Week 2 Reflections: Mozambique

By Paul Barry

Hi my name is Paul Barry and it is now week 2 on our trip to Mozambique with SERVE. This trip has without a doubt been one of the best experiences of my life. When we arrived in Mozambique straight away I found it was a major culture shock. Obviously before coming to Mozambique I had looked into it and had made prejudgements and had my own expectations but it’s crazy to see such conditions for yourself. However, the people here have to be one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met. It’s infectious to see how the local people of Beira remain so upbeat. Any person I’ve spoken to since I’ve arrived have been well-mannered and good humoured. The work ethic of these people is also something I find amazing and would love to rub off on me!!! We work with the local students and play soccer/basketball with them after work. We’ve also spent loads of time with them at night where we teach them English and they teach us Portuguese. We’ve bonded well with them and they’re good company. We’ve been working alongside the the construction students here in Young Africa which has been really enjoyable. Right from the start we’ve worked well together and got stuck in to building 3 huts. Yesterday we finished our first hut and it won’t be long till we’ve completed the other 2. We’re over halfway through our trip now and I’m gonna have to make the most of the time we have left in this amazing place.