The leisurely start and warmth of our hosts made us feel very pleased to be back in a more familiar area. Just as two suppers had been provided the previous night, two breakfasts followed in the morning!
One with hosts and one at the synod office. Much discussion was shared about the plans for the day but as it turned out the morning was used for sorting washing, chilling out, catching up on the blog and repacking bags once again. Our request for space to do our washing was met by an offer to do the washing for us! This is something we could not and would not have sought but is nevertheless greatly, greatly appreciated!
Rest Day part 2
After lunch we headed down to the beach but never got there as the desire of Sarah for not only a daddy giraffe (already bought) but also a mummy and baby one meant we spent our time bartering in various markets and buying souvenirs. We were glad of our hosts who haggled for us and ensured we were not paying far too much.
We were privileged in the evening to visit Jose’s parish 'Betlem' (Bethlehem) in a deprived area of Maputo. The warmth of the welcome was overwhelming. We sang - yes you’ve got it ‘Hallelujah’ yet again and the church sang ‘Blessed assurance Jesus is mine’ that they had learned in English in honour of us as visitors. Then first the church and then the women’s group danced up and dressed us, men and women, in kapulanas. Michael really got in the swing of things. Kate missed this as she was fast asleep back at a host’s home.
Then it was back to the synod office to wait for hosts for the night to pick us up. Four of us went to different families to enable us to meet more local people.
Day 10 (Sep 1)
Today started with office staff prayers led by the women’s secretary.
Michael, Sarah and Matthew had not joined us. Then Ernesto the General Secretary informed us that on September 1st the government sets the price of bread – like a budget in England. Riots had broken out across Maputo the capital, the road to the airport being closed and so we could not go off site.
Michael, Sarah and Matthew had to remain at their hosts home until it was safe for them to travel across town back to the synod office which they did early afternoon. Their host spent the morning on the phone and with an English dictionary trying to help and reassure and phoned the next day to see how his friends were. They commented on how the streets were bereft and there were signs of violence in many places. Church house in London picked up what was happening and contacted us and our families. The day was stressful as it was hard to work out what was happening; with pictures on the local news of a petrol station being set alight, rocks being thrown and rubber bullets being used to disperse crowds and news of people dying.
We were not allowed off the safe synod office site even with an escort. Our hosts went in search of water and chocolate for us but most shops were closed and people had not managed to get to work. So we all stayed on site and shared a meal, dancing and games to try and defray the tension and block out the gun fire that could be heard in the distance.
Our hosts have taken time and effort to reassure us and to try and ascertain what we want and to provide for those needs.
Day 11 (Sep 2)
Confined to site. We are less tired having slept better. After breakfast Lucy led us and our hosts in prayers where we played an action game in which we had to follow others around the circle. This was good fun and showed that we are to follow Jesus and take up our cross. One of the Pastors' wives thanked the youth group for having done that by coming on this visit to Mozambique. There have many many touching moments like this on the visit.
London phoned and arranged a telephone call with Ernesto at midday.
Still no decision as to what would happen so the girls braided each other’s hair. An hour later we heard that the decision had been taken to repatriate us today by road to South Africa. So we packed and ate. Then we heard from the Pastors' wives about the sewing and knitting project. Then there were emotional farewells, gifts and prayers in the largest Presbyterian church that is on site. Then we waited and waited and waited on a password.
Then the news came that we could not go today as transport to South Africa was not possible. Tension ran high as if it was risky enough that we were being pulled out what did it mean to be stuck here for another 24 hours. It was not good news.
Once more we are confined to site so the guest house rooms with en suite facilities up the road that had been booked for the rest of our visit were cancelled and we were once more dependent on the hospitality of our hosts. There was also no food left. As there is no public transport as the government is stopping gathering of crowds to prevent escalation of the protests our hosts had made soup. Later others went out in search of any take away food and two hours later returned with chicken and chips.
Day 12 (Sep 3)
A text early this morning says our transport is on its way drivers having flown into Johannesburg from Capetown last night. Hopefully not African time!
This morning Emma led prayers. We spent time while tea was being fetched last night braiding friendship bracelets. During morning prayers we gave thanks to God for memories, friendship and experiences on the trip before exchanging the bracelets with those around us who have come to mean so much to us; taking on the role of an extended family.
The roads are quiet still only large buses running and so we are hopeful of a peaceful and good journey home to England where we will hopefully be by Saturday teatime. The plus side is we may see animals on the drive through to South Africa and pretend a safari is finishing off our trip.
Our thanks go to our hosts who have coped lovingly with the changing programme with such warm hospitality.
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