Clinic days and so much more...

Hello everyone!!! We've been here in Mozambique for about a week. When we got here last Friday we relaxed and hung out with the Hawkes -- the missionary family that we are staying and working with. The fellowship that we have had with this family has been astounding and has completely opened our hearts to notice what great things God had planned for us even though we didn't know it when we left the U.S. The Hawke's minister to a people group that is in need of a lot of love that can drain God's people of the love they are trying to give. However, in saying that, the Hawke's wake up every day and try their hardest to love on these people as best they know how -- being the hands and feet of Jesus. This is when we noticed our real mission here in Mozambique. We are not only here to minister to the Mozambiquans but we are here to encourage and uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ as they work hard to bring love to this broken people.
God has been so faithful to His people as we have been traveling. There was a small incident that happened at the border of South Africa and Mozambique. When we were entering Mozambique somehow there was a misunderstanding and we didn't actually get our passports stamped in order to legally enter the country. This presented a big problem when we were 1 hour away from the border near Mike and Angie's house. The penalty for this "small misunderstanding" is $100.00 per day per person. OOPS!!! So we drove back to the border and God provided the way for us to actually get our passports stamped without any penalties and without having to pay again. God is SOOO good!!!
Tuesday morning we began the clinic. We ended up having to go under the licensing of a clinic that is run within an orphanage because the government would not let us have a clinic in Mike's village. We arrived that first morning with 3 suitcases full of medicines and bright smiles on our faces to finally have the opportunity to minister to the people of Mozambique. When we drove up there were many people waiting for us to start the process and that first day we saw about 50 people. It was so wonderful be used by God in giving people medicine that could help them. We were not able to help every patient because some people that came through the clinic who needed treatment that was beyond our resources. One of the hardest parts of the clinic was when we had to watch people walk out of the clinic with nothing to help them. Regardless of the lack of the resources these people have, their joy was contagious. By the end of this week we treated approximately 300 people.
One particular case that we saw in the clinic was a little 8 year old boy who came in complaining of really itchy eyes. His mother had taken him to a clinic since he was 1 to see if they could fix the problem but the doctors told him it would just go away in time. After examining him, we discovered that the real problem was a condition called trachoma which causes blindness if not treated. Mike was able to go to the pharmacy and get the necessary creme and medications to treat this boy and heal the condition he suffers from. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!
Today, we had an awesome day of fellowship enjoying the town of Maputo. We went to the outdoor market and bartered which was quite an experience. Allison proved to be the best barterer of the group! Another one of her many talents. After shopping in the market for a few hours, we picked up a family that Mike and Angie have been in ministry with for many years and headed to Rodizie Real. It was excellent food and joyful company.
Tomorrow we will enjoy fellowship with the church here that Mike and Angie lead. This week we hope to provide for the health needs of Mike's mechanic's employees as well as a farmer and his workers.
We are not sure if we will have the opportunity to post before we return home. God has taught us so much and we hope to continue to learn and love the people of Mozambique.
Thank you all for your prayers and we will see you soon!!
Mozi Girls