A Layne Post
Through some divine appointments and blessings along the way (full story here), we have made it to Maputo, Mozambique. Just by driving to our guesthouse we realized we were in for new experiences. Maputo happens to be a very large, busy city, which is something Jon and I are not terribly familiar with here in Africa. We usually prefer to stick with the small towns.
It is very hot and very humid here, though if and when the clouds are out, it is bearable. Not having air-conditioners can make the afternoons interesting. We are very close the water, and hope to get over the visit the beach/waterfront soon.
Jon fixing the fan in our little room
It all reminds me of Corpus Christi.
Also upon arrival we have been thrown back into Portuguese. While it still can take a bit to warm up in conversation, we remember most of what we learned, and I believe we will continue to gain skills with practice. We were very thankful when we realized the accent is not too bad, and we can understand just fine, though like in Portugal, sometimes we need people to slow down.
We have been welcomed to the community of missionaries with open arms, and our hearts and spirits are so refreshed. I have been able to visit a women’s Bible study and will join next month for their start of a Beth Moore book! We have also acquired Christmas plans, which is exciting! We don’t have to be alone. =)
Through this network of missionaries, the Lord has blessed us with somewhere to live for the next couple of months. A missionary family is currently on furlough, and we are going to be able to rent their apartment until they come back. This is a blessing on so many levels, but one in particular is that it is fully furnished. Jon and I own very little, and eventually we will have to buy things, but this allows us to delay a bit.
The highlight of our first week here would probably be the opportunity we had to join a friend in her ministry at a local hospital in the oncology ward. She has a weekly ministry with the children there, and we were invited to join their annual Christmas party. They asked if Jon could bring his violin and play some Christmas songs, which ended up being such a blessing to all those around. Many of them had never seen a violin before, so to hear someone play such fun songs was a treat.
Layne showing Miquel how to blow bubbles
Jon Playing "Feliz Natal"
Not only were we able to bless them in a small manner, we found ourselves being filled with joy and praising God for the lives of the individuals we met. To see people in such pain with physical ailments rarely even encountered in the States… to see them laugh and smile is simply amazing. They loved on us and eagerly helped us practice our Portuguese. We look forward to developing these relationships more and more.
Thank you for your prayers thus far. They have definitely been felt and much appreciated. Please continue to pray for the following:
- Open doors to ministry
- Favor with immigration (We have 30 days for now, and probably no trouble for 90)
- Safety for us and the vehicle (Big city = more crime)
- Health, health, health (I have been quite sick since we arrived… probably a parasite.)
[flashvideo file=/blogpictures/Joy_To_The_World.flv /]
Jon played “Joy to the World”. Sorry about the constant dudding in the sound.
Apparently clapping right next to the camera creates that effect.
How fun to see Jon on his violin again!! Even with the interrupted sound. I’ll continue praying for your healing Layne. Verse I read yesterday: 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”
We are having Christmas with my parents today before they leave on Tuesday. It has been so fun to have them. Dad fixed all the bikes that Kevin picked up to give away at the police department (stolen ones that are then given to non-profits) and Mom and I have been busy baking. I got a clean bill-of-health from all my lab work that I will be having twice a year until they declare me “cancer-free” in 5 years, so for that we are very thankful. The kids are swamped with end-of-semester work and finals.
Blessings.
so glad to hear of settling in already.
and… HOW many tools does it take to fix a fan!?!? :p
Oh, thanks for catching everyone up:) Love the pics and wow! a video:) God has been SO faithful and we praise Him for every bit! Love to you both…XXOO
Hey guys so nice for you to have a home even temporarily, Judy says you”re going to do Beth Moore Esther it is great you will love it. I think it is the best Bible study we’ve done. But hey it’s about a woman I can relate. Playing music for the kids how great is that. I can’t imagine never hearing a violin. Praying for you, Love Jonna
It is exciting to see you happy, grown up (wow), married:-) and serving the Lord. Thank you for the glimpse into your lives….Love and Prayers, The Anderson Family
Jon and Layne,
What a blessing to see you with the precious African kids :) I know they enjoyed the violin as much as we do when Jon plays! Thanks for the video, it’s like we are with you for a few minutes. Praying, Praying, Praying for you both. Love you!!
Love your post! Love you both! It’s just delightful (can’t think of a better word at the moment) to hear from and see you! (Love this web site… I thank God for it.) We are praying for you often.
So glad you have a place to live, some new contacts/friends, opportunities to work on the language, opportunities to reach out AND to go to Bible study! Are you doing Esther?
Again, we love you and are praying for you, dear friends,
Sheryl
Haha, I love that vid with Jon playing his violin.
It helps that you were clapping Layne, even though we can’t really hear Jon, it’s like there’s a drummer. You’ve got some good rhythm!
Paul,
That was not me, thank you… it was lady sitting near. ;) Haha. We need a video camera.
Hi there, just checked in on your web site. It is great that you reached Mozambique and that you are settling in. I have subscribed to the web site so now we can know how to pray for you guys. Any time that you are in Porto, make sure that you call in. Take care and have a great Christmas and blessed New Year.
Bill and Tina