Sunday services and afternoon strolls

Wow - what a day! today we went to Pastor Bongas church (did I do it right Jez??) and had a great time in the service. I did puppets with Julia - a new recruit for the team - yippee! And we taught them Allelui allelui Praise ye the Lord with them all jumping up and down in their seats. It was very amusing! One amusing part of the serice was when a chicken was brought forward for the offering - and duly despatched to the chicken graveyard ready for lunch. A true representation of where we were and of what the people have to offer. Some folk just offered empty hands to God when they had nothing else to give.
Then we went to Bonifaces church for lunch which was right in the centre of a village. The villagers cooked for us and we were served a banquet - it was very humbling to have them serve us with bottles of coke and Fanta and provide so much food from their limited resources. It was a relief to then see all the villagers come to the church after we had eaten to eat the vast amount that was left. We talked with the villagers and then travelled back to the Base, all very quiet and reflective. Everyone is very tired today . We went for an amazing walk around Beira too. Right down to the beach through a shanty town, around the port, past shops, houses - you name it, we saw it tonight. all the sights and smells of the town. an amazing experience and one I will treasure.
The tiredness is taking its toll on us girls - we are gettting very giggly at the most simple of things. At last nights prayer meeting on the beach I was in stitches when Vicky pointed out Pastor Bonga was wearing a blockbuster video shirt, obviously ex.staff uniform. Although it was very funny, it also reminded me of how incredibly grateful they all are for anything they are given. No striving for labels, or embarassment about the cheap labels they are wearing, but just an imense gratitude for anything and everything that they have. What a lesson we all have to learn there.
The people of Mozambique are so lovely, and so welcoming. I have many new friends here, and am so lucky to be here with these people. I am amazed at what I am doing, and coping with, and I know that it is because of the strngth that God is giving me. As I sat infront of my plate of food at lunchtime, fearful of what I may be about to eat and the consequenses of that, I was reminded of the verses that say "I can do anyhting through christ who strengthens me". And how true that is - I cannot comprhend how I could be doing this in my own strength, but with God at my side, and with all the prayers of you at home, this is turning into an amazing and peacefilled experience. Thank you so much fr your continuing prayers for me and all the team. and thank you , Lord, for bringing me to mozambique. Ate Logo (see you later! ) and cioa for today xx
Oh, Dez - yes, the songs went down a storm, though not sure they entirly understood!