"Hi - it's been a long while, but I have finally caught up!  Below you will see what the last year has held.

May 2009

December 2007 Miriam Kirk Update

In mid-December I had to make an emergency flight to South Africa,  
because of a rapidly growing cellulitis infection in my leg. It had  
dangerously already entered the blood stream and the doctor in South  
Africa said I got there 'just in time'. After initial hospital  
treatment I was advised by doctors not to return to Mozambique until  
my body was fully recovered. So a decision was made for me to return  
to Canada where I could receive virtually 'free' health care.  

“Our annual Iris staff retreat in June was a big highlight for me. Iris staff members came from near and far and it was a great blessing for all of

"As we are heading into our winter season, many varieties of flowers and trees continue to bloom and bear fruit. In the same way, God continues to bring a harvest here in Mozambique, in the midst of difficult circumstances. My heart has been wrenched over the last several months, as our precious Mozambicans have endured many devastations, such as self-exploding missiles and bombs, horrific flooding, cholera outbreaks and the threat of mini-tsunamis. Yet I place all confidence in the faithful promises of God to bring beauty out of ashes, and to work all things together for good.

"It's always great to see our children's joy and anticipation as we celebrate Christmas here in Pemba. Christmas Eve we had a candlelight service unlike any other. Christmas day dawned, and our very excited children each received a gift bag of treasures. We thank God that there were also presents to hand out to each of the village children who came to our centre on Christmas Day.

"It has been good to continue on with a weekly teenage girls group. We share singing and a short message, refreshments, and once a month a birthday cake.

Pemba Centre, Pemba, Mozambique

Miriam's Bio:

Though Miriam has been with Iris since May 2005, she returned to Pemba in December 2006, after a season in Canada, this time returning under the umbrella of IMC. Miriam's home is in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where she was employed in the graphic design and marketing industry. She was actively involved in worship at her church and in a ministry to addicts.