Well, today marks a special day for us. We have survived our first year of marriage without killing each other! And to think that we made it to Africa for our one year anniversary; the very place it all began! We have loved being back here mostly because so many people here were a part of our lives when we began dating. How fun it was to tell them that we got married and are now having a baby. We have been told on many occasions that we are no longer children because now we are married with responsibilities. This coming from the people who are married off before they are even finished school.
Today was also a special day for many children in the Hundai area of Mozambique. If you remember the orphan packages we helped put together last week then like I promised, we helped hand them out today.
Since it is Sunday we joined the church for their service before handing out the goods to the children. Always, without fail, I am humbled each time I attend an African bush church service. To accompany the aching needs of the people there is an abundance of giving in their hearts. As I watch them one by one make their way to the front to offer gift I am perplex why we, as a nation of prosperity, have a difficult time parting with even our least valuable possessions. Though small in our perspective, these peoples gifts were undoubtedly huge sacrifices in their perspective. If money was not given then some sort of food was. This church is currently supporting 20 groups of siblings who were all orphaned. 
Rick told the story of Noha and the ark using water jugs as props! 
This precious child couldn't help using the jugs for her own entertainment....... and to be frank, mine as well!
This boy had an AMAZING talent of playing the drums. This moment, oddly enough, reminded me of when I was walking down the aisle to marry Nat. I so loved the sound of the African drums that I requested my good friend to play the bongo as I entered the church to be wed. 
At the end of the service some more gifts were given and thanks was given to God. It was then the pastor explained that this was a gift for their guests. That would be us. How do you take food from people who hardly have enough food to last the week...... or day? And how to you turn down a gift given to you, which is only meant to show you how much you are appreciated?
As if the bundle of food wasn't enough, they had also cooked us a meal. Rise, which is much more expensive than their home grown suddsa, and beans. I have to admit that I love this meal! I'm not joking.
We were not the only ones blessed with a meal. The children in the churches orphan program also get a meal each Sunday after church.
Nat was entertained with a game of ball while waiting for the children to finnish eating.
Finally it was time to had out the goody bags!!!
The kids waited with great anticipation as they were told not to open their gifts until a snap shot was taken.
And the commotion began!!!! excitement was thick in the air!
This young man was all smiles when he realized that he and his
five brothers received a soccer ball.
This youngster got caught in the mob..... as did I!
The girls got some nail polish in their bags and of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a little salon time with them.
Nat was amazed with this kids talent, and creativity. He was blowing thorough the hole of a pen lid and keeping this small pellet suspended in the air.
No comments:
Post a Comment