Good morning all! We are are well here in Chicuque and following a week of work, we enjoyed some cultural experiences over the weekend. Not sure we got any rest, but it was different from the work we do during the week. In regard to the women's project, we have found some good things are happening, but also many challenges. Laura has really dived in and engaged with the women by teaching some clever new ideas using materials available locallly and really engaging with them in relationship. She is a delight to watch in action and a challenge for me to keep up with! Doug, Kirsten, and Maranda also spent some time with the ladies - singing, dancing, and working on ideas.The business class did not turn out to be the best fit for the ladies, so we will work with them in some other ways, but Jackie got them off to a good start thinking about business matters. Nica is helping with the translating. For those of you who know Beatrice and Ernesto and the twin Nellie and Nelsa, she is a younger sister.

I know you are all praying for the team and for the people of Chicuque and I thank you so much. We are seeing soooooo many fruits of the seeds that were planted by those who have been here previously.

Off to Mozambique

I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Mozambique and stay for six weeks. As many of you know, mission work is about relationships as well as performing tasks that empower.  The bond I share with the women in Chicuque began as the universal bond we share with all people regardless of where and how they live. Over the past 7 years, this bond has become a sharing of hearts and a future that has enriched the lives of people in both countries.  My task this time is completely in the area of economic development and most specifically assisting the women’s jewelry project begun in 2006 reach sustainability, independent from outside support other than the opportunity to purchase and enjoy the products they make.   We have named this extended project S.O.A.R. – Sustainable Opportunities And Resources. The aim will be to increase their sales opportunities and leadership and access to supplies so that they can be self-sustaining. I've started this blog to be able to keep everyone posted on news related to the trip and project S.O.A.R. 
I want to thank all of you who have supported this effort so far with your prayers, your ideas, the work of your hands, and your financial support.  We all share in this project