Greetings from Zimbabwe! A few weeks ago our squad landed in Africa and made our way to Zimbabwe after several long days of travel. My team specifically has been located in Victoria Falls, which is a huge blessing to live right next to a seven wonder of the world for a month. We have been living in a small house with about a dozen other people, some how we have made it work, it has actually ended up being pretty cozy.
We cook our own meals during the week and spend most our time in town on the weekends. I have discovered that I actually really enjoy cooking, we made it fun by rotating people every night and letting that pair surprise the rest by making whatever they wanted. We live with a few young guys who are a part of “Youth for Christ.” We go to schools in the earlier part of the day and do songs, messages, skits, and spend time with the students and then in the afternoon we play soccer until about dark with many people from the community.
I have felt very at home here this month, maybe its perhaps because I am living in a home for the first time since leaving home. The guys we live and work with are also similar to the people I hang out with back home, some good Christian dudes that like sports, hanging out just having a good time. Also, they’re mostly only cars on the road here instead of a sea of motto’s like much of South East Asia.
When we walk down the street here we usually here voices calling out from the houses “Ma kewa”(I think I spelled that right) followed by little children running after us. The word simply means “white people.” The children as well as many others in the community are very excited to have people from a foreign land come and spend time with them.
Riding back in a taxi/bus the other night the driver already knew who we were he said “Oh yes my daughter wouldn’t stop talking about the Ma Kewa’s she got to see at School.” It’s encouraging to hear this, because sometimes you don’t realize the difference you are making in others life until you hear what goes on behind the scenes, it encourages you to persevere in doing good regardless of the results.
The other day after soccer we got to talk and pray with some of the Kids and afterwards. The two kids I was with were not surprisingly shy. One did open up that his mom is not feeling well, I found out earlier that day that particular kids mom has HIV. It Made me sad to think of all that he is probably dealing with yet he still shows up to soccer everyday(and out plays us haha).
But after we prayed and just sat around in silence waiting to figure out what everyone else is doing next, he turned to me and very quietly said “Ethan, can I ask you a question?” I said “yes of course.” He asked “Why did you leave America? And come to Zimbabwe?” I could tell in his voice he was implying that America has everything and Zimbabwe doesn’t have much, why would anyone care to leave something the world see’s as significant for something the world sees as insignificant? In short, I looked at him and said “For kids like you.”
A lot of people here are very intrigued by the U.S.A. Almost like why would anyone leave the “Promise Land.” I love America, and yes a higher standard of living, more economic opportunity, better overall needs and luxuries is nice, but it isn’t where our peace is. Our peace is rooted Christ, whether you’re the richest person in the world or the poorest, we all have the same problem, were separated from God because of sin. We also have the same solution: Jesus Christ. The redemption he brings, the life, the peace. May we not put our faith in anything else but Jesus.
This is what my prayer request is above all else, for the peace of God in my heart. That is my prayer for all of you as well, what more could we ask for?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
