Wednesday, March 10th

Once again I woke to hear the sounds of the children gathering. I tried to let that experience burrow into my consciousness. I finished packing, had some breakfast, used the computer to check flight information and my emails. I was still waiting for confirmation about meeting with the Women's organization in Uganda. It was somewhat surreal.

I also made some quick notes for the Pastors' meeting which was going to be held this morning on Pastor Bene's request. It was strange to move my big suitcase into the truck.

When we arrived some of the Pastors were already present. We ended up holding the meeting a little earlier than we thought. Fausta Cipriano Delgada joined us - she is the head of the CCM. Representing the Methodist Church was Pastor Isaias; the Anglican church was Pastor Eugenio; The Presbyterian Church, Pastor Pirilau; the United Baptist Church, Pastor Duorte; and representing the Church of the Nazarene was Pastor Chorlos. Pastor Bene chaired the meeting which started with prayer and a hymn.

There was a formality to this. The Pastors asked what I had seen on my journey. I asked Bill who was translating for me again if the Pastors were aware of the places we had been. He said yes so I then responded with more philosophical response. I heard laughter above the pain; the silence of the land at rest; I saw courage and passion and leadership; I heard a prophet and saw efforts to build the kingdom of God.

Not sure how that resonated. Later Bill indicated that I was quite philosophical. That's not the first time I've heard that about my reflections.

However, I also asked the Pastors what they hoped that I would see. That brought more lively conversation to the table. One commented that "with knowledge you can free yourself from slavery of all kinds". Another mentioned the war they wage against AIDS, droughts and floods. A third focused on the need for Bible translations into the local dialects. The need for new liturgical resources and training and support of Pastors brought much energy from the participants. Pastor Bene spoke of the need for long term training of pastors to position them to engage their communities of faith with the lives of the people and the government. Many of the village and town Pastors have only Grade 7 education which makes it difficult to teach and mobilize these servants in new and creative ways. He lifted up the need to train the laity to be more fully equipped for their ministry with the church. All pointed to the desire for a long term relationship to develop the capacity of all their leaders within the framework of the CCM. Pastor Bene also mentioned his desire to see the medicinal plants project which is now virtually sustainable to be developed in those most needy areas of the country. That certainly resonated with my feelings yesterday.

The PEDRA girls brought out their cake and some drinks while the we chatted informally. When we finished that, I went to change for my flight while Karen and Bill had some work to get done before taking me to the airport. The Pastors stayed on for their own meeting and I had a chance to say good bye to Pastor Bene after that.

While I used Bill's office to recharge my phone and camera equipment, he took me into the recording studio where the musicians were finishing the tracks for a new video and a small choir was waiting to record a CD. The importance of this music/video ministry was now profound. What regard I have for this young generation that is doing so much to change the circumstances of living in their country. I am honoured to have met all of them. I thank God for them.

Soon it was time for the ride to the airport and check-in. Karen and Bill sat with me till noon. I would be boarding soon and they had much work to do back at the office. We said our goodbyes for now, knowing that we will see each other again in the fall when they return to Canada for their home assignments. It made it easier to say thanks and see ya!!

The long series of flights to Uganda began. I left Quelimane for Maputo with a stop in the eastern city of Tete first. I was still emotionally numb. Once I arrived in Maputo I had a long wait for my flight to Nairobi, Kenya via Harare, Zimbabwe. I found an outdoor restaurant overlooking the airstrip. I began to journal and with the journalling came the tears. I had many hours to let things surface, to look at them again and to begin to make some sense of my experience and their impact on my spirit. I was ultimately very thankful for this quiet time alone with the strong land of Mozambique still before my eyes and the strength of it people in my heart.