News and updates from Paul and Cathy Middleton, serving in southern Africa.

29 April 2013

Next - the Swedes!

A day after the Canadians were delivered to Chimoio Paul was flying back up to Moz again with a team from Sweden who were looking at getting involved with the work Mercy Air does in the Delta and with ASAM.

We first went to Marromeu where we stayed at the Mercy Air container base.
From there we flew into the Delta, a journey which used to take YWAM three days in an open canoe but now takes 20 mins in the helicopter



We took teachers and translators..

...who continued with the educational programe that YWAM and Mercy Air have developed.



Using various games and activities basic numeracy and literacy are taught.
People from five villages walked for up to 10 km to attend the classes.


I'm not sure this guy's Brazilian football shirt is totally representative of an actual player!
After two nights in Marromeu we then flew through some weather and on to ASAM in Chimoio.
We visited a hospital that ASAM work with. The tour included the maternity ward, its birthing tables...

and an interesting incubator...

...which amounted to a three bar electric fire bolted to the wall in front of table covered in a blanket and an assortment of electrical sockets.

There was also the hospital kitchen...
At ASAM they visited all the projects that they have developed over the years (education, clinic, agricultural etc) as well as the new airstrip and hangar that we should be able to use very soon.
 Our friends at ASAM have adopted a Duiker who freely wanders in and out of their house.
 After a hectic few days in Moz all that was then left to do was take a quick team photo...

...before flying down the coast on our way back to South Africa.
So, we hope that the reports that go back to Sweden about the work we are doing in Mozambique will release some funding that will enable us to be even more effective.

Thank you.

Paul and Cathy

28 April 2013

Watch out the Canadian's are here!

We recently flew to Johannesburg International to meet five guests off a flight from Canada. We fly into Joey's once or twice a year so it always makes a interesting change to the type of places we usually go.
Jo'burg Int. traffic jam
Notice how the professionals always taxi on the line. Talking of which, I have noticed that I usually park slightly to the left, but with lines painted this wide even I found it hard to miss.
Towing the line
Us little planes have to park 3 km from the terminal building and a very expensive taxi brings our passengers out to us - eventually.


White waiting it does give you the chance to get close to and take pictures of other proper planes though.
We flew our Canadian guests to White River where they spent some time in the Kruger Park. A few days later we flew them up to Chimoio in Mozambique where they are working with our friends at ASAM for a month.

We had to delay by one day due to some pretty unseasonal weather but... we finally got into the air and on our way to Moz. Apparently some of the passengers found the flight quite exciting...
An interesting photo of the loos in Chimoio airport...
Seems that if you have limited space (or limited pre-planning ability) you can be quite inventive.

Just outside Beira I flew past the old Grande Hotel once apparently one of, if not the most luxurious hotel in Africa. Now there are fully grown trees growing from third floor balconies. Google it and click on images to see before and now pictures - interesting.

Thank you.

Paul and Cathy