Our last video production took us to the poor nation of Mozambique.  In the north, along the coast are the colorful Mwani people.  They are Muslim, more by culture than by personal conviction, but highly resistant to change and often hostile to the Gospel.  Out of a hundred thousand Mwani people there are only 10 known believers.

It was our privilege to get to know two missionary families working among the Mwani.  It has always been a pleasant by-product of producing a video for a family that you also gain a friend.  These two families have been working with the Mwani for many years and have many stories, many ministry opportunities, but not a large Mwani church.  They are not discouraged, however, and cling fast to their obedience and position in Christ as to what they draw their value from.  They are families that I would like to spend more time with, families that I can learn a lot from.

Home school Order Time is upon me. It is late to be ordering for this next year. Late maybe because this past year of home schooling consumed all the days so far? With difficulty I must recall my proactive, prudent, future planning side. I stay focused on the immediate moment. Worshiping Christ sets my mind and heart on over-arching transcendent Realities, thereby bringing some measure of balance. The more I get down on my knees by the old blue couch, or drag out the guitar to see if I can remember chords, or pull the scribbled note of a Bible verse off my bathroom mirror and kneel right there, the less I get lost in the right now.

I was serious about this next year being the year to try day school. God did not seem to agree. When I prayed about the day school option, this vague “no” would mist around me like a sea fog hovering over water. I argued with it a little but also felt excited again that the God of the universe could possibly have an opinion about such a decision. There was no money for the day school. There was an endless stream of dropped comments all pointing in one direction. Like tourists noticing Kilimanjaro just appearing, a whole mountain walking closer out from its own mysterious mists, many of my listenings in random conversations with others pointed suddenly at home schooling as yet lovely. So, as Ted would say, “decision’s made- the chase is on!” Now I need to pack for the climb, move closer to the mountain, and quickly hire a guide! I think I will start by getting down on my knees by the old blue couch.

-Liisa