Day 1 in Mozambique

Well, if you didn't know already, I'm in Mozambique!  I got here yesterday afternoon after two days of airports and airplanes. It was eerie and awesome how at home I felt. It felt as though I hadn't left--I know the house, the kitchen, the road, the potholes. I know not to turn the hot water knob too far or it will fall off, and go easy on the toilet paper or else. I know the Care For Life staff, the huts, the humanitarian projects, and the camaraderie that is so strong in a team working hard toward a meaningful goal.  

I had a great conversation today with one of the other volunteers about how some experiences, often those on your mission for example, are so powerful and unique that you cannot explain them adequately for others.   I feel like Africa is also one of these experiences.   It is truly incredible and life-changing and wonderful.  I cannot wait to find out what I discover about the world, about life, and about myself this time.

We went into the villages to teach sewing today.   I worked with Jose (pronounced HOE-ZAY) and Isaias (EE-ZIY-EE-UZ) to sew their backpacks.  I love sitting with the kids, especially the older ones, and talking with them.   I think they're a bit taken back by this tall white muzungo (Portuguese for gringo) who comes into their village and starts chatting it up.   But by the end, Jose was joking with me, begging to take pictures, with my camera, and asking when we would come back.  Great first day.

Isaias, Me, and Jose