Wanna go on a short-term trip to Moz!?!

After spending a week at home, I headed off for Atlanta! I arrived and 3 hours later was presenting my videos and sharing stories about my trip to Mozambique! No rest for the weary…

Many people don’t know that I graduated from High School in Dacula, GA and my mom and step-dad still live there. They were kind enough to set up two different opportunities for me to share about my book and plans for Mozambique. It was also nice to meet so many of their friends who I hear so much about.

 

Saturday my friend Taylor came to visit. Taylor and I volunteered at Campus Life in Downers Grove, IL for 3 years together. She moved to Charlotte, NC about the same time I moved to Detroit. We daydreamed about organizing a short-term missions trip to Moz… aahhhhh what a lovely thought. I wouldn’t be part of the short-term, but I would get to host them!

Speaking of short-term trips, two guys from Indian River Methodist Church went on a short-term trip to help with a building project. They got a great start to a new home that will allow us to house short-term teams and long-term missionaries. If you are interested in taking a team to Mozambique please e-mail me!

Support Update:

I’ve raise 57% of the funds needed for my trip in January and 15% of my goal for monthly support.

Monthly financial support is still my greatest need. Click here for more information about giving and my other support needs. 

Prayer Requests/Updates:
- Julia & Adriano are getting ready to travel to Brazil.
- The boys semester just finished, they are on there summer break. Many of them just took finals and will find out their scores in a week or so. In Moz not everyone has finals each year, only certain grades.
- Support raising! That I will meet my goals =)
- I'm hoping to book a one way flight this week! I'm hoping to fly over with my friend Karin, who will be serving for a year in Lesotho. We're looking for good connections and cheap flights!!!

Thanks to all who read. Your support means the world to me!

Rock Bottom Deals!

It seems like each month is full of new experiences and feelings. October has been no exception. It has been a hard and exciting month. I spent the first week or so in Chicago.

I went into Balsamo, Olsen and Lewis (my old architecture firm), because they were kind enough to let me use a computer with AutoCAD to work on some drawings for The Dream Project. I hadn’t been back to the office since my trip last year. I ended up showing Sal (my former boss) my book and he bought 2 books! Not only that but he asked if I could come in and work for him for a week. He also joked about setting me up for remote access so I could work from Africa!

Judy was also excited about the work I’m doing and she told me about this place called Rock Bottom Deals. She asked me to create a wish list of items for Africa…

I checked out the site and it’s pretty cool. You are able to buy things in bulk at a discounted price, for example you can buy coloring books that would cost $3.00… for $.60 the only thing is you have to buy 12. But what a deal!

The best part is you can make wish lists for others to fulfill =). So I created a Dream Project wish list and Judy hooked us up! I’m excited to say I have 2 boxes full of things like puzzles, coloring books, hand-sanitizer, and cups have arrived for Christmas!

The day after I got home from Chicago, I didn’t move. My whole body ached and my throat was starting to hurt. I never realized how exhausting this would be. I love sharing. I love talking about my passion for these boys and Mozambique. I guess I just never realized how mentally and emotionally exhausting it was.

Support Update:

I’ve raise 50% of the funds needed for my trip in January and 14% of my goal for monthly support.

Where did September go?

On September 24^th I was asked to share at the American Baptist Churches of Michigan annual pastors meeting. They had a panel of short-term missionaries all share about their trips and give advise about short-term trips. Here is a little of what I shared…

Even though my trip was only 7 weeks long, I began looking for an international group to serve with 2 years before. Watching door after door close or not even open was hard, but I just knew this is what God was calling me to. As I was preparing to leave for Mozambique I knew that I was going in God’s perfect timing. Time and time again on my trip I was reminded just how perfect the timing was. I have a friend who likes to say “nothing is wasted in God’s economy,” many days in Mozambique I found comfort looking back over my life and thinking God was preparing me for this day, nothing has been a waste.

September ended with a book party. My friend Leslie was kind enough to open her home and allow me to sell my books and share the passion that has been laid on my heart for the beautiful country of Mozambique. Thanks Leslie!

For the first time I also sold pictures and purses. I’ve had a few people ask if they could buy pictures and so I’ve created a book to show which prints are for sale and what they cost.

When I was in Moz I bought about 10 or 12 yards of fabric convinced I would do something cool with it when I came home. On my trip to Mozambique I carried a fabric purse. I took it with me everywhere and it was awesome but I remember a few times wishing it was a little bit bigger. About a month ago I decided I would sew myself a bigger purse out of my Moz fabric. I loved it so much I decided I would keep sewing bags and try to sell them to raise money.

I've got a few more book parties lines up between now and the end of the year, but if you would like to host a party at your home, church, school or anywhere you can think of please email me at amanda@thedream-project.org.

Support Update:

I’ve raise 41% of the funds needed for my trip in January and 14% of my goal for monthly support.

Prayer Requests;

- My health

- Building project in Pemba. Walt and Trent arrived yesterday and will begin building tomorrow!

Can you sign my shirt?

I started off September with a trip to Missouri. My dad, Linnea and I drove down to Neosho to visit family. We volunteered for a day in Joplin, tearing out the floor of a home. Joplin was hit by a huge tornado in May. The tornado tore right though town, not only taking out one of Joplin’s hospitals, but also the majority of it’s school and killing over 160 people. I’ve been going to Joplin my whole life and I lived there in 2005… it was surreal going back.

Google's picture 1220 Roland... pre-tornado.

1220 Roland post-tornado... crazy.

Dad & I pulling up the floor.

Yep... I wore my TOMS =)

Almost done!

On our way home we went to Kansas City, Missouri so that I could speak at Paxton School. I was asked in as a guest author by the Librarian, Jennifer Day, to speak to the entire school of 4^th and 5^th graders (just under 400 students). I hadn’t spoken to Jen in probably 10 years when she reached out to me on Facebook. She asked if I could come share how I wrote the book as well as some of my experiences in Mozambique. I was both thrilled and honored that she would ask… and was very excited for this opportunity!

I was given the choice of speaking to small, medium or large groups. I went with small and so I shared eight times in two days! The students were so amazing though! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they paid attention and asked really good follow up questions.

I showed part of my trip video and asked the students some questions while pointing out similarities and differences from USA to Moz. I walked them though my writing process as well as my picture taking process. I also brought in some fabric from Moz and showed how woman would wear it and how they would use it to carry their children and babies. I used volunteers for that and let the students carry around baby dolls. In conclusion I challenged them to dream big… and think of how they can help others.

The funniest thing was being asked if I could sign their shirts or their arms… I said no =) The coolest thing was that two girls came up to me afterwards and asked “If we give you something will you bring it to Mozambique?” I said, “Sure.” They took their headbands off of their heads and gave them to me. After school the same two girls came in and gave me a ponytail holder and pair of glasses with no lenses. I was so touched. It’s not about how much you give, but about giving of what you have. Kids are just so amazing!

September has been a great kick-off to my fundraising. As of today, I’m 39% to reaching my goal that will allow me to go to Mozambique this winter, but I’m only at 7% of my overall monthly support needed. Which means I’ve gotten a good amount of one-time donations (including book sales) and have just scratched the surface of monthly donations.

My goal is to reach 50% of my monthly support by the time I leave this winter and raise the other 50% after I return in March. Lots of goals I know, but I’m a detail person… most of your eyes would cross if I showed you the Excel Spreadsheet I’ve put together to track donations and sales!

If you would like to host a party at your home, church, school or anywhere you can think of please email me at amanda@thedream-project.org.

Prayer:

- Trip to Atlanta – October 19^th – 26^th.

- Helder (one of the boys) was hit by a car last week. His injuries were minor, but he had a few stitches on his head and scraped up his arms and hands.

- Fundraising =)

- My health… as I’ve been feeling a little under the weather this week.

Missionary Author... how did that happen?

Many days I am in disbelief with my life. I don’t know what is more surprising… moving to Mozambique (essentially) or publishing a book?

I’ve been phasing out of my role with U.S. Operations and started preparing to head back to Mozambique as a full-time Missionary. I don’t know about you, but when I hear the term Missionary my mind is flooded with thoughts. Some negative and some positive, but I don’t really feel like many of those thoughts describe me.

I’m still getting used to the idea of being an author. When I think of authors I think of people that can spell and have a large vocabulary. Neither are my strong suit =) I was thinking the other day how hard English class was for me in High School, but then I remember that the one thing I was good at was descriptive writing… who knew all these years later I would use my descriptive writing skills to publish a book!?!

As far as my plans for the future, I’m planning to head back to Mozambique for Christmas and stay for another 3 months. I know when most people become Missionaries they go into the field for at least a year… well as usual I do things different. I’m still making the year long commitment, but I really feel like I’m being called to go for a few months and then come back to the States for a few months to share how TDP is changing lives of people in Mozambique. Not just to report back but to really give supporters an idea of who lives and works at our Center.

I’m also really excited to get to visit Ponta de Oruo, Mozambique! The government has given The Dream Project 6 acres in Ponta and we hope to eventually have a ministry there as well. I was unable to visit on my last trip, partially because I didn’t know anyone in Ponta. This winter TDP is going to be doing a small building project in Ponta. I’m not sure what just yet, but a national worker (and possibly another American missionary) will be in Ponta overseeing the project. It looks like TDP will be sending Namorado, it will be nice to have a friend who speaks English (and Portuguese) and knows the area.

We have another building project going on up in Pemba. We are currently trying to purchase a piece of land that will connect our two existing properties. We have a team coming in October to build and if we are able to purchase the land we will be able to enclose all of our land in one fence. This will help a lot with security. The team this fall is building a few new dorms and bathroom. It will allow us to repurpose some of our rooms, so that we have a space for storage, an office and a true common room (meaning no one’s bedroom) for the boys. All are much needed and so this is really exciting! I can’t wait to see the changes!

As always thanks for reading!

Please be praying:

• For my trip plans
• Building in October, that the neighbors will sell to us for a reasonable price. Also that we are able to get the permits in time =)
• Building in Ponta. From filing for permits to finishing paperwork after the build.
• The house mom’s son is in the hospital. Keep his health in your prayers.

Chicken & Mashed Potatoes

For weeks now I have been thinking it would be fun to cook for the guys and Michael. I think it's because every time I look at Sheema (flour cooked with water) all I think it mashed potatoes… from there I end up thinking about Thanksgiving! My favorite meal is a typical Thanksgiving meal. 

I head to town with Nunu and I'm surprised to find how empty it is. We wonder all over trying to find what I'm looking for. The best part was when we were at this little shop buying chickens I was going over what else we needed out loud… butter, bread, potatoes, etc. I look at a box and it says "Amanda!" Why is it so exciting to find things with our names on it?! I ask Nunu to find out what it is and it's butter! I was planning on buying it no matter what it was, but I even needed it.

I get to the house and start thawing out my birds. The water is off, so I have to go to the well to get water and I have to boil it so I don't get sick. I get everything going, my birds in the oven. The kitchen is 109! I step outside and I feel like I'm walking into air-conditioning! My potatoes only need a little bit longer to be done and I'm gonna have to watch the birds, since the stove setting are just low to high. 

I glance at the stove and realize that the flame under the potatoes had gone out. I try relighting and get nothing. It takes a minute for it to click that the stove is hooked into a gas tank that sits under the sink and it must be out. I search the garage, there are other cans but they all appear to be empty. 

This is something you can't just run out and grab, not to mention Michael isn't home. I tell the guys what is happening and they tell me to cook the stuff on the charcoal stove. I know you can cook a chicken on the grill, but not with the supplies they have here. 

Since I had just put the birds in the oven minutes before the gas ran out, I decide to just bag everything and cook it later. If we can get gas in time… if not I figure I will just let the guys cook it how they like.

I try not to ask much of Michael, because everyone asks the world of Michael and I know it's stressful. So I'm surprised after church on Sunday when he asks if I want to go get gas. I'm actually thrilled because the power had just gone out and I knew we would have to cook the birds today.

We get the gas. I cook the food and Michael, Sumate, Nunu, Santos, Ernesto and I sit around eating in the Kitchen eating chicken and mashed potatoes. We also had corn and bread but those are very normal here. It's fun to be able to share some of my life with them… especially cause they all love chicken! 

Dreaming of Mozambique!

I'm not exactly sure where the time has gone. Life is finally getting back to normal... or at least my new version of normal.

As far as The Dream Project goes... I've started the process to become a full-time missionary! I'm hoping to head back to Mozambique this December! I'm hoping to help grow the communication between the children in Mozambique and our supporters in the States! I really feel God calling me to this right now and I'm excited to see where it all leads.

I'm guessing if you are reading this you know that I used my blog to keep in touch while I was gone in Mozambique. When I got home my plan was to print them up and bind a few copies to share with people that never made it to this site.

Well to make a really long story short... what started out as my idea for a print out has turned into me self publishing parts of my blogs along with some of my favorite pictures from the trip. I have titled the book Dreaming of Mozambique.

Cover of Dreaming of Mozambique

Dreaming of Mozambique will be selling for $25. The proceeds from this book will help pay and prepare me for my next trip to Mozambique in December! The book is 65 pages and has over 120 colored images. I've gotten really good feed back from my team of proof readers and I'm excited to use this book to help people understand life in Mozambique a little better. 

The Proof Copy!

To purchase Dreaming of Mozambique:

If you wish to write a check please send it to:

Cost: $25.00

Cost w/ Shipping: $30.00

Amanda Nichols

309 N. Main Street

Royal Oak, MI 48067

Book: Cost $25.00
Pay with PayPal

Book + Shipping: Cost $30.00
Pay with PayPal