Although at times, life can be challenging here, there are many things that bring me so much joy. This past weekend I have been reflecting on them and just thought I would share a few of my favorite things here in Mozambique.
This is Luciana, my language helper. She is teaching me Swahili. She is unlike most of the Mozambicans here as she is from Tanzania and quite well educated. She is such a happy person and is always smiling and laughing. She pushes me like crazy and even writes out homework for me to do. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and spending time with her. She has brought me such insight and knowledge into the culture. I admire her determination, enthusiasm, and ability to work so hard and care for her family.
My very good friend, Bronwyn, owns this property in Meponda on Lake Niassa or Lake Malawi. Bronwyn is one of my favorite things here. We met when I arrived here in Lichinga and although we have been quite good friends since the beginning, these past couple of years, our friendship has really grown. It is so nice to have someone who I can share with and trust she will speak truth to me and not judge me. I am so thankful for this friendship and the joy she brings to my life.
My other favorite thing is Meponda. This is a small village on the lake and it is so untouched and beautiful. There are very few people or fisherman on this lake. It is pure wilderness and one of the most beautiful places I have been.
I am so thankful for my husband and children and they are definitely my favorite people in Mozambique. However this one in particular brings me so much joy and WORK. Here is a picture of her with her head and face completely covered in Vaseline. I washed her hair about 5 times with dish soap and it still had the nice "slick" look to it.
