I know that these posts are a little sloppy--we do not have clean nor speedy internet access here yet. We believe that in time it wll happen (that by the way is the schedule for all things in Mozambique--if nothing else, we will learn patience here).
On the drive to Quelimane, we stopped at a gas station and filled up with diesel. As is the custom, the attendant asked me my name as a name is aways included in the hand-written receipts (recibos). I pointed to my name plate affixed to my pocket--which has my name on top and the name of the church underneath. He nodded and began to fill out the receipt, which he soon handed to me. It read: "Sold to Jesus Christ, 25 liters of diesel). Lacking much resemblance in any way, that mistake is not often made.
We have now been in Quelimane for 4 days and truly it seems like forever (in both the good and bad ways). We spent a couple of those days without water--but did learn to shower from a bucket. We have neither starved nor gotten sick, but in the stifling heat and humidity (a couple of days at 110 degrees). The roads and traffic, to which I have already alluded, are beyond belief. I remain in 1st and 2nd gear for much of the time a a result of both the conditions of the roads and the number of occupants on them (these are not rural roads--these are these are the principal roads of the city). We have been welcomed and assisted by the six young missionaries who work here--they made this transitional week work out much more easily than would otherwise have happenned. Our house, for which many more details will be forthcoming, is a massive affair--providing us a mix of living in luxury and abject destitution. We have a guard/gardener who stands about 4'6". he might not be terribly intimidating, but he does open the gates when we want to leave in the car and he does refer to me as Patrao (big boss), though I have not yet been able to teach him to bow and grovel. We also have a maid (empregada) which may or may not work out, but she does cost $50 per month for her three days a week. On the other hand, we live behind bars, have uncontrollable ants, unbelievable heat, sporadic plumbing, and mosquitos carrying malaria (one of the missionaries is currently down with it--his second bout while in Quelimane).
We have already had fascinating cultural and church-related experiences. More later. Best to you all.
