Despite being tired, after almost 2 weeks of work building each of these 18 houses, which will soon house several Mozambican families, we are heading for another day's work in the Nhampuepe neighborhood.

A day of work like all the others we have had but that, in a way, surprised me. Not only for the sympathy of the people we worked with this week, but for the joy they show us when we arrive and get to work!

Among the many jokes, jokes and conversations we have in the morning (which we reconcile with a bit of clear work 😂) I find myself working with a gentleman next door! Yes, a true sir! It's just that when I ask you the name you tell me your name is Ernesto and when I ask you the age you say you're still young - you're 63 ...

So I was disturbed at the outset not knowing whether to take his hoe out of his hand (and forbid him to work) or to tell him that I needed no help and that he could go home to rest. Besides, one thing he would have really done had it not been for him to dig with a will and an intensity that corresponded even to that of a 20 year old !!

A lesson because he did the work that was intended for an entire day in a few hours, without pauses or interruptions, and was still telling us all his life. He spoke of how, although his house made only of sticks, earth, and water had been destroyed by the cyclone, he was there ready to go to work to help his community. In the end he said goodbye to us with a smile on his face thanking us so much for our help!

This is one of several examples of stories from many of the people who have come across us, and despite all the daily hardships that have gotten worse with the cyclone, they have not given up and have continued to fight for their lives and that of their families. always do our best to give them what we in our homes so often take for granted!

There are places and people we never even imagine, not even in dreams.

We came here to change something, block by block, comfort talk.

Today, however, instead of giving us paint and cement, they have given us tools for a possible utopia, an example. We do not work directly with the community but have obtained mechanisms to empower it and raise it in accordance with this land.

After another trip on the road that eventually leads to Nhampwepwe, behind our wife in action - Mercia - where the air is dense in coal, the land is arid and our somewhat asymmetrical position that poverty, we came face to face. authentic jungle - an oasis in calamity, a catapult of inertia that perpetuates misery - Mozambite.

In a nutshell, it's a project of a self-titled gentleman farmer - Allan - or as I like to call it; a green warrior. In 1994, this environmental titan started a reforestation and sustainable / organic agriculture project that aims to counteract one of the most pressing problems of our time - desertification - in the case of Mozambique due to slash and burn that removes soil from nutrients essential for subsistence. In addition to integrating the local community in this project, Alan also introduced techniques for harnessing indigenous material goods - namely wood - and taught the carpentry, carpentry and construction techniques to the population as a means of livelihood (it should be stressed that they do not send a tree below). for over 6 years).

In the afternoon, after another lunch treat made by Mummy Olinda, Teresinha and Binha turned them back into sardine mode and took the group to Mafarinha - a poor neighborhood located behind the Mozalite factory. - where we came across the bubble of our own experience.

Between trash and latrines, matope and chickens, warm waves that our alien presence, we pulsed through the veins of Mafarinha. Eventually we came to the house of one of the foundation's employees - Luis Bonito - who showed us the house where he lived. It was an important moment in the sense that what is the “cellular” life of a Mozambican with whom we lived every day. The best way I can describe the contrast of the panorama of this day is that we were transported from a telescopic view to a microscopic viewpoint of Mozambique.

Before leaving on this mission to Mozambique, everybody said that I would learn more than I would teach, at the time I thought it was ridiculous, but now that I have returned, I realize what they were telling me.

I have only to thank. To thank all the people I have known for teaching me to live in simplicity, of soul and possessions, that nothing adds me as a human being.

It is usual, on a mission like this, to think of it in a selfish way as something that will be good for me, for me to grow and to bring something good to that community. But for this to happen, it is necessary to see life from their perspective, to put ourselves in the vision of life as they have it, only then can we make a difference.

Everyone talks about the difficulty and strength that it takes to start on an adventure like the one I just lived. It is irrefutable to live this month with the ideal of giving without receiving in return, to change without changing them, to surrender without losing ourselves, and to thank the way we were received. It's gratifying.

The experiences form us and build us. They are the moments that warm the heart and that we keep forever. It's getting out of our comfort zone that makes us grow, is the contact with other cultures and other people, that broadens our horizons and makes us bring many stories to tell. For me, this was Mozambique.

It was a unique experience where I realized that just giving our time, our patience and, above all, share who we are is enough to make a difference. No, we did not change the world of All. However, we can change the world of Someone and that is enough to leave a mark wherever we go. I worked closer to the Mayi project, and had the opportunity to meet incredible moms, with interest in listening and learning from what we had to say. It was as a team, and knowing the Dondo moms that we were able to adapt the training plan and thus leave a mark on maternal and child health.

If it cost to spent whole August waking up at 6:30, it cost; if it cost to use repellent as moisturizing cream, yes; if there were difficulties, moments of discouragement or complete improvisation, there was; but it would not make sense if none of this had ever existed. It was not a "sea of roses" but it was good, because approached us as a group and it was, also, what made us grow.

In Mozambique I was give my self to the others (from the hair to the braids, to the energy to the end of the day, to fall asleep deeply) but, to receive much: smiles of moms; poems, drawings, letters and songs; tight hugs of children; and so much more ...

I keep forever this amazing experience with a spectacular group of people. I remember a lot of those with whom I crossed paths and who in one way or another taught me to see happiness in simplicity and showed me that a poor country can be very rich.

We have always much to offer, more than our presence; we always have much to learn, even and especially with those who we think that have nothing to teach us; we have always much to be thankful for; and it is when we break our barriers and give our maximum that we feel the mission fulfillment.

When I realized that I was part of the volunteer group that was going to Dondo in August 2018, I felt lucky, but I still did not know how lucky I was! The month as a volunteer was such an incredible experience that the word "incredible" is not enough to describe it!

Impossible to put into words what Mozambique made me feel, were several moments of learning, sharing, caring and pure happiness! I lived in simplicity and with that I learned and I was happy, very happy! I learned to appreciate things that in Portugal, because they were always guaranteed, I do not gave the real importance. Things as simple as having a bed to sleep and food to eat (whenever I'm hungry, for example). I learned to relativize problems. And I learned a lot in the project where I was inserted, MAYI! It was not easy at first, because the desire to do something important led to frustration and doubts about my role there. But, little by little, I got to know the moms and trainers, their rhythm, the way they talk, their beliefs and I have adapted my self whenever changes in plans arose. I learned to simulate complex themes and to demystify myths that have come from past generations without criticizing and I felt that the fruits of my work was appearing. I got out of my comfort zone, I was challenged and the result was extraordinary! It is wonderful what we receive when we open our minds and hearts to each other.

Thank you Dondo, thank you Mozambique, thank you Africa! Thank you to the other volunteers and to Teresinha, my Mozambican family, who made this experience even more incredible. Without them I would not have so many stories to tell, no doubt! And a thank you to the Mozambican people for being such a hospitable people, so simple and so cheerful and for showing me so much wealth in the midst of so much poverty!

Now, in Portugal, the challenge is to prevent the routine and the daily obligations from making me forget everything that the Mozambican people taught me. I already miss Mozambique!

I've always dreamed of living in a world where everyone has what they deserve. But instead, I feel every day the marked social inequalities and the worrying scourge that is poverty. So I decided to accept this mission, take off my shoes and offer them to those who do not have nothing. I traveled 8000 kilometers and shared with the Dondo community everything that my whole life has taken for granted. But much more than giving, I received. I received open-hearted love, people wanting to learn, wanting to teach. It is really impressive the complicity so strong that it builds when we open ourselves to others and we let ourselves see of equal to equal. I lived genuinely with them and to the rhythm of them, without making impositions, listening, suggesting and slowly I was leaving my mark. My mark was at the FL Vida school, where according to the capacities of the educators, and not escaping from what they were accustomed to do, I proposed as a team a detailed annual plan that would address the most important topics. Nothing better than creative young people, fun and motivated to leave a little of themselves, so you can have impact. And this claw conquers, there are always relapses, moments when we thought we could give everything to these children and in fact we left nothing comparatively. But the strength lies in realizing that the best we can give is to give ourselves body and soul to the mission. As a missionary, I have always tried to surrender to what was proposed to me and to commit myself to the responsibility of acting anywhere and in whom I needed it. And so I arrive in Portugal, confident in what I want for myself and for my future, of what I want to continue to do and in what way to do. I found myself without even looking for me.

«At some moment in our lives we have heard about the "poverty of Africa". We know it exists, we know tha​t​ somewhere on the other side of the world, 7888 km away, there are children who aren't even given a chance. In August 2017, I decide​d​ to get to know this poverty. What I experienced during this month in Dondo was an incredible experience of delivery, service and detachment. I was cha​lleng​​ed to give myself as I had never given before, I came across a reality and a mentality, which often shocked and revolted me, but, above all, I found a contagious happiness. A happiness that doesn't look at material goods, that lives on simplicity, a happiness that I bring with me back to Portugal. I learnt that we must know how to relativize problems, that results aren't always visible and that people are more than the reality tha​t​ surrounds them. Now that I comeback to my routine, I find myself "traveling" again to that little village of Dondo, to the market, to the Church, to the classrooms and to the shed where lunch was served. I think in people who crossed my path and who, in one way or another, changed me.  I feel truly grateful for what God has given me. I haven't doubt that this is an experience that I will always remember with a special affection and that I​'​ll remember for the rest of my life»

«I take stock for those who intend to start a journey with the volunteer group "APOIAR 100 Limites", but also for myself.  I never had the habit of writing a daily book and I know how many memories I've lost or aren't so present in my mind. Here in Lisbon it seems that there is time and space for this. Dondo is vibrant (I can't believe that I chose this word to describe it) and quiet at the same time. There is constant noise. The cars and motocycles drive fast, dust is constant, people move up and down in the street, the man who sells eggs, the man who sells coke, who tells us good morning every minute and wants to know how we are and where we go. Children walk and sell food that has the heat of the sun and dust as the main ingredients. The truck stops to unload, I don't know what. Running, stopping and screaming... And the heat. Always heat. I was lucky to be accompanied always by the wind. There are some Chinese. Lots of "alternative" Churches! It isn't a beautiful city, but, for me, it isn't ugly either. The truth is that I still don't know the city as I would like.

Overall people are beautiful. I almost didn't find anyone "ugly"! When they say "yes, yes" it's b​ecau​ase they aren't understanding or listening. Always confirm! T​he​y​ ​respond with "sounds" like "hmm" that can be yes ou no. They say "nothing" instead of "no". They are cheerful and are always in a good mood.

I could hear Mozambican woman say something tha​t​ the Portuguese woman don't say: "sometimes I need time to myself" ou "just to be with my friends ou just to be with my husband". Most middle ou even lower middle class places, I don't know, they have someone at home to help for cleaning and cooking, etc. They have different religions and some even converted to others and they are all friends without seeing i​t​ as a difference. You don't see many demonstrations of affection in the street. But you can see man walking hand in hand - it's a brotherhood signal. They also dance to each other, like a healthy competition and it's delicious! There is a big difference between provinces: everything changes, the role of wo​m​a​n​, the role of man, relationship, family, polygamy, marri​ag​e, pregnancy, mourning, etc. I read a book that describes this very we​ll​l - Niketche A History of Polygamy, by Paulina Chiziane.

I met good people there that are making a difference! I felt good in Dondo»

 «Our trip to Mozambique was one of the best if not the best experience of my life. No doubt it was the month I grew up and learned the most. I gave all I had and do not had and in return received the world. There I lived a joy of a people who have nothing at all, but give everything. I learned that simplicity is a gift and I learned that gratitude and humility are two of the most important qualities a person can have. In one month I grew a lot and now I hope to continue to apply in my life what those people gave me and taught me. A part of me stayed in Mozambique and I hope to take Mozambique with me wherever I go»

 «I lived in a month that I had been eager to try for years ... In Mozambique I was able to study and try to perceive the reality of a world so different from ours. I saw what living in poverty, which is eating, working and studying in poverty, how sick and how to treat patients in poverty, as is having babies in poverty, how to die in poverty. I saw, above all, what it's like to live with so much dignity having so little. And I learned that it's possible to be happy. It was a very full month: of work, of experiences, of relationships, of prayer, of transformation. But also of patience, of effort and of much fatigue. We had to change our plans many times, to fit ourselves into a rhythm and in mentalities that aren't ours, to pull our head and creativity. It was above all a great lesson in humility, given by someone who never asked us to go there and who reacts in a way different from what we expect, but who disarms us with its simplicity and true joy of receiving us. We also saw examples of Giant Faith and an easier and obvious way to follow Jesus. And, of course, I made friends that I have in my heart: some who came back with me and others who stayed, but I know we'll meet again, sooner or later! And now? Now I can testify to the important role of NGOs in the lives of so many people in this world, and concrete people that bumped me. Now I feel my head and my heart returning to the Dondo and the Foundation all the time, trying to guess what is happening, thinking about what else we can do for them. And now I'm one Mafalda found more and more certain of where is my way»

 «What I lived there was an intense and spectacular journey! Mozambique has made me really simple... What I lived there wasn't always easy, and that made me a person who knows what thank have... The people with whom I lived there are so happy and this taught me that to be cheerful it is not necessary to have things but to want to be! What I lived there was a union and friendship with volunteers, educators and children! What I lived there made me understand the meaning of this phrase: "Those who pass by us don't go alone, they don't leave us alone. They leave a little of themselves and take some of us." And now?!... I started classes, my routine, I feel me different and I was afraid to forget small things that were important and that made my life change, but I realized that if I continue to cultivate everything I learned there and use it in the my day-to-day, I will never forget! And now? We will not stop helping a Foundation because it isn't impossible to help the distance, I will not leave me with the volunteers because they have become my friends for a lifetime»

 «Wake up early in the morning, work, at nightfall pray and go to sleep. For some this routine kills, but in my opinion these three things were something that during the month I spent in Mozambique gave me an extraordinary peace. Starting with the first thing -  getting up early - for me the biggest of the big little things, was for me a daily compass, and a way to train my self-discipline. The second thing - the work - it was in this activity that I began to learn to have patience with people, in Mozambique I experienced total unpredictability. I tried to teach as I could, especially the moral level, but in fact I learned more with the people I met there. I learned to make wire carts and that surely I will teach my kids if I will have them! I also learned to wash the floor of a hospital can be a task of great beauty. Finally, when the days came to an end, when the noise were over, we listening to the crickets and  looking at a sky so starry and not polluted, we sittings and laughing and telling the stories that had passed each other It had no possible price. We prayed every day in gratitude and it was also this that united us much as a group. When I lay down, I thought "yes, this is a day to the way." Now I came to study for Austria and the world is different, I want to develop more academically, but as my father said, "Africa is a boomerang and you always want to go back", I don't think I could be more right, I want to go back. But ... the future belongs to God»

« What I lived there was incredible, it may seem a little cliché to say that it was incredible and unique and that I want to go back but are really the words that best describe our spectacular month, it was amazing both individually and as a group, we formed a spectacular group and worked a lot well as a team! I have no doubt that we will all be friends for life and that we will all go back together! A month to know a different culture, people with different realities and lives, life histories completely different from the ones we are used to, the dreams of those kids we were dealing with and we were every day! We live for a whole month in a reality very different from ours and what we are used to seeing and living! We live and know very strong things this month, we saw people and babies dying, babies being born, children starving, abandoned children. We saw the transport of the dead to the morgue, we cleaned the hospital where we had a week. We donated blood to save lives, we reshaped schools, we trained young people and educators, and we saw the happiness of the Mozambican people in the midst of so much poverty, when they visited very poor neighbourhoods! Many things! So many stories to tell! Every day we socialized with children of LVida Foundation and not only, from the morning until the evening! Every day we were welcomed, every day we had children after us with a smile from ear to ear and with a giant happiness for us to be there! It was one month I grew up a lot, I spent to see things with greater simplicity and humility and I want to continue to fuel it! It was a month when I felt God in a special way every day in me, in our group, in all those people, in all the things we did, in all the stories and things we saw! It was God who sent us and helped us every day! And now?? And now, I miss all those kids, everything I've lived and learned there, every day I think of all those people in their simplicity and contagious joy. In all that God put me ahead during that month, in all the obstacles overcome. Of all the times I doubted to be able and that the strength of that people made me succeed. And now just I want to thank a lot and say that I will return»

 « In Mozambique I have experienced African poverty. We have been accustomed to hearing about African poverty for a long time, and we are fully aware that it exists, but here it is not possible to see what is happening here. You have to go. There lived this poverty, I talked to this poverty, helped her, ate at the table with her, laughed with her, I was upset with her, I knew her, and above all, I learned many lessons from her. I ended up being her friend! In Mozambique we turn off our day to day and we had no other choice but to give the best that is in us for free. To deal with the real problems of real people. Now it's setting the dust and start sweeping the house. There are many lessons we have learned there that we have come to confuse. The contrast between the style of African and European life is really big. Now, after understanding that my life continues and it is here that I am called to be good, I try to get what I lived there has not been in vain. I realize this is as simple as looking at our parents, brothers and friends and doing whatever it takes, free of charge, without folding our arms, and with joy! Just like we did in Mozambique for a month. This is the magic of African poverty: despite the poverty, hunger and disease, it teaches us to be simple and cheerful inside of our problems! Now that I've met African poverty I want her to come back to Portugal with me and I want to be more like her»

 « I lived incredible moments, incredible experiences, and things that just even in Africa is that we live!! I've done things that I never thought I could do, I felt God in my life like I've never felt before! I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong; I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to resolve; I asked for prosperity and God gave me brains and muscles to work; I asked for courage and God gave me obstacles to overcome; I asked for love and God gave me people with problems to help; I asked for favours and God gave me opportunities. I didn't receive anything I asked for, but I received everything I needed. Now I miss those people, that simplicity and constant joy to wake up in the morning and think, "What will Jesus for today on my way? Will I be able to?". Now I know that nothing is impossible and that we are capable of everything! That with love, patience, resistance and resilience we can transform the small details of life into huge feats and change the world! Now I'm here, but one day I'll be back»

 «It was in 2015 that I decided to put into practice a dream, the making for a while a project volunteering. The opportunity came in early 2016, through the APOIAR, and so I left for Mozambique in May of the same year. I was in Mozambique for 4 months, in Niassa Province, in remote Mandimba, to accompany the KUKULA Project. Considering education as important in the future of a country, KUKULA Project, is helping to train children through this even may take a day a better life. No doubt it was better than I expected, as we give of our time to others is priceless and it is certainly a privilege. It's certainly an experience that makes us see the world differently, and unfortunately bring us certainty than ever heard: that there is a lot of poverty in the world and much to do. For this reason, it makes sense we give, even if little of our time to help develop projects like this and others. All who have the opportunity to do volunteer work, should do it because it is very rewarding and changes our view of life. Maybe if all help a little the world can be a better and fairer day. It's not always easy to get out of our comfort zone, but it's also a test of ourselves and makes us grow as people. And like everything in life, we quickly got used to living in other conditions and with little, just focused on what brought us that was to help. I learned a lot from the Mozambican people and with their simplicity, and I am very honoured to have given a little of my time. In the future I hope that the project can grow and be replicated in other areas of Mozambique and maybe one day, in other needy countries. Thank you APOIAR to the opportunity that has given me, which has made me much richer, and I wish all success in this and other projects, and maybe one day our paths will cross again»