I am trying to enjoy my time here in Pemba to the full. So far I've spent all my time sorting out my house, dealing with small issues that pop up and planning on my up coming time down by the floods.
My friends and I planned a bonfire on the beach out near our other base in Maranganha, and we set out at 4:30pm to stop by the Dolphin to get takeout (chicken kebabs) before driving the 20mins it took to get to where Travis had been collecting driftwood. He was waiting for us, and after the wood was loaded it was dark. We set off down the sandy 2-track path next to the beach, looking for the perfect spot to park and make a fire. It was only about 5mins later that I spotted the perfect spot. The road veered to the right, and just to the left was a space for the car to park with a sandy patch for the fire! I drove off the road and onto the firm looking 'parking space' Just as I was about to stop the whole car started tipping to the left. The sand was giving way and it really felt like the car was just going to roll over! My stomach was in my throat and I just kept driving, trying to get out of the deep soft sand and onto firm ground. Finally the wheels just started spinning and the car wouldn't move. But at least we weren't rolling, and the guys got out to assess the predicament.
'Reverse back and it will be fine' So I reverse and we are fine, all is good. Now to just get back onto the road. Josham walked forward and checked out the road and decided that it looked like going straight forward wouldn't work, I should rather turn to the right and cross to the road there. I did as he said. The wheels started spinning frantically and I was wedged fast in the sand! We tried everything: we dug the wheels free, we placed sticks under the wheels for traction, we racked our brains trying to get the car out of the sand! Finally Josham gets down on his hands and knees and looks under the car. The car was no longer resting on its 4 wheels, instead the belly of the car was resting on the sand! No wonder we weren't able to drive out!
I had a spade and 2 plastic dinner plates. We started digging! An hour and a half later we had completely cleared the sand out from under the car, we had moved half a mountain of sand and we were totally covered with is: our hair, our clothes, even in our mouths! Our hands and fingers ached from the digging - it truly was a workout.
We packed more sticks under the wheels, we prayed then Josham got behind the wheel and we all pushed from the back. The car started, the engine revved and with a mighty lurch the car moved forward and onto the road!!!
That was SUCH a relief to be free!
We decided to have the fire anyways, I mean we were here now! So we built a big fire and sat around it eating our lukewarm kebabs, and roasting marshmallows to make s'mores (2 cookies filled with a block of chocolate and the roasted marshmallow. Its squished together to form a sandwich. - very yummy). But it was a fun evening, I enjoyed it... I guess I can only learn from this experience!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
@ home
Well I made it back to Pemba in 3 days! It was quite a hectic drive - at least the roads are fairly good so we could cover large distances daily.
Day 1
11 hours: Maputo - Muxungue...
I was cruising along, carefully slowing down to 60km/h at every village, honking at the odd chicken that chose the very moment I passed to run across the road. Near one such village I was slowing down, trying to find the best bush to make a pitstop at, when suddenly I see a policeman waving me down. He sticks the radar gun into the car and says 'you speed, you have to pay fine, 1000 meticais' (approx. $50). *sigh* I had been doing 68 in a 60 zone. SHOCK HORROR! So I had to pay the fine. While paying the fine the officer asked if he could marry me, but I politely declined and went on my way.
We reached Inhassoro where we had planned to stay the night, but it was still early so we decided to head to Muxungue and see what accommodation they had there. We found a really nice 'motel' - 5 wendy houses each with 2 beds and an en-suite bathroom - they even had running water!! The price wasn't too bad so I got one house, but my travelling buddy struck a deal with the owner to stay in his house for cheaper - but he ended up sleeping in the storeroom! I found it fairly amusing.
Day 2
13 hours: Muxungue - Alto Molucue
We crossed the mighty Zambezi today - driving through again Caia was great - the water levels have gone done SO much - all the areas that had previously been accessible only by boat could now be crossed on foot with relative ease. It was shocking to see how deep the water had been though - and all the crops that had been in the valley is totally gone, a few lone corn stalks stuck up here and there as a reminder of what had been.
The road were TERRIBLE, especially between Mocuba and Alto Molucue. Potholes, long dusty detours and more potholes. It was SO bumpy!
When we got to Alto Molucue it was dark already, so we stopped at the local diesel pump and asked the attendant where the best hotel/motel/guesthouse was. He pointed us in the general direction and we headed into the town to find it. But they were full... My ever resourceful travelling buddy asked, ' could we pitch our tents in the yard?' 'Mmm', the lady considered it, and for a very small fee we camped next to the 4x4 in the dusty parking lot! But it was good, was the first time that I used my brand new tent, and it worked very well!
Day 3
9 hours: Alto - Molucue - Pemba
A smooth day's driving, very short! The roads were good and it was WONDERFUL to be home!
Now I'm in Pemba till the 24th, then I'll be heading back down to Dondo (Caia) to help with flood relief. We are expecting 10 containers of food soon and we have to work out the logistics of distributing it amongst the thousands of people still without homes.
Day 1
11 hours: Maputo - Muxungue...
I was cruising along, carefully slowing down to 60km/h at every village, honking at the odd chicken that chose the very moment I passed to run across the road. Near one such village I was slowing down, trying to find the best bush to make a pitstop at, when suddenly I see a policeman waving me down. He sticks the radar gun into the car and says 'you speed, you have to pay fine, 1000 meticais' (approx. $50). *sigh* I had been doing 68 in a 60 zone. SHOCK HORROR! So I had to pay the fine. While paying the fine the officer asked if he could marry me, but I politely declined and went on my way.
We reached Inhassoro where we had planned to stay the night, but it was still early so we decided to head to Muxungue and see what accommodation they had there. We found a really nice 'motel' - 5 wendy houses each with 2 beds and an en-suite bathroom - they even had running water!! The price wasn't too bad so I got one house, but my travelling buddy struck a deal with the owner to stay in his house for cheaper - but he ended up sleeping in the storeroom! I found it fairly amusing.
Day 2
13 hours: Muxungue - Alto Molucue
We crossed the mighty Zambezi today - driving through again Caia was great - the water levels have gone done SO much - all the areas that had previously been accessible only by boat could now be crossed on foot with relative ease. It was shocking to see how deep the water had been though - and all the crops that had been in the valley is totally gone, a few lone corn stalks stuck up here and there as a reminder of what had been.
The road were TERRIBLE, especially between Mocuba and Alto Molucue. Potholes, long dusty detours and more potholes. It was SO bumpy!
When we got to Alto Molucue it was dark already, so we stopped at the local diesel pump and asked the attendant where the best hotel/motel/guesthouse was. He pointed us in the general direction and we headed into the town to find it. But they were full... My ever resourceful travelling buddy asked, ' could we pitch our tents in the yard?' 'Mmm', the lady considered it, and for a very small fee we camped next to the 4x4 in the dusty parking lot! But it was good, was the first time that I used my brand new tent, and it worked very well!
Day 3
9 hours: Alto - Molucue - Pemba
A smooth day's driving, very short! The roads were good and it was WONDERFUL to be home!
Now I'm in Pemba till the 24th, then I'll be heading back down to Dondo (Caia) to help with flood relief. We are expecting 10 containers of food soon and we have to work out the logistics of distributing it amongst the thousands of people still without homes.
Friday, March 16, 2007
...and off I go!
I am on my way to PEMBA!!! Finally after a 3 month absence I will see my friends, my house and my dog again! I'm SO excited!
My 4x4 is packed to the roof with stuff - bags and bags (and bags and bags) of groceries for me, airplane mechanic tools for our resident plane mechanic, 80kgs of dogfood for my puppy, a bag we have named 'behemoth' for my housie, boxes and boxes of books for our Bible School in Pemba, a generator, 2 large speakers, microphones, and a mixing desk (basically a full sound system) for the Iris base in Chimoio, a keyboard for the Iris base in Dondo, a gate for my house, more bags of groceries for my fellow missionaries, large storage boxes for another missionary, a microwave (for me), 5 LARGE bags of clothes donated for the flood victims, and last but not least: 4 jerry cans of fuel for my truck!
We are leaving at 5am on Saturday morning, and my ETA is either LATE Monday night, or lateish on Tuesday night...
Here is my planned route (for those of you who wish to look it up on a map):
Sat 17 : Maputo - Inhassoro
Sun 18 : Inhassoro, across the Zambezi by ferry - Mocuba
Mon 19: Mocuba - Pemba
Please pray for a safe, hassle-free journey!
My 4x4 is packed to the roof with stuff - bags and bags (and bags and bags) of groceries for me, airplane mechanic tools for our resident plane mechanic, 80kgs of dogfood for my puppy, a bag we have named 'behemoth' for my housie, boxes and boxes of books for our Bible School in Pemba, a generator, 2 large speakers, microphones, and a mixing desk (basically a full sound system) for the Iris base in Chimoio, a keyboard for the Iris base in Dondo, a gate for my house, more bags of groceries for my fellow missionaries, large storage boxes for another missionary, a microwave (for me), 5 LARGE bags of clothes donated for the flood victims, and last but not least: 4 jerry cans of fuel for my truck!
We are leaving at 5am on Saturday morning, and my ETA is either LATE Monday night, or lateish on Tuesday night...
Here is my planned route (for those of you who wish to look it up on a map):
Sat 17 : Maputo - Inhassoro
Sun 18 : Inhassoro, across the Zambezi by ferry - Mocuba
Mon 19: Mocuba - Pemba
Please pray for a safe, hassle-free journey!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
On the Road Again
Finally I am on my way again - my car's import papers are STILL not totally sorted out, but things have progressed a bit in the right direction - so I'm hopeful that I'll get my Mozambican license plates and registration papers this week still.
I have been on the road for the past 2 days, accompanying Betty Johnson (our wonderful can-do-anything missionary) on a trip down to Durban in South Africa - we had to go collect the workbooks/syllabus for our Bible Schools in Mozambique. We loaded 25 A3 size boxes and 5 A2 size boxes filled with thousands of books! My 4x4 was up to the test and carried the extra 3/4 ton very well. Then we left this morning and 10hours later we are at the Iris appartment in Nelspruit, a stone throw from the Mozambican border. Tomorrow we will be sorting the books and re-packing them to be transported to our 3 different bible schools across the country! (Maputo, Dondo & Pemba).
Thursday we head off the Maputo, where I will attempt to speed up the registration process for the truck (my 4x4). I just wanna go HOME! I miss my dog (Bala), and all my friends!!! Its been 3 months now since I was in my little house - everything's probably full of mildew by now... mmm that reminds me, I really must remember to ask my housemate to clean my room for me!.... :-P
I've been trying to get my car imported for over a month now - one of the longest most frustrating experiences in my life - but it will all be worth it in the end - Once I've driven up to Pemba I will drive back down to the Zambezi pretty much straight away, and team lead one of the Relief teams in Dondo, so my 4x4 will have many more miles on the odo by the time I'm finally back up in Pemba for good!
Life's NEVER dull (frustrating yes, dull no) when you're a missionary with Iris!
I have been on the road for the past 2 days, accompanying Betty Johnson (our wonderful can-do-anything missionary) on a trip down to Durban in South Africa - we had to go collect the workbooks/syllabus for our Bible Schools in Mozambique. We loaded 25 A3 size boxes and 5 A2 size boxes filled with thousands of books! My 4x4 was up to the test and carried the extra 3/4 ton very well. Then we left this morning and 10hours later we are at the Iris appartment in Nelspruit, a stone throw from the Mozambican border. Tomorrow we will be sorting the books and re-packing them to be transported to our 3 different bible schools across the country! (Maputo, Dondo & Pemba).
Thursday we head off the Maputo, where I will attempt to speed up the registration process for the truck (my 4x4). I just wanna go HOME! I miss my dog (Bala), and all my friends!!! Its been 3 months now since I was in my little house - everything's probably full of mildew by now... mmm that reminds me, I really must remember to ask my housemate to clean my room for me!.... :-P
I've been trying to get my car imported for over a month now - one of the longest most frustrating experiences in my life - but it will all be worth it in the end - Once I've driven up to Pemba I will drive back down to the Zambezi pretty much straight away, and team lead one of the Relief teams in Dondo, so my 4x4 will have many more miles on the odo by the time I'm finally back up in Pemba for good!
Life's NEVER dull (frustrating yes, dull no) when you're a missionary with Iris!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Video: Flood Relief in Mozambique
This is a short (4min) video shot in Caia, Mozambique in February 2007. This is the start of the Flood Relief Operation by Iris Ministries. We went out with $4000, of that $1000 was to buy food for the people, the rest was for everything else. Now with more funding that has come in we are able to feed over 50 000 displaced people.
All their crops were destroyed and many lost their houses.
(click the big play button, then click pause. Wait for the red bar to load - this will allow the video to play without interruption)
Of course, if you'd like to donate towards the flood relief effort, then visit the IRIS website nearest you:
Iris USA
Iris Canada
Iris South Africa
Iris UK
All their crops were destroyed and many lost their houses.
(click the big play button, then click pause. Wait for the red bar to load - this will allow the video to play without interruption)
Of course, if you'd like to donate towards the flood relief effort, then visit the IRIS website nearest you:
Iris USA
Iris Canada
Iris South Africa
Iris UK
Friday, February 23, 2007
Floods
I have just returned from Caia, one of the areas hit by the floods. I don't think that I've completly processed what I saw there, when I have, I'll re-write this story.
The devestation these people have seen, the utter hopelessness of their situation, their faces expressionless, deviod of emotion even when they were receiving food. Enough only to last a few days.
As I walked through the camp of temporary houses I tried rationalizing in an attempt to stop the tears. Its not that bad, its fine for a family of 6 to live in a 6ft sq grass shack, open to all the elements, without food or even a blanket. Its OK. Its fine for these people to scavange what roots and leaves they can, its OK for them to wonder what they will feed their children. Its OK. No its not OK. And as my reasoning fell to pieces in the dust, my heart broke for them.
I know that they were happy with their lives. Their crops are nearly ready to be harvested, their chickens were scratching in the dust and the radio was happily blaring out music. Neighbors sitting outside the in the shade of a porch, and dinner is prepared over the coal fire. And now, now they have nothing.
We could feed 244 families with the bit of food the 3 of us could buy. Enough for a few days, maybe a week if they stretched it. The blanket, candle, matches and cup was welcomed too. But mainly the food.
On the northern bank of the Zambezi a team from Iris Pemba were giving out food to over a 1000 families.
The Dondo team will do the same on the southern shore when more funds are available.
The road leading to the edge of the River
Donate in the US
Donate in South Africa
(mark the funds for flood relief)
As if she has not suffered enough
The devestation these people have seen, the utter hopelessness of their situation, their faces expressionless, deviod of emotion even when they were receiving food. Enough only to last a few days.
As I walked through the camp of temporary houses I tried rationalizing in an attempt to stop the tears. Its not that bad, its fine for a family of 6 to live in a 6ft sq grass shack, open to all the elements, without food or even a blanket. Its OK. Its fine for these people to scavange what roots and leaves they can, its OK for them to wonder what they will feed their children. Its OK. No its not OK. And as my reasoning fell to pieces in the dust, my heart broke for them.
I know that they were happy with their lives. Their crops are nearly ready to be harvested, their chickens were scratching in the dust and the radio was happily blaring out music. Neighbors sitting outside the in the shade of a porch, and dinner is prepared over the coal fire. And now, now they have nothing.
We could feed 244 families with the bit of food the 3 of us could buy. Enough for a few days, maybe a week if they stretched it. The blanket, candle, matches and cup was welcomed too. But mainly the food.
On the northern bank of the Zambezi a team from Iris Pemba were giving out food to over a 1000 families.
The Dondo team will do the same on the southern shore when more funds are available.
Donate in South Africa
(mark the funds for flood relief)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Start of Flood Relief
We are in Maputo now, leaving early Wednesday morning to drive up to Caia where we will be basing our relief effort. We spent the past 2 days buying items to take with us: water, baby formulae, baby bottles, matches, candles, cups, plastic carry bags. It was quite interesting, this is the first time that I drive in Maputo - its scary enough just being a passenger, so braving the chaotic traffic was quite nerve wrecking.
We've packed large black crates/containers with all the water, food etc to make it easier to transport and handle - all the thousands of Rands worth of stuff we bought seemed so little once it was neatly packed into the crates - we are believeing for multiplication!
Melodie (My Mother) packing the baby supplies - we have enought for about 45 mothers (130 kids)
I wish we could take more, but we only have 2 4x4s and right now they are packed to capacity!
Me packing all the plastic cups we have into one container - its only 350 cups, but one per family will at least be something
A container full of soy porridge, its really nutritious.
In total we have 10 such containers and 200 blankets. And the 3 of us going up in 2 vehicles.
I got an update from one of our missionaries in the Central region - she was able to find out from our local pastors just how bad the situation was.
Looks like most of the roads are still usable, so that wont be a problem, but just in Caia 450 homes of Iris Church members have been destroyed, and not jut their homes, but all their crops too. Harvest time is in 2 months and is meant to supply them with food for the rest of the year Now they have nothing. We will be buying corn to give out too - 20kg costs about $4 and is enough to feed a family for a few weeks. Cholera is quite a problem in Morrumbala: this is where I spent 2 weeks last year building a house for the 50 orphans being cared for by Pastor Cebala (see the story here), the sad news is that apparently the church has been destroyed and at the moment we believe that Pastor Cebala's house is severly damaged too. I dont know the state of the house we built, and part of me is too scared to ask.
I dont think that I will have any internet access while I'm up in Caia - I will have cellphone contact though, so if anyone wants to call and encourage us/find out how its going you are welcome to call me! +258 82 550 9842
Please just continue to pray for us as we travel up and camp out next to the flooded Zambezi helping the poor.
We've packed large black crates/containers with all the water, food etc to make it easier to transport and handle - all the thousands of Rands worth of stuff we bought seemed so little once it was neatly packed into the crates - we are believeing for multiplication!
I wish we could take more, but we only have 2 4x4s and right now they are packed to capacity!
In total we have 10 such containers and 200 blankets. And the 3 of us going up in 2 vehicles.
I got an update from one of our missionaries in the Central region - she was able to find out from our local pastors just how bad the situation was.
Looks like most of the roads are still usable, so that wont be a problem, but just in Caia 450 homes of Iris Church members have been destroyed, and not jut their homes, but all their crops too. Harvest time is in 2 months and is meant to supply them with food for the rest of the year Now they have nothing. We will be buying corn to give out too - 20kg costs about $4 and is enough to feed a family for a few weeks. Cholera is quite a problem in Morrumbala: this is where I spent 2 weeks last year building a house for the 50 orphans being cared for by Pastor Cebala (see the story here), the sad news is that apparently the church has been destroyed and at the moment we believe that Pastor Cebala's house is severly damaged too. I dont know the state of the house we built, and part of me is too scared to ask.
I dont think that I will have any internet access while I'm up in Caia - I will have cellphone contact though, so if anyone wants to call and encourage us/find out how its going you are welcome to call me! +258 82 550 9842
Please just continue to pray for us as we travel up and camp out next to the flooded Zambezi helping the poor.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
FLOODS in Mozambique
I am leaving for Mozambique tomorrow to go help with the flood relief effort. My 4x4's import papers havnt cleared yet, so I am just going in on a 30day visa and will sort that out later!
Please pray for us!!!
Recent cyclones, heavy rains and flooding, in Mozambique, have so far claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed more than 4,600 houses, 100 classrooms and four health centers. The situation is likely to get much worse and could possibly reach beyond the levels of the flooding of 2000/2001 when 700 people lost their lives and thousands more were left destitute. It is predicted that up to 46,500 people could be affected by the current situation with some already living in temporary accommodation centers.
The Floods of 2000/2001 - photos by Rolland Baker
Iris ministries have almost 400 churches planted along the Zambezi river; all of which are likely to be flooded or washed away if the water level rises to that of the floods of 2000/1. This would affect many of the congregation’s homes and possessions, leaving many destitute.
The Mozambican Army has been ordered to evict some 2,500 people who have refused to leave their homes and livestock despite the looming danger. These poor people are afraid to lose the little that they have and would rather stay to protect their property, risking their lives.
IRIS South Africa are preparing to leave to assist with Aid for the flood victims - We are taking blankets, food, medicine and love to the people already affected by the rising water.
Iris SOUTH AFRICA welcomes any donations toward the ‘flood relief fund’.
We are leaving South Africa on SUNDAY 11 Feb, and will be returning once the initial crisis is over.
You can reach me in Mozambique on +258 82 550 9842
FOR MORE INFO go to: AllAfrica.com
Please pray for us!!!
Recent cyclones, heavy rains and flooding, in Mozambique, have so far claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed more than 4,600 houses, 100 classrooms and four health centers. The situation is likely to get much worse and could possibly reach beyond the levels of the flooding of 2000/2001 when 700 people lost their lives and thousands more were left destitute. It is predicted that up to 46,500 people could be affected by the current situation with some already living in temporary accommodation centers.
Iris ministries have almost 400 churches planted along the Zambezi river; all of which are likely to be flooded or washed away if the water level rises to that of the floods of 2000/1. This would affect many of the congregation’s homes and possessions, leaving many destitute.
The Mozambican Army has been ordered to evict some 2,500 people who have refused to leave their homes and livestock despite the looming danger. These poor people are afraid to lose the little that they have and would rather stay to protect their property, risking their lives.
IRIS South Africa are preparing to leave to assist with Aid for the flood victims - We are taking blankets, food, medicine and love to the people already affected by the rising water.
Iris SOUTH AFRICA welcomes any donations toward the ‘flood relief fund’.
We are leaving South Africa on SUNDAY 11 Feb, and will be returning once the initial crisis is over.
You can reach me in Mozambique on +258 82 550 9842
FOR MORE INFO go to: AllAfrica.com
Saturday, February 03, 2007
4x4
I have some WONDERFUL news: I have been amazingly blessed with my own 4x4 (pickup/truck/bakkie)!
It's a Mitsubishi Colt 2.8 TDi, ClubCab, 2002 model!
I am so excited that I will have my own car up in Pemba - WOW, just be so great, so much more freedom, no more beggin for rides! No more chances of being mugged!
The guy that donated the truck makes canopies, so he made an extra sized canopy that will be big enough to carry all the sound equipment needed for outreaches, as well as a few people!
My dad has been amazing these past 6 weeks - helping me with the paperwork to get the car exported and also making adjustments to the car - he designed and made little seats for the back so that I can carry an additional 4-6 people in the back, handles and steps to get in easier, changing the electric sockets so that I can run a small fan and a light from the back (Yay! Now I can sleep in the back on outreaches - NO more tenting!)
My Dad putting the finishing touches on the back
We will be driving up to Pemba leaving this week - it should take about 4 or 5 days - 3000km! My parents are going to come with me for the drive, just so they can see Pemba, where I live, what I do... It will be really exciting!!! I will keep you all updated on the journey!
Here are some pics:
Inside at the front 
The back 
One of the chairs my dad designed
(the legs can be removed and then they can flip up to make more space!) 
I am so excited that I will have my own car up in Pemba - WOW, just be so great, so much more freedom, no more beggin for rides! No more chances of being mugged!
The guy that donated the truck makes canopies, so he made an extra sized canopy that will be big enough to carry all the sound equipment needed for outreaches, as well as a few people!
My dad has been amazing these past 6 weeks - helping me with the paperwork to get the car exported and also making adjustments to the car - he designed and made little seats for the back so that I can carry an additional 4-6 people in the back, handles and steps to get in easier, changing the electric sockets so that I can run a small fan and a light from the back (Yay! Now I can sleep in the back on outreaches - NO more tenting!)
We will be driving up to Pemba leaving this week - it should take about 4 or 5 days - 3000km! My parents are going to come with me for the drive, just so they can see Pemba, where I live, what I do... It will be really exciting!!! I will keep you all updated on the journey!
Here are some pics:
(the legs can be removed and then they can flip up to make more space!)
Video: Christmas at Zimpeto, Maputo
Here is a short movie that I made about Christmas at our children's center in Mozambique!
(it might take a little while to load...if you press the big 'play' button, then pause it, you can wait for the red bar to load all the way and then you'll be able to watch it without interruption)
I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas and may 2007 be blessed as you continue to share in my adventures... Lets see what the New Year brings!
(it might take a little while to load...if you press the big 'play' button, then pause it, you can wait for the red bar to load all the way and then you'll be able to watch it without interruption)
I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas and may 2007 be blessed as you continue to share in my adventures... Lets see what the New Year brings!
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