WHAT IS COMING OUT OF THAT SINK?

As we are studying Mozambican culture and Portuguese we are always looking for "Culture Events" that we can observe, ask questions about and eventually take part in. Usually we look for them outside of our home but today a good one came to us.

It started a week ago when the drain on our kitchen sink didn’t just back up, it welled up and spilled over until stinky water was all over our kitchen floor and running out the back door. We did our best to plug the sink and eventually it drained; sort of sudden like and I had hopes that the offending clog had let loose. I’m afraid it just dropped a ways and joined many others.

A few days later we noticed our neighbor next to us on the second floor of our small apartment building sweeping water from their apartment. Downstairs was also having trouble. The two apartments on the third floor seemed to be doing all right (except that it seemed to be their dirty dish water flooding our apartments). After a couple of other incidents over the weekend it was high time to call a plumber.

One was contacted Sunday afternoon and then again Monday but never showed up. As we waited one of our house workers spotted another plumber that he knew walking by on the street and asked him to take a look at our problem. He dug down to the clean out and sure enough it was completely packed with sludge. He named the high price of $20 to clean it out. While I was able and gladly willing to pay, I wanted to use it as an opportunity to learn how the Mozambicans would work this out.

A neighbor suggested we ask everyone to pitch in since it was a common problem for everyone. What an experience going from apartment to apartment, explaining the situation and asking if they were interested in helping fix the clogged drains. Our inquiries seemed to be met with enthusiasm and we gave the plumber the go-ahead. Four hours later the drain was working again.

Since then just about everyone has paid their $4 contribution. Far more important than the monetary help are the relationships we hope to continue building with our neighbors. As we get to know them and their way of doing things we look forward to deepening our ability to relate to and effectively communicate with the Mozambican people we came to reach with the gospel and challenge reach others.

How about you? What "problem" can you use to build relationships with those around you?

FAMILY HEALTH
With great sincerity we thank you for praying for us during this last month. Our transition has gone very well, especially considering that we got here in the rainy/hot/sick season. After we all took our turn in bed for a few days we have enjoyed fairly good health. Please continue to pray in this regard. Despite our best efforts it has proved very difficult to keep from getting bitten by mosquitoes, especially little Emily. We hear of many in the city who are suffering from Malaria and pray that God will be gracious toward us in this regard.

Socially we are slowly making friends. Africans tend to not be quite as open in the beginning, as Latins. The kids are starting to play outside of our apartment but not knowing Portuguese is an intimidating barrier for them.