Rachel's Reflections

The incredible, amazing Christmas Eve blessing that made this entire year, with all of the problems and hardships that have come up, worth it. One night, one blessing, the culmination of a year's work. Lauren and I had invited several Mwani neighbors to come with us to the Christmas Eve service. A few had promised to come. The day arrived and Mama J was at our house ready to come. Mama F had a family emergency and wasn't able to make it. I went to see if Mama I was ready to go and met her on the way to her house. She grinned at me and said "Let's go!" As I led them towards my church, with Lauren at the back, the call to prayer from another religion went off and I couldn't believe I was walking to the Christmas Eve service to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah with two Mwani ladies who don't believe for themselves that Jesus is God. The service was beautiful, everyone was so happy, dancing and singing to the Lord, proclaiming Jesus, our Savior

" Nikidili !"  I exclaimed exuberantly  and Mama R grinned back at me. I had successfully accomplished a difficult task in my language learning lesson and I had learned how to say " I did it " to express my joy. T wo months ago it would have been a completely different story. What has made that difference?  God Who would have guessed that by age 25 I'd be learning my third language? Not me It's been a challenge this year functioning in my second language (Portuguese) while trying to learn my third language (Kimwani). There are definitely times when I get discouraged. Days that I feel like I haven't learned anything. Moments where I stare at someone with a blank face because I have no idea what they said or how to respond. Lessons where my language teacher gets frustrated because I can't remember anything she has taught me. But this week has been such an encouragement! I've had several people comment on my Kimwani, that I'm le

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have, but for me it has also always been a time to be with family. This year I knew would be very different so I tried to plan ahead with my housemate Lauren.  We ended up going to another missionary families home with a few other Americans to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner. ( thankful for all the delicious food and everyone who contributed) I'm thankful we were able to have that time of fellowship. It meant a lot to me, being away from physical family, to have that spiritual family united with one purpose: to serve our Lord where He has called us. One of the other families there that night have been working with the Mwani people in another town for around six years. It was captivating listening to their stories, their knowledge, their experience, and their heart for these people. I was encouraged to hear how God has been working and is continuing to work in their hearts and lives. I'm thankful  for o

Wednesday: Just a regular team meeting, or so I thought. Suddenly my heart tightened as Ana told me they had already sold everything and would be leaving in less than a week. My closest friend in Pemba, the one who always understands how I'm feeling, who has always been there for me whenever I needed someone. Her son Theo, my favourite little boy to play with, who calls me "auntie". Her husband, Jhonatan who changed my flat tire when I got stuck and protected me from creepy guys. Leaving. On Tuesday. I had been trying to process the news of their decision to leave for family reasons back home. But thought I had more time to spend together before saying goodbye. I tried to hold it together during the team meeting, but during prayer time I couldn't do it. Here I am, responsible for the remaining team members who are still new and adjusting to life in Pemba and all I could do was weep. After everyone else left I went to my room and cried out to God. I can't do t

I called out to Mama R as I walked into her yard my first day back in Pemba. She responded from inside her house, asking if it was one of the neighbors. As she came out the door and spotted me she said "it is you!" and gave me a hug (which I've never seen her do before). (the view from my first week back in Pemba) When the church service ended several of my friends came over to greet me, welcoming me back, and giving me hugs. Mama S sat up with a big grin on her face,  despite having a cold and a headache,  as she saw me coming.  Mama J was bubbling with excitement as I stopped in to visit her with Lauren. These are the reasons why I love living in Pemba. What makes it worth coming back after being gone for a month. What I miss when I'm away. What makes difficulties or unexpected leadership responsibilities easier to deal with. Yes, I said unexpected leadership responsibilities... My team leader and family are now in the U.S. raising support until the

My heart was racing. My head was pounding. Dashing down the hall, up the stairs, and into my room, I grabbed my backpack and started throwing essentials in. Passport, money, change of clothes, good shoes, vaccine history card, other important documents, snacks, water, toiletries. Less than 6 minutes later I was racing back down the stairs to meet up with the rest of the group. That was a drill during our safety and security session at the Africa Based Orientation training I have been attending the past three weeks. I succeeded in grabbing almost everything our security officer had on her list of important things needed in a To Go Bag in case of emergency or evacuation. (A ready dad during our security drill) I tucked my hair underneath the scarf covering my head and shoulders as we walked toward the imposing building to observe a typical, afternoon prayer time and listen to the leader explain about his religion. Part of learning about one of the major world religions prevale

I used to run into the back yard, straight to the bushes, and find my chameleon friends. I would laugh as they tickled their way up my arm, to my shoulder, and into my hair. Today, I got to relive that memory a little bit (see it on my hand?). It's our day off from training and we had fun hiking near a crater, stretching our legs after three straight days of sitting in "class." Day one of training we each shared our story of how God brought us to where we are today, being His ambassadors of the Gospel in Africa. It was interesting reflecting on how God brought me from Kenya as a child (bottom left), to the experiences and training I received with Child Evangelism Fellowship and Word of Life (near top), back to Africa with my internship (center of R), to Mozambique full-time with Africa Inland Mission, and everything in between. One other special rewind to childhood was visiting the airplane hangar my dad used to work at in Nairobi. After 17 years I still reme

Pemba, a place I have learned to call home. But yesterday I traveled to Kenya for a 3 week training. As the plane descended toward Nairobi I felt like I was coming home. I have called many places home, but Kenya holds a special place in my heart because of all my wonderful, childhood memories. I count it a huge blessing to be a Third Culture Kid. Caught between cultures, I often see the world differently through a unique set of lenses. I can flex back and forth to fit in or understand one culture or another. But at the same time, the feeling of never truly belonging hovers at the edge of the heart. Theo and Malu, my little traveling companions, children of my Brazilian teammates, are now experiencing the life of Third Culture Kids. They are really good friends and it's cute to see them together. Theo was excited to be traveling with "Tia Tachel" (Aunt Rachel as he pronounces it in Portuguese) and stuck with me most of the trip from Pemba to Nai

"Do you understand why Jesus died on the cross?" I asked her after listening to the end of John and the beginning of Acts in Kimwani. "No," my house help answered as we finished cleaning the bedrooms. In my not-so-perfect Portuguese vocabulary I tried explaining that Jesus had died on the cross for us. We are sinners deserving of punishment, but Jesus, God-in-flesh, took our punishment for us. Three days later He came back to life again, and anyone who believes in Jesus, as God, for the forgiveness of their sins, is forgiven and has eternal life. She understood perfectly what I was trying to say and even helped fill in some of the important vocabulary words I had forgotten in Portuguese. I asked her if she knew what will happen when she dies, she responded no. I told her I know that when I die I will go to heaven because I believe in who Jesus is and what He did on the cross. I explained to her that this is the only real difference between her and I. If she bel

Erica, a young lady from my church that I've been building a friendship with, turned 20 on Tuesday. When she asked me if I would be willing to make her birthday cakes... I had no idea what I was agreeing to. Thankfully she wanted to learn and was able to help bake one of the cakes. A double-layer, chocolate cake with chocolate icing. A single-layer, chocolate cake with white frosting. What a great way to celebrate the life of a beautiful, young lady willing to serve God with her life. Erica desires to serve in ministry in the future. Pray that God will strengthen her walk with Him, drawing her deeper into His heart. Pray that God would lead and direct her in the way He would have her go.

Life comes in phases. Sometimes it's really hard. Sometimes it's really good. In the midst of it all, God is always there. This past week felt extra busy helping get the new family settled in. It's a joy to have them here and to feel like a more complete team.  That being said, in all honesty, this week was also really challenging. It slowly sunk in that I am the only non-Brazilian, non-married, non-parent on the team right now. And I've been living alone in this big house for 6 months. It's hard to cook for one person. It's hard to have to eat alone. Yet God can use anything for His glory.  My language helper and friend, Mama R, knows everything I have faced this year (cyclone, house issues, typhoid, etc). As we were having a conversation about this week and how I was feeling I mentioned that I'm still happy with my life. She was surprised.  How could I be happy with everything that has happened and feeling lonely? I responded that's it'

Our new Brazilian teammates arrived on Thursday! When their little girl saw the ocean her big, brown eyes widened, framed by her long, thick lashes and dark, curly hair. She grabbed my pointer finger and headed towards the water, stopping right at the edge of where the waves were lapping. She pointed at the waves, at the boats, at the birds flying above, at the sand, at the seaweed, and babbled on in her cute, childish way. My heart warmed to meet this precious little girl and I'm glad she's joined our team along with her parents. Obviously they are tired from the long trip from Brazil and a bit overwhelmed. I remember how I felt when I first arrived and all the emotions that swirled around me. Our team We are all helping them through the first few days with meals, shopping trips, answering questions, and offering encouragement. Please pray for our team as we expand that our love and unity will expand beyond measure and pull us closer to God's heart

7 months ago, at a conference in Kenya, I sat down for lunch and said hi to the others at the table. Almost everyone at the conference were missionaries with Africa Inland Mission, but I discovered that the two young ladies sitting next to me were just visiting the conference. They were Kenyans that lived nearby and were interested in missions.  The one next to me asked where I was serving as a missionary. I replied that I was going to Pemba, Mozambique to work among the Mwani people. The other Kenyan leaned forward and exclaimed "the Mwani?! I've been praying for them for three years!" I was floored.  Only God could have arranged that meeting. A fter that conference she applied to AIM, was accepted, and has been doing a few short term trips to gain experience and training. I started praying that God would open the doors for her to join my team, but told no one in AIM that I was praying for this. Fast forward to last month - my team leader started telling me a

All was peaceful inside my home as I prepared to head out on errands. Then in a moment, everything changed. I heard a chicken squawking frantically. I heard my dog running excitedly. I heard my guard yelling. My heart plummeted.  "Irma," my guard called me, "we have a problem." The neighbors chicken had gotten into our yard and my dog had grabbed it before he could get to it. I sighed and walked around the corner to see my dog ripping feathers out of my neighbor's once beautiful chicken. No one was going to be able to get that chicken out of her grasp, unlike the feathers now drifting aimlessly through the sand. I walked gloomily over to my neighbors house and explained what had happened. Incredibly my neighbor said it was an accident, the fault of the chicken, and refused my offer to pay for or buy a new chicken.  Two days later I discovered my driving school had failed to inform me that it was time to take my written test. Because of their negligen

I stepped out of the bus and stared wide-eyed at the huge building across the street, teeming with youth coming and going in preparation for the conference. I had no idea the conference was going to be that big. There was somewhere around 1,500 youth from all over the country, just within one church denomination! What a privilege to be able to participate and learn from that conference! I learned about the culture, both church culture and Mozambican culture I learned personally from the speakers I saw how the youth of the future are being raised up and challenged I gleaned ideas for how to follow through with individuals from my church I visited and encouraged friends from Word of Life camp two years ago and was myself encouraged and blessed to be with those friends again We got stuck on the return trip for FOUR hours and I only staggered into my house at 3:00am exhausted To top it off I got Typhoid Fever. Thank God I took the vaccine in January so the symptoms are almos

My dogs were going crazy because of the visitors in the yard. I tried, unsuccessfully, to control them. It didn't help I had my phone in my hand. With no pockets in my skirt, I looked for a good place to set my phone... not on the ground obviously, it could be stepped on. The hood of the visitors car right in front of me, perfect. I got the dogs under control, then talked with the visitors. We brought some stuff inside the house and then I walked them back out to say goodbye. After they left, I wondered where my phone was. Oh no. I immediately realized I had left it on the hood of their car and they were gone. I went back and outside and told my guard and his wife what had happened. They were dismayed. He immediately pulled out his phone and said "call them." The problem is, like most people, I don't have numbers memorized. I asked him to go down the road and look to see if it had fallen off already while I went to my leaders house to try calling the visitor

Mama S had her baby! Last week I took her to the doctors for a checkup. He said she could have the baby within a week. I told her to let me know when she needed a ride to the hospital. But then I forgot. I was visiting another family in Chibubware Thursday afternoon when the phone rang. Caller ID said Mama S. I answered "Hi Mama S, how are you?" The husband answered, "we are at the cemetery," and hung up. [important insert: I live near a cemetery] I was confused at first. I explained to the people I was sitting with and one of them told me to call back and clarify if they were needing a ride to the hospital. I called back and Mama S answered. She confirmed that, yes, they were asking for a ride to the hospital. I hiked back up the steep Chibubware path, panting at the top, went home to get the car, picked them up and brought them to the hospital. I told her to please tell me when she had the baby. She called me later that night to te

Do I truly love my neighbor? No But I bring her food when she doesn't have enough But I sit and spend time talking with her But I pray for her regularly But I talk about my faith with her But I invite her over to cook with me But I care about her How can I say I truly love her, that I'm her friend, if I never share the way of salvation with her? If I truly believe that Jesus is " the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father except through [Him] " then anyone who does not believe in Him is eternally lost. How can I not directly offer to her the most important thing I have in life? Why else did I leave my family, friends, and comfort zone to live in a different place? Was it not for the sake of the Gospel? But in my weakness, I'm afraid. What if she gets offended? What if it breaks the relationship? The Holy Spirit convicted me, gave me courage and the opportunity To share the way of salvation wit

I wasn't officially looking for a car when suddenly God basically dropped one into my lap. At a craft market a friend asked me "Rachel, have you bought a car yet?" I told her I had just started looking around at what type of car I wanted, but wanted to get my Mozambique driver's license first. "I know someone who is selling three cars, he keeps them in good condition, which is rare here in Mozambique. You should jump on the opportunity while it's here." He "just happened" to be sitting nearby and she introduced us. He told me about one of the cars. I asked him to send me the details and pictures so I could think about it. I ran it past my team leader to see what he thought of that kind of car (if the parts are readily available), the price (less than $4,000), etc. He said everything sounded great. A mechanic looked it over and said it was in good condition. Four days later this car was in my possession: A week later and I now have

"No, I'm not going to my church in Chibubware tomorrow," I told Mama R, "I'm going to the missionary fellowship to teach the children a story." "I want to hear the story." "Okay, but I'll need to practice it in Portuguese first." ..... Monday I practiced the story in Portuguese with my guard's wife (a Christian) and she gave me some pointers. "Lord, thank you for this opportunity. May Mama R learn about who You are through this story." I took my Child Evangelism Fellowship flashcard book in hand and walked towards her house. I met her on the street, sitting with Mama S... "Okay Lord, I wasn't expecting to do it on the street...." "What do you have?" Mama R asked. "The story I told the kids yesterday. I just practiced it in Portuguese so I could tell you." "I'm ready," she responded; Mama S leaned in. (Here goes, Lord) "Imagine you are

Today, one of the Mwani neighborhoods had a festival. I'll be honest that I got bored during some of the speeches, but it was a good experience over all, especially to do as a team. Ana helped Evelyn and I put our head-wraps on. I think she did a great job! And we had some ladies put some design paint on our faces. I had fun playing with my little friend Theo :) even though we got surrounded by a group of kids watching us. I loved learning about the different foods and choosing what I wanted to try. It was a hard choice because of all the good options, but I was very happy with my tasty purchases. I was able to practice some of the Kimwani I've been learning with new people. The purpose in going as a team was to continue to build good relationships in that neighborhood to pave the way for the Gospel to move forward in that area, as a good team building activity, and to learn about the culture.

(picture in another language) This is a cup .    (pause)    This is a cup .    (pause)    This is a cup .    (pause) This is a plate .     (pause)     This is a plate .    (pause)     This is a plate .     (pause) This is a fork .     (pause)    This is a fork .     (pause)     This is a fork .     (pause) Where is the plate ?   (everyone points) Where is the cup ? (everyone points) Where is the fork ? (everyone points) Rachel, where is the cup ? Ana, where is the plate ? Etc… A long-time AIM couple have come to do team training with us. The wife is teaching us various language learning techniques and the husband is giving team advice and ideas to help us thrive in our diversity. From 8:00 to 10:30 we meet as a team, then 10:30-12:30 our language helpers join us to do language activities to teach us Kimwani. In the afternoons, we go out in pairs to practice our new words/phrases in the Mwani community. It’s been great learning from this experie

My cistern was almost dry. I prayed for rain all week and told everyone I was praying for rain. God sent rain Thursday night and I sent a message to Mama R " God is answering my prayers! " The next day I asked her what she thought. She was confused about the message. I explained that I sent it because of the rain, reminding her what I had been praying for. We went to the local marketplace and while we were there it started raining again!  Mama R found a semi-dry place for us to stand and wait, thinking it would quickly stop. But it kept raining and raining. We were finally able to continue on when it let up. On the way back from our successful, but delayed, shopping adventure I was hungry and tired. I started praying: " Lord, I desire You more than food, more than _____, more than anything, and I desire Mama R to understand the plan of salvation, I desire to see her saved more than I want food right now. " Will you pray this prayer wit

Today is Children's Day in Mozambique.  Yesterday I had 105 kids in my yard to celebrate. :)  My team pulled together to make this a special day for the kids who usually don't have the resources to celebrate and we were able to use the spacious yard God has blessed me with. We had fun playing games, listening to a story that my teammate Ana told, and singing songs together. Hopefully this opens a door to more opportunities to share Bible lessons with the kids on a more regular basis.