I am back in Maputo after 10 days in Xai Xai doing work with the development organization. I definitely have learned a lot so far! The organization is completely run by Mozambicans and it just starting up, so I am getting to see a lot of what goes into the beginning work of a development organization. It is also explicitly Christian. One of the cool things I was able to witness is first going into the poor, rural communities and presenting the project. There is a town meeting where anyone can come and hear about the project and ask any questions so that they decide if it is something they want to do or not. In one particular town, we all went into a hut made of reeds that was kinda like a stereotypical longhouse for tribal meetings or something. All the women set on mats in front and the men in chairs in the back. Marcos explained the project and goals while everyone asked questions. This was mostly in Shungan, a tribal language, and not Portuguese, so I had little idea what was going on. But, it was really cool to witness. They would occasionally break out into song with clapping and multiple harmonies.

On Saturday I came back to the Bowers house and for the first time met Jim, who is the one who brought me here to help him start a camp. He had been in the states and then I was in Xai Xai, so we finally met! I’m excited to start working with him, this afternoon we are heading out to the campsite to spend the night and for me to get a lay of the land.

Last night we went to the US Ambassadors house for a worship service. He is a believer, and invites people to come over every Sunday night. Afterwards we were introduced and it turned out I had a lot of connections with them! Their oldest son is going to be a student at Wheaton next year so they had a billion questions for me. So after everyone left, including the Bowers, I stayed over at the Chapman’s for another hour and a half. Kinda random that I was hanging out at the Ambassador’s house by myself. But, we really connected well, he shared with me his testimony and story of how he ended up joining the foreign service and encouraged me, as I’ve been considering that as a potential career. I was also able to help give them lots of the inside information on Wheaton College and make a first semester schedule for their son. He said I could come shadow him at the Embassy later in the month, and gave me a ride home! More to come soon…E-mail me and let me know how you are!

Presenting the energy project

My English class

Drive by shot of an example of the head balancing skills these women have.  The other day I saw a woman with about 60 lbs of firewood stacked on her head.