Saying goodbye to Zimbabwe and the children at the orphanage was one of the hardest and saddest things I’ve had to do yet on the race. Those children made such a big impact on my life. After spending 5 days a week (at least), 8 hours a day with them, you could say we got pretty close. These are some of the most energetic and lively children I’ve ever met. Regardless of what they have gone through, they are full of life. Hearing some of their stories was heartbreaking whether it be related to abuse or abandonment. They have been rescued from these terrible situations, but it breaks my heart to think about how many children are still out there in those situations, without a guardian angel yet. The children we worked with are so lucky to have been rescued and I am so happy that they were and that they are in a better place now. In Zimbabwe, education is not free. The workers were blown away when we told them that, not only is education free in America, but it is law that we go. The orphanage is fortunate enough to be able to send all of their kids to school regardless of the cost, its sad that not everyone in Zimbabwe can say that. All day we would play with the kids, help the super sweet staff with kitchen and laundry, and get to know the people there. The staff was amazing to say the least; they were full of life and had so much to teach us. One guy that grew up at the orphanage and now works there became like a brother to all of us. His story is devastating yet encouraging. He taught us so much about strength and perseverance and I pray that one day he will be able to make it to America and that he receives the blessings in his life that he so desperately deserves.
The children are forever on my heart. The older girl there is 10 and is the oldest by about 3 years. My heart breaks for her. She is a sweet, shy, loving girl that deserves nothing less than the world. She cares so deeply about all the younger children and takes care of them without question. She knows more about hardship than I probably ever will, but lets on so little about her rough life. It is so difficult for me to understand what it is like for her because at that age I don’t know what I would have done without my mom. My mom, even if I didn’t realize it at the time, was so crucial in my life at age 10. Although she is surrounded by wonderful adults that care about her and love her, it will never be the same as having that one mom that you got o for everything, that is your everything. It breaks my heart. The other children there also made a deep impact on my life. They taught me about love. Every day when the older kids got home from school, one kid would run over to be and just want to be hugged. It was such a subconscious reaction for him that he didn’t even know what he was doing. The kids there would seek out love constantly to make up for the lack of it they had with their biological families, whether they had been with them for 2 days or 8 years- the knowledge of abandonment doesn’t leave. They taught me the power of love is so much more than just a gift or taking someone out to get food, just showing someone simple love could mean the world to them. One little girl there was the more energetic and unique kid and swear if I ever have a kid, they are going to be just like her. Each and every one of these children hold such a strong place in my heart and I will never forget them.
On an adventure note: I SAW ELEPHANTS! For those of you who knows me this was literally a huge dream come true! A few of us got the opportunity to go to Antelope Park and go on a few adventures. We went on a horseback safari where we saw giraffe, zebras, and wildebeest. Then we went and saw elephants and got to interact with them and play soccer with them and feed them! It was amazing!! They are much larger than I imagined yet so much more gentle and caring than I expected. Last thing we did was… walk with LIONS! We got to pet them and walk with them to a watering hole and then to where they sleep! It was amazing! Literally a dream come true!
I had the time of my life in Zimbabwe and definitely want to go back. It is such a friendly and welcoming country; it was the first place I’ve been while traveling that felt like home. I miss the people and the kids and the ministry and our host more than I can describe. Thank you Zimbabwe for an amazing month and thank you so much to all my supporters for giving me these opportunities!
XOXO,
Skyler
