Happy Independence Day- June 25

From Neil McMahon:

Howdy folks, Today is Moz's Independence Day, celebrating Their independence from Portugal. No one is working, there are hundreds of people just out walking along the road. It is a day for partys sometimes late into the night, sometimes drinking a potent corn based "nipa". It is like moz moonshine. And since no one is working, we took the opportunity to go to the Gorongosa National Park, about an hour drive form here. It is a game park that is being repopulated as it was decimated during the civil war to provide both armies with food. This area was the center of most of the fighting. We were able to enjoy oodles of monkeys on the road, int the trees, most staring at us. The wart hogs and the deer and birds of many flavors kept us entertained. The lions, elephants,and zebras kept well hidden, much to the dismay of our hosts.

Our sponsored children visits have really been a highlight. To see and talk with the child that we have prayed for and sent money to support makes it a whole new level of real. The FH staff have been great and they have loved these visits too as it gives them more credibility with the villages, and it also makes the program more real and personal.

It is a good thing that we knew going into this that this was a relationship building visit mainly since the amount of work we will actually get done on the school rooms is negligible. They are still in the planning phase for the most part. However, the time spent with the great folks here and the time building trust and respect for each other has and will be invaluable.

Last night we were without electricity for a while. With absolutely no light pollution (except Emmie's torch that she had a difficult time turning off)), the stars were unbelievable! The milky way was not just a streak but with areas of lighter and darker. God's creation is amazing!

The main prayer request is for unity on the team and staying focused. At this time in a multi week trip, tiredness, differentness, etc can be not so fun anymore. It is at this time that we will need to rely on God's strength, not just ours. It is at this time, heart change can be accelerated. We are doing great as a team, and want to keep it that way, so pray! Dr Albertino and I will be screening A LOT of primary school kids tomorrow.

Thanks for your partnership, for the team, neil

PS - Dave's finger and Ben are doing well (except Moz is almost out of chicken.)