meet Nelson

I recently posted a story of a young boy named Fred who lives on the streets of Maputo. I want to introduce you to another young man living on the streets of Maputo.

This is Nelson. Here he is posing for the photo with my friend Sarah. Sarah works with an organization that helps these boys return home. You can read her blog here.

This is Nelson with his family and neighbors. Soon he will be living with them again.

I share these photos, because the money raised by my young cousins will help Nelson return home. Their efforts will provide Nelson with clothes, blankets and other necessities as he returns home with his family. This reunion is scheduled for October 2. He will be living with his father and twin sister and plans to return to school in January, when his school fees will be paid and the organization will help with school supplies.

I am glad I was able to make the connection between Mya, Summer, Larissa and Nelson. Hope you enjoyed seeing the result of their efforts.

I don't know who said it, but I like the concept...little things can make a BIG difference!

Sheri

Capoeira - Brazilian martial arts

Mozambique was colonized by the Portuguese (hence, the language they speak). Brazil had also been colonized by the Portuguese. Beyond language there are other things these places share in common. I've been to a few African countries, Mozambique is unique among them. It has an almost Latin feel in the people and culture. On my Sunday stroll of the Maputo beach I saw something I thought only existed in Brasil - Capoeira. This is a form of martial arts that is much like a choreographed dance, with drum beats. It takes an incredible amount of strength. Here is a group performing on the Maputo beach.

Have you seen this performed? It's pretty amazing.

Sheri

beach town

I have never lived in a beach town before. This is a new experience for me. I like being able to drive next to the ocean and walk in the sand. Kenyon and I have gone down on a Saturday and played frisbee. The weather is getting warmer here...summer is coming. Maputo was a ghost town on Sunday's, not any more. The water front is BUSY! Here are just a few things I saw on a recent Sunday.

Beach volleyball

Kids swimming

my favorite view of the city...but this is the most people I have ever seen

This is something I do see often - weddings. I don't understand it. Have you been to the beach? Sand gets EVERYWHERE. Why would someone go to the beach in their wedding dress? and they always walk out in to the water on this ledge. On this particular Sunday there were four weddings. Things that make you go, hmmm...

What is your favorite thing to do at the beach? Mine is to sit and read a book. At our recent beach visit we played soccer, that was a lot of fun and a great work out due to all the running in the sand.

Sheri

b-e-a-utiful Maputo!

When we were home I realized that I had lots of pictures of Cambodia, some pictures in the field in Mozambique provinces, but nothing from the city we live in - Maputo. This is a beautiful city right on the coast and we are lucky to live here. Now, you may not like it if you have anything against ocean views, palm trees and sunshine...to me, a girl who grew up in the desert, these things are enchanting.

This is the road leading downtown. It is my favorite drive in the city. Day or night, it is wonderful. There is something calming about proximity to the ocean. In the day I like to see the waves, at night I like to see the reflection of the moon on the water. Every Sunday there are many men lined up along the edge like this with their fishing poles. I took this photo too early as there was only one. A short while later there were many, but I could not stop to take a photo so you will just have to use your imagination.

Just before the fishing spot there is a colorful tile mural with all types of pictures. It is a very fun and very unique part of the city. I like it a lot. These are birds and fish...

Palm trees and so much more...

This is one of two shopping malls. It has a coffee shop. A Portuguese book store. Some clothes and a small convenience store. Notice the street vendor outside. This stuff is hawked each day by what I call "hustlers." Many of these items were available (but for a lot more dollars) at the International Folk Art Market...another reminder of my unconventional life.

Would you like to live near the ocean or is there another location you would prefer?

Sheri

25 de Septembro

Tomorrow is Saturday, September 25. Tomorrow is my birthday.

In Mozambique, September 25 is a national holiday. In other parts of the world, outside the US, they often name streets for special occassions. We have a July 24 street in Maputo, as well as a September 25 street.

Last Sunday, I went around town with The Intern taking photos of Maputo. Why? Because when I was home I realized that I didn't have any. Without them I had no way to show family and friends the city we live in. I attempted to take a photo of one of the Av. 25 de Septembro (the last part of the word is pronounced "ooo," not "oh" because it is Portuguese, not Spanish - I still struggle with that).

Since it is Saturday, I will be off work. In the evening a group of friends and colleagues are going to the local Thai restaurant and then back to our place to celebrate.

Last year, we were living in Cambodia and I spent the day working. This year we are living in Mozambique and I will not be working (the first birthday off in a few years). Where will I be next year? Only God knows. What will I be doing? I cannot begin to predict. I continue to enjoy the journey of life - espescially because of the unpredictable twists and turns.

Sheri