Mecuburi: A normal church visit
Went to visit the church of two of my students about 30 miles from Nampula. We traveled this interstate (really) and it was in great condition due to no rain for months, only 15 miles 'washboard'. It was really a beautiful ride through the granite hills and i enjoyed the company of one of the pastors who caught a ride with me. We talk about rites of passage, cultural issues and of course, marital issues.

We arrived at this little church outside of the village of Mecuburi and the ladies were already starting to prepare our lunch at 8:30am. This is becuase they were cooking for 'the honored missionary' and 25 people---all over a wood fire in the ground.



I was able to peruse my sermon for an hour as we waited for others to show up and i got to chat with the men about money and marital issues (hey, they bring this stuff to get my opinion). I have to say the service was nice. It is a small group and they are a independant Church of Christ, so they have autonomy. Which means they function as a group...but is also means they can function as a mob. Anyway, this group was nice and during the service indivuduals expressed their opinions and were very interested to hear mine. Funny what comes back to you when put on the spot about church governace and restoration of fallen believers.

After a very short 2 1/2 hour service we ate communially (well, men in the little shade house and women and children under the cashew tree). Lunch consisted of 'shima', which is the daily starch staple which you use as a spoon to scoop out your 'matapa' (anything made with peanuts, greens and oil) and 'caril' (anything made with some form of meat, lots of oil, tomatoes and onions). To my delight i was informed that they pulled out all the punches and bought dried shrimp....unshelled, salted, petrified, gritty baby shrimp. Ok, the flavor wasn't terrible but the chrunch and grit was a tad much. So i enjoyed the matapa and shima (really, i like the stuff). When i informed them i was gettting ready to leave i was asked to give a ride to some of the folks and said sure. So, with a car full of 10 peolpe, one chicken (their gift to me along with a bunch of sugercane and peanuts) and pots and large cooking pans on the roof i said farewell.


Who says this isn't fun?

For those of you who missed one of the most unmemorable international holidays, yesterday was in fact my birthday! And it was good. Quiet and good.

For those who sent cards and messages, thanks!

Spent the day with the family and didn't answer my cell phone! Friends came over in the afternoon for cake and a chat. It was a bittersweet time with them as they are gearing down from full-time ministry here and they will be sorely missed by many. Cami then made me hamburgers and french fries which were delicious! Oh! Almost forgot, two neighbor woman came over and out of her wrap she presented me with a traditional gift....a live chicken. So now we have one more 'pet' running around the yard. Only wonder how long the dogs and cats will leave him alone....before we eat him! hehehe



I guess the best thing i received for my birthday is the realization that i do not feel old. In fact in the things most important i am young. My love for Cami continues to grow, not diminish with time and my boys keep me wanting to play like a child. And i ever want to be closer to God. Speaking with an american friend of mine, it was funny we constantly want to improve thing, the house, the car, the marriage, the relationships.....but i find now i am truly content with what i have at the same time.

I am blessed to still be alive and loved.

So happy birthday to me. And to you as well. Enjoy the day all.

His,
Kevin

Just another dusty sunset in Nampula.
Goodnight all.

Dad, what does the devil sound like?

We had read our books, talked through the day and he wanted to know the answer. Ok, 'bible-teacher-man'...'joe-missionary'........DAD.....Ugh.

My first thought was he/it is the sweetest sound you have ever heard. But at other times it is a murmur drowning out everything. Or is it the whisper of self-righteousness or possibly it is the sound of a far fetched idea which will no doubt lead you away from a truer path. Or it is the ever-so-near sound of fear of things that are unknown--but possible....although far-fetched. Or it is an remembrance of something you have forgiven someone...the seed of bitterness creeping in? Or disappointment that things didn't go exactly how we wished/prayed or asked? Or possibly, just possibly does it sound like us talking to ourselves? alone in the dark feeling...sorry for ourselves?

You see i've been studying Ephesians as of late and come to the conclusion that this Satan/Devil/fallen-angel...is real, is crafty and very busy. The Bible uses words like 'cunning' and 'deceitful' and 'prowls around seeking whom he may devour'. Sounds rather sneaky and, well down right scary. I believe somehow he speaks to us, all of us and by any means necessary draws us away from God who loves us and wants to know us. But I think he does get tired--if he is a created being (fallen angel and all) and yet he is smart enough to know his demise is coming. He isn't a god or even close to the enormity of our creator...in fact he isn't too much different than us. Funny thought though, he was created to worship but choose not to. It appears to me that angels and man have a choice to worship and know this God the creator or...NOT. I think about this with my Toby and pray he chooses to know God. That he doesn't listen to the lies and the ideas that will lead him away form trusting and knowing this God. That he willn't rather be on his own seeking his own betterment and glory. Because that is not what he was created for, but that is another subject altogether.

So whatever it is that draws you further form the truth, whatever tempts you to not trust, whatever makes you think you are alone, worthless, not-quite-good-enough, or all powerful, really swell and in control......guess who's talkn'.

So, Toby, he sounds different to different folks but he always leads you astray either with the truth or a lie....but usually a lie...he isn't your friend and doesn't care about you at all, he is in it for himself. Don't be fooled my boy, there is only One who really loves you well and sorry to say although i try, it ain't me.

HELP needed: Cell phone advice

Ok, nothing terribly serious but i am a tad lost in this matter.

I need to buy a cell phone. Yup, technology. Funny one would think in this the 'less developed' part of the world (Mozambique) one wouldn't need one. BUT, here is the thing, we don't even have a land line. Our internet is via antenna on the roof and all our other communication is via SMS and cell calls. This is true in most of southern Africa because one can choose how much one wants to talk and know in advance what is is going to cost. Even out in the bush cell phones usually get reception and can be a lifesaver.

So, I have been looking for a qwerty, GSM, unlocked, quad-band, touch screen, camera phone.

Oh, i don't have the $500 to buy a new one so wil most likely be at the whim of ebay....and although they all look very slick and helpful but which one is better than the than the other? If you ave any experience or info please comment below!

I appreciate the advice.