Down on the Farm (Yee-ha)
Posted by Mary Lou on July 13, 2009
We’ve just realized that we’ve missed a few days. Our only excuse is that we’ve been quite busy in those days.
On Friday most of the team was working on cataloguing the surgery container, which brings much joy to the OR team. They also did some other sorting, but the main work was with the OR supplies. I (Mary Lou) spent the day with Peg getting supplies for the retreat at the farm. All of it was an adventure – picking up vegetables at market, getting new house keys cut, getting eggs, going to the missionary compound to get things from Peg’s container there – it all took time and driving in crazy traffic on bad roads.
Saturday we packed up and drove here to the farm at Tchincombe. The first part of the drive was on pavement, a nicely surfaced road. Then we turned off and drove for at least another 2 hours on gravel and then sand – in total the drive is 180 km. We’re actually on the edge of the Kalahari Desert!
On Sunday morning we went to the local church. Sterling and Donna farm here, with a village of local people who herd the cattle and do other work for them, and many of them attended the service as well. There was a large choir of children who delighted us with their singing and rhythmic movement. We had a triple sermon. Sterling preached in Portuguese, Alfredo (the teacher from the school) translated into Olungambwe and Steve translated into English just for us.
Today we had a couple of team meetings. Tex and Carole are working hard in the kitchen already, while the rest of us get busy in earnest tomorrow when the missionary conference actually begins. In the meantime, we have prepared for the children’s program the best we can.
There are so many things that are new and exciting, others that are simply unexpected. Who would have thought internet would be so much better here in the middle of nowhere than in Lubango? And who expected a puff adder on the way in, water filters in town and here, a guinea pig outdoors in a cage, and hardly any bugs.
We’ll try to update sooner next time. In the meantime, we’re taking lots of pictures and will be happy to share them when we get home. Many blessings. Boa tarde!
It’s pouring rain here today!
Sounds like it’s pouring blessings for you all in Angola. The children’s choir sounds wonderful…not sure about puff adders! No bugs is good.
Looking forward to hearing lots more stories and to seeing your pictures.
May the grace of the Lord continue to uphold you all.
Bruce
Derek and I continue to pray for your work and safe travel. On my trips I have been amazed at the worldwide church and feeling of being part of a great family of God.
Mary Lou and Andrew, Derek and I remembered your wedding and looked at some photos from it this past week; Happy Anniversary.
Hope to hear more and talk with you when you get home.
With love, Pauline