Settled in Nketa

HI everyone - we are somewhat settled into a routine here. We had been up 7 days in a row before 6 a.m. and we found ourselves far too tired. We slept in on Friday and felt very refreshed. There are services each night - lots of wonderful jubilant singing and plenty of testimonies about the impact of Arms of Love. None of us had any idea just how important this program is. I was sitting working on my computer in the church when one of the young deacons named Guite came and sat down. He told me very clearly that when things were really tough a year or two ago, that Arms of Love saved many many lives. "You have no idea how many lives you saved through your generous contributions." I was totally humbled. There are signs everywhere that this community survived almost exclusively on our contributions during that time. We are running a huge children's program today and participating in another service tonight. Tomorrow, there is a 4 hour service and then the food distribution that we will attend - and film. Thanks for all your support and prayers. We are all healthy and grateful for the opportunity to be here. Will write again hopefully from Victoria Falls - we are heading there on Monday if all goes well.

shink

Visiting a blind widow who receives support from Arms of Love.

Elvira standing in front of the BIC guest house.

Scott and DJ playing on the street with locals.

Handing out stuffed animals to some of the Arms of Love orphans.

Tess teaching some of the locals how to play the Ukulele.

Our main mode of transportation - the bed of Jackson's truck.

The trip has been utterly amazing! Since my birthday was July 28 the whole church in Nketa sang H-B-Day to me. It was great!

-Amy

Africa has been amazing so far. It's great being with Rhonda and Jackson and working on bringing WMB and Nketa closer together.

-DJ

Jackson appreciates viewing the "Greeting" from WMB's Sunday service. Many stories to share. Our team sang, played, held services, visited homes and were always embraced and loved.

-Elvira

Only 9 days into this trip and it already has been an amazing eye opener. Culture shock didn't sink in until we arrived in Zimbabwe. South africa was surprisingly clean and developed. Zimbabwe on the other hand was a complete 180 degree difference from what we are use to. Definitely the highlight of this trip so far has been the safari in Kruger Park. We were able to see amazing animals and experience the absolutely beautiful African sunrise and sunset. The only thing I was not expecting was going to Africa and Freezing my but off.

-Leah

I'm experiencing God's presence daily through each person on our team and h=the people of Bulawayo. It is a privilege I will always treasure to be apart of the mission trip!! :)

-Phil

The hospitality is incredible. And the food tastes better when you eat it with your hands.

-Scott

What an amazing trip so far! Have had many special memories. The safari was fantastic, saw many cool animals. Today is the day we are spending time with the kids and doing activities with them. I am really looking forward to this.

-Simon

This place is amazing. Having so much fun with the team and the kids and the people here. Can't wait to see everyone at home but don't wand to leave.

-Tess

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

Gomo Gomo Lodge

Early morning safari on our last day at Gomo Gomo. It was a chilly 8 deg.

Breakfast of champions!

The herd of elephants that wandered by our lodge waterhole everyday.

We chased a pair of cheetahs through the bush until they got tired of running. This is a very rare experience.

This is Gomo Gomo Lodge where we had the privilege of staying for two nights.

The Airport Experience

The Journey Begins

Team! It was early and rainy but wonderful. The first person we met while waiting in Toronto was a tour operator from Waterloo - guess what? You can't; it's too fantastic. He knew all about Arms of Love - he knows Bishop Shenk and several people from Nketa. He had nothing but wonderful things to say about the project and the people it helps. So we are leaving soon for Johannesburg - got our Rands - and Ukeleles - quite a sight watching everyone practice - check out the video to see how it looks. Thanks for your support and blessings to you all.

shink