Mozambique Trip - 2010 - Days 10 and 11

Day 10 and 11

Every morning at breakfast I would see the gardener sweeping up in the courtyard. He had a quick smile and a very quiet disposition. Noticible was the condition of his shoes, if you could even call them that. They were those old black, bulboused-nosed, combat-boot looking lace-ups remniscent of WWII. They were so torn up and cracked that his feet were very visible within. I felt compelled to try and find him something better. Each time we were in town I looked for some newer boots amongst the multiple street vendors we encountered. I never could find anything acceptable. So, on our last day in Moz, I approached the gardener with my 10 year old hiking boots and a pair of wool socks. The boots were well worn, but still in good shape. Ernesto interpreted for me. I told the gardener that I wanted him to have my boots. He smiled broadly and thanked me profusely. Then, as I was commenting on how worn out his current pair were, another man sidled up beside him, and with a wide smile revealing only two eye teeth, he politely said something to me as he pointed to his shoes. I turned to Ernesto and asked him what the man said. "What about me?", came the translation. I turned back to the man and looked at his shoes. They were even WORSE than the first guy. Out of shoes, I told him "next trip". Like I have said many times, the opportunities here are endless. Even a pair of old hiking boots is a heavenly gift - a miraculous provision.

After packing, we said goodbye to our hostess for the week, Carmen. She seemed to work around the clock. At not quit five feet, she presents herself with this tough, brash, "don't mess with me" exterior. She barks orders to the other employees and is generally serious and pensive. As we were leaving we thanked her profusely for taking such good care of us and gave her a card expressing our gratitude, and a small gift. She walked away with it, not wanting to open it in front of us. We pretty much expected not to get a response from her. Then, to our surprise, she re-appeared 10-15 minutes later, with tears in her eyes, gave us the biggest hugs, and then, without further comment, disappeared again.


We left our hotel, Complexo Touristico de Roger, and headed for the city. We wanted to try and get some gifts to bring home.













Ernesto drove us into downtown Maputo, near the embassies, business buildings and larger hotels, and we walked around and bought a few things. The street scene below was typical of what we encountered. Each of the vendor's was eager to show us their inventory when we were directly in front of their area on the sidewalk. Then, when we would walk beyond their tarp to the next guy, they would respectfully stop selling and allow the next guy to pick up the process. We found some interesting local art, woodworks, and jewelry.

Ernesto went back to get the car and planned to meet us further down the road. When he finally showed up, he had this dis-illusioned look on his face. "It happened again," he said. In the span of a few blocks, another police officer pulled him over and took away his license. This bribe only cost us 500 meticai, or about $15.00.

We arrived at the airport with Ernesto and Seba. It took the better part of 30 minutes to say goodbye. These guys were wonderful hosts, and inspiring friends. As is typical of most short term mission efforts, we gained so much more than we gave. As I write this, almost 6 weeks after the fact, I find that my conversations with Ernesto and Seba continue to inspire me. Their faith encourages me to grow my faith - to trust that God is good, and that no matter what the obstacle, He finds a way. "He will do it!" as Ernesto says.

Three planes and 30+ hours later, we were back in San Antonio. We all made it home safe. As I was unpacking my bags and putting away my luggage, I wondered how long it would take me to "unpack" all that I had seen, heard and experienced over the last 11 days. All I can say now is that I am still unpacking...

More to come...