For the children in Chimoio, Mozambique, it can be as simple as “photo”. The children love to see themselves through your digital camera. Seeing their own image is foreign to most of these children as they do not have mirrors in the home. The children were delighted in this simple task that only took seconds.   Their bright smiles were very contagious and I found myself wondering, what simple thing, such as taking a photo, would give me so much pleasure?

I had an opportunity to spend a day with many children of all ages, waiting for the dedication ceremony for the clinic to begin. We took turns entertaining and teaching each other songs, poetry and games. There were many smiles and lots of laughter. Even Pastor Tom got into a game of Frisbee! The wait turned into hours and yet, the children were just happy to be among the Americans. There was another magic word that they were waiting for, “food”. As the night sky set in, the children were able to have their one meal for the day.

Spending time in Mozambique gave me an opportunity to build relationships with the activist as well as spend time with the children. Looking at life through a child’s eye, you can see simple pleasures in life, such as a “photo” and yet I returned home wondering how life would be if I only got to experience the magic word “food” once a day?

This may look like a very simple and insignificant dirt road somewhere in the world, but it is so much more. First of all, this road is located in Chimoio Mozambique, a town that is not known for repairing let alone paving roads except for main arteries. Second this road is located just outside the nearly completed AIDS Clinic built with the combined resources of Vida Humana and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

See, when I was in Africa, I noticed all the garbage was dumped into the streets. Now, coming from the US we just don’t do that so I had to find out why dumping garbage in the streets was not only allowed  … BUT SEEMED TO BE ENCOURAGED! Apparently, people in the community repair potholes by filling potholes with garbage and then covering them with dirt. What does this have to do with the paved road pictured. In a community where potholes are not even repaired by the government, the government decided that in order for people in the community to have better access to the clinic, the road should be paved professionally.

So when you look at these pictures, this is so much more than a paved road … this road represents the impact God is making through Vida Humana and the care they provide to the community!

Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. Psalm 28:6

Today I heard from my friend Misheck Ruwa in Chimoio, Mozambique. He sent pictures of the clinic that is being built as part of Vida Humana’s AIDs ministry.  Sharing in his own words he tells of the the impact this clinic will have on the community of Chimoio.

“Not only the activists (aka volunteers) who are happy with the clinic. Our patients and other people are eager to know when is the clinic construction going to finish. People are feeling that the clinic has been brought to their door steps. Everyone who walks to the clinic if we ask him or her, their answers is “… God has heard our cry,” Some people are just seeing the construction and they do not know what it is. But what they will find is this clinic means an alleviation to long queues or lines and has shortened the distance to the hospital. Some people are even asking if we are going to have a maternity ward. My answer to them is we can’t do everything at the same time. One of the neighbors of VH said she wants to join our church because she had seen what VH is doing in community. Jesus Christ had many followers because he cured and fed people. I am not surprised if one says wants to join the Lutheran Church. People like to go where there is the truth and less human problems.”

There is much more to do and many more resources needed. Consider being part of the miracle in Chimoio by clicking here to donate. 

For all those who have helped make the clinic a reality, Thank you!