Update 2

This week we are working more on curriculum and trying to plan out our days and how we will present material. We are still in need of interpreters and we are trying to remember to keep things simple. So far I have written a lesson on drawing because that requires the least amount of "stuff" to do. Now I wonder what to plan for next?

I have found out that all of the teachers do speak Portuguese so I will need to review that heavily before I leave. I think a brush up of French would also be good for the day we will be in Paris.

I have had a few more donations this week and now I only need to raise $785 for the trip. I was sweating it there for a while and didn't think I would ever get this close. But God is good and he will provide - just as he provides for all the birds in the air!

I will need to remember to take my Malaria medication on Wednesday. One of the side effects is having strange and bothersome dreams. I hope this is not the case as my dreams are pretty wacky as it is.

That is all for now!
Heather Lena

Donations Update

Thanks to all of you who have donated to my mission! I am happy to report that I am closer than ever to reaching my goal. I have only $860 left to go!

Right now I am working on the lessons that I will be presenting to the teachers and trying to work out which supplies I will need for the projects. We are planning a cooperative group cross-curricular workshop where each US teacher will be in charge of a station that the Moz. teachers will rotate through. Right now we are short on translators and this could change what we have planned. We are hopeful that God will put all the pieces in place and that we will be able to carry on with our plans.

We have also been working on a prayer tree that will have tags to hand out to parishioners to remind them to pray for us while we are gone. Our team will also be featured in a video during the services on July 4th and 5th. I am a little camera shy so I will skip that part....

Thanks again to all of you who are praying for me and sending donations. I am feeling very blessed to have so many interested and caring friends and family members!

New Info

First of all, thanks to all of you who are praying for me and the mission and the people in Africa and the mission team. I have had some generous donations this week and now I need $1,950 by the 19th. I know God will provide!

Checking my email today I have learned that we are renting a van to drive from Johannesburg, S. Africa to Maputo, Mozambique and that it is a right hand drive and a stick shift. Exciting! The trip will take about 8 hours.

We have also heard from Les who runs the Bethel Center and she has responded regarding the supplies we plan to provide for her teachers. She is overwhelmed with gratitude and we are excited to be able to provide a way for this awesome blessing to reach her and the teachers there. I am very excited to get moving and start helping rather than planning.

21 Days to go!!!

Pictures

This is a picture of some students and their classroom. Les (far right) is handing out some supplies for the children.

This is a picture of a teacher and her classroom. She is showing us her blackboard.

This is a picture of Les (far right) and some children. They are in need of clothing.

Updates!

SHOTS! Today I went for my second round of Hep A and B vaccinations. I also finished taking pills to protect me against Typhoid. Last week I also had a flu shot that is reccommended for foreign travelers. On the 17th I will have one more shot and then I am done until next year when I will need a booster. I also need to talk to my doctor about a anti-malarial drug and antibiotics in case of diarrhea caused by bacteria.

It has been a little scary learning about all the nasty bacteria, viruses and parasites that live in Africa but there have been plenty of people who have traveled there without incident so I feel better knowing that.

MONEY! So far I have raised a little over $1,000. That was enough to buy my plane ticket - now I just need another $2,300 for the rest of my expenses. The money will go toward my other travel and boarding expenses along with a few meals and supplies that we will buy for the teachers in Mozambique and their students.

I am really looking forward to sharing what I know with eager minds and to help improve the education of rural students. So I need your help! If you have been thinking of donating and keep putting it off - now is our time of need! Help me to help the wonderful boys and girls in Mozambique who have next to nothing - they are hungry for an education - let's feed them!

Prayer Itinerary

Here are some prayer suggestions for our mission in Mozambique:

Thank you so much for praying for the team. I ask that you also pray for the teachers attending the training as well as those of us who are presenting the training. Between now and the day we leave, I ask your prayers fo us as we prepare the training sessions and for Armindo, our liaison in Maputo, who is arranging our travel and accommodations while we are in Mozambique.

Here is our itinerary:

• July 8-9 - Leave Pittsburgh and travel to Paris (layover in Paris)
• July 10 - Arrive in Johannesburg - drive to Maputo (about 7-8 hours)
• July 10 - Maputo area (purchase materials to distribute to the teachers to take back to their students after the teacher training)
• July 11 or 12 - Drive to Bethel Center in Xai Xai (pronounced Shy Shy)
• July 13-16 - Teacher training at Bethel Center (see previous posts for pictures) Pray for the team, the teachers we are training and the villagers of Xai Xai.
• July 17 - Drive to South Africa
• July 18 Kruger park photo safari
• July 19 - Fly out of Johannesburg to Paris
• July 20 - Return to Pittsburgh

Please pray for strength and good health to all of those involved in this mission and for safe travel while the team is gone. Thank you so much for all of your help and prayers! May you be blessed in return!