We have hot water again

I am giving thanks for Internet access again - this should have been yesterday's entry! It's another shorts, sleeveless top and sun tan lotion day!! Each morning we are awakened by the sound of the trams which start running from around 4 am. We are surrounded by sky scraper blocks of flats on 3 sides - all built during the communism era. In this area of the city most of the population reside in this type of accommodation. We are blessed to be hosted on the second floor of a block by our good friends Mamma Maria and her husband, Nelu.

We give thanks that we have hot water, albeit a little brown, coming out of the taps again after a 4 day interval. Every August maintenance work is carried out on the steam water pipes that run through the city. Last summer during my stay we heated up water for 2 weeks! However, nothing dampens our spirit to go out and be His humble servant.

I'm catching up on some admin this morning and finishing off my Message for church tonight before making my way to San Nicolau Mic Community Centre to help the team with spring cleaning. We have access only to cold water there from an outside tap and the loo is a "Ty Bach" at the rear of the building. Will also be making a start on filling the 47 school bags for the Vinga Project before going to Church.

Everyday on the Mission field requires careful planning - in addition to the normal day to day ministry activities the unexpected can always turn up. Messages for church, Sunday school, Children's Home and Mocrea programs all have to be prepared in advance as well as stocking up the food bank and making up parcels for delivery. The ministry work extends into other states and in Jackie's absence transportation arrangements also have to be made. We are daily assessing the needs of the various ministries and making decisions on what funding is required. I am missing my hubbie, who took sole responsibility whilst here for the accounts. With God's help and grace it all gets done.