MozamWeek

I didn't take my camera. I should have. It was all so shiny! That's the first thing I noticed coming into Johannesburg on the direct flight from Tete. The airport is BIG and clean and beautiful and efficient. I got off the plane, rode the shuttle to the terminal, walked straight through the modern passport control maze all stamped and greeted and smiled at. Then signs directed me to the baggage claim where my suitcase trundled 'round the belt to me in about 3 minutes. I followed more signs through the green line in customs and *poof* I was out in the lobby looking for my ride. Amazing. Africa, but not so African. I'm sure I had a silly grin on my face the whole time just marveling at the order of it all. This is life ordered in a western grid... we feel at ease when we are directed almost automatically and impersonally through the big, scary unknown airport. I'm sure a Mozambican wouldn't have felt at ease at all. He'd probably feel abandoned and alone. He...

The kids ready for Valentine's Disco last Friday night. In America we wish each other a happy Valentine's Day just because. Here in Mozambique, it is "Lover's Day" or "Dater's Day" known only to a few. So, when we get cards and buy chocolates for a spouse or child on this February holiday, they think it is kind of strange. They just don't understand that a box of chocolates just sort of says "you are special." My kids understand. They really were surprised by the real box of chocolates all wrapped up for them! They got a big box to share. Mikael brought some goodies from South Africa before Christmas that we hid away for this occasion. I got my treats as well; thank you , Honey. Thank you to Charity Chapel in Pensacola Florida for making us all feel very special in February. Your package arrived just in time for Valentine's Day and everything is much appreciated! God bless you! Mom also sent cards and pictures of cousins and h...

I think we have come to a phase in our field term where most things are just normal. I've looked at the past two weeks and we haven't had any crises. Everyone is over their colds. School is in full swing. Translation is on track. Our power and water and internet are working. I'm able to wade through paperwork on my desk and check my e-mail. Kind of boring. Kind of nice. What do you do when things fall into a routine? It doesn't happen very often around here. I'm out of practice. This is the month of Valentines and remembering to show our love to those we care about. This is the month for a few special birthdays and our wedding anniversary. This is the month for reminding ourselves to stick to that New Year's resolution we made... or change it... or give up. This is the month to find out if our tax info is where we thought it should be. This is the month to commit to 2011 and plan to follow the plan. I guess it is a good thing it is a short month. Then we can...

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