08.18.10
Back again
Dear Family and Friends,
Here we go again, or as some have said “the bug has bitten”. Shortly we make our way over to Zimbabwe again on a short term mission trip. We figured we would do it again while the memories were still fresh (theirs and ours), and our kids were not yet tied up with secondary school. On last year’s trip we had such an enjoyable and rewarding time, we could only hope to be going back again. Well we decided that we indeed wanted to go back this year, and maybe again in years to come. We will again be trying to provide email reports back of what we are up to, when we can.
Our trip this year is a little more varied than it was last time, with more rural visits, and some camping also involved.
Here is a little bit of a plan of what we are up to this time. This time we have planned to see some more of Zimbabwe other than just Harare and Antelope Park. We will spend the first two and a half weeks doing volunteer work in Harare. Probably mainly with the same orphanages we visited last year. One of these first weekends we plan to visit a project called Hope for AIDS which is based in Mutare, near the border of Mozambique, around 4 hours drive East of Harare. Hope for AIDS provides education and care for people with AIDS and AIDS orphans. After leaving Harare we will visit and stay at a farm run for, and by, orphans in Beatrice. We will then progress further south to visit some projects in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second biggest city. After this we head back up north to Gweru, and return to the beautiful Antelope Wildlife Park, for a weekends rest. Again we back track south and West to Hwange, visiting Zimbabwe’s largest national park, and some care projects. Last we continue further west to visit Victoria Falls to end our trip.
Anne has been busy making quilts to give away when we get there; I think the count is about 8.
She has put together a special one which contains hand prints from the kids at our Church, along with pictures and messages from the kids. It is for an orphanage called Father’ House, which was the least resourced orphanage we visited last time and the one that we immediately fell in love with. We loved the carers and children in this place, and just being able to play with and help them was amazing. They have been on our hearts since we came home. The story of how the orphanage started from Rewai’s love for the children is very touching.
Some of you have asked whether there is anything you could contribute for us to take, as any resources especially for the kids are greatly appreciated. Unfortunately the airlines have cracked down on requests for excess baggage and we are limited in what we can carry, without being charged a fortune. Thank you to those that have already supplied school materials and quilting materials for us to use.
So if you still want to contribute then financially is probably the best way. [For example: We have been communicating with the Pastor Rewai who is facilitating Father’s House orphanage and they are currently renting their own house and the house they use as the orphanage. He is looking to purchase land to build a new orphanage where he would also live, and give some space for growing food and raising chickens. He has raised $US2000 by selling his animals and some other things he had, and needs assistance to pay the deposit of $US5000. We will be hoping to raise the full purchase price of the land which is $US15,000. Then giving them the opportunity to spend their rent money on building the orphanage]. Rewai will be combining his family and the children at the orphanage, and they are hoping to increase the side of the orphanage over time. The new land is 3-
4 times larger than their current property.
Another project that we are keen to be involved in, is getting hot water for the boys at St Joseph’s Boys’ home. They currently only have cold water showers, and even in Zim where it is generally warm, cold showers are still not pleasant. Solar hot water services will be needed as they can not afford to run electric ones.
And so while we do not like asking for money, on this occasion we would like you to think about giving something towards these projects. We do not wish to offend anyone by asking.
Another way that you can support us while we are away is to pray.
- As we will be doing more travel in vans/ bus this we would greatly appreciate prayer for safety on the roads.
- That we are able to do the things that God has planned for us.
- For good health and protection from disease for the whole family.
- That we will experience God’s goodness and grace in all that we do. That we can share our love for God, and encourage others in their relationship with Him.
-That we learn more about the culture of the people of Zim, and how to work with the them without putting our values on to them.
- For funds for the projects that God would have us do.
As a bit of a send off, (and because our Church has recently started having a monthly lunch) Sunday 22nd Aug we are having an “African lunch” after the service. This is a little strange as when we last visited Zimbabwe, the food we ate was quite western (we have made Sadza once, so hopefully it will taste ok on the day). During the service we have been given the opportunity to share a bit about what we are planning to do while we are away. I think the worship might even have an African feel with the drums and djembe. Should be fun.
It is held at Boronia Heights Primary school Hall, from 10.30 onwards, lunch about 12.30.Feel free to come on down.
From Glenn, Anne, Tyler & Emma Bowkett
