Last month we lived in Zimbabwe. It was the first time that all the teams were completely separate. My team stayed with the Mudenda’s, an African host family. I loved being immersed into their culture and getting to see first hand what regular life is like in Bulawayo. There was Jubilanee- the father and pastor of two churches which we got to visit each Sunday and lead Sunday school classes and share our testimonies at. He was a man full of joy and laughter. He treated us like his own children. Then his wife who we called “Z”- I got very close with her because I would wake up early every morning and make breakfast with her or just talk. She was so sweet and loved to cook traditional Zimbabwe style meals for us.
Then their 3 daughters-
Happiness, 17. She became our best friend. She portrayed her name very well. She has a big heart which she carries on her sleeve, and a big voice which she led church worship with. We stayed up many nights watching movies or talking about life with her.
Rachel, 13. Quietest girl I’ve ever met. But she had such a servants heart and loved to help out her parents or her church, or really anyone who needed anything. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face.
Angel, 6. She was a girl full of energy, affection, and sass. She was like the little sister you never wanted, but secretly did because, how can you not love her?
By the end of the four weeks we spent living with them I felt like I had gained a second family. They will forever have an impression on my heart. I learned so much from them and their passion for God and his people.
For ministry we worked with Hope Ministries. Most days we passed out newspapers full of testimonies of people whose lives changed when they came to know Christ. We went in neighborhoods and got invited into homes to pray with people, build relationships, and share the gospel. We also passed out the papers in town and invited them to our church. I’m pretty sure we passed out at least 6 thousand during our time there. We also visited old people’s homes and squatter camps. We had a Christmas party for 50 orphans. We cooked all day and fed them and then had games set up for them. I learned so much about what it really looks like to imitate Jesus through individual pastors who we did ministry with and became good friends with. I learned how to go out of my comfort zone to speak in front of people and pray for them. I learned that ministry is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and make every thing an opportunity to love and serve as Jesus did.
The beginning of the month held its challenges for me because of the military coup going on, so people were uptight and fearful. We weren’t able to go into the city because our ministry host wanted to make sure we were 100% safe. Also because everything was so different from Nepal so it took a lot of adjustment. But it was a good kind of different because by the end of the month I didn’t want to leave. Africa is such a joyous place. Everyone is always laughing, dancing, and having a good time. I’m so grateful that I get to live here for 4 months. I had a thought the other day that gives me so much peace- Coming on the World Race is truly the best decision I’ve ever made.
