The Triple M and Happy Independence Day

As mentioned in the last post, Friday's mail brought an important envelope. I figured we'd have to wait until Saturday for Steven to open it, but he surprised us and arrived home Friday night. So, after showering (it's typical Steven-behavior that he wouldn't want to be sandy and grimy), and as part of family scriptures and prayer, he shared with the rest of us that he's been called to serve in the Mozambique Maputo Mission. He reports to the Provo MTC on August 22nd to learn the Portuguese language. Needless to say, he's pretty excited, and we're excited for him.
About the only thing we knew about Mozambique was that it was in Africa. We have a lot to learn! I wasn't even sure WHERE in Africa it was, but now I can tell you it's on the east coast, just north of South Africa, and across the channel from Madagascar. There are about 25 million people in the country, with an average life expectancy of 52 years and a literacy rate of 48%. I think Steven better be prepared for some culture shock! One of the first things Steven noticed was that the Mozambican Independence Day is today - June 25th. (They were under Portuguese rule until 1975.) The other Portuguese colony in Africa, Angola, is also part of this mission. I wonder how many other missions have sections on opposite sides of the continent?

Here are a few sites where we got our information if you want to research it yourself:

Good Old Wikipedia
CIA World Factbook
US Department of State
Nations Online - lots of links
Lonely Planet Guide
Photos
Church News - Mozambique Maputo Mission created in January 2005
Church News - new mission president
Mission.net - alumni site

Finally, Elizabeth has a family friend (or a friend of a friend) who set up a blog sharing their mission experiences in Angola - Mission Blog.  Isn't the internet amazing??  We'll be sure to keep you posted as preparations continue!

P.S.  I just discovered that the newest link on the side of lds.org is an interview with Elder Holland on the church in Africa - Unto All the World: Emerging with Faith in Africa.  I love little miracles and tender mercies like that.

Comments

lrbodine said…
Congrats to Steven! Sounds like an exciting place and I look forward to hearing reports.
Delirious said…
Wow what a great call! Congratulations! I'm wondering if Mozambique is close to Portugal. Is that why he is learning portuguese? My parents served in South Africa and LOVED their mission! Cameron Garcia served in South Africa too. But honestly, I've never heard of anyone before who went to Mozambique! Steven is the first.
Shauna said…
Congratulations! Very exciting times ahead for Steven and your family!
Melissa said…
So excited for Steven! Can't wait to hear all of his adventures. It will certainly be a culture shock for him and his tummy too I bet!
Beckstrand7 said…
Congratulations, Steven! So exciting. We had a YM from our ward go to that mission, but I think he's home now. It sounded fabulous! I hope that means we might get to see you in August? :)
jenettew said…
Just getting home from Girl's Camp today and found your great news about Steven's mission call! This really an exciting call! I understand the African missions are having great success. Please give Steven our best regards and best of luck! He will be a great missionary~ Also, the timing sounds perfect for getting everyone to BYU and also the MTC. Very cool!
jenettew said…
Oh, I forgot. The family friends mission blog you have linked are the parents to her friends husband. They were mission pres. in Portugal, then they closed the mission. The opted to finish their time and were sent to Angola. Small world.
Cheryl said…
Congratulations to Steven! How exciting!