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.

Safari in Chobe National Park

Today we traveled about an hour's drive to Botswanna to go on safari. We spent the morning on the river looking at the animals living in or near the Chobe River. This park covers 11,000 sq. miles so you can see we covered just a tiny portion. For lunch we ate at the Safari Lodge and I actually tried impala, which looks like beef but very chewy. (Last night at dinner Lori offered me a piece of crocodile meat from her Caesar salad and I found it tasted salty and like fish. Of course, I ordered my salad with chicken.)

In the afternoon, our Jeep took us over dirt roads in the park where we saw many animals. I've learned the common phrase is to hopefully see the Big Five: elephant, lion, water buffalo, rhino, and leopard. We managed to see the first three but not a leopard and the rhinos have been relocated to a sanctuary because of poachers.

We have gone to the open market to see the local vendors that sell the same items. Some names of vendors: Chicago Bulls, Below Basement, LA Lakers, etc. It was very amusing. There are what I call "hello" people who get in your face and try to sell you cheap stuff and they are very irritating. Thus far, I'm enjoying the sights and sounds of this city. Hopefully, I can find out how to add photos.

God's Beautiful Creation

Today we hiked around Victoria Falls National Park for half a day. We were escorted by two tourist police named Innocent and Precious to the entrance because there are animals roaming the area. For instance, in the early morning and late night, elephants come into the city and some have attacked and killed people which is unusual. Citizens are warned to stay off the streets after dark.

The Falls are indescribable because of the power and beauty one sees. We had to put on rented vinyl raincoats because of the spray from below. Of course, there was a shop we had to visit and drop US$ in.

I hope that when you read this you will want to learn more about Africa. It is simply another way of God showing his majesty and love for people.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

After flying 15 hours from JFK to Johannesburg, So. Africa, we were so tired; but we managed to gather strength from each other to shop in the airport. Wow, what fun! We saw this African quilt in the mall. Now that we are energized, we fly 1.5 hours to Victoria Falls. We haven't really seen the Falls yet (just rainbow and mist from our hotel). Tomorrow we will walk from our hotel to the Falls and spend as much time as needed to see this wonder of the world (larger than Niagara). Hopefully, I'll learn how to add a picture from the camera. It's problematic because we are using the hotel's computer. I find great enjoyment being with these two sisters, Lori and Alison.

On Saturday we are going on a safari! Keep you guessing and will post later.

Wini's Grand Adventure

On June 7 Lori, her sister Allison and I will travel to Mozambique to volunteer at the Zimpeto Childrens Center operated by Iris Ministries. Lori and I will teach the girls, ages 10-18, sewing/quilting skills. Allison will be teaching at the Bible school located in the compound.

Done

Today marked the end of our organized tour. Tomorrow we leave for home. We will treasure the memories for years to come.

Yesterday we visited Bethlehem, the West Wall of Jerusalem (Wailing Wall), the site of the Last Supper (also the site of Pentecost as described in Acts 2), the market place where Jesus chased out the unscrupulous money changers, plus much more.

Today we visited the childhood home of John the Baptist, the Via Delarosa (route Jesus took from His trial to crucifixion), and the pool of Bethesda where He healed the cripple. Our last stop was Golgotha and the Garden Tomb where we had Communion, led by Roger.

It was an excellent journey.

Finally Jerusalem

Today, Thursday, we left the Dead Sea for Jerusalem. Enroute, we stopped at the old fortress of Masada which has become a symbol of Jewish resistance to tyranny. Wini and I had our picture taken at the Northern Palace on the lower level. It is a gondola ride to the top but I decided to take the 20 minute hike down on a fairly steep "Snake Path". We then continued to Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives where we could see the Old City and Temple Mount below us. Of course, Temple Mount is dominated by the Muslim golden "Dome of the Rock." We also visited Gethsemane and other nearby sites. Pretty amazing!

The Baptism of John and of Roger

Roger was asked to baptize several of our tour members in the Jordan River south of the Sea of Galilee. This was an extraordinary experience and the memory will be treasured for a lifetime. Our day ended at the Dead Sea with the obligatory salt water float. Wini got a little carried away but she seemed to be enjoying herself. On the drive from Galilee to the Dead Sea we made stops at Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered) and Beth Shean (an old Roman city and the ancient Philistine city where King Saul's head was displayed after the defeat of Israel).

Storm on the Sea of Galilee

We got caught in a squall, with wind and rain, as our boat crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Reminds me of a story I heard a long time ago. Fortunately, by the time we reached the other shore, the sun was out and we had another beautiful day.

Places we saw today included the "Jesus Boat", a two thousand year old boat that was recently excavated; Golan Heights and Caesarea Philipi; site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes; site of the Sermon on the Mount; Capernaum. Caesarea Philippi was where Jesus told Peter "Upon this rock I will build my church." I picked up a small rock there and slipped it into my pocket as a reminder.

We are having a great time.

Egypt Reminisce

A word about Egypt since I was unable to get Internet when we arrived on April 4th. Western tourists are scarce, as indicated by the empty chairs at the "Light and Sound" show at the Pyramids. We were welcomed warmly by the Egyptians who were really glad to see us. No crowds made our trip memorable.

Tahrir Square looked a little bedraggled with a few flowers here and there to honor the martyrs. I heard that two days after we departed Cairo, the square was once again filled with protesters but we were long gone by then. The Egyptian Museum was fantastic, especially the King Tut items, including the famous death mask.

Don't know how the country will end up but I wish them well.

Sea of Galilee

When we opened the door to our room at five star hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee we were greated with a two room suite with fruit, chocolate, a bottle of wine and a beautiful panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee off our balcony. It wasn't until later that we learned that we were assigned the wrong room but nobody has told us to leave so we will enjoy the next two nights in style!

Stuff we saw today included a walking tour of old Joppa (last evening), the ancient city of Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo (future site of Armageddon), Jezerel Valley, Nazareth and tonight Tiberia on the Sea of Galilee. You can check your Bible to learn what happened at these amazing places. Yesterday as we drove from Amman, Jordan to Tel Aviv, we stopped at Mt. Nebo and visited the traditional site of Jesus baptism by John, which is on the Jordan side of the Jordan River.

Roger and Bev celebrated their wedding anniversary today. We really treasure their friendship.

Picture of the four of us is at Caesarea. View of the Sea of Galilee is out our hotel window.

Amman and Beyond (and Before)

Yes, we are alive and well in the Middle East. I have had difficulty finding time and fast Internet to make entries in our blog.

Today we arrived in Amman, Jordan and will be entering Israel tomorrow across the Allenby Bridge across the Jordan River. The most profound experience so far was yesterday when Wini and I hiked to the top of Mount Sinai. We hiked for 3 1/2 hours in the darkness and arrived at the top before sunrise. As we approached the top in semi-darkness we heard singing. A group had gathered near a chapel and were singing praises to God! We heard many languages spoken since pilgrams from all over the world visit this sacred site where God gave the Law to humanity. On the way down, a group in front of us broke into "How Great Thou Art" in a language we didn't understand. We joined them in English and then greeted them. They were from Indonesia and were delighted to hear that we were from America!

So far we have visited Egypt where we saw the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square (where he Egyptian Revolution began) and many other sights. Today we visited Petra, an amazing ancient city in Jordan before driving to Amman this afternoon.

So much to say! We look forward to sharing with you when we return. We will be spending a week in Israel beginning tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have better luck with the Internet there.

Many blessings from Wini, Bev, Roger and me.