Matthew has had to deal with dozens of setbacks with his computer work, pulling finances from who knows where to deal with the multitude of broken machines, the Universal Power Supplies breaking due to the extent of power outages and surges, the internet being down and broken routers for 2 full weeks leaving no one in the center with internet and finding hours that don’t exist in the day to manage (100s) of viruses found on computers (our jobs really aren’t that different). He’s sure he’ll come to the end of these troubles and then other problems present themselves. The progress in spite of these setbacks has been amazing. Network cables have been hoisted on-top, underneath and all around the center to make sure all are equipped and capable of connecting to a reliable internet signal. He also held a successful beginner’s computer course with the teachers of the children’s school during the children’s half term break.
Sheri and the medical team cared for a sick new baby, Graca, who we battled for, but in the end she went to be with Jesus. This was very sad and working through it just brought us back to the reality of life here in Mozambique (and availabilty or lack thereof of lifesaving measures). Sometimes we don’t see the physical victory we desire to see and we recognize sometimes all we can do is show the love of God in these precious moments He gives us with “the least of these”! We have also seen a few cases of mumps and 1 case of measles and we braced ourselves for the worst and amazingly, clearly due to God’s protection the worst never happened, there was no outbreak! But through this we developed an even closer relationship with MSF (Doctors without Borders) who runs our local HIV clinic. They were amazing as they simply vaccinated 21 of our most vulnerable children for measles (and you would know if you came to Mozambique, not much is simple here).
We were able to take a long weekend away together which was a gift. Until we step away, we don’t realize how really busy we have been and how very overstimulating this life can be…constantly our names are being called, constantly we’re needed for something, constantly there is noise, commotion…and then we realize how much we relish our moments of silence, moments alone, moments where we can just hear the sea crashing on the sand, a moment to actually see the sunrise (and not despise that it’s already risen). And even in these moments of silence, it is clear we are here for such a time as this and are SO privileged to be doing what we love amongst whom we love serving Him who we love most.
We would really appreciate your prayers as the next few months are going to be very busy for us. We have been asked by the leadership to step in and oversee the functioning of the Babyhouse. This requires us to understand how the babyhouse as an entity functions in order to be an asset to the team that is currently in there. They’re doing a great job in there and we only desire to bring increased unity, efficiency, and wellness to all included and we know we are reliant on His wisdom and His perspective to see any of this to fruition!
Sheri’s workload is increasing as the current nurse overseeing the medical part of the babyhouse returns to America and Sheri takes on this role. This is not new information, but as of May 29th, Sheri’s workload will easily be doubled. This entails working with a team (thank goodness) and overseeing everything from vaccinations of the babies, calculating nutritional needs, deworming every 3 months to chronic illnesses and every day sicknesses and scrapes and bruises – that is, of 42 children ranging from 0-4years of age (approximately 20 under the age of 2 ½)! We desire His wisdom in all situations as we know the official training we’ve had is not sufficient for what we encounter everyday – but we know that His leading and His wisdom, grace & mercy is sufficient.
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary. And the young men shall utterly fall.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
ISAIAH 40:28-31
With much love and appreciation for your prayers and support!
Matthew and Sheri