So far we’ve been in Africa for almost a month and it’s shocking. Zimbabwe is so much different than I pictured it to be- by far the nicest place we have been to so far on the Race. There are paved roads and supermarkets and malls and big gated houses- nothing like I was told Africa wild have been like. It’s been amazing and I absolutely love it. Everyone is so kind and friendly and SO intrigued that we’re Americans. This month we’ve had the privilege to be working at an orphanage. At the orphanage there are about 25 children, all of who have been either abandoned or rescuers from abusive homes. These children are all amazing, full of energy, and so optimistic. We work and help the house mothers a lot including helping with laundry (hand washing clothes and hanging up laundry), helping the in kitchen (washing dishes and cooking), and helping with the kids (playing with them, taking them to mommy & me music, picking them up form school, etc). I can honestly say I have never been more grateful for a washing machine and dishwasher. We’re with the kids all the time and take them on mini field trips on the weekend. The first weekend here we took them to ride motorbikes with guys at a park, then last weekend they had a huge christmas party that got busted by a huge monsoon. 🙂 I love spending every day with them and love making relationships with each one of the crazy children. They are some strong and tough kids and they inspire me even when they’re acting insane.
This month we also had THANKSGIVING!!!! I loved spending Thanksgiving in Africa and trying to explain it to all the locals including our hosts. I am so grateful for my life and the opportunities I’ve been blessed with. This past weekend a few of us went on a rhino walk where we tracked down a family of rhinos in the wild and walked alongside them to a water hole. I have never felt so blessed especially because they are an endangered species and they might not be around when my children are born. I have so much to be grateful for this month and although it was hard being away from home, there is nowhere else I’d rather be.
We leave in a week and a half for Zambia where we will be paired up with 2-3 more girls for ministry. I am so excited to see what next month holds as well as these last few days.
Thank you so much to everyone that has been supporting me financially and through prayer! It means the world to me to have your support! I still have a little under $4,000 to raise before December 30th! If you feel led to donate please do so through my blog! I cannot thank you enough for your support!
xoxo,
skyler
