Amatongas welcomes volunteers

Mark Clements and Michael Kline visit boarding students in Amatongas

Many thanks to our first two volunteers to visit us in Amatongas. Michael Kline and Mark Clements, both graduates of Catholic High in Baton Rouge and students at LSU, arrived Wednesday, June 15 with much needed soccer equipment. Thanks to the efforts of Bo Cassidy, CHS Soccer Coach, and Third Coast Soccer the volunteers delivered 6 bags of soccer balls, jerseys, and other supplies. 

Thanks Bo Cassidy and 3rd Coast Soccer for the new balls and jerseys

The local children in Amatongas with new jersey's from 3rd Coast Soccer

Other news from Amatongas

We finally welcomed the fourth member of our community when Brother Fabian Jongwe arrived from Zimbabwe on Sunday. 

Amatongas Community: Angel, Lucas, Fabian and Chris

The brothers new residence is about two months from completion, but by the time this gets out on the internet the good news is that the roof is finished. Now work continues on the electricity and water.

The 4 brothers will live on the top floor of this old Franciscan residence

After cutting and clearing the large property in front of the school, we found and rented a tractor to disc the land and make it more suitable for planting, quite an accomplishment after 2 months of hard work. We will most likely plant beans and corn here for the students and possibly to sell.

Finally, the little guy below is a Puff Adder killed by one of our workers with a sling shot. It's double the size of one I killed myself. The people say they this one is very big. I agree.

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From Baton Rouge to Mozambique

HIA, Catholic High, Third Coast team up to send soccer equipment to Amatongas

Catholic High boys’ soccer head coach Bo Cassidy and Third Coast Soccer are working with HIA to send soccer equipment to Amatongas, Mozambique in June, where Michael Kline and fellow HIA member Mark Clements will be spending the first of five planned summers assisting in the development of a new Brothers of the Sacred Heart mission.

Read full article here:

http://digbatonrouge.com/article/from-baton-rouge-to-mozambique-1938/

Changes

Check out the before/after pictures below. Changes are slow in coming here, but there are changes. A huge amount of paint, blood, sweat and a great deal of help from friends in our first three months in Amatongas has resulted in some not so minor changes to the school.

Before

After much paint, sweat and a little help from friends

The picture below shows our future pig house. Believe it or not, you could not even see this building through the vines, trees and bushes growing around and in the buildings. It took over a month to clear and clean. Next week we will put the new roof on and hopefully begin acquiring pigs next month. This Sustainable Support Project will hopefully provide funds and food for the school next year.

Future pig residence

The students are enjoying the new residence hall and study room shown below. We have two study periods. The first from 8:30-10:30 for the afternoon students and the second from 1:30-3:30 for the morning school students. If you haven't heard already, we have three sessions of students attending classes in the morning, afternoon and the evening. There are over 800 students attending this coed school each day from 6:30 AM until 11:00 PM every day.

New study room for resident students

Also, work began last week on the future residence for the brothers. This residence next to the school was the house for the Franciscans who first built the school. Since the civil war, it has been abandoned and in need of much repair. The roof, which had many leaks causing major problems, will be the first project. The residence will house the four brothers assigned to Amatongas as well as volunteers and other guests.

Work begins on future brothers residence

Easter Blessings

It was indeed an Easter Blessing to wake up Sunday morning a take my first shower in more than three weeks, and a hot shower as well.

We had a beautiful Easter Vigil beginning at 8:00 PM with great singing and dancing to celebrate our Lord's resurrection. After the vigil the whole congregation gathered for cake, cookies and mango juice prepared by the Brothers in Amatongas.

One other bit of news was the beginning of the rebuilding of our new/old residence. This residence was formerly used by the Franciscans when they first built the school 50 years ago. Since Independence in 1972, it has been used for teachers for a few years and then basically abandoned for at least the last 10 years or so. Work is expected to take 5-6 months.

We'll be up on the third floor.

Palm Sunday

A few pictures from our Palm Sunday liturgy attended by 1200 young people and celebrated by the great Bishop of Chimoio.

Love the Mitre

Lots going on

        Well, there's so much going on here it's hard to begin. However, I'll start with a very difficult challenge. I have been walking past this huge saw many times a day and have been wondering why it's not working. Come to find out that it does work, but the belts need to be replaced. The problem is they can't find these belts anywhere in South Africa, hard to believe I know. So, I figured if the internet is good for anything it would be this, to try and find these belts. If you know anyone in the lumber business, or big belt business, please let me know. I can send more pictures. The result of an operational saw could mean big money for the school in the future.

Also, scroll down to view latest video!

Section of old belt, very thick

Rumor is this originally came from Switzerland

Our other challenge with running water is still another major problem. We need a new pump and it doesn't look like we will get one anytime real soon.

Takes many men to lift pump and pipes from 50 meters down

Please enjoy our new video below, Amatongas, student interview and Solidarity.

Good and Bad

It's been a crazy week for us here in Amatongas. The good news is that we finally got an internet connection. Unfortunately, it's too slow to do anything other than check e-mail, the reason I am loading this report in Chimoio. It's not fast enough for skype and certainly not a solution for our future computer lab plans.

The bad news for us this week is rain. It's been raining since monday, which also means no electricity and for the past two days no running water. All of this makes for long days and nights. It kinda reminds me of the days after Katrina.

Another bit of good news is that I found a chain saw. Now, I just have to wait for dry weather. The area we are clearing for our future banana plantation is really looking good. We had heard reports of a huge plantation here many years ago and after some clearing came upon the remnants. It was just incredible. We plan on using these plants to start our banana farm.

Old Banana Plantation found in the forest

Also, we purchased 200 more chickens and we are slowly learning the trade with the help of the resident students.

Video Tour

OK, here is our first attempt at a video. Please excuse the narrator, he's the only English speaker in Amatongas. Also, we paid extra for the rooster in the background.

Hopefully, we will have Spanish, French and Portuguese up later. It takes some time to upload videos here.

Two requests: Someone please call Bill Gates for me, we need internet in Amatongas. Also, a chain saw would sure be nice have right about now. I can't even find one in Chimoio.



Spanish version below (Portuguese and French coming soon)


Portuguese version below narrated by Br. Lucas

Settling In

We are slowly settling in to temporary home here in Amatongas. We keep busy cleaning both our temporary home and our future home next to school, tutoring students, repairing basketball backboards and painting. Our future home was used during the long civil war by the military and since then has been abandoned and is in terrible condition. It will take much work to get it ready.

On the weekends, there is regular soccer matches on the two fields next to school and of course Mass on Sunday mornings. It is a beautiful celebration with great singing and dancing. I hope to share a video soon.

Enjoy a few more pictures below.

Mass at Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Amatongas

Br. Lucas with boarding student

Br. Chris with student watching the regular weekend soccer games

For a second I thought I was in the Smokies

Br. Lucas arrives

Br. Lucas finally arrived yesterday bringing our group together for the first time in Amatongas, and only a month after our planned arrival. He made the trip from Brazil with no problems and all of his four pieces of luggage. We travel to Chimoio on Friday to meet with the Bishop, who will officially welcome us to Mozambique.

Br. Chris, Br. Lucas and Br. Angel together in Amatongas

There was even more good news from Moz. today as I received approval for my Residency Visa. I had to travel to Maputo last week to get a stamp for some paperwork. Yes, three days of travel for one lousy stamp, amazing indeed. However, it's all done.

More pics

We decided to spend last weekend painting one of the classrooms in the school. A project we could actually complete and see progress, not an everyday thing. One of the windows had to be completely removed because of termite damage. There's no glass on any windows anyway, so no problem there.

We have been traveling to Chimoio more frequently to work on our resident visa's. Unfortunately, a few roadblocks have been encountered and it has taken longer than expected. Pray we will be successful today.

After a few bad days with stomach issues, we decided to boil all of our water used for consumption. We have had no problems since. 

Br. Angel and his spectators - They sang while we painted

After painting - Notice repaired desk as well

Before painting - Some water damage made scraping walls interesting

Resident students enjoying checkers using bottle caps

First Pics

I hope you enjoy some of these pictures from Amatongas. It takes so long to download one, I'll have to leave the commentary until next time. No Internet, No newspaper, No Radio, No TV, No Phone. Amatongas, a great place though because of the people. God Bless you all for your support. If there's a place that needs it, it's here.

Sunset behind our house

Soccer team in new uniforms and new balls donated by Catholic High in Baton Rouge

Me with one of our boarding students, notice the Obama t-shirt

The son of one of the workers at school - I patched up his burned finger

Old desks needing repair - Anyone have 1000 bolts and nuts?

Morning sunrise from our front door 

Patience

The word for the day is "Patience". There is so much to do here, but we must wait for things to be organized. We are still awaiting our third member of the community from Brazil, Br. Lucas. Br. Angel arrived from Spain about a week late and without his luggage which he has still not received. Even the carry on bag he brought with him was stolen in Beira while eating lunch, just one more for the book. We have spent our time trying to get our little community organized. We were provided a small guest house, however with nothing inside for cooking.

For all those sponsors out there awaiting the information on your student, I just ask for increased patience as well. It should only be a few more weeks. There are presently 32 boarding students and it is taking a little time getting to know them, getting pictures and other information from them. Please know I am working on it. Of course, not having interent in Amatongas is a major difficulty and we have to wait for a ride into the town of Chimoio to send e-mail and post. I again thank all of you.

First few days

Hello from Mozambique, So sorry it has taken so long to do this. There is no internet in Amatongas and we are taking our first trip to the thriving city of Chimoio, 50 Km to the west. I have limited time here in this internet cafe, not to mention the very slow computers and connection. I had an uneventful trip here with no delays and only one small problem with luggage, but most everything of importance made it through.

I have spent the first few days recovering from jet lag and getting accustumed to the place. It is quite beautiful with rolling hills and corn stalks growing in every nook and corner. They are expecting a great harvest do to the daily rains. Also, it cools down to the mid 70´s at night making it easy for sleeping.

The highlight of my first few days here was the mass outside in a very rural chapel, dirt floors and thatch roof.  It was an incredible experience I will cherish. The people were so hospitable and, of course, the singing was in perfect harmony.

Hopefully, I will have pictures for you soon. I don´t know how long it will take before we have internet, but it might be few weeks.

10 days

        It is so hard for me to believe I leave for Mozambique in just 10 days. To say time flies would be a huge understatement. Why am I stressing over this so much? I have been to Africa enough to know what to expect; the living conditions, climate and culture. Maybe it's the article below on flooding in Mozambique. Maybe I just don't want to forget that one little item I know would make life a little easier, but I know it's impossible to get in Moz. Perhaps it's leaving the comforts of American culture I have taken for granted so much. Then again, maybe I know deep down that it's not about any of that, it's really about putting all of my faith in the God who calls me to do what I don't think I'm capable. However, I know the true reason for the anxiety is leaving family, brothers and friends for a few years.

        This past month has been a true blessing and I hope all of you realize how much I love you. In order to do this it has truly taken the support of so many people. Perhaps there is a lesson in all this. I keep returning to the words of Jesus in Matthew 18 "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children..."; to be totally dependent, completely joyful, forgiving, energetic, living life one minute at a time. Yes, perhaps that is the call for all of us. 

Nation Prepares for Worst Floods in 10 Years

http://allafrica.com/stories/201101200883.html

         Don't forget to subscribe to this blog. Just scroll down and type in your e-mail on the left. You will receive regular updates to this blog. From now on they should be coming quite regularly as long as I have internet access in Mozambique.

         Also, the big race, "Miles for Moz", is in 8 days. Go to this website to register and find out more. http://milesformoz.weebly.com/index.html

Burden Center

Here are some pictures of the grounds around the Burden Center, site for the "Miles for Moz" benefit run. I was probably around 12 years old the last time I was there. It's a beautiful place and will be a great site for the race Jan. 29th. Please come out and encourage others as well.



LSU Rural Life Center

Advent Message from Brasil - Feliz Natal

We send you our most loving and sincere greetings in these days of preparation for Christmas and the hope of a new day with the new born Christ. The African proverb, "A tree is known by its fruit", is evident this Christmas season as we can be certain of God's presence among us through his child, our savior and true example of Love.

After two months of Portuguese classes, we have been relaxing for a few days in Lins after a great tour of Southern Brasil for Brothers Angel and Chris. The Brothers in Brasil treated them to a trip to the amazing Iguaçu Falls as well as visits to the communities in Paraguacu, Campanha, Sao Paulo and Bauru. They were treated to the best Churrasco in all Brasil from our own Brother Chefs, and "Brothers of the Sacred Heart" style hospitality everywhere.

While here in Lins, Brothers Lucas, Angel and Chris met to discuss a few items about our new community life once we arrive in Amatongas, Mozambique. Specifically, we talked about our prayer life together, spiritual items for the chapel from our home communities, and our travel plans. We all now have our plane tickets and will meet again February 2 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Together again, we will then fly on to Beira, Mozambique.

We join the Brothers of the Sacred Heart throughout the world as we pray this Christmas season for our new mission in Mozambique. May our new work produce much fruit because of God's loving presence, courage, and faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In His Heart
Brothers Lucas, Angel and Chris (for Br. Fabian)

Laptops for Moz

Getting a new laptop for Christmas? Well, consider donating your old laptop to the students in Amatongas. Don't let that old laptop gather dust in the corner! Your donation is tax deductible and will go to a great cause.

Google Earth Pic

Yes, this is the school and parish on Google Earth. If you don't have Google Earth already, go to the website and download. Then, type in the coordinates, 19° 06’ 10.66" S  33° 48’ 35.93" E, and explore the world of Amatongas, Mozambique, pretty exciting and pretty remote.

The thumbtack in the photo above is just touching the church and the school is just to the left. The building in front of the church and school is the workshop, and the four houses just in front of the workshop are the parish houses. We will be living in one of the guest houses temporarily until our residence is refurbished next to the school, not sure which one.

We have finished our formal classes and will spend the next few weeks traveling the province. It's actually been good to talk a little more with brothers and get away from the classroom. More pictures coming soon from Brazil.

Thanksgiving Prayer (Ação de Graças)

I offer thanks to God for constantly challenging me to be better than I think I'm capable, for giving me the strength and courage to say yes again and again. The result has been an awesome life. 

I offer thanks to my family for putting up with my absences, for always giving me that "coming home" love we can only get from our family. I am missing you all today. 

I offer thanks to my fellow Brothers of the Sacred Heart, for my local community whose prayers I feel strengthened by each day, and for the Institute of Brothers throughout the world who strive to live the Sacred Heart each day. This year I especially give thanks for the Brothers here in Brasil who have shown the true spirit of brotherhood through hospitality.

I offer thanks to my friends who support me in so many ways, for their dedication to their own families and the example they are to me.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.
Matt. 11-25

Note: I made a sweet potato pie for the brothers. Had to make evaporated milk from scratch, none in Brasil. We'll see how it comes out, but that awesome smell filled the house.  Oh, and I can smell the Cajun Fried Turkey from here. 

      

      

Feast of Christ the King (risking all)

Sunday, Nov. 21 the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King. Now, I have never felt comfortable with the image of Christ as "King". However, recent developments in the political world and in our society in general have given me the opportunity to reflect more on this image.

               In an article titled 'Wandering minds' make people unhappy, the study concluded people are most unhappy when they think of things other than what is happening in the present, when their minds wander. How, you say, does this relate to the opening paragraph? Well, I think the greatest characteristic of a real leader is to live in the present moment. Certainly, we all have to plan for the future, but Christ was able to lead by risking, knowing and doing what was right "in the now". We all have that capacity, to risk, to know, to do what is right "right now". Why don't we? Jesus shares with us the true lesson of leadership, the "truth" as some would say, when he says it all in this one simple statement, "only those who are prepared to "lose" their life will save it." It's time for all of us, political leaders and citizens, to live in the present moment, to lose our life and live for others. Then, we will be truly happy.

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach for another is to risk involvement.

To expose your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To believe is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The people who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their attitudes they are slaves;

they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

Author unknown

"While I have this Chance"

This video sums it up for me. Enjoy!

"Miles for Moz" Benefit Run

           My younger brother Craig, the tall skinny one, will be hosting a benefit run to be held January 29, 2011 in Baton Rouge. It should be a great experience. We hope many people will come out and support the mission, have fun and exercise as well. Please go to the website to register online, donate or volunteer. http://milesformoz.weebly.com/

           The day of the run we will also be collecting pens, pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners which we will bring directly to these needy students. We are still looking for sponsors, so please consider  advertising your business with us for a good cause. Contact us at: milesformoz@hotmail.com

           Also, join our "Miles for Moz" on Facebook. Help get the word out!

New Info. on Desks

           Yes, you read this correctly. I have new information on desks. I can't think of too many needs greater in a new school than desks, talk about something I would normally take for granted. However, I began to think about the need for desks when I learned that some students don't have desks or the desks they have are falling apart. So, I began my search for information on purchasing or building desks in or near Amatongas.

          After a few weeks I was ready to give up until I received an e-mail from a fellow blogger and missionary in the same area. Check out the pictures above and below from his blog LOVEMOZ. Each desk cost about $25, is solidly built and sits two maybe three students. He thinks we might be able to get them cheaper if ordering in bulk. Better yet, the desks came from Chimoio, a city less than an hour from Amatongas. It would be great to get these ordered ahead of our arrival so the students could have desks for the beginning of next school year. What a dream!!!???

Dare you to move - Compassion

Sponsor a child today

Amatongas Bound visits Cristo Rei

We had a great visit today with the students, teachers and administrators at Cristo Rei, a school in Marilia with about 1600 students ranging from 6 to 19 years of age. We talked to them about our new mission school in Amatongas, Mozambique. It was a great visit and we felt such love and support from everyone we met today. We look forward to a great relationship with this beautiful and huge Brothers of the Sacred Heart school.

I felt so guilty after my last blog post I have to include some of the better pictures of Marlia. It is a beautiful city with a tropical feel to it, palm trees and parrots everywhere. On my walk to school everyday I come across some incredible flowering trees pictured below.

Finally for today, I leave you with an image I found on the internet. Just in case you were wondering if Amatongas was a bit remote. I'm not sure how often the train runs, but I'll tell you in less than three months.