Back to Mozambique!!

At the airport Wednesday morning (August 8th, 2007)
We all got frappicino's at Star Bucks. It was so nice to be with my dear family a little while longer...

Lots of laughing and talking and being. Then lots of crying and hugging and me not wanting to go any sooner than necessary!
(*Notice we all wore our "crocks" for fun:-)*)

I arrived in Mozambique on Friday, August 10th! As we began our descent, I could see all the corrugated tin roofs, and red dirt roads, and tiny caniso huts. How my heart leaped when we came in for a landing at the familiar tiny airport. Getting off the plane I could see Bob and Inge, 2 missionary friends who came to pick me up, watching for the balcony. Yay, I am home!

It was very hard saying good bye this time, for some reason, so it was a relief to actually feel at home when I arrived here in Mozambique!

We drove the familiar busy roads to the center, dodging people running across the streets, and keeping alert for any shoppas (Mozambican transportation by bus) cutting out driven by crazy

drivers. And soon, we were pulling into the gate at Iris Ministries in Zimpeto. We drove up the path, past the church, and around the maintenance building. To my surprise and delight, all the girls were standing there outside their dorm screaming "Mana Anna! Mana Anna!" I couldn't help but cry a little as I opened the door and was smothered with hugs. I was then brought into the girls dorm where they sat me on a chair, sang and danced around me a song of welcome in the Shanghaan language, and then they proceeded to lift me up in my chair singing and laughing! How sweet they are:-)

After being here a week, I hardly feel like I ever left. Except that I feel very refreshed and patient;-)

Monday we got a new little girl, age 5, named Margarita. Her Father ran away after abusing her mother, and her mother is now unable to walk and could not take care of her two small children. Margarita's brother has gone to the little boy's dorm, and she has come to be a part of our joyful group of girls. She was a little shy

at first, especially of me being white. But she has quickly warmed up and is running and playing and laughing

with the rest of them!

Though at times there are struggles, and situations to work out, and people to discipline or teach, this is my

calling. Lord help me live each day from the strength you provide! Thank you for your mercies that are new every morning. I would rather be no other place than right here where God has placed me. Whether it's for 1 year at this center, or 10 years, may I never grow weary in serving the Lord, and running wholly after Him with all of my heart!

The next part of the journey has begun, and I look forward to sharing with you the things God is up to over the next year!!

Many blessings to you!

Anna