Here a few briefs for you you daily viewers (there’s about 30 of you):
- Helder is in Nampula on his way South to the embassy. Thanks for your support- he now has enough to at least get to the states should his visa be approved. I’ll have to tell you about our visa adventures sometime after the dust settles.
- I’ve learned all about DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158 forms for non-immigrant visas to the states, not to mention SEVIS and the 50 some odd visa types.
- My camera doesn’t turn on. Lens error. If you’re keeping track, that’s three cameras lost to African soil in less than 9 months. Yikes! It hasn’t been dropped and this time I have an American warranty so I think I’ll be able to get it fixed when I get home. For now I’m shooting on….my phone. Yuk.
- I’ve eaten more food in the last 3 days than….wow. Pizza, burgers, soups, omelets, potatoes, sausage…I never thought I’d miss beans and rice so much. I’m looking forward to eating with the kids again.
- Pam is on her way back home. She’s excited to see Jeremy and the fam but I think there’s a lot she loved here.
- I found a great chocolate Ice Cream in Pemba. That was one of my primary goals coming over here this time. It costs $8.00 for a small carton but it’s holy. The trick is finding a carton that hasn’t melted and refrozen.
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The Oldest Man in Pemba
We got all the papers, pictures and fees for Nasimo to get a passport. He doesn’t have travel plans now but this opens the possibility.
- There’s little one-room restaurants in the dirt alleys of the city. Nasimo and I ate some of the best chicken & rice I’ve had here in Pemba for about $1.50 (40 mets)
- I met the oldest man in Pemba. According to Nasimo he is “maybe one hundred.” He’s a christian and healthy as ever. He didn’t beg but Nasimo immediately started searching for change to give him. Currently in Mozambique less than 3% of the population makes it to 65 years old (CIA, 2009).
So that’s that. Life is busy as ever. I have stacks of things to do, emails to write, forms to fill out, embassies to keep in touch with, kids to play with, friends to talk to, people to counsel and above all God to seek. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to keep all of my priorities straight so pray that I have wisdom with my time, discernment with my spirit and love love love.
I have less than a month left in Mozambique and the weeks pass like days. See you soon.
MOM 11:04 pm on July 26, 2009 Permalink |
Thanks for the update Ed. We are certainly keeping Helder’s visa in our prayers…that subject is close to my heart! Hey, I think Helder should come visit the west coast too. Holy chocolate ice cream! wow! I want some! I’m glad you got to meet the oldest man in Pemba. What an honor! Love you, miss you, praying for you
Elise 1:44 am on July 27, 2009 Permalink |
Ed, what a God’s blessing that he has given you. Being there you touch everyone hearts. I bet the children are so excited to see you. About how many people live in Pemba? My prayers are with you. I know that God is there to guide you each day.
Ed 5:50 am on July 27, 2009 Permalink |
There’s somewhere between 170 and 180 kids living here at this children’s center. There’s also an SOS children’s center just to our East as well as few other charities in town. The population of the city of Pemba is estimated around 140,000 although I’d not put too much faith in that number!
Thanks for you prayers. We need God here.
Helen 4:50 am on July 27, 2009 Permalink |
I commented to Jeremy that the time had flown since Pam left and he said something like “not fast enough”. =) We’re looking forward to hearing about her adventures.