Mummas Prayers Work

As we awaited Elder James' call to come a whole 2 weeks from when he sent the paperwork in...  I would have my usual chat with Heavenly Father and suggest that a 3rd world country would be good for him.. To teach him humility and what really matters in life....Family, friends and the gospel...
I also asked that it would not be too dangerous and health care would be ok... That was one of the things that our surrogate mum was especially asking for... (Sue Ryland...  affectionatley known as Mum Ryland or Grandma Ryland)
I also asked that he would develop skills that will help him with decisions on what type of employment path he would choose when he came home... (obviously this one we will have to wait and see what it brings.. but I know the skills that every servant of the Lord leans will benefit them in their lives. I believe they gain at least 20 years of condensed experiences on a mission.. Things that will help them deal with people in all walks of life.. In all kinds of situations and helps them to plan ahead look forward and live in the moment)

So keeping these things in mind.. and then this other part of our thoughts...

When hubbie and I were first married and we would talk about serving a mission I would always say that I wanted to serve the people of South Africa. I have always felt drawn to them.. And I have always wanted to sing with the tribes!! If we were not called to serve in  South Africa it would need to be the island life.. cause I really needed to sing with my talented island/tribal brothers and sisters...

When Ethan read out that he would be going to Mozambique Mapotu Mission....  it sat well with me.. I had no worries.. I thought the Lord is good.. He knows us all so well... My prayers were answered...

Then on the 4th of March 2019 Cyclone Idia Hit Mozambique

-(CNN) Tropical Cyclone Idai ripped through Mozambique as a high-end Category 2 storm with 175 kph (110 mph) winds last week before moving inland into Zimbabwe and Malawi, affecting 1.5 million people in its wake. Mar 20, 2019

- Cyclone Idai's heavy winds and rains have killed at least 750 people in Mozambique and neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe. Entire villages have been swept away, hundreds of thousands of people are homeless, and survivors are wading through water or stranded in trees.

We were concerned for the people of Mozambique and we worried for Elder James.. as he would be heading there soon...

Then a couple of weeks later we hear

 
April 2 – Cholera cases in Mozambique top 1,400, according to health officials.

Then another Cyclone hit...

April 25 – Cyclone Kenneth hits northern Mozambique with winds above 125 mph. The U.N. says 740,000 people are in the storm’s path....

I worried and joked... that maybe my prayers work too well...
He got a 3rd world country...
He got Africa
And they are DEFINITELY a Humble people!!!
But now an already humble people will be more Humble... Is that possible??

I have absolutely no doubt that Elder Ethan James' skills learned in construction and building will be invaluable for these wonderful children of the Lord.. and will help them rebuild some of what was lost... And he will serve them well and work hard!!!
His love of people, of family, of togetherness, of having fun and making the best out of every situation will benefit him and those he serves...
That his skill and love of music, composition and participation will be an AMAZING gift he will be able to use as he serves also...

I look forward to seeing how he grows.. How the Lord blesses him.. and how the Lord uses him as His instrument and vessel to share the Lords love, both physically (rebuilding homes) and Spiritually, sharing His message and providing much needed service...

God is Good.. he Loves and blesses us each and every day!!