Our mission may be done here, but God's mission continues...

We will see you back home in two days!

Thank you again for all of your support and prayers!

Love,

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

From Cattle to the Sea

There was a low tide at the beach this morning. Chris was able to join Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce as they explored the rocks, and sat on the sand during the sunrise. Instead of going to a well dedication, we visited The Cattle Project that World Hope International has been doing for the past few years. The village we went to received the cattle from another village when their cattle had produced offspring.  It is very similar to a pyramid, as the herd grows, the villagers give a certain number to another and so one, until there are many cattle.  The villagers were so thankful and praised God along with us for the well they had received (in 2007) and the cattle they were given.  The people of the village had been taking care of both and their lives had changed so much.  We could see it in the smiles, and they could see it in ours. As a team, we were able to enjoy hot tea and boiled cassava root with the villagers. Thank you for the gift ya’ll gave us today! 

It was a shorter day out in the field today, so the team seized the opportunity to visit the local beach and do some swimming.  It could only be described as amazing!  The tide was very low and what was left before the large rock reef were large crystal clear pools of water containing everything you might see in a local aquarium store (including the colors).  Each of us took turns using the one pair of goggles to see some of the most beautiful sights. For dinner, we had kudu chili with delicious mango cobbler provided by Jason and Rachel Helm. We are ending the night with a great game of Apples to Apples. Tomorrow we look forward to visiting the orphanage. Please pray for our team as we continue our mission trip for one last day. Thank you again!

Love,

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

Cattle from the village we visited

Danni helping a lady pump their well

Ellyce, Chris, Todd, Daniel, and Logan exploring the rocks at the ocean

George enjoying the low tide

12 Stone??? More like 12 Shoes!

We had another great day today! Todd, Danni, Logan, and Ellyce started out with another beautiful sunrise at the beach, while the guys got some rest. We got to visit a village that was getting their well drilled. George, Ellyce, and Danni were able to help clean out the mud that was being pushed with the water while they were drilling the hole. Daniel helped the men by placing a large drill stem into the system. After about 30 minutes of staying in a village (that we thought we would be spending the whole day at), one of the World Hope International workers came up to us and told us we would be leaving soon to go to another well dedication. It was very unexpected, and was something we were not prepared for.

All of the villagers were excitedly standing in a group singing as we pulled into their village. Ellyce had the great privilege of cutting the ceremonial ribbon and pumping the well for this dedication. George helped a lady from the village pump the well, too. After the dedication, our group headed to the area where they used to get their water. It was a large area that had tall grass. It was also an area that had been filled with water during a flood. They told us when the land started to become dry, they would dig holes so that the water could be preserved. It was very hot while out in the sun and the insects were very prominent. It is easy to imagine the struggles they had to go through just to get water to do their normal routines of cleaning clothes, bathing, and drinking. Next, we headed back to the village to start the ceremony program. Unfortunately, when it came to doing our skit on how 12 Stone got its’ name, our sheet that we used to represent the river was left behind at the Lehman house. So, instead of using our blue sheet, we used Danni’s blue-green bandanna to represent the water. We also weren’t able to find any of the monkey fruit that we usually use for the stones. Instead, we used our shoes. The villagers greatly enjoyed our last minute choice in props.

We divided the village into men, women, and children and began speaking (or playing) with each group. Chris and Todd were leading the men and shared good discussion with them because they were believers and already had strong faith. Daniel, Logan, and George told the story of David. While George was slaying the impromptu Goliath, Logan recited the popular bible story. Danni and Ellyce sat with the women of the community and discussed how God provides us, even when we feel hopeless. The women also taught the girls some songs and dances. Even George had to join the dance class with some of his own special moves. We ended the celebration with a meal and some good laughs about the possible proposal and dowry payment of what appeared to be a lemur’s tail.

For dinner, Rachel and Jason made delicious tacos and homemade chocolate chip cookies. It wasn’t until after we had all finished the meal that Jason told us that the supposed ground “beef” was actually Kudu. We enjoyed relaxing with the Helm family. Tonight, we discussed how we are leaving God’s mark on the people we are in contact with and how we see God changing, not only our hearts, but the hearts of the villages here in Mozambique. It is simply amazing that we have been here for 7 days and will be heading back home so soon. Our time here is precious and we are so thankful for the opportunity to witness and actively participate in God’s plans for this nation. As always, please continue to pray for our team and the people of Mozambique. Your prayers are powerful and important to the heart of this mission team. Tomorrow we head out to visit a cattle project. We hope to learn more about the other project that World Hope is implementing here in Mozambique. Thank all for your support!

Love,

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

Daniel helping to put the drill stem in

George helping to clean out the mud from the water

Danni helping the women to clean out the mud

Ellyce dedicating the well

George helping a woman to pump the well

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

Swamp where villagers used to bathe and get water

Independence Day Celebration

Chris dedicating a well

Performing our skit on how 12 Stone got its' name

Daniel after dedicating a well

Todd dedicating a well

Feel the earth shake

Today, we went to church here in Xai-Xai.  It was a gathering of the districts in Xai-Xai, so there were several hundred people in the new church located at the Wesleyan College.  We each had a chance to introduce ourselves and while Todd was speaking about his family, the translator mis-spoke and stated to the congregation that he was married to 2 wives and had 1 son.  It brought laughter in the church that could most likely be heard around town.  Daniel remarked after the service that during the “open prayer” part of the service, he had seldom (if ever) felt the presence of the Holy Spirit like he had.  After church the team was treated to a lunch at a local restaurant that overlooked the Indian Ocean. We all enjoyed some of the finest food we’d ever eaten. An unexpected treat was the pair of kitten cervils (miniature cheetahs) that the owner was trying to domesticate. We followed up lunch with a trip to the beach where Ellyce, Daniel and Todd swam, Christian, Logan and Danni explored the surf, and George enjoyed some time with the dogs back at the Lehman’s. For dinner, we went to Jason and Rachel’s for sandwiches, popcorn, and laughs about the day we had just experienced.

            Love,

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

Sunrise on the beach this morning

Church Choir

Our new friend from the restaurant

After lunch in front of the Indian ocean

Daniel and Ellyce exploring on the rocks

OoooEH!

Dancing, singing, and simply being together.  Today began with an overwhelming welcome from the village of about 200 people singing us songs of praise and thanks!  They had some of the most awesome dancing that any of us have ever seen. (check out the pics!)  As the villagers explained to Todd, George, and Daniel, each song told a story about strengthening community.  The children played games with Logan and Christian with smiles and laughter that can only be explained as perfect.  The ceremony began with Todd telling the villagers about how 12 Stone got its’ name, followed by the entire team doing a skit that explained the story.  Danni and Ellyce shared what life was like in America for young women, and followed it up by teaching the ladies of the village how to do the “Macarena”.  After our meeting with our groups, we were able to share a meal that the villagers had prepared. We had some REALLY good chicken, Casava, with some Fanta/Coke in the bottle. As the amazing day came to an end the villagers thanked us repeatedly for sharing the word of God with them, and for being people of such faith.  One man stated, “ we must all face ourselves at least once in our lives” . 
When we got back to the Lehman house, some of the local salesmen were waiting outside the gate ready to sell us oil/wax paintings, bracelets, carved wooden jewelry boxes, and much more hand made things that they or family members had made. For dinner, we went to Jason and Rachel Helms’ home about 1 mile away. They made us a grilled dinner with salad, beans, and kudu/wart hog sausages. As, Ellyce was about to take a bite of the wart hog sausage, she wished Pumba a warm farewell. We were also introduced us to a delicious vanilla custard from a box to go on top of our fruit cocktail dessert.

Tomorrow, we look forward to a sunrise on the beach, and church in the morning. We would all like you to know the face that the people of Xai-Xai saw from us today was that of Jesus. Thank you all for giving us this wonderfulgift.

Love,

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

Dancers from the village

Wart hog (Pumba) we had for dinner

Kudu we had for dinner

We found the ducks and whales!

Our 2-day travel to Xai-Xai went so well! No luggage went missing, and the duck design fabric that we tied to the bags definitely helped. Although, when we arrived in Johannesburg, none of our bags were to be found on the carousel. However, the nice guy working the baggage claim informed us that it was safe in cage ready to go on the plane to Maputo. This morning we left from the Johannesburg airport where we discovered that it is indeed winter here in the southern hemisphere. We were picked up by two of our fearless guides: Daniel and Andrés. We ate sandwiches and had fresh cashews along the four hour car ride to Xai-Xai.  As we drove through the Maputo area heading out to Xai-Xai, anticipation of what was to come was filling each of our thoughts (and dreams….as several team members caught a quick nap). 

Excitement is almost tangible among the team. We have already explored the beach here in Xai-Xai. Some of the team swam and played in the surf, while others watched whales and the sunset from the shore. A total sense of peace and belongingness has been our constant companion these last few days. It is apparent that our faith will be tested, but we know that we serve a great God. With many busy days ahead of us, we will need that same joy and laid-back nature that have been so beneficial on this trip.

We have had an awesome two days of travel and all of us are ready to go to our first well dedication tomorrow.  Tomorrow we are going to meet the people of Xai-Xai for the first time.  The dedication of the well is in an area of the Gaza Province. Your thoughts and prayers are so important to the strength of our team. Please continue to pray for our team and the people of Mozambique. Thank you for your love and prayers and support!

Love,

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

The boys at the ATL airport

The girls at the ATL airport

In Johannesburg airport at Indian Restaurant

On the drive to Xai-Xai

From the beach. Goodnight!