Deck The Halls

About two weeks ago we had a Christmas party at our house. All of the IMB families the live in this area of Mozambique came. Only two of these families live outside of Quelimane. I see most

of these people weekly and have enjoyed getting to know them. 

They are my family and friends here....it amazes me how so many different people and nationalities can all come together to do the things God has commanded us all to do

....preach the gospel and love others.

Within our group we have people from the US, Australia, and Brazil. It has been so much

fun hanging out with these people. They have changed me and encouraged me in so

many ways. I am so thankful that we got the opportunity to celebrate Christmas

before we all go our separate ways for the holidays!

Emma and Lilly made ornaments for our tree!

Our puny Christmas tree...from the
Chinese store

Africa nativity set!

Waiting on everyone to arrive and doing some last
minute things.

This year's Christmas capulana. I absolutely love this one!

Some of the families are starting to arrive!

Smile! I was sweaty and the party hadn't
even started.

I love this little girl!

A big red ball! She was thrilled!

All the children under 18 years of age!

Christmas presents!

Getting ready to play the white elephant gift exchange

This is Anthony, he went first. Let's see what he opened...

A pretty tea set! We were laughing so hard. It was glass
and very girly!

John opening next...he got cashews and peanuts!
Tracy then proceeded to steal his gift. Sad day for John!

The teacher got an organized folder thingy! Notice
the sweat on Tracy and I! HA!

The whole group taking turns

All the girls plus Nate. The men were eating in the
living room.

The party was so much fun and we enjoyed not having to speak in Portuguese for just a few hours!
This week everyone leaves and goes different places for Christmas.
Pray for us as we are traveling.

Next time I blog, it'll be about my trip to South Africa for Christmas so stay tuned!

His Servant,
Sheldon

Church & Mudding in Imperuni

This concludes the 4 weeks of being out at different churches. Same routine just new faces!

This church has been going for 7 years!

Women's song and dance

Tracy said "Take my picture!"

Those 3 girls laughed at Emma and I the whole service!

Precious!

She had the biggest eyes! So pretty!

***

On Saturday we helped mud our guards house. It was fun, messy, and hard work but a good way to cool off!

We walked through a field to get to his house

On a tiny footpath

He has a big house for his family!

The hole where you get the dirt

Going to town!

So much fun and dirty work!

Sweating Tracy

Eating mangos after we finished working

Our feet...a little muddy!

His Servant,
Sheldon

Care Package Number Two

Here are a few pictures of me opening my care package. My favorite part was all the letters and notes from my church family and pastor. I am so thankful and blessed!

CHEEZ-ITS!

All the things in my package. Beyond blessed!

Love you guys!

His Servant,
Sheldon

Camping Trip In Morrumbala

Two weeks ago our whole family went on a camping trip. Which meant we slept overnight in tents. We drove about 5 hours to the middle of nowhere. It felt like the end of the world and there was nothing beyond it! Not only were we in the legit bush but it was 103 degrees with 100% humidity. Let's just say, I was a little miserable...well maybe more than a little! We showed the Jesus Film and went to church the next morning.

On top of dinner at 9:30pm, sleeping on the hard ground, and no wind...the people decided to play the drums and sing ALL NIGHT LONG! I slept 2 hours that night and I was not happy!

Maybe you can feel my pain....imagine your hottest day and times it by 100! Oh and I had dirt in places dirt shouldn't be....ha!

Lee unpacking the truck

Tracy played with the kids and held babies!

Action shot..thanks to Meghan!

Setting up camp

I'm so excited...sarcasm.

Setting up the Jesus Film

We look happy, right?

Busy working

Camping is fun!

Our set up...it worked out nicely.

Dinner at 9:30pm then bedtime!

What a beautiful morning even though we had no sleep!

Bath time!

Lee and the pastors talking

I was in my happy place! I wanted to bring him home
with me!

This was the second week they used this building. It was
a new church.

On the way home we saw this mountain. It looks
like a door was carved into the side. Pretty cool!

I won't lie, it was a rough weekend but the Lord stretched me and showed me what true ministry is. Sometimes you gotta get dirty and lack sleep to understand the Lord.

His Servant,

Sheldon