My last day in Mozambique

My friends suggested we wake up early to watch the sunrise on my last morning in Mozambique.  The sunrises are glorious!  We stayed at the Iris base just across the street from the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean.  Pinch me!

We set our alarms, got up while it was still dark and made our way to the beach where we watched the dramatic scene unfold.





















I packed my bags, said goodbye to these beautiful people who had changed my life and answered their questions about if, and when I would be back.  I knew I could not promise them anything and explained that if it is God's will, I will be back.

Many people in my life gave money in support of my trip to Africa.  I was blown away by their generosity and even more amazed that the amount I received was the exact amount I needed to cover ALL the expenses.  I had overestimated my weekly supply needs (food, water, toilet paper, emergencies) and had spent very little.  I ended up with $300 that I knew I would not need in the remaining weeks.  I prayed about what to do with this money.

I ended up walking to the home of a missionary on the base, Mama Linda.  Linda is a woman in her 60s perhaps, who has given her life to help raise the young boys at Iris.  She is like a Mama to them.  I chose her because so many young men had told me about her influence on their lives.  These were young men, 15-25 years old, who devoted their lives to serving the Lord and the people in the community.  I knew something special was happening as she poured into their lives the Word, worship, prayer and teaching about godly living.  I introduced myself to her and explained that I had been blessed by people in my life and wanted to use the extra amount to bless the ministry for these young boys.  She nearly started crying and explained to me that she had been praying for the funds to help them!  She said that 30 boys had made the decision to be baptized and she needed money to rent a truck, pay for gas, food and supplies to drive them to the river to baptize them.  She said the funds would be sufficient to pay for this.  She prayed over me as I left to continue on my journey.  I walked away with my heart full as I saw the cycle of needs being met.  These 30 boys, the future leaders of the community, were able to be baptized!

What starts with a hand raised in need leads to another heart stirred to give.  Those who gave to me and my journey will never fully understand the eternal impact that it is having on lives on the other side of the world.  Thank you for your generosity!  I can't full explain what an impact this trip had on me to be able to witness lives being transformed....forever.

Love and gratitude,
Jen