17 days in Chimoio

Since we have internet access for a few days here in Malawi, I thought I'd update with how our trip has gone so far.

We arrived in Chimoio and stayed at Maforga mission with friends who are working there in medical work and mobilizing people to spread the Gospel. We enjoyed seeing the different kinds of work going on there. As we approached the driveway, we pulled over to bid farewell to our colleages, Inge and Angelika, who had kindly caravaned with us for the day. We had heard of an armed robbery on that road and didn't want to travel alone. After we said goodbye, Kevin noticed a huge amount of liquid on the ground under our car and realized that it was Automatic Transmission Fluid. Not good. We bid farewell to our friends the next day, and after topping up the ATF, drove into town to the mechanic. We left the car with him and then drove out to our AIM Mozambique conference with colleagues.

We had such a nice week with all of our colleagues. I think there were about 30 adults and 17 children. We stayed in a Catholic retreat center, and had two rooms for us and our kids, which was great. Last year we were all in one tiny room (I was in charge of housing, so that was my fault!). We all slept well, and enjoyed the many times of fellowship and teaching and catching up with the colleagues whom we only see once a year. There were some new colleagues on the field this year and it was fun getting to know them a bit. Best of all were the 3 children's workers who had come out from the USA and Canada to do ministry to the kids. It wasn't just babysitting, it was ministry! They brought two huge suitcases full of toys, treats (chips ahoy!!) and teaching materials. The kids were in bliss, and we came away with a huge bag of wonderful things for the kids. They were so kind and had such servant hearts. I was able to attend all of the meetings htis year knowing that my kids were happy and safe. Thank you Carol Ann, Cindy and Barbara!!!

Unfortunately, on the 3rd day of the conference I slipped on a wet floor after doing some laundry by hand, and twisted my knee badly. I didn't rip out the ligament that was repaired in April in South Africa (from my motorcycle accident last year), which I am thankful for. However, 2 1/2 weeks after the fall I continue to have pain and swelling. The doctor in Blantyre, Malawi, that I saw last week couldn't tell if I had torn the miniscus or not and we have to wait and see if I continue with this situation for another couple months. If so, I'll have to fly back to SA for another, more minor, surgery. I did rip the miniscus last year and it healed on its own, but there is only a 10% chance of that. We'll see! Please pray.

After the conference was over, our mechanic informed us that the seals on our Torque converter needed to replaced, and needed to be flown in from South Africa. So we ordered them, and started waiting. We started our wait in the home of dear friends from Nampula who have moved to Chimoio, Jacob and Jaynie Michaels. Here is their website: http://www.goodnewsforafrica.org/gnfamichael/
They made us feel so welcome and comfortable, even though they had finished painting parts of their "new" rental house only the day before! We had such a nice time with them, getting caught up on various things and going out to see the farm outside of town that they hope to buy to start ministry in Chimoio. On the 12th, we moved down the street to the empty home of AIM colleagues since the Michaels had other guests coming in to stay and we felt we had imposed on them long enough! The house was so ideally situated, because we could continue to visit with J & J, as well as our new AIM colleagues, the Allens. It was fun getting to know them and spending time with them, and our boys especially enjoyed playing with their girls. Toby and Rebecca (age 5) had a fantastic time.

There was delay after delay in getting the part in and our car fixed, and we had to keep calling our housing in Malawi to let them know we would be delaying a couple more days, a couple more days. It was so frustrating. In the end, the car was fixed well by our great mechanic, and the price was one we were able to pay! God provides.

Originally, we were to stay in Chimoio until the 11th, but didn't leave until the 16th. We were sad to see days of our Malawi vacation slipping away. . . but grateful that we were in such a good spot, with good friends, to spend that time. And, as we commented at the end, it was really restful and peaceful. When we left, the dark circles under our eyes were gone and we were all feeling much healthier. -C