Adventures with Desiree

Fluttering on the Wind

2011-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

"The Wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit..."

Dearest friends,
One of my favorite place to hang out at the Village of Joy in Pemba is the prayer hut in the midst of this incredibly beautiful garden. This hut has a 360-degree view of landscape and ocean, and sets a stage for some amazing sunrise views too. I love praying—it’s what I was born for; communion with the King—and I love the spectacular views of the ocean; but this simple hut called Bethel (house of God) is my favorite place of all because of the WIND…

Throughout the last two years, I’ve spent nearly a year living in Pemba…I’ve experienced the hot season and the hotter season…during both, WIND is a blessing. Not only does it cool, but it it also makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly. In all the places on our base, the ONE place that without fail has some sort of wind, or light breeze, is our house of prayer. It is almost as if to show the tiniest glimpse of His omnipotence and omnipresence to His sons and daughters crying out day and night in the midst of a wilderness that He is there.

I am rather fond of the Wind. I love how it cools my house in Pemba, I love how it sounds when it blows against objects in the midst of stronger gusts, and I love that I can imagine how many colors must float on its wings in every season--winter, summer, fall and spring. I love that the wind is my reminder that the omniscient God is really ever present leading me joyously and spontaneously through this crazy little adventure called life! It is the wind of His Spirit that beckons me, carrying me on the wings of His love, leading me where He wishes…

Mozambique: The Memory of my heart—
When I made the decision to go to Africa, two years ago, and with each subsequent trip back, I fully thought I would be living my life there. I thought that Pemba, Mozambique would be home—and the “west” would be the distant memory that I would visit from time to time. But, as the wind blows where it wishes…I have returned to California—My Mozambican home, it seems for a time, will now be the memory in my heart that I get to eagerly await to revisit when the Wind blows me back!

The theme is the Wind—Spirit

I can relate to Jesus’ statement in John 3: though I may hear the sound of the Wind, I might not know where it will blow me “next.” I am daily learning to trust the Divine leadership of the Spirit of God fully convinced He knows where He’s going—It may at times look like a whirlwind that drops out of nowhere, or a steady breeze that blows the sails of a boat, or there may be a sudden stop and movement is not possible—the flag won’t fly and the sail falls lifeless—Is it the sail’s fault it cannot blow in the wind? What an absurd question don’t you think? Sometimes the wind just stops and the boat captain is forced to make a decision in order to move his ship. In Mozambique, many of the fisherman boats have sails, and if the wind stops, most of these boats will sink, not float. So the captain must decide on a plan of action...Does he wait for the wind again, or does he paddle to shore? Maybe the wind has shifted direction? Or perhaps it is time for him to return to shore to get a new boat?

For a season the Wind was blowing my life across the seas of missions in Mozambique; I am not the captain of my ship, but the Spirit of God is, and He sailed us to the West where He is now beginning to blow upon dreams in my heart that have been waiting for such a time as this…a sudden shift in wind direction can only mean…

It’s time for a NEW boat!

Wind and Boats??

During my last two trips to Pemba, I felt the Lord stirring a deeper passion in my heart for not only worship, but also for intercession. He began to ask me, “Will you worship again?” and “Will you embrace the west, will you embrace My church, and My family?” When these questions began, I was just embarking on the journey as the personal assistant to Heidi Baker—Director of Iris. Believe me, thousands of emails and international scheduling in Mozambique is the FARTHEST thing from worship music and the west…it’s a different form of worship.;) Nonetheless, a desire for pouring my life out as His song sung began to stir, and I was asked to spend 4-5 days a week in prayer & worship to specifically cover Heidi (who ministers internationally) and Iris. In the midst of this schedule, I began to feel a shift—uh-oh the wind stopped blowing—admin all of a sudden was NOT my strongest gift; Heidi and I both realized that the “wind” stopped and there needed to be a “boat” change. After some discussion, MUCH prayer, and patient waiting, it seems best for mankind (myself…and the Kingdom of God),that I actually stand in my strengths: which are in worship (musically), prayer, and globalization…

So what am I doing?
1. Intercession/Worship—I have been asked by Heidi to take more of an active role to cover her, the children, and Iris GlobaI—including Iris Relief.

* FireHouse of Prayer: I have been partnering with FH under the direction of Davis Hill and Sarah Garfinkel(Pictured right: Davis is center, Sarah is Right and Rachel is Left)—together we are beginning to dream about how we can locally begin building a prayer network to see the vision for Iris Global Prayer established. Included in this will be a committed times of focused worship leading, devotion times, and intercession for the night watch (8p-12a M-TH). Additionally, I have been asked to help launch & teach at Sons of Asaph—a worship internship in December to mid-January. Our time in the next month and change will be to see it come together & watch the Lord bring the students!!
* Globalization: I will be training with XP Media November 1-18 to learn effective ways to mobilize intercessory teams: among other things…heading up intercession for a HUGE ministry…or for the WORLD for that matter takes more than just me;)

2. Travel & Itinerant Ministry—The wind may have shifted, but it is still blowing here there & everywhere. I have received a few speaking invitations in So CA and Reno, NV at the end of this month. After my training in Phoenix, I anticipate more travels to mobilize teams in the US to carry the Spirit of intercession and worship…

Thank you so much to those who have partnered with me on this journey! The Lord has been faithful and this adventure would not have been the same without you! I am so blessed to flutter in the wind on the Wings of Love with you. My love and prayers are with you all.

Love,

Desiree

The Pemba Sunrise

2011-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

If there is silence…be quiet and listen…

It seems that more and more these days I find myself drifting in and out of sleep to the familiar silence of the Pemba sunrise. I did not know I could see such beauty until I was awoken on a July morning at 5:42am. I groggily turned my head to see an orange orb of light penetrating my makeshift curtains made of a polka dot sheet. I flew out of bed and ran to my window and gazed through only to see the sun looking at me!!

I often ponder why I come to Pemba…What is it about this place that draws me? Can it be the people? Or maybe is it the breathtaking views? Or maybe it is the work? All of the options are viable and valid, but it finally again occurred to me…the “why” of my existence. Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His lips for His love truly is better than wine. Draw me after You where I can gaze upon Your beauty, inquiring in Your Holy temple [Song of Songs and Psalms]. Pemba is the one place (so far in my existence) where I have been awoken to see the sun, and the Son, and where as I gaze upon His beauty, the darkness in me flees and the shadows fade away. Pemba has been a place where the deep parts of my heart where there is brokenness or hurts of old are exposed by the light of the Son and a new day dawns.

I’ve been watching the sunrises since that day and I’ve noticed something in this season that is different than any other season before. In the silence of the morning, I wrap my blanket around me to escape the chill of the day’s early winter weather and I look to the horizon that has been and will always be steady. These days I’ve noticed a low-lying cloud cover just at the horizon. During summer months, the sun is evident peaking over that distant line as early as 5:00am, but with this cloud coverage, the brightness of the sun does not kiss the sea until much later. In fact, it seems there is a battle in the sky for the sun to breakthrough its first light. I’ve watched the sun climb up the sky into the mass of gray cumulus clouds. At times it appears as if the clouds follow the sun up the sky. Maybe there’s a race between the two, or a struggle to overcome, and little by little the bright orange glow creeps higher up and to the top of the clouds crowning them, even in their darkness, in glory…

And suddenly…Light bursts forth and the darkness dissipates. The new day has dawned. These days with me, it seems there is a new day and it is here, but the night does not want to let go. The clouds are upon the horizon line, but in time, the sun will shine. I am watching from my window eagerly waiting for the sun to kiss my face and the fullness of the day to come. I may not know what each day will bring, but as sure as the sun rises and I listen to the silence of the morning song, I know that darkness will flee, shadows shall fade, and all that remains will be the sun shining, kissing my face.

With just under two weeks before departure, I will enjoy each Pemba sunrise—there really is no other sight quite as breathtaking as the glorious sun [and SON]—and the awakening of my heart to dreaming dreams of this new day.

Thank you all for joining me on this adventure. I look forward to many sunsets on the west coast soon…

Love,

Desi

I Am a House...

2011-06-16T04:43:00.003-07:00

Contrary to popular opinion, not having running water, a working shower, a toilet that leaks, locks that stop working after 3 uses, and a brand new fridge that does not cool down, is not SO bad...The fact that I have a cement house (Thank you Arco Iris for providing housing)--that is almost level, with brand new tiles (thank you Mozambican construction crew) fresh paint (Thank you Brittnie Furuvald) an incredible view, and when there is a breeze...the best airflow--shows that I am way more fortunate than most who live here...mud huts that may or may not last through the rainy season, with no mosquito nets covering the windows, a cloth door, a dirt floor, and maybe if they are wealthy some electricity...I am blessed to be where I am...

Life in Africa can be daunting and challenging at times, but even in the midst of the “wrongs” I am awed that this is my life. There is so much more to this journey than complaining over what works and what does not. I have been pondering the sovereignty of God for almost a year now in great depths. Something about my journey, walking with Him, I’m beginning to see that He is purposeful in everything...even by allowing discomfort to teach me lessons for this little walk called life.

Why did I move into a brand new “finished” house in order to contend with such “issues” which in light of Eternity are trivial and meaningless at best? When God created man, He said that he was, “Very good.” Man is merely made of dust and breath...this house in which I write this page is made of dust, water, and air... Yet, when both were completed, was the work truly finished?

I can liken myself to being a house...a fixer upper at best. I am far from being finished... Daily the Master Potter, Craftsman, Builder...adds and removes to my house. A foundation of cement was laid in my house, and painted...it was firm, yet it constantly held the appearance of being dirty--could be a western mind that doesn’t see cement as a finished product, I mean I was born in a world of tile, wood floor, carpet, linoleum etc...For some reason, the floor was not complete until it had tiles...upon careful placement of tile, one by one, glued in place with cement, even in it’s dirty unfinished state, the floor began to look like a floor, not just a foundation.

Christ is the solid foundation on which I stand. And upon THAT foundation, He begins to build His house. I am His house, His temple, His vessel...He built a structure that can stand and is now adding to the details of what makes my house beautiful and unique. He lays the tiles to add character and personality, to bring invitation, to make me a space that feels like a resting place, not a workspace/construction zone. He is turning my house into a home.

Maybe I will save all the thoughts about every particular “problem” for subsequent blogs, but ultimately each item in this African house of mine can be a shadow of what needs fixing in my own life...or even just more details to make me more of a home...I want to be a home that is a place where life can happen, where dreams are dreamed, and where rest is welcome. This journey is one of turning building of mud, cement, and water into a home...The transformation process has begun... 

Love, Desi:)

Eyes to See...Strength to Stand

2011-06-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

Albertina Felicia…will never be the same again!! Neither will I…

Before I get there, let me catch you up…You see, I have barely had time to breathe since taking on this NEW assignment as the personal assistant to the director of Iris Ministries in December. I was back in the states like a whirlwind and spent more time in planes, trains, and automobiles than I did in California, and then I was off on another airplane back home…

PEMBA…

I returned to Mozambique after two long international flights, a surprise stay in Johannesburg—amazing how a volcano in Iceland can trigger delays in London—which translates into a missed connection in South Africa… Needless to say, after three days I made it. Home Sweet Home…

Over the roar of the 12 yr-old Land Rover with a clunky sounding clutch, I could hear the silence of this now, not too foreign, habitation. Everything has changed since I left Pemba in February, the airports are growing, houses are being built, and it seems people are actually thriving. On base at Arco Iris, the normally vacant dusty road into the center is booming with foot and car traffic as construction is zipping along to build houses and classrooms for the 300+ international and Mozambican students coming to our Harvest School and Bible School…Life in Pemba and life at Iris will never be the same. It will never be as it was…the seemingly grass-roots church movement is now more than international…Pemba will never be the same again.

The week was jam packed with adjusting to jet-lag, preparing for Heidi’s return and hosting guest speakers for the conference we were having just the following weekend. Not much time to breathe, exercise, sleep…and yet the hustle and bustle is energizing and exhilarating!! And, yes, tiring…but, in the midst of it all, try as I may, it’s me and Jesus at the end of the day. I sometimes miss the years where I was given hours upon hours to simply sit, be, reflect, think on Him, His Kingdom, His ways…then I’m jolted back to the reality of, “This is your season.” Adoration in Action…I’m learning to practice the presence of God in ALL things, staying at His feet whilst running around and working so, while discovering the facets of His face. He is my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress and Strong-Tower…without Him I can do nothing. Period. I need Jesus…and in the midst of the whirlwind that is Pemba, even if I sometimes fight against Him, the reality is, without His strength or grace upon me, I would drown in ALL there is to DO…

Albertina Felicia…

This past week I had the privilege of hosting Will Hart and Randy Clark of Global Awakening. It was my first time hosting international itinerate speakers in Pemba. The week began with two drive tests, one in a small rickety Toyota Corolla and the other in that 12-year-old roaring Land Rover with a clunky clutch…manual transmission on the left side of the road…I passed. I can drive internationally now! Woo Hoo!! But, before I go off on a tangent about driving in Mozambique, I will get to where I began this letter…Albertina Felicia…

We held a pastor’s conference at Mieze, one of our local churches. Roughly 2-3,000 people from Mozambicans to our international Harvest School students were in attendance. There was camping, rain, and mud, lots and lots of it… Despite the inclement weather and large numbers of people, God showed up in a tangible way. People came expecting to receive from God, they came from miles away to be touched, healed, delivered. Hope and faith permeated the atmosphere. Toes were healed from pain, headaches went away, the blind saw and the lame walked…

I was pretty wiped out during the Friday night conference, and to be honest I did not have the energy to pray for people, so I waited, and watched. I had a sore throat and was plain ready to go, yet something was stirring in the atmosphere. It was that hopeful expectation of yet something else… I was standing next to Heidi and she was given this precious baby, whom we discovered was 18-mo-old, Albertina Felicia. She was born with white eyes and had never before stood. Heidi asked three times the history of this child and each time the mother’s answer was, “She was born with white eyes…” I was hungry to see a miracle and believed to see her eyes healed. Would this little one receive sight?

The presence of God fell in a great way, like a waterfall of energy and peace was pouring from the sky, the little girl was standing on her own and taking steps toward her mama as we heard her yell, “Albertina! Albertina!” Heidi said she felt like she was supposed to wash the baby’s eyes—which were closed—with water. I went to find a bottle of fresh water, and in looking back, I realize it didn’t matter if the water had come from a well or a watering plant, Jesus mixed His spit with mud and healed a blind man— but I wanted clean water… Anyway, I gave Heidi the water and we found some napkins, and she began to wipe Albertina’s eyes…White milky substance began to come out of her eyes and they began to open. Albertina began to blink, and cry, and look around!!! Yes, she was looking around, Heidi kept holding her hands and wiping her eyes and more milky substance came out. She now looked like a baby with an eye infection…but there was a change. Her eyes, now fully open were BROWN!! Albertina Felicia could now see and stand!! Before my very eyes and the witness of a now huddled group of 30 onlookers, this tiny little life was forever changed. Her mama did not smile for over 20 minutes because she was in such shock, but by the end of the night, she was completely overjoyed as were we all!!

This is my fourth time to Africa, and I have seen many miracles, but something about this baby, Albertina Felicia, and the awe of God’s mighty hand moving in such a way has changed me. Without His daily grace and Holy Spirit, I am like that little infant, unable to see, unable to stand on my own. But, with His love and His tender touch, by the washing of His Word, my perceptions, my limited view, or lack of sight, I am made to see more clearly. With the strength of His hands to help me, I am able to stand and step and, daily learn to walk. I cannot produce a miracle, I cannot heal the sick, the lame, the blind…BUT GOD…who is in me…can and chooses to use me, chooses to use us, to partner with Him, that the world would SEE and know His goodness, and that the world would learn to stand and walk in His ways!!

Dear Lord, May I learn to let you make my sight clear and focused on You…give me the strength to stand, and teach me to walk as you lead me with Your righteous right hand! Amen.

Love to you!!

Desi

From Mozambique!!!

2010-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

From the TOP and Bottom of my heart...I wish you all a season of blessing and love!!

For to us a child is born; to us a Son is given! And the government shall be upon His shoulders. He will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...

He is ImmanuEL, GOD with us!!

Love in Him,

Desi

Going BACK to Africa...again!!

2010-08-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

Adventures with Desiree

Going back to AFRICA!!

Estimated date of Departure 1 October 2010

Salama! Salama!

Hello Friends!

“Greater love has no one than this, that a man would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Can you believe it has been an entire year since this crazy adventure began? It is 19 August (now it is 30 Aug) and last year this time, I was beginning my first re-entry process from Mozambique. I was sitting like a duck in the water trying to “figure” it out and process the depth of what had occurred while I encountered Jesus’ heart, love, and passion through the poor. One year later, I am finally beginning to have a language to dialogue about the experiences. It has taken two times to Africa, a trip to India, a retreat in Tahoe, a mountain top experience in Redding at art school, more rest and not…finally, my words are beginning to form coherent thoughts!! ;)

To sum up in one sentence what the year has been and what I’m still learning daily: Love… is beautiful; can be seen in the eyes of a poor child; smells like a cup of coffee with a stranger whom you just met; has a face; patiently waits; and will stop at nothing to embrace another. Love is my life!

This fall I am headed back to Ministerio Arco-Iris to lay down my life for 3 months and partner with missionaries, Mozambicans and radical Harvest school students who will go anywhere and stop at nothing to learn about LOVE!!

The Quest to Know Love

Heading back to Mozambique…Trip #3

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…You are My friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12,14

Christ Jesus urged His disciples to love each other as He loved them. He was not talking about a feeling or an emotion, but a willingness to lay down one’s ambitions, desires, and maybe even physical life all for love and the hope and future of others. Christ then called His disciples friends with their obedience to this Love mandate. Christ lived the perfect example of laid down love. The examples in which Christ displayed such reverence for mankind are still valid today. He is Love. And through Him, we can answer the question, what does Love look like? Humbly serving; He washed His disciples feet, He stopped to talk to the “unclean” lepers, Samaritans, and women!! Christ through Holy Spirit and complete surrender to His Father in Heaven, cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, and raised the dead! But the greatest act He did was to show us what Love looked like with His arms wide open, His heart exposed, as He hung on the tree, taking on every curse, sickness, sin, to free us from the iniquity that would have been poured out on us for our actions. His choice to obey His Father in Heaven, to love not His life even unto death on the cross, has opened up the door for me to choose to LIVE…a life of laid-down love.

A few weeks back, I was asked the question, “Why Africa?” I had to sit and ponder for a moment, and my response was simply. “Love.” I long for Africa, because it was in the African dirt that I encountered Love in a very real way. I met Him as a friend through a stranger who embraced me in a moment of weakness, feeling utterly alone, who stood (and still is) faithfully holding me up in prayer and running the journey with me. I saw love embrace the children who were once orphaned and abandoned but now have a roof over their heads and three meals a day. I saw love when I took the village children out for a meal and they did not devour everything on their plate, but saved a portion to bring back home to their younger siblings. I saw Love when I went into an unreached bush village encountering hunger for the first time, and was given a simple potato—a treasure to this villager who wanted to bless me because I prayed for her. These simple acts of kindness are raw and real ways that the Love Christ walked in is displayed today.

Christ Jesus revealed love in every aspect of His life, and my quest is to know what and who this love truly is. Love is the passion that propels one to move and compassion compels one to stop. Each trip to Africa, India, Laguna Niguel, South Lake Tahoe, or [Insert your city here] my passion grows and I become more compassionate as each moment a different aspect of the face of Love is revealed; I learn how to communicate Love to all I meet, and Love looks like something practically here and now. In the states, it may be a coffee chat with someone, in Africa it may be a gift like shoes, or in India hugging a “leper” and showing them that they are beautiful and loved by Love Himself. I want to know who Love is; that all would know the true power of Love; Love that sets captives free, that takes depression and anxiety and turns it into laughter and joy, that takes pain and heals, that causes one to stop and see that every single person on this planet, here and abroad, was born to be loved.

I am not living my life for my hopes or dreams, but for a Love greater than life and a hope so strong that nothing compares! It is my passion to see this Love be freely given to all I meet that they would know that there is hope for them and their future. My desire is that I would fulfill Christ’s mandate to “Love one another” and “Lay down one’s [my] life for His [Jesus’] friends”

Thanks for joining me! Blessings & Love, Desiree

I mentioned earlier about my return to Mozambique. I have been invited to join the staff of Iris Harvest School and will get to put my words into action…All for Love!! I have been called up to service;) Here are some of the things I will be doing as a servant leader.

Duties as Staff for Harvest School

(List not complete)

1. House Mama: I will be a “mom” to 4-8 girls for the duration of the school, to encourage, exhort, pour in, and love.

2. Bush-Bush: I will be leading an outreach in the bush bush (usually far away from society)!! Help me Jesus!!

3. Help with school specific duties will be discussed upon arrival, 3 October 2010 (including: Helping students, Iris missionaries, School Staff, Iris children, projects, etc.)

4. Continue the Quest: To know Christ’s Love and make Him known

5. Lead by lifestyle

WAYS for YOU to be a Part

Duration of African time 3 October-28 December

In this short time before I leave the US, I am finding those who will continue to run with me on this leg of the journey. We are all one body, and I am just one member, but together we accomplish the words Jesus asked of us; that “You love one another”…You may not physically be heading to Africa with me, but YOUR part is just as important!! Will you ask if you are to stand with me in prayer, worship, finances…ALL are needed in His commission to go into all the world bringing the Good News. I look forward to seeing whom the Lord leads to partner with me to SEE His love poured out. You are all with me in EVERY moment of this journey…

Are you ready for Africa PART 3? Here’s how u can help:

NUMBER ONE: PRAYER COVERING: This is the single most important need to have before, during, and after returning from overseas. I will email updates as much as I can (depending on internet availability) with specific needs…Holy Spirit is the best notifier though;)

FINANCIAL GIFTS: I will be donating my time to serve and cover my expenses to get to Mozambique. There are a variety of options available, tax-deductible donations, as well as PayPal options, and checks. >>>

SPREAD the WORD: www.desirama.net will be updated this week!!

PayPal e.mail address is: dunamisdesi@gmail.com

Tax-Deductible Donations: Checks: MSN Ministries (Desiree-Africa in Memo)

Checks Made Payable to me: Desiree Metcalf

PO Box 2076 La Habra Ca 90631

For the Love!!

2010-08-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, “ABBA! FATHER!

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God;And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be it that we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together…

Romans 8:14-17

I have been chewing on what it means to be a son/daughter of God. This passage above is sooo hefty and filled with much, but the key thing I will touch on is the “adoption” and being free to call God, “Abba! Father! Papa! Dad! Daddy!...” We are granted access to our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit. Today, I started to think about this LOVE that this Father offers freely to all His children, because it is part of our inheritance in His Son, Jesus…anyway, here was my prayer, my thoughts to Him and they are not just my words, but are the cry of a generation that is beginning to grasp what exactly it means to be “Adopted by God.” His love for us is deep and vast and far and wide, and without a true heart knowledge of it…well…this is the struggle and the glory of His love… Be blessed, Desiree…

written 23 August 2010 @ 5:00pm-6:20

Father, so I love You and I got to this point hours later than I expected, but I must say, I have enjoyed this day. And thank You last night for reminding me that You just love me. Period. You just love me. Period. You just love me because YOU LOVE me. Period. Do I have to do anything for this love You are so freely giving? No. It is a love without strings attached. Do I have to journal everyday, read the word, draw paint, write, flip over and over? Nope—You love me. If I was standing in a vast expanse naked and empty-handed, unable to offer anything to You, You would still love me!! You love me standing upside down, hands on the ground. You love me underwater swimming like a fishy. You love me when I rise. You love me when I’m sleeping! You love me when I write, when I sing—even when I am doing “my thing.” You love me for me.

Nothing will change that—You love me! You love me! You love me! You love me! You love love love love love love me in unfathomable ways—overwhelmed by this. I cannot begin to try to grapple with this love. Love that is so vast and deep and pure and true—You love me cause that’s what Daddy’s do! Perfect love requiring nothing in return! How is that so? So? So? What love that even if I turned my heart away and refused to love you any moment after today, still would I hear You say, “I love you forever and always.” Though I do love You and it is my desire that I would know the depth, width, breadth, and height of Your love. To know the fragrance of Your love—How You love!! So great is Your love. I am undone—so undone, undid, undo me again. My Father, who’s love knows no bounds—oh how You love, so deep so profound…

What kind of love is this? Finding words to describe its feeling filling within. Like every cell, fiber, molecule is reaching out, saying, “LOVE!!” It is the shout. Oh how You love! It draws at my inside, it aches and it weeps, it longs, it is deep—It groans and pulls and rises and falls—a moment not aware of it and life seems to fade to grey—then You say, “Remember, My Love, it’s you I love!” I want to yell and scream and shout! WHAT is this love all about?! You long for me like a deer panting for water. You ache when you are not loved in return—and STILL You love. You love. You Love. You Love! Oh how by this Love I would be utterly consumed. Consumed and saturated by Your love so sweet and requiring NOTHING of me…

Still the battle rages—How is this so? You love through the ages—don’t I need to grovel and bow and kiss Your feet? I hear You say, “I love you. Period.” You would love me even if I buried my head in the sand. You love me. You love me. You love me. Oh the wonders of Your love—FREE—YOUR GIFT to me! Can I know this love so deep again? This love without limits—this love this love; intense!!

Father, my Father, draw me up and in again…This love this love…so deep so true—You’ve welcomed me into Your love, eternally new…nothing I can or will ever do will separate me from Your love—You love me. Period. I can’t earn Your love. I can’t change Your love. I can’t remove Your love. I can’t hide from Your love. I can’t run from Your love. You ARE love! You are Love!!

Father, do I need to perform for Your love? “Nope,”—You say, “Just be you. I love you for you.” But why do I struggle, when You say, “Just being you is enough.” To say I get it and I really don’t, because life is spent trying to gain approval, from mothers and teachers, lovers and friends—and yet here YOU are, always You have been, loving me forever and ever again. You say, “Let Me love you more, Let me strip away all the facades, all the mirrors of smoke. Let me show you My love. A greater love, unending, unyielding, passionate love, deeper than time, brighter than the sun. Let me show you My love that is new, again and again…”

Father, why do we fight Your love, so strong so real? You fight it because you think you are not worthy to be loved…Years of life…the fall of man…choices that man makes…many reasons that build walls, cause hurts, and only LOVE cures it all.”

Father, I know you have been healing areas in me that have not been able to receive Your love, and I just desire so much more—These past few days, I feel as if I have been struggling receiving Your love—I am grieving for a friend. It seems as if he feels he has to do do do to prove to me his love for you—and Papa—I am heartbroken, for that is not so—And then I feel this wrestling and wrestling and wrestling again—I can see how I was believing that I must “do” to justify my love for You! I must “do” to give a valid reason for Your provision to come through. Help me Father—I know Your love is real—Heal my heart—I wish to be still and know You are—I love You. I love You. I know You love me—I do not wish to perform to prove my love again.

You just love me. I just love You. Period. Over and over and over again. Can’t add to it cannot subtract. Your love is great!! Your love is received by faith!! I believe in Your love. I believe. I believe. I am undone!

Father, You are such a good father, a loving Daddy—In the ways I have been hurt, or the choices I have made that would cause me to feel unworthy of Your love, please show me—heal me—I want You to love me more—I NEED You to love me more—otherwise, Papa, I feel lost and forlorn. I need You! I need You! I need You! You love me and Jesus is the door to truth, to You. Teach me, heal me, help me that I could receive Your love…Always…above all else give me Your love. Above all the rest give me the one, the One my heart loves. Whatever it will take to know Your love for me is no mistake—I give You permission overwhelm me with Your love!! Undo me again!! Please wreck me with Your love!!

I love You…=)

Until later,

Beloved

August Rush

2010-08-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

August Rush
I sing because You are good! And I dance because You are good! And I laugh because You are good and Your love endures forever!

Well I am laying in bed, hoping and longing for the sweet tender moments of sleep, yet deep inside there is a battle raging. Call it caffeine which I know it is not, indegestion, well I didn't eat much today...yet I am buzzing buzzing... There seemed to be a shift these past three days...Lord what does this mean? My heart is racing, or is that just my belly making wierd feelings like something's moving inside...Spirit coming more alive!! I was born to live in this time and in this place and though i've been reminded, sometimes Ive forgotten to look back on this race.

Maybe that's why my mind is racing, keeping the pace. Running to the rhythm of God's heart! Oh Lord in YOUR plan may I always take part. I think somehow though I've been pressing in I still lost my focus and my patience has worn thin!! I love you Jesus for on Your lips is the law of love...1 Corinthians 13 as written from Above...

POINT 1: LOVE IS PATIENT

You will have to wait for point two. What exactly is patient? It is the first descriptor of the word, the Man, that is Love... Patient...enduring, apparently patience is represented by a fruit...woot woot...a pear! Yummy! Sometimes waiting is hard especially when you're a child... The questions arise, "Why?" or "Now?" or "Can I ask again?" "Are we there yet?" "How long?"

Ahhh...as I impatiently wait for sleep to take over I am brought to momentary flashes of recent times with my 5 year-old niece, "Auntie Desi, can I pretty pretty please?" for the umpteenth time she's asked the same thing, oh how I wish I would realize that she's being used to grow patience in me!!

You see patience is really a pear because it takes a PAIR to grow it. One person asking the other responding with a time equated answer..."Are we there yet?" "no" Or traffic, or this or that...Patience is like waiting for the rabbit to come out of it's hat!

Sometimes the wait is the hardest part and yet in the WAIT we grow strength in our heart! Waiting can be coined in one way...qavah or twisting up, binding together...getting wrapped in... Not too bad to think about...waiting not having to do with time? But an action? "Those who WAIT on the Lord (qavah Jehovah) will renew their strength..."

Feeling a bit tired, rushed, overwhelmed, spent...when was the last time you went for a SPIN on the Merry-go-round of the abundant Joy filled life? Count me in again Jesus, apparently my strand of rope has become a tiny string because I wiggled my way out from you again...

I am laughing at myself as I think of the lessons I must learn. Lord is so simple and extremely profound, He even teaches me a lesson through a tiny little hound. This little pup whom Ive been entrusted to watch has been has been testing my patience, her ways are top notch. As I walked her this afternoon on her little red leash, I'm not sure who was leading her or me? She'd tug and she'd pull and I'd have to hold her back to keep rule, then she wouldn't sit still...oh her persistent tugging brought my grace from nothing to nil. I knew there was a lesson in it somewhere, I just didn't think it would come in me trying to wait for sleep...

In surrendering my Life to be ruled by the Lord, how much Im I pulling at the reigns? And when He says, "Heel! Or Sit" how many times do I wonder and pull us into a pit? Though He will never fall, I occasionally do, and discover scrapes and scratches with an occasional bruise. But what I've learned is far greater that He likes me even when I am like a pup pulling on a leash...

Back to qavah...twisting and binding my life into His causes strength to abound and it's not mine but His...patiently is a violent trevail...now Im falling asleep and I must finish this later...(continued 10 August 2010) Wait patiently for the Lord...

May Flowers and More Seeds...

2010-08-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Salama! Salama! (Hello Friends!!)

I cannot believe it’s already May!! Forgive me for the long delayed update and journey log. Much has transpired since I wrote “Desiree’s India Update” in early January. Since that time, life has been quite the whirlwind…to keep the letter Breve (my new favorite milk with my coffee…steamed please;) I will not fill you in on details of India and Africa—Though there is still MUCH to write and tell you about, and it is a goal to write regular updates as I have had, now 3 months to rest, recover, regroup and realize the AMAZING lessons I learned while adventuring overseas!! Today, I am writing to fill you in on the NOW and immediate things I have been doing and where I am headed in the VERY NEAR future…(sneak peak: Lessons about Seeds, writing, and Bethel’s School of Worship)

Upon returning from India in February, I hid away in my mountain retreat with some dear friends…I caught up on MUCH needed sleep and my body began to readjust to "cold” weather. Believe it or not, I am still adjusting and 62 is cold;)) I began to ask questions about where I would be going in the next season, what dreams God has purposed in my heart and when would I be given my “next assignment”? In Tahoe, it seemed though, the Lord was rather quiet with my “future” assignment, and seemingly He simply wanted me to rest and to begin dreaming BIGGER dreams.

LEARNING ABOUT PLANTING SEEDS
Everyday life back in Southern California

I spent 28 days at my mountain retreat and left READY for “NEXT PLEASE…” and I returned to Southern California eagerly EXPECTING that answer. Yet when I returned I found myself trying to “reenter” and find my place. It seemed being gone for so long the world continued to move forward and I was left feeling disjointed and out of place. This incongruity caused me to dive deeper into my place of safety, in the arms of Jesus, and I began to see, my “next” was actually WRITE before my eyes and based on things that I had begun before travels, and seemingly had forgotten about. I found myself saying, “When can I know what’s next Lord?” To my surprise He said, “When you are faithful with the seeds I have already given you, you will SEE where I will take you.” It was a beautiful “OUCH” moment, yet there is truth in what He spoke and I remembered ALL He had given me to work with; the musical skills, art, writing, studying the Word…He started showing me the principle of sowing and reaping.

(CURRENT PROJECTS;)
I have been given seeds to sow, but the ONLY way they will GROW is if they are planted. I can partially work a field, but if the ground is only tilled, can I expect fruit trees to grow? Absolutely not…I began to look at my life and ask the Lord what seeds was I holding in my hand but not using? He showed me three projects specifically that I had dreamt of and had even begun…one project is actually finished…(See “To Do“ List Below)

Current List of “To Do’s” aka SEEDS
(List not complete)
1. 25 Things To Do when You Are Stepping Out of the Boat (To be edited and published)
2. Autobiography of Daniel de Leon (Children’s book based on adventures of my traveling companion and giraffe)
3. If There is Silence, Be Quiet and Listen (Interactive journal/art book for coffee table use)
Sneak Peaks @ www.facebook.com/dunamisdesi
4. Study with the Master; Pressing in for MORE, worshipping the KING…
Expected Book Completion: Fall 2010!!

My “NEXT”… Bethel Church, Redding CA
School of Worship: June 16-July 9

So, as I am writing in this season, I have also been given my “NEXT”…Yay!! Another seed and gift I have been given is MUSIC, and I have dabbled here and there and led praise for church, prayer houses, mission school, and also on trips like the recent India Adventure…so, I am very excited to tell you that I am going to Redding, CA for Bethel Church’s School of Worship!! I am looking forward to gleaning in the field and learning from musicians and artists who are highly gifted in not only leading praise and worship but who are successful in implementing those skills practically to accomplish much in the fields of songwriting, recording, and ministering to an audience of One…
I am very excited about this next step and I believe it will be beneficial in taking my musical/songwriting skills up a notch and also the foundational elements will add a strength to the already free flowing spontaneous side of me;)

If you are interested in seeding toward School of Worship:
See info Below my nameJ

Planting seeds in GOOD soil = FRUIT!!
In closing, as you may have gathered from this letter, I am in a planting season. I have been entrusted many seeds, and currently I am planting some new ones and cultivating others that have already been planted. A farmer plants a seed expecting a harvest, the Bible is clear about sowing and reaping, and as these seeds are planted and watered they will produce a GOOD fruit. I am looking forward to seeing fruit grow from all of these tiny seeds. I am EXPECTING a harvest from that which He has given me to work with. It’s a beginning and I know that His plan for these “seeds” is far above anything I can ask or imagine for it is His Spirit that is working within me to accomplish it. He who is faithful with little…He trusts with much!!

Thank you for YOUR seeds of faith into my field. Your prayers and support are all a part of the harvest that is and is to come! God is astounding me with His faithfulness on this JOURNEY and I am grateful He uses each of you in special ways in my life to encourage me to RUN for His purposes, I could not continue on this journey without YOU!!

Please continue to pray as He leads and may He bless you in abundance for EVERY SEED you have sown, in prayer, finances, and encouragement!! May He bless you with the FAVOR of His face in EVERY good thing He has for you!! May His hope, joy, love and peace abound to you in Jesus’ name!!

Until the next update…VERY VERY SOON…
Love and Blessings in Jesus,
Desiree

find my paypal@ http://www.desirama.net

Salutations from India...Pt. 1

2010-08-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Namaste (let there be a salutation to you)

Here is my first India update written on January 27...day one of my recent trip to Hyderabad, India. I will be sending a few more out with regards to other events that took place on the trip! Thank you all for your prayers and support!!

Goal of January 27
1. Feed the multitude: 200 families in the village where pastor Nahum has his church
2. Visit the dump
3. Visit the little girl's home
4. Visit a leper colony (if time permits)

On paper, the above "To Do" list seems reasonable to achieve, BUT here is the plain and simple truth...T.I.I. THIS IS INDIA!! Of course we would love to have accomplished all of the above, but as westerners we have to take into account the ways of a non-western culture...

Let me list a few reasons why T.I.I.
1. 9:30a departure really means 10:00ish
2. Exchanging money is a few hour process (with 12 westerners and times of interrupted business for the worship of the tantra idol)
3. 200 does not mean 200!! Think of the loaves and fishes...Jesus fed 5000 men plus women and children!! 200=1000...plus children and we only purchased enough rice, dahl, and oil for 200 families!! Multiplication multiplication multiplication
4. The garbage dump is now partial garbage dump and then some areas have been "cleared" and now contain houses that are made of, mud, cow dung, plastics and tarps or what not...it's amazing to literally find such beauty amidst the ashes...

Well day one may not have included everything on the list, but we did manage to feed about 1,000 people (families) (seriously like the 5,000 Jesus fed) for about $.00213/family (we originally purchased enough food for 200 families!!) it's pretty incredible to think that with a little faith, some hope, a little rice and of course Jesus Christ...the hungry always get fed!!

Because the feeding was more people than expected we only stayed in Pastor Nahum's village (he is the host pastor), but there were many people with needs that we were able to help. I played my guitar for the children and taught them phrases in English, Portuguese, and Makua;) Their favorite phrase and mine by far was the word "Shaba!" (which is actually a real Hebrew word!).

On the outskirts of Pastor Nahum's village is the garbage dump. Like the Bocarilla in Maputo, Mozambique you see people actually living in the midst of the piles and piles of rubbish. This is how they survive and where they draw their resources...they dig through the rubble to find recyclables and things to sell to make a few Indian Rupees. In the middle of the filth are beautiful people who are hungry for anything, even a blessing for their babies! The people of this dump village have been born into a caste system and are impoverished, and most will not venture out of that place...

Leaving the first day's outreach I began to notice a great truth in the appearance of India... In the middle of the darkest dirt you will find a stark contrast of bright colored sarees and scarves, panjami suits, and shirts. These colors that seemingly mask a hopeless impoverished existence mirror the spiritual darkness guised in the colorful shrines, temples, and idols worshipped in India. However, as a prayer and a declaration of hope we can proclaim what The Word says in Isaiah 60:1-2 "Arise, shine [oh India], for your Light has come, and The glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you..." May India begin to see the brightness of the Lord's rising as He lovingly removes the veils from their eyes and reveals His glory to the Indian bride!

Until my next update...

Tchau,
Desiree

The Challenge of Reentry...12 January '10

2010-01-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Title: The Challenge of Reentry!

Happy New Year and muito obrigadas!!
(for ALL you prayers and support)

I cannot express what an honor it is to partner with you on this leg of this journey, this epic adventure. My heart has been overwhelmed by your emails, texts, and calls. Thank you for being a part of this...the praise first belongs to Jesus, but also we (The Holy Three and me;) applaud you for YOUR endurance...the effective fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!! Prayer turns sickness that is quickly taking more victims into victory and wellness...prayer keeps broken down camions running just long enough to make it safely to our destinations...prayer moves mountains and captivates the heart of heaven in a partnership that moves here on earth!! So again thanks!!

I have been back for 12 days and it's been wonderful, challenging, and quick! It is wonderful to catch up with family and friends, to be able to shower with hot water (barefoot) for more than 3 minutes, to wear cozy pjs and to sleep in a bed under the covers free from bed bugs and a mosquito net! It's the little things like that that being in a third world country makes u realize are often taken for granted...simple everyday pleasures here, are not even thought of dreams in Mozambique (unless of course you are from the West). Which brings me to the challenge of returning: the "simple" is grandiose after 3 mos away--my first shower almost involved sobbing because of the use of such a fine smelling body wash in water that is clear and free from any dangerous germs.

I thought about it this morning--while I was gone the world kept moving at a quick pace while "my" world slowed down drastically. In Moz I noticed the way the land transformed before my very eyes with growth and greenery, the butterflies were everywhere, and people actually stop expecting a conversation if you happen to say "Hello!" "Salama!" Or "Boa Tarde!" Here, there is a pace so quick that it seems sprinting is the only way to keep up. Hellos with an actual response are a thing of the past and foreign to the receivers...it is colder so we'll be gracious to the butterflies;) But I would say, the hardest part of this reentry is recognizing that while I was away in Africa, immersed in the overwhelming presence of the Lord, away from modern ammenities--all one really could do to escape boredom or culture shock is revel in Him, talk about Him, delight in Him and see Him in others in school and out...(which is glorious!!)

Africa is a wilderness of sorts and one, or maybe it was just me, realizes how utterly dependent one is on Him. Without the Lord and His Holy Spirit, thriving much less surviving would be nearly impossible for someone born in the west...so, coming back the challenge becomes to learn to see Him and relate to Him in others, with others...and the challenge is this: here He is still with me/us, BUT He isn't actually "needed" There are sooo many "things" here that take up time, and life continues that utter dependence on Him is not necessarily necessary. With every solution literally at my fingertips, I don't need to pray when I'm hungry, thirsty, or in need of a shower...there's food everywhere, water is drinkable from nearly any tap, and even in drought there is still enough water for a hot shower. The hardest part of returning is recognizing that His tangible presence gets masked by the everyday sights and sounds that here has to offer!! Finding time to rest in "stillness" is not easy when there is more hustle and bustle, but now is the day to turn this challenge into a challenge, and I will fight for the pauses and stop to breathe because learning about depending on the Lord changed me that in the west I am sooo much more desperate for Him...Maish Jesush...if I do not have Him I will not thrive much less survive...

The quick pace is traffic flying by on well-paved roads, appointment after appointment, meeting after meeting and minutes, hours, and days going by in a blink...so quick that there is hardly time to think. Breathing in the oxygen deprived world (or so it seems) because you must be quick here or it passes you by...of course this is all "normal" but reentering onto foreign soil is a process...it's 21 days to make a habit, I was in Mozambique for four 21 day cycles, 12 weeks...I've just surfaced from a deep sea dive so to speak and my lungs, heart, mind, body and spirit are readjusting. It's a process that must be done and nobody can can do it for me...please bear with me as I transition back, "Im just a work in process."

Before I go, I will update again soon, I want to encourage you in this debriefing process...we have all just experienced life changing moments that have forever altered who we are and are becoming...like Him in His image...do not be afraid to ask questions. When talking to me, it will help by being specific rather than general: "How was Africa?" seems like a simple question but will gather a simple unsatisfying response like, "good" because in all honesty, that question is overwhelming...so much happened to fit into one answer...instead, ask about the terrain, or people characteristics, or things about school, or how Mozambicans gather water etc. Ask Holy Spirit to help you draw information out of the deep wells He dug...I'm not trying to hold back, sometimes it just has to be turned on so the water can flow.

Like my 12 weeks in Mozambique was a process, our lives will continue to be a process and thank you again for walking this out with me. You've all been with me the whole way and I will forever be grateful!!

May you be showered with blessings from on High,

Deus Abençoe,

Tchau,
Desiree

Feliz Natal and Goodnight Moz!! 28 December '09

2010-01-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

Feliz Natal and Goodnight Moz!!
Bon Noite,
((this is the final mozi update:())

Well Christmas flew by in a hurry as it always does...this year I saw the faces of nearly 1,500 faces (assuming the lines were evenly split) girls who waited for hours to receive a Christmas dinner of chicken, rice, cabbage, juice and a lolli pop. Arco Iris fed over 3200 children, women, and men this Christmas (not included in the count were missionaries, visitors, and iris kids). There were 800 chickens that sacrificed their lives and each person received a quarter chicken...there were over 25 quarter chickens left after ALL the Iris kids had a second helping at dinner time!! Last night on base chicken was again served! You can do the math and check...chickens multiplied! It goes to show that with faith and perseverance a little goes a long way, and there is ALWAYS enough!!

I spent the week working on another painting assignment. We'll call it Casa de Creances...4 large rooms!! It was an intense project, but in 5 work days we finished!! There is still a bit of paint to be put onto the walls, but the mural part is finished, and I hired a Mozambican painter to paint the rest!!

I will attach pictures at a later date and you can eventually (once I am stateside and in computer range) see them on my blog which now contains all emails http://dunamisfire.blogspot.com.

Today I began my wind down and the beginning of my rest and preparation to leave. We got to swim with dolphins and scuba dive off the island called Londo. I saw a brilliantly blue starfish and floated there looking at it and I almost fell asleep...but it was sooo refreshing to just bee in the water and I am glad there are no more "assignments" left on this Pemba adventure.

If I can put into a brief summary of Pemba as I sit at a lovely hotel sipping coffee with two of my friends who just returned from their outreach in Tete...As it says in Haggai, The Lord did not bring me into the wilderness to abandon me but to woo me and speak tenderly to me. I learned about Love, fell deeper in Love, and realized the time spent here will forever alter my perspective on life. I have gone much deeper in the Lord and have seen that life can be lived much more simply. I will never forget how dry places in the natural were representative of dry places in me, and likewise with wells of sweet refreshing water...we are comprised of both dry and moist and it's a beautiful process to becoming a moldable vessel that is more and more like Jesus every day!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!! Ti amo muito!!

Until Pemba calls again,

Deus Abençoe!

Desiree

The Bush…Mozi Update: 19 December 2009

2009-12-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

Bon Dia!

3 Saturdays ago Iris Harvest School 11 graduates began departing for their home countries and for their missions in this next season. Some of us prepared to leave for the bush and some prepared for other extended outreaches in all different parts of Africa!! Change was in the midst! I was amongst a group of 35 Mission School Students and 15 Mozambicans, pastors, cooks, mamas etc. And we set off for a 10 day trip through the Nampula province...All I can say is that we were scheduled for 10 days, we went 11, and it was one of the toughest things I've endured to date, but one of the best and definitely something NOT for the faint of heart!

Let me describe to you what our outreach was like: Our main base was located in Cuamba (Quam buh) and the easiest way to describe it would be, hot, HOTTER and HOTTEST, dirty, rocky, dry and shade free! A barren wilderness, a desert...and there we made our home. When it rained (thankfully only one day on us) it flooded and there was mud and tents were ruined...flies galore...YET, in the book of Haggai it says that the Lord calls His people into the wilderness, not to abandon them, but to woo them and speak tenderly to them...The Lord was there to woo and speak!! Would we listen?

It was day 7 and we were back in Cuamba after outreaching in several locations kilometers and kilometers away, I was sitting outside my tent in the last remaining moments of shade near a fence. I was being still and listening to music and I saw 3 men look into the mirrors of the camion and observe their appearance, check for blemishes, groom themselves...I pondered this momentarily as I began to understand what the Lord was teaching me through this entire journey...In the heat of Cuamba, the impurities had to rise to the surface to be released...This is what He spoke, "This trip is like that--you are on a journey with me to transforming to reflect my very Son. On this journey you have encountered dust and debris and dirt, and as you have passed before My mirror--we have seen them together--some are deep down and some have surfaced and are ready to be and have been removed. This journey has been one where you have been, not forced, but discovered the necessity of releasing these things to Me--free you are to bee, Nothing will stop this process..." Had the heat not been so hot, I would not have recognized that some of the character things being worked in me surfaced in the form of a heat rash and loss of voice. It was in my stepping back that I noticed the traits that were being worked out of me on yet another level. In the middle of the heat and harsh conditions, my heart was turned to the Lord and He began to remind me that I was no longer bound to impatience, pride, striving because I was looking at Him and saying, "Give me clean hands and a pure heart." And the Lord is looking at me, at us and saying, "Though you may feel dark, you are lovely. Though you may feel filthy, I have cleaned your dirty rags-and given you garments that are free from tears. You have been able to see those things [in you] because you have given me Your heart and you release your control to Me..."

This trip was about loss of control...He is God, I am not, and everything "we" planned of course was subject to change--hey it's Africa, and hey Holy Spirit takes the reigns!! So He brought us to one of the hotter places in Moz and began to heat us like gold in the Refiner's fire...the impurities surfacing...and yet He brought us to wells of refreshing and began to plant new seeds of life in us and in the communities we visited. Each village we visited had wells and one of the things I did was draw water from these wells. I usually went to the well with my new Moz sister and friend (Hermana c amiga), Alima--the wife of one of the outreach pastors. Without words (or few at that in Makua and Portuguese) we would pump the well and fill the buckets and interact with the local people at each well. The well is a lifeline for these people. Water is our Life. Jesus is the water of life and when we drink of Him we do not thirst anymore. I began to recognize that each person was in them a well of living water, but for the water to come out, it needs to be pumped and drawn. In order to tap into the wells He has for us, we have to release our controls and move with the pump, with His Spirit and draw out the water. I had to go to these wells as an "Akuna" (white person) enduring the jokes and the snickers as I tried to be a part of the culture...and as I walked away with the mama carrying the bucket moz style, on my head, I felt proud to carry the life back to our camp...the water was for the food, the cleaning, the bathing and for the Mozambicans the thirst. I had the privilege of experiencing their lifestyle and finding my thirst satisfied as I was welcomed into the Mozi culture, not as a "Westerner" but as a sister!!

The trip was about fruit and seeds to plant. The deeper heart works is the major blessing of this trip, because God showed up!! BUT, He topped the bill by showing up at each outreach and lives were snatched from the devil's hands!! People turned from darkness to the light and began to take drinks from the well of life. The blind literally saw, cataracts vanished from eyes, the deaf and mute could hear, migraines and malaria went kaput, legs grew out and spines were healed...bladder infections went tah tah! And two villages were soo moved by God and His Spirit that people supplied land for two new churches. We purchased land in two places for less than $1000 USD!! We left the Cuamba pastors with more than enough money to fuel their vehicles to travel to the distant places to build these churches from the ground up!! Some of the new believers have already signed up to attend Iris' Bible School!!
We went to and from Cuamba in the back of two large trucks filled with luggage, and many people (total travel time in 11 days 4 total days of driving-- 50+ hours), in the heat and you can imagine that things you didn't see in your friends over two months of Mission School and communal living, surely you'd see in the bush....thankfully our group was united...and there were moments of frustration and fatigue, hunger (most westerners don't know what hunger is like, yet there were days when meals were skipped and crackers were our staple), and for the most part, we pressed through and we survived! Not an easy task when by day 3 (of travel) we were ready to go home!! We left in victory! We left like valiant warriors who endured the battles and finished well!! We have our battle scars of course, but we will never be the same...forever changed.

So here I am beginning week 11...Outreach #2...Christmas...lots to do this week and as this is my first Christmas away from Home...and all the ones I love, may you be blessed beyond measure and may your Christmas be bright!!

Until next time!

Deus Abencoe!
Desi

P.S. 11 days left...

Para Benj Graduacaon! 7 December 2009

2009-12-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Para benj a graduacaon!!!
(Congratulations on your graduation!)

This week can be summed up by the word lilies. We just finished 8 weeks of school and ended with a graduation festa!! It was beautifully diverse and brilliant! Bible school students from many provinces in Mozambique and mission school students from all over the world gave the grand total of 20 representative countries!! Mel Tari spoke at the graduation (He is a minister who came out of the Indonesian Revival of the 1960s), and Rolland Baker finished up with a prayer for the entire school!! It was a very LARGE family party!!

Now let me get to the lilies (She is my niece and I was greatful her flower blossomed on the 8th week). In the mission school compound there are houses and lots of dirt, some plumeria trees, papaya trees, bougenvelias, rocks, some grass and weeds. Last Saturday it POURED beautiful rain, all day long. I saw the rain as very symbolic...Saturday is the first day of the week...and we were entering our 8th and final week of school...the transition into a NEW Beginning. Sunday morning I awoke at a very early hour 4:30am and I was prompted to walk around my house.

In the middle of my house and another I looked down on the ground to see a brilliant bunch of freshly bloomed white lilies. They were not there the day before (or at least no one saw them until they were unveiled in their beauty) or had only appeared to be a “weed.” SO when I saw them picking up the rays of the sun, I recognized that this school has been much like the growth of the Lilies! Each student coming from ALL over the world came as they were, looking like beautiful people, but over the course of time and training, and the raining of the Lord’s Spirit, as we graduated, you could actually see how much more radiant and dazzling each student had become. What was mistaken at first glance as a weed actually revealed a hidden beauty that fully matured and blossomed on the beginning of the 8th week!! Each of us is leaving the school, not as we came, but transformed for all time and because of this journey into maturation, we will take the flowers that have grown and share them to open up the eyes of others to see the beauty that came/comes from such a tenacious Love.

So what’s next?! Some have departed for their homes, and futures in whatever ministry the Lord is calling them to. And most of us are departing the shores of Pemba to head into the darkest parts of Mozambique for outreaches in the bush bush. I leave with a group of 20 others on a 10-day outreach in another province of Mozambique. We will be travelling 15+ hours in the back of a camion truck...keep us in your prayers!! That the LOVE of Christ would be revealed through us and that we would receive all He has for us so that OUR lives transform further and the world is forever impacted!! We are in the 9th week and we will see destinies birthed!!!

Ti amo Muito (I love you too much!)
Desi

Update From Africa’s Coast: 22 November 2009

2009-12-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Uwe nipantakitifu! Uwe yesu! (Makua: welcome Holy Spirit! Welcome Jesus!)

Here we are...only 8 days of class left before graduation on December 4. Time has really flown here and it's bittersweet to think about not seeing the same "family" everyday...walking eachother through laughter and even bellyaches or widespread mysterious illness (we have all attained victory!!) and water and power outages...what do you expect from Africa? Yesterday I called a fan an air conditioner...oh boy the heat must have gotten to me;))

So here's an update on our practical missions project...because of changes and extending the borders of the picture to include the ENTIRE building, we still have our work cut out for us, and with a recent mysterious illness striking the camp (20 students on base, 7 missions school staff, 5 longterm missionaries, and 15 students who went into the bush) we had to call a "Be Still, and Know" moment and rest. However, it's coming along...Madagascar characters are developing well...

Schedule to follow:

Thanksgiving is this week and it really does not feel like traditional turkey time as turkeys are rare and stores aren't decorated for Christmas!! Haha...it's definitely becoming more summery here...temperatures seem to be rising daily...Also this week longterm missionary interviews begin (for anyone expressing interest in partnering with any Iris base in the next 6 mos-2 years) Its really neat to hear how the Lord is moving and giving visions to many of the students for longterm missions work.

This week I'm excited to see what's gonna develop...it's gonna be an adventure as it has been...and I'm looking forward to going out with two longterm missionaries (Antoinette and Annalisa: twins) for pancakes...with vanilla ice cream...yum dessert is always nice;))

Well this week's email is very short and non-dramatic...aside from the widespread icky-poos ;) things are bon!! Muito bon!! And I must give kudos out to my roommate Jetty (yetty) for ALL her hard work nursing all the sick ones in our row of houses (1-6) including every member of our house...my bout was less than 24 hours and I think it was tied more to a reaction to Malerone (malaria pill) and dehydration...overcomers we are!!

Well blessings to y'all!!

Deus Abencoe!
Desi

November in Moz—14 November 2009

2009-12-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

Bon Dia!!

I never thought I'd start a letter off this way, but here it goes...

It is amazing that certain dirts are dirtier than others...especially African soil. No two villages are alike nor is the terrain. Africa is a cornucopia of sights...mud huts in the middle of dry brown dirt and few trees, or red dirt and green trees and big gigantic rocks that are called mountains--but not like mountains out in the west--or you have red dirt brown huts and green hilly terrain. There are rivers that look like lush oasis' and you can see women and children carrying gallons of water and pounds of goods walking for kilometers on end along roads that are partially paved and then broken...if Cal Trans decided to become Bush Trans, their work would be cut out for them! Africa is beautiful and I'm only in one of its countries...I can only imagine how amazing the other parts of this continent look!!

As I write this I am sitting in the back of a camion (large truck) with roughly 25 others...most are mission school students and Mozambican bible students (training to become pastors)...in the landrover behind us are more pastors, visitors and some of the "nationals" who are the older iris kids and they become interpreters for the akunas (white people) as we go into villages to discover what love looks like.

We got to be a part of a special bush outreach as the village we visited was celebrating the dedication of a brand new children's center...each children's center is different, and the place where we stay Aldeia de Allegria is a resource center--now a normal children's center consists of an iris pastor and his wife taking in orphaned children and adopting them. The center we got to see dedicated held 10 children. Each of the children was photographed and interviewed because Iris is starting a child sponsorship program, where others in the world can help in ways that can help these children walk out their dreams...as I find out more details, I will let you know... Both Heidi and Rolland Baker (yes they camped in a tent with all the visitors, missions students, bible school students, and Iris kids) were there to dedicate the center, have church with them (and the village) and provide dental care...the Baker's were not doing the care, but two dentists and their staff came to Iris to serve this third world country with basic dental care that is of course much safer than typical African teeth yanking!!

We spent three days in the bush bush and my favorite quote came from my friend Lisa (Aussie), "Wow you're really sunburnt!" As I put a wet wipe to my face she laughed and said, "Oh I guess it was just dirt!" Well it was a dirty weekend, but it is so amazing to sit in the dirt with the beautiful Mozambicans where language can be a barrier, but simply sitting is enough to make a friend...much laughter assured!!

This morning we saw a woman pounding maize and she worked with such skill lifting up her heavy pole and thrusting it into the maize...we watched and three of us tried her job for a second...she along with all the children, the men sitting under the roof in the shade, and the other mamas laughed...we laughed because we fought the pole and the maize while she effortlessly uses gravity to its advantage to pound through the maize with a thud--it was a tough job and she was fit for it. In my broken Makua after asking her name (inchinatipani) I said, "koshukuru Alina" (thank you Alina) and in turn after I shook her hand she said "Koshukuru!" as she put both hands over her heart to display her appreciation that we noticed her hard work and it touched her heart...I walked away feeling extremely greatful for that moment and out of the entire bush adventure, that moment of connection was priceless...that's what love looks like...

As we sit in the back of this camion, I am beginning to ponder all that has transpired in these past 5 weeks...we have 12 days of class left before graduation, and December is almost here...well maybe I should not think that far ahead as we haven't hit Thanksgiving...Yet time is a flyin' and things are a changin'...

So let's see how week 6 goes...

Deus Abencoe

Desi

Time is Flying Here in Pemba: 8 November 2009

2009-12-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

Salama Salama!!

It's hard to believe I just finished week 4 of classes here!! This week was jam packed and delightfully restful!! Even in the midst of school and duties here I found much time to simply bee and breathe...I had Belgian waffles (last Saturday morning) cooked by Belgian ladies...muito bon!! (sooo good!!) The waffle breakfast kicked off nearly 8 days of making "rest" the topic of my journey...it's really easy here to get "busy" and I guess no matter where we are in the world, there is always something "to do" and sometimes (even with African time delay;)) it is vital to simply slow down.

In the slow down, I began to realize one of the reasons I am here in this time, and it is to be a breather of life to the long term missionaries on base. I cannot offer them the strength they need to live in Africa, month by month year by year, but I can bring encouragement and offer up hugs and prayers...and with that hopefully the missionaries that are here find a bit of refreshment by His Holy Spirit who of course dwells within... In one class session, Heidi threw out the question, "What do good works look like?" It became an assignment to answer...the Bible says that "faith without works is dead..." So what are good works? In painting this mural, I began to understand that even though I am not out in the bush or in the villages ministering, I am playing a role that is hidden yet is bringing life and stirring up dreams in sooo many people... Good works are being exactly where the Lord leads, guides, and directs and being compelled by His love to work, to serve, to give and to partner with the change that is coming along...a nation who's crime rates have dropped drastically over the last years, a province who's test scores have been elevated to the highest in Mozambique, and poverty that is being met head on with hands that practically lead and guide to becoming sustainable living situations... The work here is hard, the harvest is ripe...pray to the Lord of the harvest to send in harvesters...

We made the halfway point and there is much buzz about what we're all doing when school is out...graduation is 4 weeks away!!! Friday December 4...there are meetings with longterm missionaries and back porch sessions for information and q&a's and it's pretty neat to see how the entire group has changed in such a short amount of time. Visions and dreams are being unlocked within our hearts... Most of us are in the same place...we left much behind to come to Africa to have the "What now?" so we wait for an answer and His direction, and it is going to be exciting to see how the journeys unfold!!

Next weekend I will be in the bush bush and I believe we have a 12 hour camion ride to our destination...help us Jesus;)) The mural is coming along, and hopefully we'll be able to finish more before we leave for the bush...

Deus Abencoe (God bless you)

Love,
Desi

31 October 2009

2009-12-20T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hello From Mozambique!!

Salama Salama! Kihavo sana! Kishokuru Yesu! (Makua: hello! I am very very good! Thank you Jesus!)

The time here is flying by very quickly. We just sent off two teams to the bush for our first set of bush outreaches...they will be camping in the African dirt for two nights...to get to the bush bush, something like 30 missions school students, Iris pastors, translators, and tents, supplies, and lots of water pile into camion flatbed trucks and head off for a two to eight hour drive to a remote village to 1.Tell about Jesus 2. To disciple and train (if it has been visited before) 3. Tell about medical safety and teach on disease prevention etc 4. Have fun with the children... I will be leaving on a bush outreach the weekend of November 12-14!!

Our practical missions projects are going well! The painting of the village feeding center is creating a buzz and requests are going out for us to paint more buildings on the iris base! Basically, since "trees don't grow well here" because of the little rain that falls, why not paint the place and make it beautiful? So we have our work cut out for us...it's really only two of us painting (Garret is the other guy) there are others on this team, but most are not painters...the work that can be done is great and the need extends much more than our short time here in school. But while we are here we will try to and believe the Lord for supernatural favor and grace and speediness in the flow of our brushes and the paint. We have two projects in the queue...the women's building (widows and mothers doing art projects to create business opportunities...it's also where they distribute arroz c frijao...5 kl are their wages...Iris does not want to give free hand outs, but it teaches the poor that they can do something and earn means for living)...The next project in line after the wall at the village is the external pizza oven at juntos cafe...so I'll keep u posted;)...

I also went to the prison (for long term prisoners) and it was amazing to see the Lord move on hearts of cold-hearted men...there was disturbance between some of the men who were new and those that have been there for a while...and by the end, evey man who caused a disturbance had a change of heart and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior...at Jail (short term prisoners and long term women) yesterday we saw 50 or so stand to receive Christ and words of knowledge (Holy Spirit given insight into what is a problem in one or more individuals) for backs, stomachs, and ears were given, at least four backs were healed, one partially dead man received hearing, and at least one woman's stomach was healed!!! Hallelujah!! Obrigado Pai! Obrigado Espirito Santo! Obrigado Jesush for Todos!! (thank You Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus for all) The week was incredible and ALL glory goes to Him!!

We had a 24/7 prayer week and it was amazing, it ends tonight and I believe it has done much as we interceded on behalf of Mozambique, and anything he Lord led us to pray for...on some of my sets the Spirit moved us to pray for 1.The hearts of the fathers being turned tothe children 2. The fragrance of the Lord being released 3. Unity in the body of Christ 4. Freedom 5. Joy abundant 6. The Lord showing up and being present in All we do! And only moving as He moves, leads, and directs! 7. For the over- turning of idol worship and practices of witchcraft 8. Clean hands and Pure hearts and His mercy turning men to repentance 9. That we as believers would not be envious of eachother or jealous but recognize our identity and how He sees us all and that we are all uniquely gifted...

There was more I'm sure but that's a glimpse...oh and the elections took place...and here's an update on Lizzy she was in the woods for 4 days and if there wasn't a shift shed have had to be airlifted out, but on day 4 she shifted and she's really on an upswing and mending...obrigado jesush!!

Well the week has been full and I'm requiring myself to rest and be still as I am slightly tired from it all...:) but Resting renews strength and I love that I can rest with an ocean view from the back of my house...that is where I am typing this email...resting away!!

Love you all!!

Jesu nau fenta!

Tchau,
Desiree

Bon Dia! 25 October 2009

2009-12-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

Bon Dia!

Here we are on Saturday, October 24, 2009!! Day of rest...going to take some girls from the base to the beach today to swim!! This week has been good...before I forget...there was a typo I said escochar is school, but it is escola...after I forwarded the email to be sent I discovered the typo...haha... African time delay;) Anyway, school has been great...we just had our first bout of malaria...Lizzy one of the school staff members found out yesterday and we're believing her healing will spring up rapidly and she will be whole in record time!!

We began practical missions assignments and I was assigned to a project on base for the children's ministry. I will be painting murals for the children's village feeding building and also for Juntos the cafe on base! The years of mural painting in high school, theatre design, and chalk drawings for Starbucks is paying off practically for the mission field. It's pretty neat! I'll try and send a photo as we progress.

There are roughly 300 children who live on base here, and many more who live in communities in surrounding villages with pastors, their wives, and widows who also take on the role of "mama" The goal is to establish communities where the children grow and have a father and mother to come home to. Each pastor that is a father of a community adopts 10-12 children!! On base, long term missionaries become parents to children in each dorm, and have family time together where they eat, go to the beach, or simply hang out! We as students and living in our own families get assigned to a particular dorm to enjoy for the next few months!

Well the day is beautiful and breezy and has already been jam packed with a trip to the beach and morning intercession...I think it's time for a nap;

Jesu nau fenta
(Jesus Loves You)

Tchau,
Desiree

Pemba Update!! 17 October 2009

2009-12-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

Here we are on Saturday, October 17, 2009!! Day of rest...the first week was brilliantly dusty, warm, and full of many adjusting foreigners...Most of Pemba raises its prices this time of year when Ministerio Arco Iris has escolar de missau (mission school)...it's only a season...hehe Week 1: lots of introduction to Pemba, arroz c frejao (rice and beans), the way Iris works, waking up at 1 in the morning because I’m still on California time!! There are about 80 students from all over the world and the one common string...hunger for maesh jesush (more of Jesus). I visited a village and began to learn the Makua dialect by playing with the children and trying to uphele (look) for things, like ants, eyes, noses, walls, and bees that hide in the bao bob trees!!

Desculpa (sorry) for not being able to respond to all the emails yet, Internet time is sparse, but I thank you all for being a part of this journey!!

Jesu nau fenta
(Jesus Loves You)
Tchau,
Desiree

AFRICA...And Beyond...Vol. 2

2009-09-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

AFRICA…And Beyond…Volume 1 Issue 2
Maputo, Mozambique to Pemba, Mozambique
July 27, 2009-August 9, 2009

Salama! Salama!
(Hello Hello in Makua!!)
In the last version of Africa and Beyond…we left off enroute to Pemba, Mozambique…word of advice to travelers: Pack as light as possible…The airport in Maputo, charged our group an overage of $1600 dollars US…for the extra luggage…the first time this has ever happened to a Global Celebration group… The flight was up and down…like a bus, we landed and made a pick-up and drop-off in Nampula before arriving at our destination…

PEMBA…
Destiny Awaits…as soon as my feet touched the tarmac (Yes, we walked across)…It felt rather like “home.” We were greeted by Iris Staff and piled into trucks to be taken to the hotel Nautilus, for a 1 night stay while the staff at the Pemba base finished their preparations for our large group!
I can try to describe to you the beauty of Pemba’s breathtaking sunrise, but my words will fail me…The picture above (from my hotel deck) cannot suffice…it’s pure white light at 5 in the morning and everything is STILL. Every breath can be heard and for a moment life seems to stop…Maybe a SELAH is the better word, stop is too final;) Moments of pause were there, but after this first morning, the remainder of this trip was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, colors and experiences. Each moment watered my palate with a thirst for the water of life that Africa’s richness offered.
THE VILLAGE of JOY
Ministerio Arco Iris, Cabo Del Gado, Mozambique
DESTINY AWAITS…There was something special about Pemba that I couldn’t pinpoint until the trip unfolded like a beautiful flower before my eyes. Though I could say I was partially enamored with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean just across the street from the Village of Joy Children’s Center, it was that my steps were being divinely orchestrated that made this journey so incredibly life-changing.

I WENT TO PRISON!!
Because I brought my guitar, I was invited to go as an extra guest on a very limited space trip to worship with the inmates at the prison…I have NEVER in my life heard worship that was so filled with the presence of God, pureness in heart, and amazing love that I nearly wept at its beauty…and that was before entering the prison!!

After we sang a few songs we were asked to share with the inmates--that were lined in a white hall less than 4 ft. in width—why we came to Mozambique. I did not expect to say what bubbled up within and broke me as it flooded out, “I am from the United States. I came to your country to learn about love and to receive love from my Mozambican brothers and sisters. I hope to learn to love as you have been so gracious to show me. Thank you for your love and blessings.” This was the first moment I wept openly—most of these men live a better life in prison then before and will never touch “freedom” again, yet they had such joy and remarkable peace. In their prison they were no longer bound by the poverty that surrounds them, the crime, or the hunger--at least in prison they get one meal a day—I did not have ANY idea what I would see in prison, and I came to be a blessing and bring love, yet once again, I left receiving more than I could have ever given…Traveling back to the base, I was caught up in my thoughts, and the day was just beginning…

THINGS TO DO @ VILLAGE of JOY
(List not complete)
1. VILLAGE FEEDING…Sunday 12:00-4:00
2. PRISON MINISTRY…Tuesday (early)
3. HANG WITH CHILDREN
4. TAKE A KID TO LUNCH
5. MIEZE VILLAGE OUTREACH…Tuesday (late)
6. BUSH OUTREACH (watch for details)
7. 24-HR. PRAYER HUT
8. CHURCH SUNDAY, CHAPEL DAILY 11ish
9. OUTREACH to OTHER LOCATIONS (tbd)
10. QUIET TIME

COMING UP… The Mieze Village, The Bush, Maringhana, and Avoiding Stones…

DESTINY AWAITS:

I have applied for Iris Ministries Harvest Mission School for the October-December ’09 months. I will be living as a missionary and prayers and financial support are welcomed and appreciated. To continue with me on this journey go to Desirama.net and use the “Donations for Africa page” and use the Paypal buttons or e.mail me at dunamisdesi@gmail.com for more information.

AFRICA...And Beyond...Ver. 1

2009-09-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

AFRICA…And Beyond…
Maputo, Mozambique to Pemba, Mozambique
July 27, 2009-August 9, 2009

Salama! Salama!
(Hello Hello in Makua!!)

It is with great pleasure and much anticipation that I am finally able to write about our recent adventure in Mozambique, Africa. I would apologize for my delay, but a crashed computer and a bit of African time delay has made the timing of this letter—just right!! So here we are!!

First, I will express metas obrigados (many thanks) to you who joined me on this adventure in prayer and finances. The overflow of love was and remains astounding!! Your support made the trip much more meaningful as it was refreshing to have gone with sooo many of you!! The prayers you poured out lifted my heart and my spirit when my eyes saw some tough conditions!!

This will be the first of a series of letters about Mozambique. And I will continue updating as time progresses. Pretty soon you will be able to find these letters on my website: www.desirama.net There you will also be able to follow and continue on the journey as this is just the beginning. The adventure has not stopped…more adventures await!

Enjoy this portion of Africa and Beyond…Stay tuned for more!!
Ciao,
Desiree
e.mail: dunamisdesi@gmail.com
MOZAMBIQUE 2009

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE…Ministerio Arco Iris, Zimpeto Base…

After two rigorous days of travel, including a 12 hour delay in Frankfurt, Germany (and no plane…long story), and a 9 hour delay in Johannesburg, South Africa, team Soul Safari arrived in Maputo (Mah-Pu-too), Mozambique. It took 3 hours to get through customs and receive our visas. We were the last to leave the airport. We arrived at the Ministerio Arco Iris, Zimpeto (Zim-Peh-too) Base—a children’s center that feeds and houses orphaned children. On the base is a school and a soccer field for play.

Our trip in Maputo was very quick and adventure-filled, but the highlight was when we visited the Bocarilla garbage dump city. Never before had garbage taken on the appearance of beautiful treasure as it did that day. Amid miles and miles of mounds of dirt and filth were beautiful people with such loving hearts. Who was I to be found so worthy to bring song and dance to a people who is forgotten, forsaken, and abandoned? Climbing to the tops of the heaps of garbage and seeing beautiful smiles as we brought LOVE to them, I felt like I was an observer witnessing a phenomenon…The stench of burning rotting goods became an aroma of pleasure as we saw the villagers come to life as we sang songs and spoke to them and listened to them talk. When they realized we were there just for them, they and we wept for joy. To embrace those who’s lot in life was to be born into abject poverty, I felt poor. What could I truly offer these beautiful people that they did not already have? I did not have the means, the medicine, or the food, yet I could hug and love, and sing and smile…and what did I receive? Perfect Love. Not even dirt, flies, and garbage could disguise the wealth hidden beneath these mounds. The villagers, especially the children, were so eager to share the bread WE brought for them…They were the wealthy ones…Though I was singing and playing my guitar, I was very silent as I pondered, “What LOVE is it that even the poorest of the poor are willing to share their bread with me? How can I know and begin to love like they?” Here I was, a California girl, who knew NOTHING about lacking anything, and yet the generosity of the Bocarilla villagers showed me that there was a greater depth to LOVE that I needed to learn. In the midst, of the garbage, I began to learn about and see the goodness of the Lord through little acts of love and the mission to expand my own capacity for love became established…

After the Bocarilla, the Maputo portion of our 12 day adventure flew by! We were able to watch a sunset graduation of Iris Ministries’ newest pastors. Many of them, young and old, men and women alike, have left their villages, both near and far, to spend three months learning to read and preach the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to bring back to their villages!!

Less than 36 hours of our arrival in Maputo, we hugged many children, took tons of pictures, and in a flash we were back at the airport, flying to the next destination…

UP NEXT: Pemba...Prison...The Bush...and MORE!!!

All Pictures from Maputo and Bocarilla...at right, Amy, Jessica, Shawna and Me!!