Two More Days

This morning was our last church service.  The service was wonderful.  I love the way the people praise and worship with such passion.  Lori and I joined in the front and loved the dancing.

Groups are called to be prayed for if it's their last service so we went up.  We were given capulanas and then the people, including children, came up and put their hands on us as a prayer was offered.  It's bittersweet because I'm ready to return home yet it'll be hard to say goodbye, especially to the girls and the little ones.  I will not miss the alarm that goes off to wake all at 6 am.

I spent time yesterday in the Nursery.  Victoria and I bonded very well.  As soon as I put her or any one down, they cry and want to be picked up again.  I guess they don't understand there's only one of me.

So much to share but I must end here.  This has indeed been "Wini's Grand Adventure."

Second Week

The second week of my visit to Zimpeto has been great.  The routine is familiar, the hot water is back and the visitors have bonded very well.

Team Norman from OK left Wed.  Renate from Switzerland departs Friday, along with Laura and Heather from OH.  We say goodbye to Rebecah from Canada on Monday and Corinna from UK flies out next Thursday.  Daniel and Cristelle from South Africa drive back Sunday.

Our other roommates, Narae and Betty (Korea) will be here for another 2weeks.  Then there's Garrett from CO who just arrived. You can see the international flavor of the Center.  All love God and have many reasons forcoming.

Last Friday night an 11 year old Girl passed away from bacterial meningitis.  It's been very sad for the older girls who lived with Elena.  The laughter is returning slowly.

After a few days of "off limits" to the Baby House because of the medical incident, a few of us were glad to return yesterday. They are very precious and the minute they see you, they raise their hands to be picked up.  (Matt 18:10)

I love teaching with Lori.  She is amazing!  The girls love working on the projects and learn quickly.  Many thanks for your prayers and for sharing my adventure.   (Photo of kids in Baby House)

Boccaria and African Church

The visit to the Boccaria on Friday was quite an experience.  The dump is constantly smoking at the top and there are people searching for things (like aluminum) to bag to sell.

Our team went up to the top to talk and pray for anyone.  The highlight of this was meeting a group of boys (11-15) who said they were out of school for the day.  They were looking for food for the pigs.  The oldest one said they were all believers and that he accepted Christ through Mama Aida (Heidi Baker).  They then shared their dreams:  doctor, professor, etc.  Our guide, Calisto, shared that he also had lived there and so was able to give them hope.  We prayed for them.

I went to the bazaar yesterday (Sat) and found the vendors polite, unlike the Open Market in Victoria Falls. Our ride home took 2 hours because of road construction.  It's normally 25 minutes.  We were rear ended but it appears to have  caused no damage.

Today church service was interesting.  A group was invited to the front and they sing and dance to the music. Very lively!

The children hunger for touch and we love on them.  They are blessed to be cared for here in the Center.  Pictures of Olga with her completed wall hanging and kids on the way to church.

Happy Dad's Day, Joel!

Exciting Wednesday

Cool nights.  Warm sun. Cold showers. Warm hearts.  Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I visited the Baby House on Wednesday and was so touched. The children range in age from 1-4 years. I fed Igor, who just started walking.  We repeated "yummy" throughout dinner.  There is a special needs boy Alfredo.  We held hands as I stroked his face.  Then there's Carmenia (10) who is mentally challenged.  I love teaching the girls sewing.  They are lovely and so excited to learn.    

Tomorrow I plan to go to the Boccaria (dump).  I hope not to shed too many tears.
Internet is Mon and Thurs so who knows when I'll post again.  Thanks for your prayers.

Zimpeto\1

Hello All,
 We made it to the Children's Center last night around 7:15 after landing in Maputo about 6pm. This place is like a camp so I have a lot of adjusting to do.  It is absolutely incredible and perhaps I'll have more time later.

Wini

Goodbye, Victoria Falls

Last night when we returned to our room there was a mosquito net over the bed.  Quite the experience but good initiation for what's ahead in Zimpeto.  We walked to town to a fabric shop (surprise?) named "Threads" this morning after a yummy breakfast buffet.  Of course, we bought African fabric. 

I have really enjoyed our time in Zimbabwe and look forward to the next two weeks.  Hope you are enjoying reading these stories.  We also were told that there are orphanages here in Victoria Falls.  Who knows what God has in mind for us?

Last Day in Zimbabwe

Today is our last day in Victoria Falls. We had to change hotels and are in Victoria Falls Hotel tonight. It's an older and beautiful hotel. From the terrace we can see the spray from the falls.

This is a picture of a baobab tree which is over 1,500 years old. Cream of tartar is made from the sap from the leaves. There is a fence around it to protect it from elephants who strip the bark for water. Many other uses but too many to describe.

Tomorrow we will fly to Mozambique via Johannesburg to join the community at Zimpeto Children's Center. I'm a little nervous about what I'll see but Lori assures me that I will enjoy the children and be loved by them. I believe this is my mission and have no doubt this experience will change my heart. As you know, I don't know how much internet access I'll have so don't be surprised if the postings are scarce.