Zimbabwe has been a whirlwind of AWESOME. We are living 30km outside of the major city Bulawayo at a camp.
Ministry our first week looked like spending Monday fasting and praying for Youth for Christ as a team. This was such an incredible time of coming together as sisters and brothers in Christ from two different continents and partnering in prayer as we fervently prayed for the youth in Bulawayo, our families, and our futures. Next, we spent the rest of the first week working on reconstructing an obstacle course. We spent the week recreating old obstacles, macheting down tall African grass, digging out trees, burning down bee hives (the locals did this part), and painting signs for each part of the course.
Our next week consisted of 80+ middle school aged kids! We found out that we were in fact about to not only be a part of the camp, but camp counselors who got to lead sessions! I was blessed to be a leader of 11 cute kiddos. We were called the Orange bandits. These kids went to a private school and many of them already were diving deep with the Lord. It was such a sweet experience to walk alongside these kids and learn what it looked like to me a middle school aged kid in Zim. These kids struggle with the same issues many of us did in middle school: comparison, cliques, insecurities, family issues, etc. Getting to hear their struggles and speak into them was a blessing from the Lord.
As we finished camp and said goodbye to our kiddos we couldn’t help but feel said. Although we were beyond exhausted and ready for a break we already missed the sweet prescence of each one of the kids. I never was a camp counselor at a camp for a summer, but this time in Zim was a sweet look into what many high school and college aged kids dedicate their entire summers to. Bravo to those of you who have done that or continue to be camp counselors!
As of right now, I am sitting in a cafe in Vic Falls spending our off day enjoying one of the natural wonders of the world. (pictures to come).
I can’t believe month 9 is already coming to an end in a few short days. We head into our final LDW on friday and then travel to Swazi where we meet up with our parents for five days.
As this journey comes to an end in two short months, I can’t help but be in awe of all of the incredible moments that have happened over this past year. God has moved mountains, shifted atmospheres, opened hearts, and brought new life. All of which I’ve gotten to take part in as God leads me through this epic journey. I’m beginning to “process” the race and all that God has been teaching me and I am beginning to understand that I won’t be the same person who lands in the US in November. Forever changed and wrecked by what God has done in my heart and the hearts of every single person around me.
I haven’t done a great job of explaining everything that has happened on the race or what I am experiencing out here, but I can’t wait to share it in person when I get home.
Remember that God loves you so much and that there is nothing that separates you from Him.
Until Next Time,
Michelle
(photos to come from camp, Vic Falls, and more!)
