First Day in Dondo

Our first day in Dondo has been just as eventful as our trip to get here. Throughout the day I have felt the Holy Spirit’s presence several times. It’s been a little different to what I’m used to. Usually I only have that awareness during times of intense praise and/or prayer. Today, however, I have “felt” His presence just doing every day things like walking from point A to point B, etc.

We took a shopping trip to Beira to get groceries and other needed supplies. Eight of us piled into the back of the Land Rover, and Jon and Carla (the base directors) were up front. We were talking and all of a sudden I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence very strongly again. Five to ten minutes later as we were entering a round-a-bout, a car cut us off from the left just as a camiao came in from the right. Jon slammed on the breaks. It looked as though we missed the camiao by inches. I really feel we owe our safety to divine intervention.

A few minutes later we pulled off the road next to an open air market to buy a few fruits, etc. All of a sudden there was a loud commotion to our right. A man had stolen something from someone, and everyone joined in yelling and chasing after the man. He is fortunate that a policeman got to him first. Otherwise he would have been badly beaten or even killed by the crowd.

Upon returning to the base, we were given a tour of the facilities, and we met many of the children and the workers. There are 27 boys of all ages cared for on this base. They all seem to be so very courteous and well behaved. Two of the younger boys, ages 8 and 10, are brothers. They lost their older brother earlier in the year from cerebral malaria.

One of my favorite areas of this base is what I call “the grove.” It’s a fairly large area full of mango trees and a small concrete pavilion. They hold special events and get-togethers there. Our hosts told us how during one gathering in the grove, people were worshiping, and a glory cloud descended above them.

I could feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in several places during our tour. It really gave me a sense of peace about being here too.