthem, and afterwards, a few of them put flowers on the stone altar in the center to represent the lives that were given up for their independence. Then, we were moved to another area to celebrate the well dedication.

Under a large “shade tree” all of the leaders, dignitaries, and our team sat facing the smiling faces of those living in the village. Singing, dancing, local skits of village stories, and skits of the independence began the celebration. A most moving moment happened when an elderly woman spoke to the team and said thank you, by explaining that “our tears became our water” as they waited for clean water. During the celebration, we were given the opportunity to introduce ourselves, and afterwards Todd explained the story of Joshua and how 12stone chose its’ name. This was then followed by a silent skit explaining the story. When the time of introductions was over we all shared in some wonderful food and bottled cola.

On the way home, we all realized the gift we just received, and would like to thank each of you for helping us along the way. For dinner tonight we ate “crock-pot-cooked” chicken, and had some wonderful peanut butter pie prepared for us by Jason and Rachel . The night winded down with a game of “Scatagories” and journaling. Please pray for us and the village we go to tomorrow. We will be witnessing the drilling process, and planting more of the Lord’s love to everyone we encounter.

Love,

George, Todd, Ellyce, Danni, Daniel, Logan, and Christian