BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG
DATE: JANUARY 26, 2019
POWERFUL TROPICAL STORM GIVES FATIMA EXTRA DAYS IN BALAMA
If anyone has a doubt at how the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, then read on. Sunday,
Jan. 20th, a friend, Karen, in Ohio sent me a late night notice on messenger. A tropical storm with 40 mph (68 km) winds was approaching the Mozambique coast very near where Fatima attends business school. Further chat with Karen revealed that she did not know WHY this notice came across her feed, but she felt she should pass it on.
We are grateful she did not ignore this message, for Fatima was set to leave by bus with Pastor Fred on Tuesday. They would be 3 days on buses to get to Chimoio which is a few hundred miles inland from Beira. She would then take 1 more bus on Sunday, Jan. 27, to reach her school.
Since our area is so far from where the storm was to hit the coast, there was no news on local radio about it on Sunday or Monday.
If not for my friend sending me her “heads up” message, we would have sent both Fatima and Fred right into the storm area.
Accuweather says it dropped 11 inches (277mm) of rain overnight. Flooding in Beira caused water to rise to car windows levels.
The school Director contacted us on Friday, 25th to say that we are NOT to send Fatima until he gives the all clear. The school with open late as most of the students live in the area hit by the storm.
A 2nd tropical storm is now forming off the coast bringing more rain to that area.
Fatima, ready to complete her last year of Business School, will remain safely with us until the school reopens.
THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT FOR MAKING SURE THE MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED IN TIME!
(Note: Lesson learned. In cyclone season, check accuweather daily.)
PASTOR ALBERTO RELEASED FROM PEMBA HOSPITAL
Pastor Alberto, who injured his jaw and nose in a motorbike accident last week, is now back with this family in Balama.
He will continue physical therapy next week in Montepuez for his jaw muscles, tendons, and ligaments are not functioning right.
PTL that a jaw fracture was ruled out with extensive x‑rays in Pemba.
He is on a liquid diet since he cannot open his mouth fully or chew. His weight loss in 1 week was evident, so we started him on our high protein food supplement for malnourished children, which he can drink as a liquid.
PASTOR ALBERTO WITH HYPO FOOD SUPPLIMENT IN HAND
It will be several weeks before he can return to his church evangelism work in Namuno.
FRIDAY, A “RARE” DRY DAY IN BALAMA
Thank to our sandy loam soil, water doesn’t stand on our soccer field.
PULL! PULL!
BBC leaders Bertino and Daude had over 100 kids enjoying tug-o-war and other games at our field on Friday.
THEN THEY ALL GO DOWN! BOYS WON!
Pent up energy was released, (foster mothers greatly relieved) as the kids had limited activities this week due to heavy rains.
FATIMA ENJOYING BAWANA GAMES ON FRIDAY
I could hear the laughing and cheering at my house, about 200 yards (meters) away.
After the games, devotions were held on our cement basketball court.
BLESSINGS,
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE (now with web feet)
And the Balama staff