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October 31, 2006
Council of Bishops 1st Meeting in Africa
After about a total of 18 hours we landed in Maputo, Mozambique on the 29th of October. This is my first trip to Africa and despite the excitement of the opportunity to journey back "home" I have arrived with the foreboding of being away from my family for a total of 14 days.
This is an amazing place. It is so beautiful and yet filled with so much poverty. However, the joy that we experienced when we walked outside of the terminal and were greeted by the "United Methodists" singing songs of praise and welcome in Portuguese that I did not understand washed away some of the sadness at being away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings. "Jesus, My Jesus" was being lifted up unashamedly and with great joy and celebration.
The hotel is wonderful and the workers are so congenial. Even as I key this in I can hear the laughter and many voices in Portuguese, English, French, and mixtures of native African tongues and I think to myself..."this is also my family – sisters and brothers – my relationship with Christ has given me." I am at peace and filled with joy but I am still looking forward to coming home.
Posted by Bishop at October 31, 2006 04:12 AM