Northern ports of call

We have been on the road for a few days, visiting Nampula where we did our usual work of teaching and the like.  But Sunday, after church where we both spoke, we headed north from there and over to the coast to the bustling port city of Nacala.  There was allegedly a small group of church members that met there who we wanted to visit.  It was a beautiful drive, taking us farther north in Mozambique that we have heretofore been.  We found our group and had a great time with them--meeting in the groupleader's home.  The service was conducted in portuguese but hymns and talks were in English (even mine, which was actually awfully hard to do).  The people were Mozambican and Zimbawean and delightful.  We had dinner with them as well and heard a few African stories like in the tragedy-filled books like Debbie likes to read.

It just so happens that Nacala also possesses some spectacularly beautiful beaches on which we found ourselves nearly alone on Monday morning.

An interesting little crab, the likes of which I had never seen.  Its shell was a mix of hard and soft matter.

We thought this a very picturesque washday scene in a little clear-water river that we passed.  It made me want to go down and bathe too--or at least wash my socks.

this is the owner of the young missionaries home, a muslim with whom I am trying to negotiate some security enhancements to the home.  I noted the orange dyed marks on her palms and she explained that it was part of the celebration of Eide, or last day of Ramadan which occurred this week.  Her finger and toenails were all painted this color as well as her palms.

This young woman is named Tinoca (on the left) and a recent addition to our investigator pool.  A woman of great faith and focus and I will be surprised if she does not really engage and take hold of the gospel.  She had a very impressive experience in our first couple of lessons that have left her pretty enthusiastic for more.