We’ve now been in Zimbabwe a little over a week, so I just wanted to give a little update on what’s been happening.
We left Bulgaria on August 28 as a squad to make our way to Zimbabwe. Just before that, we had our 2nd team change- so I am now longer with the Pearls. I am now on Team Fearless, which consists of 5 new ladies that I am excited to do life with and get to know better.
Sara, Leah, Emily, Malia, Me, Maggie
Malia led this painting project we did at one of the elderly homes we visited this week.
When leaving Bulgaria, our squad of 50 took a metro to the airport and then flew (obviously) to South Africa with a quick layover in Qatar. Once we landed in Johannesburg, we spent the day in the airport until it was time to leave on a bus. Most of our squad then bussed 16 hours to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Once in Bulawayo, my team bussed another 6 hours to where we are now located in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. Only a total of 58.5 hours of travel!
Travel day selfie
This month we are partnered with Youth For Christ-Zimbabwe. This is an organization that has partnered with World Race teams before, but we are a first time team for this location. Ministry includes a variety of things. So far, we have visited 2 local homes for the elderly to help with cleaning, cooking, and just visiting. We have visited a local orphanage to hear about their vision (which is incredible…a whole blog on that will follow soon) and to organize games, songs, and Bible stories for the kids. The rest of the month will include similar visits, organizing Bible studies for youth, encouraging groups of women, visiting schools, etc. This month gives us the privilege of interacting with and learning from a wide range of people in the area and opportunities to minister to different parts of the population.
CHAMPIONS program
Zimbabwe has been such a sweet time already and we are looking forward to all that the Lord has for us here. Coming to Africa has been a dream of mine for a while, and it’s definitely stolen a piece of my heart already.
Off-day trip to the caves
Thanks to you all, I am FULLY FUNDED! Your support has been phenomenal and I would not be having these experiences without YOU! However,there are still plenty of opportunities and need to help support me with misc. personal living expenses and funds for me to use to bless the ministries and people I’m working with. The race has proven to require more personal funds than I had intended for ministry wardrobe purchases, equipment, food, and in being able to bless others. Pray about how and if the Lord would have you partner with me in this way! If you are interested in helping me with this, send me a message or you can donate through https://www.paypal.me/SylviaBarrett.
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