Beira

Dear family and friends,
We just returned from a trip to Beira.  We had 3 assignments there.  The first was a final inspection of the vision project we helped to complete.  The church provided hardware and some software for a computerized patient records system.  We found all well and the vision department very happy with the time saved and the increase in patient services.  The second was 2 surveys we were given concerning 2 previous projects there with equipment donated.  The church wants to know after a few years how things are being utilized and what areas they need improvement in.  We were able to complete both surveys since these projects involved the hospital.  The 3rd was just a hope we might be able to connect with someone there to discuss issues with the Helping Babies Breathe project.  We had emailed contacts, but did not hear anything.  As it turned out we were able to have a few minutes with Dr. Wing, a pediatrician who also is an administrator.  His insights were very helpful.  We will see how things turn out. 

The rest of the time there we were able to enjoy with Elder and Sister Wilkins.  He was a mission president in Brazil a few years ago.  They are from Utah.  They were such wonderful hosts.  They showed us around Beira and we had a great time.  They are CES coordinators/trainers and are doing a marvelous job there.  (This picture was actually taken in Swaziland a few weeks ago where we had a couples conference/training. It is a good picture of them so we included it here.) The rest of the pictures are of our sights and visits.  Beira has a different feel all together.  It has a more rural feel to it; a more "African experience" if you will.  We enjoyed good food; I ate lots of seafood and it was awesome!  We don't know when we will get back to Beira, but we loved it up there.  It is about in the middle of the country, while Maputo is in the very southern tip. 

This is what is left of the Grande Hotel Beira.  It was a luxury hotel/resort.  After the Portuguese were kicked out it deteriorated and is now just a slum for squatters.  Every piece of wood, metal, wiring, plumbing, etc. has been ripped out and sold or burned.  All that remains is the concrete and steel.  There is concern that some of it may collapse and people will get hurt or die. You can go on the internet and look it up to see pictures of it when it was at it height in the 60s.  This is not the only building like this there.  We saw several.  This actually is quite common here; not just in Beira.  We see similar things here in      Maputo, but the contrast is more visible in Beira.

This is a little piece of the market just outside the church gates. 

Here are gardens planted on the church property by members.  Nice produce they share with one another. 

We rose early one morning and took a walk along the beach.  This is a functioning lighthouse, but is being phased out.  We found someone near by and asked if we could go inside.  He left and then came back shortly with someone who had keys.  They opened it up and gave us a tour.  We walked the circular stairs all the way to the top.  It was fascinating!!  Afterwards they asked for money.  I gave them what I had; 200 meticals.  They were hoping for more, but that is all the cash I had.  We had spent the rest of it on capulanas (fabric) in town the day before.  Presently, 200 meticals is about $3.00.  

Sand crabs will be boiled and eaten

Drying fish.

This shoe washed up on the shore

Our walk along the beach produced some interesting sights.














This was a grouper that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Woodcarvers kids

This week we hope to have a visit with a member of the Ministry of Health to let them know what we are doing and find out more about their priorities and how we might be able to support their efforts.  Right now, after getting the feedback we did from Dr. Wing in Beira, it seems that there are many other organizations working in the same area and it may not be in our best interest to try and put together a project that everyone else is doing.  The coordination with the governments officials is just too much for them to handle.  We want to help them; not cause more problems.  So we will see where all this leads. 

We bought this floating bird

Wood carver in Beira

Last week we visited 5 schools in the Kamubukwana district.  We want to work with a couple of them to improve the facilities and conditions for the students.  Determining who is going to make the best partner is a challenge. 
We are so grateful to serve this mission.  Our eyes have been opened to many things and it has given us and continues to give us growth opportunities.  I am learning more things about myself; some good and others not so good.  Change is difficult, but it is necessary and in the end it is what this life is all about.  I am grateful for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me.  His perfect example is the anchor of my life.  My hope is that all my children and grandchildren will seek to know Him and exercise their faith in Him.  This church is His church and is being led by true prophets of God.  What an awesome  blessing that is in this troubled world!!
Love to all,
Elder Petersen, Stan, Dad, and Grandpa