3:00 am

I'm on my way! Here I am at the good ole MCO, Orlando International Airport. Unfortunately, the airport ticketing doesn't even open until 4! So until then I'll continue to chat it up in the lonely terminal with my mom, make sure my luggage doesn't weigh too much, and procure a tasty treat from Starbucks!

See you guys in Mozambique!

880 miles later

After many correspondences with my soon-to-be university in Brazil, one certified letter, a visit to the sherrif's department, one $170 postal money order, and two trips to the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami (LOTS of driving) I finally have my visa!! Which also means I have my passport back, and just in the nick of time.

Doing the Mozzie Disco

The “Mozzie Disco” as it is affectionately referred to as is a Wycliffe Discovery trip to Mozambique. Here’s an update on my trip!

One week left until I am off to Mozambique! Everything is really crazy as I’m trying to wrap up packing and all of my preparations. I leave this coming Sunday, May 30 and will join the rest of my team at JFK. From there we’ll fly through South Africa to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Then we fly to a city in the north called Nampula.

All of my support is raised and I have all of my shots and meds for the trip. I’ve stocked up on lots of antibacterial soap, sunscreen—my malaria medication makes me, an already fair-skinned gal, extra sensitive to the blazin’ african sun, cliff bars, and skirts (I’ll be wearing skirts and dresses the whole time I’m there). Some other highlights from the packing list are a really cool journal, a swimsuit for the beach—my team gets to spend a few days debriefing at a beautiful beach called Chocas, a light sweatshirt—the weather is going to be in the 60s to 80s, how perfect!, and disposable medical gloves—which I hope I won’t have to use!

I’ve found out a lot more details about the actual work I’m going to be helping with and it is so cool! It sounds like I’ll be spending most of the time in Milange, a city in the Zambezia province and Tete, the capital of another province. One of my teammates Maggie and I will be observing translation projects and helping with the Takwane and Nyungwe languages.

If you want a visual, you can see the cities I’m going to be in by going to maps.google.com/earthview and typing Milange, Mozambique in the search bar.

As for contact during the trip, I will only have limited access to the internet. I hope to use this blog to post some pictures and updates on life here in Mozambique and all the cool stuff God is doing! Also, I just got a Google Voice number—ask me and I’ll give it to you! It’s a regular number, but it allows me to receive voicemails and text messages to another phone number or online. I would love to hear your voices every now and again, so feel free to drop me a line on this number. :)

Thank you all so much for all of your support, encouragement, and prayers. I could not do this without your help. Here are some specific things you can continue to pray for:

-humility
-cultural understanding
-spiritual growth
-team bonding and unity
-direction for future vocation
-processing and transitioning to Brazil in the fall

John in 21 Motions

Our Bible study wrote a song to sum up the main points of the book of John and to not forget all things we studied this year. It's a little lengthy, as there's a verse for every chapter, but it was a blast to make and a really cool way to keep familiar with all of John.

This is John in 21 motions
Here's a glimpse into our devotions
But these are written so that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
and that by believing you may have life in His name.

First there was the word and the word became flesh
He came and dwelt among us and now we are blessed
Lamb of God, John the Baptist confessed
Come, follow me, and you will see greater things

Went to the wedding, changed water to wine
Cleared out the temple, put those boys back in line
Break and built it up in three days time
Didn't that 46 years?

Nicodemus must be born again
For God did not send His Son to condemn
But that we may have life without end
He must increase and I must decrease.

Gives the woman Living Water
My food is to do the will of the Father
Your son's alive, don't even bother
Look at the fields, they're ripe for harvest!

Said to the man, get up and walk!
I don't speak unless I hear God talk
The Pharisees began to stalk
Couldn't get Him because His hour hadn't arrived

A little boy's five loaves and two fish
Fed a few thousand, 12 baskets delish
Walking on water was Peter's wish
Bread of Life, It is I--do not be afraid.

Why don't you show yourself to everyone?
I can't do that now, my time has not come
Don't you understand where I'm from?
If anyone is thirsty come to me and drink.

If the Son sets you free, you'll be free indeed
Light of the World, you best believe
Throw a stone or you can just leave
Who's your daddy?!

This happened so that you may believe
This man was blind but now he can see
Give glory to God, it's your testimony
Do I have to tell you again?

Follow me when you hear my voice
I lay my life down--it's my choice
I'm the Good Shepherd, don't you know?
If you're gonna enter you must come through my door
No one can take you out of my palm
Jesus came to tell you what's going on
I come to give life abundantly
I know my own and my own know me!

Raised Lazarus up after he died
Talked with Martha, but Mary just cried
Through this thing the Son is glorified
I am the Resurrection and the Life

Into Jerusalem Jesus came
His heart was troubled, glorify God's name
Walk in the light you'll never be the same
Be like the kernel of wheat

At the supper Jesus washed their feet
Do the same, His example's real neat
Betrayer Judas has got the best seat
By your love they'll know that you are mine

For you there's a place I will prepare
I manifest myself to those who care
Ask in my name and I'll take you there
Because I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

You did not choose me, but I chose you
I am the Vine who will always be true
Abide in me and I'll abide in you
Obey and bear fruit!

The hour is coming, it is drawing near
The helper will tell you whatever He hears
Joy will come out of your fear
Take courage, He has overcome the world!

Jesus prays for all eternity
I in Him and Him in me
That they may have perfect unity
Eternal life means to know God!

The Son of Man will be lifted up
For He is willing to drink the cup
Faced Pilate and told Him what's up
His Kingdom is out of this world.

Scourged, pierced, and mocked
Carrying His cross, Jesus walked
When He died the whole earth was rocked
He said, "It is finished."

God up early, went to the tomb
He was dead, or so they assumed
He teleported into the locked room
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe!

Simon, do you love me more than these?
If you do then feed my lambs please
All this John wrote for whoever believes
There's not even room to write all the things He did!

Written by: Kia, Grace, Lauren, Jackie, Kristina, and Monica

Here it Goes...

This is my first blog! I figured it could be an interesting way to document some of the upcoming adventures in my life and keep friends and family updated while I am in Mozambique and Brazil and such. Well, here it goes!