Regimar Costa: “The Macua people are very joyful and welcoming”

On the first flight English and Arabic were spoken. And I didn’t understand either language, lolrsrsrs. But God always puts angels in our way. There were many Brazilians on the flight and I had help from a woman and a young man named Bruno, Bruno was an angel from Brazil to Maputo. He helped me a lot, especially in Qatar, he guided me at the airport, to get to the boarding gate which was far away and difficult to find.

On the second flight I was able to communicate with the little Spanish I had learned. When I arrived to Maputo I felt Comboni’s presence very strong, it was as if he was there, guiding me. Time for lunch, looking for food. Oops, five meticais were missing… the attendant added, another angel. At the boarding gate, surprise, the suitcase overweight, as it varies according to the country, weighed 3 kg more. Result: a fine of four thousand meticais that the attendant miraculously gives up charging. Another angel? No doubt about it. And Comboni for sure.

In the aircraft to Nampula, a child starts playing with us, for me the welcome was there. Finally we land in Nampula. Fr. Massimo was waiting for us at the airport. Two more missionaries, priests, were with us. We go home, have dinner and rest. We are at the catechetical missionary center, in Anchilo, dealing with the documents while we wait for the Inculturation course to begin. We met many priests here, as they are in assembly. We have been very well received by all.

On the first Sunday here, while the priests had mass in the center, I preferred to go to the celebration in the church together with the people. It was very good to see the smile, the joy of the people. The Macua people are very joyful and welcoming.

Little by little I began to get to know, to live with the people, a good morning, a quick conversation, a smile, this is how we build day by day, slowly so as not to scare anyone. Aware of the mission that I have, of the challenges already known and those that will arise, I arrive in the land of the mission. I bring with me the initial situation. It is already possible to feel that the challenges will be great, but confident in the Lord I will follow, His word is greater, and if the mission is from God, it is holy, it is certain.

My journey is just beginning, and I feel happy to be accomplishing what I always wanted. Every day I realize that the work of Comboni is becoming more and more concrete. “I die, but my work will not die.

I wanted to share with you a little of what is happening and once again thank you all for your help, affection and prayers. Without you it would not be possible. Keep praying for the mission and for all the missionaries. From here I follow in prayer for each one of you. I am very happy and I ask Jesus to bless this new mission. May Comboni, Our Lady and missionary Jesus bless you all.

Strong hugs, directly from Africa.
Regimar Costa
Comboni Lay Missionary – Brazil/Mozambique