Update

Hi everyone - we are 7 days into the trip and thus far things have been wonderful. Our flights were smooth and uneventful (good thing) except when we finally got to Bulawayo. They held 4 of our bags containing the gifts and after a lengthy negotiation we agreed to leave them there and head to the customs office in town the next day. It looks good that we will get them in now for only a few $. Our safari was incredible. The animals were amazing and just hanging out with each other wonderful. The trip back to the airport was long - 6 hours - South Africa is a beautiful country with a very diverse landscape. The flight to Bulawayo was short but interesting. We met several Zims on the plane and had a lot of fun chatting and getting the scoop on the community. They laughed at our attempts to speak their language. We finally met Jackson and his wife Rhonda. They are incredible people who care so deeply for the poor in their area. He is a very well connected person in this community. We are starting to work in the community visiting some of the families this afternoon. That should be very enlightening. Our work in the church begins tomorrow with services and more visitation. It really fires up on Saturday with a program for kids and youth. Sunday is the big day with services, choirs and the food distribution. We are looking forward to this. On Monday, Jackson will be taking us to Victoria Falls, all being well. He said you cannot come to Zimbabwe without seeing the falls.

We all recognize the importance of this trip. The need here is overwhelming - that is obvious - how to best help - that is yet to be determined. We are praying for direction and wisdom as we have only 4 days to really take all of this in. We are convinced that this program is in fabulous hands with Jackson and the other church leaders. Zimbabwe is slowly rebuilding itself now. There is food on the shelves and the economy show some faint signs of life. It is obvious that they church holds a very special place in this community. The church leaders are firmly planted here; they know the community and its needs. Their faith is profound and solid. It truly is a faith based community that meets the entire needs of the individual. I have met pharmcists, community leaders and pastors who are all involved in Arms of Love - and all them thanked us for our contributions over the years, helping the pooor in their community survive. That's it for now. I willl write again soon - or when I have access to the internet.

Shink