More Pictures!!!

It is a common sight to see women carrying baskets, bags, etc. on their head! Wow!
Also, to hold hands is a sign of friendship. These women are holding hands, but also men hold hands too.

To the far right is a little girl named Angela. She is 20 months old. She was abandoned at the hospital and Hands of Hope has raised her there at Fern Road. She is full of personality! She is beginning to talk and will repeat words- but her favorite to say is her own name!

This young man is Tinashe (tin-ah-she). He and his friends worked very hard with us to finish the chicken run. He wanted to give Ken a high five after completing the job.

This little boy's name is Tonderai. He is precious.

Here is a funny, random picture. Notice the 3 men on the truck!!

At Fern Rd, they do laundry by hand and a clothesline to dry the clothes. Here are the uniforms hanging. The Aunties also iron each piece of clothing. The children have many chores to help, including hanging the clothes, sweeping the dirt, cleaning, etc.

Fern Road

Friends and family,

We finished our project at Fern Road yesterday- the chicken run! We finished with time to spare and enjoyed a friendly game of volleyball with the older kids at Fern Rd.

Here is a pic of the finished product:

This morning we are going to Goshen Farm! We look forward to seeing the children there- all preschool age- and also more of the beauty of Zimbabwe. It is a distance from the city and there is no electricity there. It will be like camping for us.

Sara would like to tell her sister Laurie HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! and that she is thinking of you! Laurie donated hand warmers to our team and we plan to use those warmers out at Goshen.

Here are some updated prayer requests for us:

*Team Unity- we are presently on Day 5 in the country and the reality of being here is setting in. The culture is different, the food, the accomodations are great- but different from home. The situation of the children is heartbreaking. All these combined and typically hit a person around Day 4 and 5. Please pray for us that we are sensitive to the needs of our teammates. Phil. 4: 6-8

*Children's situations- As I mentioned above, the orphans situation is difficult to swallow. One million is a low estimate of the orphans in Zimbabwe alone. Hands of Hope is doing an amazing work here caring for them, loving them and creating a family for them. The situation in Zimbabwe, however, is difficult. The employment rate is 10%. Life has improved dramatically in the past 3 years, but there is much poverty and need. To our human heart and our American eyes, this is very difficult. Please pray God would teach us through this and that we would trust Him with the situation.

*Health- David is sick with a cold. Josh has had a fever. Emily is not sleeping well. Becky's neck is sore. Ken, Sara and I are fine though! Please pray for God's strength and healing hand. Praise that Ken, Sara and I are healthy and sleeping well!

*Balance- we are here for a goal and for productivity- but we are also here to minister and love the people of Zim. Please pray we would find a balance in each situation.

Thank you dear friends and family. A follower of our blog commented that we need to not take any minute for granted! We are trying to do that- thank you for the reminder!

Nda Tienda! (thank you in Shona!)

Katie

Picture Time!

Sunday before Church

We are staying at a beautiful house with unbelievable landscaping, a courtyard, swimming pool and beautiful sights. Previously, it belonged to the Catholic church. Sadly, it has not been kept up, but is now being maintained by the Hands of Hope. It is another home for orphans and we hope soon that it will be filled with the pitter patter of little feet.

This is a typical way to travel here in Zim.
The children were transported back to their homes after church.

Sweet faces of the children of Zimbabwe

Those of you who were here last year and in previous years will recognize two children- William is in the orange sweater and Judith is in the blue sweater! They are huggable and lovable as ever!

Tuesday in Zimbabwe

Good Morning friends,
[this is Katie]
Today Ken and I woke up early to go for a little run. It was fun to see the bustling going on around the house - especially the children walking in their uniforms to school. Their faces showed surprise at the white runners but also some curiosity and friendliness too.

Yesterday, project-wise, we were able to clear a good portion of an old shed out and also clear a large area in the yard for a volleyball court. There were about 5 Zim boys- young men really- who helped us the entire afternoon. The holes were dug for the volleyball poles and cement poured in. We may actually be able to play a game today!

While the boys worked hard in the yard, the ladies took some books and bubbles and found where the children were. They read to us in English and read very well! Some older girls sang a song to Becky that was very moving for them and for her. I'll let her share some about it...

(from Becky) The girls sang a sweet, sweet song from their hearts about drawing near to Christ and that being near to Him is really all we ever need. As they sang they drew up into a small circle all around me and several of them were visibly moved by what they were singing. I thought that if they can truly understand the truth of Jesus, they will be more blessed than most of the world, despite their circumstances. What a blessed memory!.

***It's Sara****We had such a great time at the Fern Homes again yesterday and are getting ready to head out again this morning. It was exciting to see the volleyball nets going up and begin clearing out the area for the chicken coop. How rewarding to spend time with the precious kids again. Nearly indescribable. Hey, Chip and Diona, this is for you....I grabbed William as soon as possible and didn't think he remembered me, but hugged him so hard and said, "William!!! Do you remember CHIPO? And Miss Diona????" And he got the HUGEST smile on his face!!!! It was so sweet!!!! He looked so happy and he just glowed and grinned. I wish you could have seen it but I know you can imagine it. I am hugging him bunches on your behalf. XO! ****

PS It has been a delight to us to watch our team step up to challenges and make things happen! David spoke on behalf of us at church; Emily shared a song with the children at Glenmore; Ken shared his story to a group of children; Becky is seeking out the older children and teens. We are honored to be here with them!

Also- wish we could upload pics.. no luck today..

Church and Kid's Homes

Sunday morning we awoke rested and refreshed. Sadly, David got word that his mother had passed away while we were traveling. Please keep his family in your prayers. His mother had been ill for some time, but the news is never easy. He may write something later this week.
We went to church at 11 and enjoyed music, dancing and prayer Zimbabwe style. It was quite charismatic but I enjoyed it very much. [I come from a Catholic background- you can imagine the difference in the two styles of worship!]
We then went to visit 3 different homes- at each home the kids introduced themselves and then sang songs for us. We had a tour of each home and met the aunties.
I'm getting the "LET'S GO!" from Jephat- and need to run!

BUT,
last night we visited and had a wonderful meal with the Goppert's and Doyle's. They are missionaries here and relatives to our dear Everswick's. Try as we might, Joyce Goppert, Lynn Everswick's sister, could not recall any funny childhood memories about Lynn!!

Today we separated our donations and organized them. We are headed ot Fern Road homes to get moving on a chicken run and the volleyball courts. The weather is overcast and cool.

Thank you for your prayers and love
Katie

We've Arrived!

Friends and Family-
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf! After a wild start in Greensboro, where we almost missed our flight because of a boarding pass error, each subsequent stop was routine. We were pleasantly surprised with Ethiopian Air- they gave us 3 different (and tasty) meals, snacks and drinks. In addition, pillows, blankets, sleeping mask, socks and tooth brush/tooth paste was provided to us.
We arrived in Harara, Zimbabwe around 2 in the afternoon, Zim time. Our bodies are telling us that it's been waaaaay too long since we've been in the horizontal, sleeping position. The weather is cool and pleasant, only requiring a light jacket or sweater.
Tonight we will have dinner with Glenn Miller, the president of Hands of Hope, and visit with various people in the ministry at Shalom House. We have met 5 orphans already, ranging from 3 to 10 years old. They are precious and have contagious smiles.
David has taken on the duties of driver, and he was successful on a short trip. Josh, Sara and I rode in the truck bed while the rest of the team rode in the truck. It was a little bumpy, but real fun!
Thank you again for your prayers!
Love,
Katie

***************
Hi from Emily!
We have arrive after over 24 hours of travel. As Katie said, Ethiopian Air fed us well, but we were certainly ready to be on solid ground when we arrived. Even in winter, Zimbabwae is beautiful. For the next couple of days we will stay in Harare, working on projects here, but tomorrow we will go to church with Jephat. I am looking forward to participating in their worship service!
Today we have looked at the gardens they have here and picked up avacados that have fallen from the trees. There are other teams from other areas working here also. We have met many people already!
Thanks for your prayes on our behalf!!

Emily

****************
Greetings from David
It feels great to be cool. Everyone has made us feel very welcome. The teams faith was tested as I drove them here to the office from Shalom house. It's fun to (legally) drive on the wrong side of the road.
Japhat is already talking to me about maintanence and building projects.
Thanks for all your prayers,
David

****************
Hello from Sara....It's surreal to be back in Zim. So thankful to everyone for your prayers. Our flights went great. I am realizing how much I have missed Zimbabwe. It is so amazing to be reunited with Uncle Jeph, Gari, Farayi, and their wives...and now the two new babies. And Rezina too! They are such a blessing and encouragement to us. We've already seen a few of the kids....and we can't wait to spend more time with them. Keep praying. Thank you for your support!
****************
Wow!! So good to stretch the legs and meet gracious folks here at the Harare Airport. We have already seen great gardens overlfowing with herbs and vegetables grown in small areas to feed the orphans and met other visiting helpers. We will stay in the Shalom house tonight and get acclamated to our surroundings where poinsettias and tropical flowers grow wild on the roadsides and the sky is deep blue and wide open. God bless you for your prayers and support. We will update this blog as we are able...........Becky
**************
We are here at the Hands of Hope office letting people know we made it safely! Long 24 hour flight including layovers and we made it safely but are tired and ready to eat and get some sleep. Spending some time meeting the staff and families and kids......Ken
**************
Alright everyone, I'm last on the blog post! We are here, with no sickness, missed flights, and just a slight delay. Thanks for all your prayers and we love you!.......Josh

Packing Party!

Thank you for praying for us as we packed tonight! We are each taking two 50 pound bags (we are also allowed one 15 pound carry-on) filled with camping supplies, toys, "sweets," shoes, clothes, sporting equipment, and other supplies. We are thankful for everyone who has donated items and we trust these items will be a blessing to those who receive them. Please pray that Christ will be revealed as these gifts are distributed. Looking forward to departing in a little over 24 hours....

Kids!

Here are some pictures of the precious children we will have the privilege of loving while in Zim. The top picture is a favorite of mine- the excitement and joy- is captured in their sweet faces.

The bottom picture was taken at a feeding station. Hands of Hope feeds over 500 children per day- the white food on their plate is called Sadza. It is similar to grits and is a staple food in the country. Notice the young lady at the bottom left of the photo. Too cute.

Zimbabwe Construction Team 2010

Emily & David Hinshaw, Becky O'Hare, Josh & Katie Morin, Sara Rogers, Ken Bailey

We are excited to be leaving in 1 week! Plane leaves Greensboro at 6:15am- feel free to come early and pray with us before we board the plane! ;) If not, pray from the comfort of your home- we appreciate it so much!

Finishing Things Up

I know we haven't posted anything on the blog since Saturday. Unfortunately, the Hands of Hope office didn't have Internet for the remaining time that we were there. So let's finish up the blog now....a little late is better than never!

Saturday - After blogging early in the morning, we set out to visit as many homes as possible. At one time, the group even split up so that more children could be seen. Cameron, Lauren and Woody went back to the Presbyterian Home and played soccer while Jessica, Kathryn, Rachel and Lori went to the small home in Rugare and worked on crafts. We then went to visit Runyayaro where we spent time sharing stores, making bracelets and just hanging out with the children.

Sunday - We went to a different church (Church of the Nazarine in Highfield) where Cameron preached another message. The people there were so kind! We had an amazing service and really felt the spirit of the Lord. After church, we came home to eat a quick bite and then met the children who once lived in Shalom (the home where we had been living.) The children have since been removed because of faulty paperwork. We prayed with them and asked God to help the paperwork go through smoothly so that these precious children can move back. Sunday night was wonderful! We had the opportunity to go out to eat with all of the Hands of Hope workers and their families. It was a great way to thank them for the trip and everything that had done for us while we were there.

Monday - We left early in the morning to spend our last day at Balley Vaughn - a game park where we rode elephants, saw lions, zebras, elands, wilder beasts, monkeys, water buffalo and so much more! We were able to view God's beauty in the scenery and felt so pampered by the owners Debbie and Gordon. The food, fellowship and friendships made were absolutely amazing.

Tuesday - We made it to the airport at about lunch and boarded our plane at 1:30. After 30 hours in transit, 5 planes and a few layovers, we finally made it home.

We all decided that leaving was bittersweet - we were happy to come home, but we all agreed that each one of us left a little bit of our heart in Zimbabwe.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and comments during our trip. We love you all and are happy to be called servants of the Lord to Hands of Hope Ministries in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Zim Team '10

Good Saturday Morning!!

Since the children were in school and the church at Rugare was having a conference, our team decided that we would inflate the economy just a little. That's right...we went shopping! It was so much fun! Imagine a HUGE flea market with tons of hand-made crafts, wood carvings and paintings. We all had a really good time and found some treasures to bring back with us as a remembrance of Zimbabwe.

After our shopping adventure, we made a quick stop at the church in Rugare. Pastor Henry's mother-in-law is suffering from gall stones and needs surgery. Please pray that they can get the funds they need. Also pray that her pain be alleviated while they're waiting. After we left the church, we went back to the Presbyterian Home where we fellowshipped once more with the children by watching some of the World Cup, painting a craft and eating some sweets.

Today we are going to hit up as many homes as possible so that we can visit with the children one more time.

Zim Team '10

Hello!

Hello Again! Let's try to get everyone up to speed with what we've been doing for the last couple of days... After spending the morning at Rugare's feeding station on Wednesday, we then went to Hillside Home where the girls decorated purses and the boys decorated visors. We sang songs, passed out baggies for the children and had a wonderful time. The boys even had time to sneak in a quick game of soccer.

Our Thursday has been filled with fun and love at Goshen Farm - a home made up of 17 children between the ages of 2-5. It was amazing listening to the children sing songs, recite poetry and pray. We even taught them some new songs such as: Old McDonald Had a Farm, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Who is the King of the Jungle and a few more. We also played Duck, Duck, Goose, Follow the Leader and Simon Says. Every child there received a pair of shoes! Thanks so much to those who donated! We even got to leave several books, bags of candy, stuffed animals and bubbles. Each of us had the opportunity to plant a tree while we were there as well. We can't even begin to describe how much fun we had today!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to work with and love on these precious children.

Zim Team '10