As I write this sitting on a couch in Kiev, Ukraine, thinking back to my time in Zimbabwe I feel a deep ache. Within me there is a longing to return. Zimbabwe was a very special month that rejuvenated my spirit. Every Saturday morning I would wake up around 5 a.m. to begin my bible study, finding comfort and peace in the solitude. Enthralling is the word I would use to describe the sunrise. The early morning fog hovered over the small lake and surrounding land, and the sun would rise in the misty backdrop inspiring feelings of awe and felicity. During these moments God revealed his glory through both the word and nature; two separate and different books our Abba uses to display His eminence and majesty.
Zimbabwe is indisputably my favorite month on the race. There were such a wide variety of ministry activities we were able to partake in and I found joy in each one. I even enjoyed painting despite my strong dislike of said activity. It gets everywhere people! Some of the ministry activities were making garden beds (the old fashion way), painting several homes, organizing a warehouse of clothes, and learning how to make compost. Every Wednesday evening we would eat dinner at one of the homes of the village people. This was an exciting opportunity to meet more of the villagers and orphans. Getting to play with the orphans was a blast. We played tag, threw the Frisbee, and played several local games.
Before I go any further I best explain more about Eden: Children’s Village. Kevin and Susan Fry started the ministry around twenty years ago. Primary purpose is to save and care for the forgotten children of Zimbabwe, orphans. When I arrived at the village I was shocked by how developed it is. They have done a phenomenal job providing a home for the children. Every home has one or two adults looking after and caring for the children. Another plus is that the children are given a very good education. Many go to college and perform well. I spoke with a young man named Victor who is going to university in the United States. Once he finished his major his desire was to come back to Africa and be a warrior for Christ. Through Abba’s grace Victor will go on to do great things for the kingdom.
It is not just a village full of orphans. They employ around 140 people and provide meals for around 800 people each day. They actually help provide for and run a village! I thought this as pretty awesome! It is amazing just how much food they grow in their gardens, fields of crop, and also livestock. They have a lot of chickens! Abba continues to bless the ministry and they continue to grow. They also provide a clinic with two nurses and who serve the needs of thousands of people. While I was there they were nearly completed with the new clinic. It was unique because it is built out of containers. These containers were much nicer than the one in the Philippines.
I could write for days about my time in Zimbabwe. The only problem is that I truly dread writing and blogging! Thankfully I will be in America soon to actually tell people about my experiences! Cannot wait to see everyone!
