November Birthdays

The month of November is coming to a close. Here at Eden that means it's time to pull out the gift wrap, tape, and cake mix. At the end of the month we take a morning to celebrate all the orphans birthdays to let them know they are not forgotten and that they are indeed loved. I spent today pouring over tubs containing sponsor gifts. It made me feel a bit like Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I enjoyed picking out each gift and outfit. The hardest part was children whose tubs were empty, no gifts. It reminded me of all the children Eden has helped over the years and it made me glad to be a part of it.  How many children or workers lives would be empty without God's gift of Christ which Eden and it's staff have shared the good news of. The gift of love and relationship is the true reason for our toil. I pray that we here in Zimbabwe, and you, my friends in America never forget that that gift should drive every step of every day.

Raindrops

Well, the rainy season will be here soon. Last night we had raindrops. Nothing much but enough to cool the hot dry air. The clouds have also started to roll in making all of us begin to look toward the sky. Soon enough planting season will be upon us and a whole new set of chores.

Now about my friends. I have had a wonderful time renewing old friendships many of which were rediscovered when I went over to visit the teen girl house. I spent the evening learning Shona, singing, studying the Bible, eating sadza, and sharing stories. It's been great. The girls want me to teach them football (soccer) in exchange for them teaching me netball. I am very ready to learn the new game. I also had the chance to run into a couple of the guys I had met. Peter, one of the guys, was only 12 when I was here before and now he is in high school and very much growing up. It's strange to revisit this place and see the changes 4 and a half years makes. I look forward to making the most of the coming years and seeing the changes in store.

The Container, and old friends

Yesterday the team gathered our strength and set out to tackle the emptying of the container. After daily devos and breakfast we all marched out to begin the task. Now, unloading a semi-size container takes a good deal of time. I have unloaded many tucks and moving vans, and trailers in my life, but never anything this big. It was a hot, long, and rewarding task. 

First, Susan, Jamison, and I opened the doors while we were waiting for the res of the crew. The stuff towered above us. I smiled as a I gazed up at the first thing inside the doors, my mattress! It looked a bit shaking just standing there and as Jamison jumped up onto the container it shook and I saw Jamison's eyes get wide. He said, "woah." He told me there was a bunch of stuff just piled up loose behind it, like a coffee table, end table, large plastic kid toys, among others. He tried to begin unpacking it from the top behind the mattress and as he did it began to fall, I grabbed it and just stood there holding it, the end table, coffee table, and kids toys up waiting for help. Finally, we were able to lower it down with little collateral damage  (the only thing that broke was one of Heidi's dishes). It was a grand way to discover that customs had felt the need to go through everything there. All glory to God for the fact they left it all there and let it come on to Doma. we had lots of fun seeing all the blessings that had been sent Eden's way.

We loaded up trucks African style to transport Ian and Heidi's things to the Kluko house. I, being of an adventurous nature, and not a mom had the opportunity to be a human bungie cord. My job was to stand on the back of the truck and hold down the mattress and box-springs. While in transit a large gust of wind came up as the truck was shifting into second gear. The box-springs lifted of the tuck with the wind and I did my best to hold it down. The gust proved to strong and I just pushed it over my head (while standing on the truck) and it flew down to the road (don't worry mama I am just fine). That was the eventful part of the trip. After that we just stuck it back up there, I resumed my job and we finished transporting the goods.

Later that evening I had the chance to meet up with some friends I had made on my previous visit. I was so happy to see them. They all remembered me as well, which made the reunion even sweeter. More on that later, now I must continue sorting container items!

Settling In

Well, after a 9 hour car ride to DC, 17 hours in the air, and 3 hours driving to Doma Kevin, Susan (the couple who founded Eden Ministries), Ian, Heidi, Mikaya (Ian and Heidi's son), Jamison, Penny, Samuel (Jamison and Penny's son), and I all arrived safely.

The trip itself started out with many tears as we all said our goodbyes to families. As I stood in the ticket line the whole experience felt surreal. The entire process of checking in, security and boarding the first plane went without a hitch. The little ones did very well with the plane ride in spight of us being in the air for 13 hours. In fact little baby Deac (Samuel) did much better than I did with the experience. He slept for 8 of those hours, however, did not sleep a wink and felt exceedingly grumpy when the plane touched down in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The turn around time between flights was only about 45 min, so before we knew it were to taking off again headed for Harare. I am happy to report that I slept 3 hours of the 4 hours flight and it's a good thing to because our day was just starting.

We landed in Harare around 12:30ish. After disembarking and filling out the needed paperwork we went to grab the bags. We found all but one carry on and with as many bags as we had that's a miracle in and of itself. After I sent out with my bags first while Ian filed a missing bag report and Jamison and Penny finished their paperwork. I answered a few questions, then was told I could go. I pushed the baggage cart out into the lobby and looked around for Rory (Eden's Human Resource Director) and Judy (Eden's RN) who were picking us up. I saw Judy and she greeted me with a big hug and kiss. Soon after the rest of the group came out of the baggage area with all there carts of luggage. Together we headed to the trucks and loaded up. Next on the agenda for the day was stocking up on groceries for the next month. Ian and Jamison were on truck gaurding duty as the rest of us pushed our 5 carts toward the store.

Shopping at Barclays in Harare was an interesting experience for sure. First of all, I really don't cook. Second, when I cook it is usually for two people and one meal. Third, most of the products are different companies than in the States so it's hard to know what to get. This all might have been dreadfully overwhelming except Kevin and Susan were with us to help us all along. Nevertheless, I found myself  feeling the jet-lag and even more exhausted after the process. Thankfully it was supper time. We ate at a Zimbabwe version of Burger King called Steers. It was enjoyable and the best part filling. I was definitely ready for it since I chose sleep instead of lunch on the plane. By the way, sleep was the right desicion. When I woke up they all said that lunch had been discusting.

The drive to Doma that evening was gorgeous. The sun set over the mountains and behind the trees. The countryside here really is beautiful. We pulled into the house around 7. After that it was put the groceries away and hit the sack.

Today I woke up to the sound of the Shona children singing before school (we all slept in because of our long journey). The sound echoed off the walls in my room. I love when people sing, and these kids can REALLY sing. It was a fantastic way to start my first day here. The rest of today will be filled with unpacking, resting, and planning out language learning. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts through my travel. Thanks to YHWH's hand all went wonderfully.

The Start Of The Journey

The first sunset I saw in Zimbabwe (2007)

In 2007 I was asked to join a short-term mission team to Zimbabwe Africa. I said yes. Little did I know at that time my decision to join the trip would affect my life in a very powerful way. The team consisted of nine students from Johnson Bible College (now Johnson University). God had already begun to mold my heart with a passion for missions, however, nothing could have prepared me for how He would work in my life that summer. 

For the two weeks before the teams departure I dreamt of a beautiful sunset very night. The sun was radiant as it sunk to the horizon behind the clouds. The glorious scene was reflected in the river making the colors all the more brilliant. Upon our arrival in the small village of Doma where we would be working I took a short walk down the lane toward the river. My breath caught in my throat as I gazed upon the very sunset I had been dreaming of for the previous two weeks.  I sat on the ground in awe of our creator and soaked in the beauty and sensation of wonder. 

My experience with the sunset that first evening in Doma attuned my ears and heart to hear the voice of Jesus for those four weeks. My heart waited, eager to find myself in His presence. One day I took a walk down the lane next to the bean fields. The sun shown bright and I walked at a quick pace thinking about the passage in 1 Peter that admonishes us to, "be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." As I repeated the words over and over in my mind I heard a voice as clear as day say, "slow down." I stopped in my tracks, but just shook my head and started walking again. I heard the voice once again as clear as day. This time I slowed my pace. I know many people hold differing views on how God communicates with us, but I also know that my God controls the entire universe and knows how to speak to my heart effectively. The breeze swept across the fields and I walked slowly enraptured by the feeling of love that had overcome me. Soon we passed some Shona women working in a field and He asked me, "Will you love my people?" I said yes. Little did I know that choice would lead me back to Doma, Zimbabwe four years later.

This story marks the start of my lifeblood journey, the journey to completely and wholly empty my heart of its selfishness and pride and to begin transfusing Christ blood, His heart, mind, and will into every aspect of who I am. I look forward to sharing this journey with you as I begin my ministry in Zimbabwe.