Our time in Mozambique
We decided to take a quick trip to Mozambique before the SUMMIT 2016 and before my parents arrived. We wanted to spend some time with Chico and Gloria (Chico is the J-life country leader for Mozambique) we were also able to bring Chico back with us so for the SUMMIT 2016 so he didn’t have to endure a long bus ride. And lastly, to face our fears of Mozambique and give the beautiful country a second chance (if you haven’t read about our first trip to the Mozambique border, click here).
We had all of our i’s dotted and t’s crossed – our visas were done ahead of time at the Mozambique consulate in Johannesberg, our paperwork was complete with endless certified stamps, we had our ZA sticker, red triangles in case of car trouble, our safety vests visible and we were prepared for anything. We also had our Mozambique travel book with us, as we tried to remember all of the do’s and don’ts of the country. One thing we knew for sure is that Mozambique is a true “3rd world country” as it has been plagued with a civil war for years. Just this past year, Mozambique was finally declared “free” of land mines.
The border crossing was nothing short of chaos, but we managed to hold our own in all of the lines, and not shrink back. We acted as if we knew exactly what we were doing and this was our 100th time here. We met Chico in Matola (the capital city) and stayed there for 1 night. The hotel was stayed in reminded me of a big old house. I shared a room (and bed) with Tanner and Austin. Rob shared a room (and bed) with Tate and Hudson. Our rooms were on the second floor and unfortunately a bar was on the first floor so our sleep was less then we had hoped for…but we left early the next morning and drove a good 8 hours to our destination for the week, Inhambane/Tofo beach. Even though this country has been war torn for years, the natural beauty of this place took our breath away, and our views were out of this world. We were in walking distance to the beach, and the constant breeze helped with the high temps and even higher numbers of mosquitos.
We also managed to get pulled over 3 times, and were given 3 different tickets – we knew ahead of time we would be prime targets; #1 – We were driving a car with South Africa plates, #2 – Our skin was white, and everyone said it would be even worse when they heard our american accent.
All of the police in Mozambique supplement their income with bribes. Each time we were asked how we wanted to “handle the situation”, waiting for us to say we would give them money, but we refused and were written a ticket each time.
Our time with Chico and Gloria was uplifting and refreshing. Gloria spoke limited english, so we learned to communicate via body language. I would point, or try and act something out but I also caught myself speaking loader and slower when I talked to her (am I the only one that does that!?!?) that surly didn’t help, she just looked at me longer and with more confusion in her eyes.
So often when people talk about Africa the constant theme is poverty, desolate, the forgotten continent, and the overlooked people….but we see something very different. The smiles among the poverty and overlooked melt our hearts. We don’t see desolate, we see perseverance against the odds. This forgotten continent isn’t forgotten to Jesus – he died for them as well.
We love seeing the true beauty of Africa. The fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ and the constant reminder that Jesus is really in all things…
heavenishomeforus.com 
Amazing and an Awesome story of God’s Grace never seizing…Amen and all Praise be to our Heavenly Father!!
Keep the stories coming, I love them and it gives me much strength and hope in God! Thanks for being His hands and feet to the lost and His light in this dark fallen world!! 😇
My prayers are with you…Luv you all!! 😍
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