He's Back!

Hi All, First, let me apologize for not posting sooner! As most of you know, Caleb returned to the states on October 7th. I guess I have been enjoying his company and totally forgot about posting! His trip home was uneventful which was a true blessing! He had no trouble going through customs so thank you so much for all of your prayers!

He said it was bittersweet leaving. Sad to say good-bye to all the children and adults but looking forward to coming home. He returned looking healthy and as some of you know his hair was bleached out! I am posting a picture for those of you that didn't see him before he cut it off!

If anyone would like to have Caleb come speak at their church please, just give him a call, he would be more than happy to share of his experience in Zimbabwe.

There is still need of prayer for those that are still in Zimbabwe. They need prayer for finances and finding a school for Prince. Goddy is doing much better since he has gotten the TB under control and is now on AIDS medication. I will try and get Caleb to write up a note to post on here.

Again, thank you all so much for your prayers and support! May God bless you all!

Prayer

Hi All, I can hardly believe it but Caleb will be home soon! Wow, seems like such a long time since I have seen him! I am so looking forward to his return! Below is a list of prayer requests he has for his return trip so if you could join me in lifting him up in prayer. Thanks! His flight leaves Africa on October 6th and he will be in the USA on the 7th. As he shares stories when he returns I will post them on here!

.

Here are a few prayer requests about the trips etc.:

For the drive to the airport, that we don't encounter any car trouble
and that we don't have trouble at all the road blocks.

Immigration at the airport, that everything goes smoothly and nicely
there.  That they don't give us any trouble etc.

For the flights.

For Phillips and Abed's drive home from the airport.

Update from Caleb

Below is a quick update from Caleb! Thank you to all for your prayers and support!

This week is a conference at the church, so that's what we'll be up to
for the most part.  Phillip's sister came home from South Africa and
surprised everyone yesterday, Joshepine (bad spelling).  She and Zach
lived together at Pastor Jef's.  I've heard a lot about her and it's
awesome to see her.
Things at the house are filled with joy and peace, and my heart is
overwhelmed by God's grace.  I am brought to tears thinking of how
much he loves us.  We've been through some tough seasons but He has
been with us through it all, and now we've been blessed by his grace
with such a season as this.

The weather has been real nice, windy and cool some days and scorching
hot others, so there is some variety haha.

Thank you for donating! Update on Goddy

Below is an email I just received from Caleb giving an update on Goddy! God Bless all those that heard the call and donated towards his health!

Goddy has been discharged from the hospital!  He's home, eating and
has more strength.  He told me to tell you guys to not be so worried
about him, he's improving.  His stomach is still giving him a lot of
pain, and oddly enough the people at the hospital never told him nor
us what the problem had been, weird.  The bill was $63.00, Goddy's
brother wants to help pay it, and Phillip thinks its ok to let him
even though we have enough so that the family continues to support one
another, as this has brought them all together again I think.
With the money so far we've bought him foods that are good for him, a
face cloth, sandals etc.
We are thinking that we could buy him a mattress, which is around
$60.00 as he's sleeping on the floor, and also just continue to
improve his living and future.  Goddy says he can't wait to be in the
States so that he can pour out his heart to you guys and express his
great love for you.
SO God is good!

Urgent Request

Goddy is back in the hospital. Caleb said they admitted him last night. He is still having stomach problems. Goddy desperately needs our prayers for healing and for wisdom for the doctors as they have been unable to figure out what is causing Goddy's stomach issues. On a heavier note, he really needs money to be able to get the treatment he needs. Please, if you are able to donate any amount it would be greatly appreciated. I hate the thought of Goddy not getting the care he needs because he cannot afford it. The home operates on a  skeleton budget and so taking from that to help Goddy puts the other children and adults health in jeopardy. So please, if there is any way at all that you could donate a small amount it would mean the world to Goddy and to the others helping him. 

We all have the opportunity to make a huge difference in this young man's life. Thank you so much for your prayers and for your donations.  May God richly bless you. 

July update

First, Let me apologize for taking so long to post! July was a rough month for all of those in the home. It started out with their good friend Goddy (GodKnows) becoming ill. Caleb said it was so hard to watch as he lost a lot of weight and mentally was not himself. After many trips to the doctor's they discovered that Goddy was infected with the AIDS virus at birth. It had been lying dormant until now. They also found out that he is suffering from having tuberculous. They have been having to keep all the other kids separated from Goddy due to the TB as it is highly contagious. Goddy has been a wonderful friend to Zach and Caleb. He was there on Zach's first visit and brought much joy to Zach. He also was around when Zach and Jason went the second time. He has been full of joy despite what he has gone through in his 20 years of life, losing both his mother and father and living on the street for a time. He also has been a great comfort to Caleb after Zach left. Caleb said Goddy is really struggling, gone is his joy and positive attitude. Caleb said it's as though he is a different person. So please, if you could lift Goddy up to God, ask God to bring joy back into his life and to give him hope. My heart breaks for Goddy as he has been through so much. I am sure that many of us of would have been crushed from what this young man has gone through. He is also struggling with some stomach problems and has been unable to eat. When he does eat he can't keep it down.  So please, cry out to God on Goddy's behalf.

The other children were also sick in July. First, a 24 to 48 hour bug went through the house and then they all came down with the flu. Caleb said that he got the stomach bug but did not get the flu. Susanna has struggled with high blood pressure which causes her to at times have seizures. Caleb said she felt a crushing weight upon her shoulders during one attack. They don't seem to know exactly what causes these attacks. So again prayers are desperately needed for all of the children and adults.

Even after such a trying month, Caleb said he feels blessed to be part of God's work in Zimbabwe. He said during the dark times he drew closer to God and knows that it was because of God that he got through it all. It was hard for him to watch Goddy become so ill. He had never experienced that before. Phillip and Susanna continue to be strong and are a great comfort to Caleb too.

I have a few more stories that I will post later, I don't want you getting tired of reading! Again, thank you to all of you that are praying for the mission in Zimbabwe. God hears your prayers!

Wow! God is moving!

I am so excited to see how God is moving in the hearts of children! After hearing about Zach and Caleb's trip to Zimbabwe, a local brother and sister decided to sell lemonade and give the proceeds to Christ's Initiative! Their Mom said they explained to those who stopped  how Christ's Initiative is  helping children in Africa. The two of them earned over $50.00! Their Mom told me that they came up with the idea all on their own! In the picture they are presenting their earnings to Zach!

I will soon be posting a similar story but need to get more details! : )

It gives me goosebumps when I think of these two young children hearing God's call and stepping out and doing something about it! If only us older folks would be so bold! Is God calling you to do something bold for His children in Africa?

A big huge THANK YOU to these two incredible kids! Wow, God is moving!

Update from Caleb!

Wow, I am sorry I haven't been posting, Josh has been doing such a great job with the Christ's Inititive blog that I have slacked! I just received the following up date from Caleb this morning!

Hello Everyone! 

Man, it’s been longer then I thought since I sent the last update, I’ll do my best to get us all back up to date!  
We now have four children living at the home with us: Brian (16years old), Princess (14years old), Merjury (12years old) and Prince (4years old).  With them, Phillip and his family, Godknows and I, there are nine of us living together, so we’ve got a full house!
Brian is an orphan who was living with his Grandparents, he comes from a stable home background but they were unable to provide for him and care for him.  
Princess was living with her Grandparents as well, one of her parents has passed away and the other she has never met.  Again, her guardians were unable to take care of her.
Merjury comes from a home that practices polygamy and not a good home environment, her Father had so many kids that they were unable to care or afford Merjury. 
Prince comes from an abusive home, his body is covered in scars and his arm has been broken before.  When he first arrived he wouldn’t smile and wouldn’t do anything more then sit quietly on the couch, his head tilted to the side and his eyes staring off into the great unknown.  He is a testament to God’s awesomeness and reminds us that God is the God of transformation.  Slowly but surely he has been transformed back into a child.  He talks more then I ever thought possible.  When he first got here he would barely walk from point A to point B but now he is jumping, running, and laughing all over the house.  It’s been a blessing to watch as God works in this young child.  That is just one example of God’s continued love and provision, His faithfulness, power, and intimacy.  
Daily I find myself learning new things about God, life, and myself, it has been a humbling and amazing experience.  
It’s so awesome to watch as all of the kids have turned from all being strangers in a new house to now acting as a family, laughing, playing, and living together as brothers and sisters.  I am blown away by God’s beauty, as He shines through all of this.  To Him be the glory.

We continue to work on the Feed the Hunger Programs, doing an early morning breakfast run now, bringing sandwiches and tea to the Street Kids and continuing the afternoon program.  We continue to seek ways to expand and evolve the programs so that we may be able to help more people and in a more full way.  We are also continuing the Education Empowerment Program, providing children in need with school supplies and helping with school fees.  

None of this would be possible without the support, prayers, and encouragement that we have, and continue to, receive from all of you.  We are all of one body, and it is so awesome to see as everyone works in the way that God’s blessed them.  Your prayers mean so much to me; God has surely been here in a mighty and powerful way.  If you could continue to pray for provision and vision, encouragement and support, and open doors, for all of us involved in Christ's Initiative and F.O.Z to be led by the leading of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, and that we would be where He desires us to be at all times.   
I continue to pray for you all, and although an ocean separates us my heart and Spirit are both with you. 
 

To God be the glory, may He bless you all!  

“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:16

P.S. Check out the Christ’s Initiative blog @ www.Christsinitative.org for photos and updates!  

I’m ashamed to say it, but I have not tamed a lion as of yet, but, and I don’t mean to brag, I have killed one or two spiders, no big deal.  

Update from Zach!

I am posting an update from Zach, I have no words for what is written, it leaves me heartbroken and speechless, prayers for them is so much appreicated!

Last night we did our first feed the hunger at night
program.  One night when we were in lower Gweru it was late by the
time we were heading back to the city and when we were getting out of
the truck that drove us back we saw piles of blankets on the sidewalks
in the city.  Then when we looked closer it was kids.  Lots of kids.
We asked Phillip about it and he told us they were the street kids.
There are lots of them.  They have no home for some reason or another
and they live in the city off of what they can beg or scrape together.
They hide during the day because of the "get rid of the street
trash" campaign so you only see them at night.  After that night our
hearts went out to those kids so we were thinking of ways to help
them.  We decided that to start, so we can build a relationship with
them, and because of our limited funding we would just go and feed
them once a week.  So last night (tuesday night)  Phillip and I went
into town around 9pm with PB&Js and some water and went around looking
for the kids.  What we found was pretty sad and there were many more
people than we had food for.  When I have more time I will explain
better.
              Late this afternoon the first child we took in arrived.
His name is Prince he is 4 years old.  His Dad died a couple of years
ago and his mom remarried.  The new husband, hates Prince though and
has tried to get rid of him a couple of times.  The father has also
resorted to beating Prince, he went even so far as to break Prince's
arm once.  Prince still has pain because of it.  He has burn marks all
over his body too because of the father.  He is very reserved and on
the way here for the last day he hasn't said much of anything.  But
once he got here, Taffila (Phillip's 2 year old son) kept asking
Prince to play and dance with him and by the end of the night he had
Prince laughing so that's a good start.  Prince is also having stomach
problems, we're not sure why.  They think it might just be because he
isn't used to eating enough so now that he had enough to eat today his
tummy might hurt but we're not sure, so prayer for him would be nice.
              Well that's about all we have to update you on now.

Update from Caleb!

Wow, here I am in Texas giving you all an update from Zimbabwe! Modern technology! Below is an update from Caleb so I will let him tell you in his own words. It's so exciting to think they will be taking in their first child today and how they continue to feed others and help children become educated! Think about it....we all have a part in this if we have donated to Christ's Initiative or to Zach, Caleb, and Josh individually , how very exciting and humbling. Our God is truly an awesome God! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, the work could not be done without your continued support and prayers.

Hello all!

I am sorry for the amount of time it has taken me to send this, I have no good excuse except that our Internet time is limited.  See it’s not a good one!
Today is my forty fifth day in Africa, so let me bring you up to date on what we have done and accomplished during our time here so far.  I hope no one expects me to have tamed a lion, because if that’s the case then you’re in for a disappointing update!

Upon arrival in Zimbabwe we ended up having to wait eleven and a half hours at the airport for our ride to pick us up.  Their car kept breaking down on the way, poor guys had been driving for most of the day, as we packed our bags into the back of the truck, Phillip (the Pastor we’re working with) smiled and said “T.I.A.” This Is Africa.  And so it is, and we’ve experienced many T.I.A moments since arriving, but those stories are for another time.
We have been very busy since getting here, although things are slowing down a bit right now; they’re going to be picking up very soon. 

For the first few weeks we had a lot of paperwork to do, it seemed every office we went to inquiring about land for our shelter, identifying children, etc. etc. etc. sent us to another office.  Offices were contradicting each other, one telling us that we needed to start operations before they’d approve us (so that we could prove our authenticity), then another telling us we couldn’t do anything until all of the paperwork was done.  Eventually we came full circle, sent to the office that Zach and Phillip had begun the entire process with two years ago.  So right now we’re “proving” ourselves by doing small things through F.O.Z (Friends of Zimbabwe, the organization on this end that Zach began).  We’ve started the “Education Empowerment Program”, in which we help provide children in need with the necessary tools to go to school.  Here in Zimbabwe you have to have note books and pencils etc. etc. before being able to go to school, they don’t provide anything for the kids it seems.  Through this program we've also assisted in paying for children to go to school, paying the fees that are required.  We’ve also been changing the dynamic of the “Feed the Hunger” program, evolving it so that we may reach more people more effectively.  

We’ve begun renting a house.  We’ve been preparing the home for the kids, getting bunk beds, some appliances, and making it livable.  We’ve spent a lot of time renovating the yard as well, making it less dangerous, tall grass and untended yards are prime real estate for deadly snakes and other critters, as well as a dumping ground for peoples trash.  It takes a lot longer to do this here; we have to cut the grass with a “slasher”, a sharpened hoe like tool, which you swing back and forth.

We have identified some kids on our own (when I say “we” this includes Zach, Phillip, Josh and myself) and are looking forward to having them move in early this week.  This first child is coming today.  

It’s all a process and sometimes it takes longer then we’d like, but all in God’s timing!  He has truly blessed us; He is good and faithful!  It’s been such a blessing to be here, and also very humbling!  I thank you all for your continued encouragement, support, prayers, and friendship; I am blessed to have such people in my life.

Thank you all and God bless!  

“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”
-1 Corinthians 10:24
 

Prayer Request From Zach

Below is a prayer request from Zach in his own words. It sounds like the decisions they need to make must be heartbreaking! Thank you so much for your prayer support.

 Also as it comes time to choose kids to come into the
shelter it is getting overwhelming because every where we look there
are so many kids in need and it's really hard to know who to choose
and if we should say no, to say no to some would be crazy but we don't want to take in more than
we can handle so please pray that God will show us the way and give us
a passion for it.

Josh's latest update

Josh arrived home safely and wrote the below when he got home:

Hello Friends & Family,

I am currently sitting in my apartment in Chicago for I made it home safely and luckily with no major travel hick-ups. The whole trip already seems like a bit of a blur, but I am so grateful for it. I am certainly going to miss Africa and the relationships that I have started there. I have alot to catch up on here in the States, but I can't wait to go through all of the photos. Don't worry I will be showing all of you photos, but I need some time to pick them out and do editing if needed, and figure out how I want to show them to you. I also have to develop about 10 rolls of film. I hope to also describe different stories and experiences along with each photo so that you have a better understanding and visual of what has happened over the last month. I am excited about what has already been done and what will be done in the future. 

Thank you all for your continued support! It means so much to Zach, Caleb, the locals involved with FOZ, and I for we have really felt your prayers. I thank those of you that sent me a few individual emails. I apologize for not being able to reply to them while I was in Zimbabwe. My internet was very spotty and limited. 

We have visited and identified a few orphans. We are currently confirming certain things with them and with people that know them or may have information about them. We also have some furniture, new locks, appliances, and more landscaping tools for the house. The next step is to start housing the orphans and continuing the Education Empowerment Program. 

I hope to write to you again soon and with photos next time. 

Peace & Blessings,

Josh

Here are some pictures of the trip to Victoria Falls. GodKnows and Phillip are also in the pictures with Zach, Caleb and Josh.

Ah, the sweet, sweet sound of Zach and Caleb's voices! I went to the women's fellowship gathering this afternoon. When I left at three p.m., I checked my phone. NOOOOOOOOOOOO was my first thought when I saw that the boys had called at 2:45 p.m.! I tried calling the number back but it wouldn't go through. So I called Dave and he told me to put 011 in front of the number. My phone didn't have a connection so I drove a bit further and I had a signal. So I pulled over to the side of the road and dialed. Zach answered! Yes! He sounded very good. He told me about how awesome and how much they enjoyed Victoria Falls. He said they are hoping to have children in by the end of next week. I can't tell you how nice it was to hear his voice!

I also got to talk with Caleb. He sounded good too. He said they had all lost weight because of less food and they walk everywhere. He said he shaved his beard but is keeping his mustache! As of right now he is thinking of staying until October which is what his ticket is for. He feels comfortable now in Africa, having bonded with many of the people there.

I'm not even sure what else we talked about I just know I feel so content having spoken with them! Thank you Lord!

Update from Josh

Josh is so good at putting it all down in writing that I am again letting him tell you in his own words below. It is my hope before he leaves that his detailed updates will rub off on Zach and Caleb!

Hello Everyone,

I can't believe I only have a week left. There are things and people that I miss in the States, but I would love to stay here longer and I am going to miss it. I may be able to do one more update here in country after this, but I am not sure what our schedule for the entire next week is yet, but hopefully these few words will keep you in the loop.

We have completely moved into the orphanage house and have a few things in it like kitchen-wear, curtains, beds, and landscaping tools. We have been landscaping the area a couple hours a day. It is coming along. We love having 5 guava trees and a decent garden! Its nice to have electricity even though it goes in and out, but that is common around here. It's the same with the water. It's pretty interesting to have to wash yourself with just a bucket of water. haha, T.I.A. (This Is Africa).

Our local friend and partner Pastor Phillip with his wife, Suzanna and 1.5 yr old son, Tefila will be living here and taking care of the kids along with our Friend and "faithful servant" as we like to say, named God Knows (yeah pretty cool name). Later we may have a widow named Mother Jamesa who has been really helpful and who already takes care of a few orphans help us out with the kids at the house too.

Phillip is currently traveling to South Africa to get some kitchen appliances such as a fridge and stove. We will be getting some furniture next week. We are traveling for things like this because it is much cheaper elsewhere. We are also currently dealing with people to make us bunkbeds for the orphans that will be staying.

We have already identified a few orphans, but we have a few more to identify and they probably will be moving in shortly after I leave and once we have all the furniture, hopefully by next Wednesday. This week we also helped Mother Jamesa pay for her kid to go to school. She has been struggling and was forced to move, so she didn't have any money left. So we grouped it with our "Education Empowerment Program." And like I said maybe a little later she will be living in the house or in our cottage on the property for free as she helps take care of the kids.

My digital camera is still broken, but I have been taking alot with my film camera as well. Even though the camera is finicky at times, I am really excited to see the film shots. Last week we were fortunate and was able to go to "Great Zimbabwe" which is the place where Zimbabwe got its name. It is ruins of an unkown civilization. The architecture was massive and absolutely amazing. Most everything is made out of stones placed together without any mortar whatsoever. They are absolutely solid and super tall structures on hills and flat areas. There was an altar or two and monkeys all around, and well I just can't explain it. I hope my pictures will do it a some justice even though I think its better if you could just see it in person. What is interesting is that no person or artifact has been found. It is completely deserted. They believe plunderers found it ages ago and wiped it clean, so it is really a big mystery. Some say it could be from Solomon of the Bible because of the amount of work, wisdom, and riches it would of taken to build such a place.

I am excited for tomorrow because we are waiting on a few things for the house so tomorrow we are going to Victoria Falls which is the largest waterfall in the world!

Okay, that is all for now and I hope to talk and see some of you soon when I get back. If I can do another update, I certainly will.

Love & Grace,

Josh

A storm

A few days ago I got an email from Caleb and he talked about a storm they were in. I will let him tell you in his own words:

"The weather here has been very nice, at times uncomfortably hot but the breeze has been very nice. The other day we were out playing soccer, maybe a half mile from home, when a wicked wind came and really dark clouds rolled in. We began walking back home but the wind started to get really fierce so we began to run. The wind was blowing so hard we could barely move. Although we were running as hard as we could our pace was a walking pace! It began to rain very hard and then it started to hail. It was crazy! By the time we stumbled into the house we had welts all over us and I was bleeding! Pretty crazy!"

That sounds like quite the storm! I hate the thought of them being caught in it! This is one of those times it's hard to be a Mom to missionaries, hearing of such a storm and imagining them caught out in it. I know that they are in God's hands, which does bring me comfort.

WOW, Look at all they are doing!

Below is another letter from Josh, he does so well with the updates that I am once again posting his letter as is:

Hi Friends,

Thanks so much for your support and prayers. We have really been feeling them. Things are going very well even though they seem to move slow at times. It is just the way it is here, but we are definitely making progress. I can't wait to update you with photos and more detail when I get back!

I am still building stronger relationships with the close knit community I have been a part of. Zach, Caleb, & I have been able to think very clearly about our organization and goals as well. It has been a blessing to be so close in a place like this and to always be learning.

As far as the project of "Friends of Zimbabwe" (FOZ) we continue to press on. We worked out all of the legal issues for the house. We now are renting it and have paid 2 months in advance including utilities. Its a really great place with a good location and it will be nice when I can show you pictures to give you a visual. It has: 3 bedrooms, big kitchen and big living room, a patio, a bathroom, and a great yard with lots of space including veggies and guava trees. Yesterday, we started cleaning the house such as sweeping, mopping, and polishing. Our next steps are to landscape the place on our own and to furnish the place. We have already looked around and got price quotes for beds, blankets, tables couches, etc. This weekend we will be in the process of moving into the house! It will be nice to have some electricity too because we havn't had any where we have been staying, but we will certainly miss living with the lovely family we have been with. Of course we will also try to be housing orphans as well.

Another big thing we did was starting our "Education Empowerment Program." We made a large banner that said "Friends of Zimbabwe" in an arch shape and underneath it said "Education Empowerment Program." It had the Christ's Initiative logo in the bottom right hand corner. We bought a bunch of educational school supplies and went to the rural areas and passed them out to the children. These children and families have a tough time getting simple supplies like books, notebooks, pens, etc. It was so rewarding to visit them and here them sing and have so much joy before and after we gave them supplies. We hope this is a start to change their mindset and really help them become educated. After this wonderful time and being at a church service in a 8x8 yard brick room with only a couple chairs, we checked out some land that we may be able to own in the future to farm and build on so that we don't have to rent. We have already sent the paper work in this last week for something like it, but it could take 6 months to here about it, but it is a future goal, so its okay for now.

We went back into town to a church to hand out a few more educational supplies to kids in the church and also orphans that are being looked after. We hope to continue to do this kind of thing, as well as educate the children at the orphanage house.

Other than those main things, the feeding program as been continued every Tuesday. However, we will be moving it soon to the orphanage house and also be bringing food to people that can't get there. The reason is, this organization FOZ which we created with the locals needs to be legally separated from any church. Yes even here in small churches and organizations there are politics!

Our plan of empowering locals to take care of their community in need seems to be working well. We know great people that are really stepping up and helping in large ways. They put others before themselves. I am glad we are here just to help facilitate this.

Tomorrow, we are taking a day off to visit "Great Zimbabwe" for some "sight seeing". It is apparently one of the great wonders of the world. We are looking forward to this. I will tell you about it in the next update. I can't believe I have been here only two weeks. It feels like so much longer. I only have about two weeks left!

Hope this catches you up even know it doesn't have nearly enough detail and no photos.

P.S. My digital camera has a body malfunction error and won't take anymore photos. I am looking around for ways or places to fix it! I am trying to get a hold of canon as well. Hopefully soon I can find a solution. If not I will just keep shooting with my film camera and hope for the best. Wish me the best and please pray that I still capture this trip to the best of my ability.

Love you all,

Josh

Signed the Lease!

I got a short email from Caleb saying they signed the lease and should be able to start moving in on Thur. They got bogged down by paperwork but are hopeful they can get in this week. Prayers would be appreciated that if it's God's will they will be able to move in this week! They are relying on God's timing. Thanks so much for the prayers!

Look what God's doing! Keep praying!

Below is a letter that Josh sent out to his supporters and family. It has so much information and gives such a feel for the mission there that I felt it was worthwhile to post it in it's entirety:

Hi Friends & Family,

I have been in Zimbabwe for a week now. I don't have too much time for internet use, but I want to give you quick updates when I can to A. let you know I am alive and B. let you briefly know how things are going with the orphanage and feeding program.

Well, where do I start. I am so joyful to be here. Zimbabwe is beautiful. The landscape, sky, and people are amazing. The people are so nice, especially the servant hearts dealing directly with us as part of "Friends of Zimbabwe" (The orphanage and feeding program) we started under Christ's Initiative. I am learning alot about the culture and the state of the economy and need that is here. I have taken over 790 photos and haven't even been here for more than 6 days. I am also learning some words in the local language "Shona." There is so much I could describe about the culture, but being sensitive to time, I will have to update you in more detail about that when I get back and even talk with you in person!

Our days have been consisting of meeting alot of people, offices, and departments to start renting a building. Everyday we are out looking for houses, talking with realtors and the social welfare department and so on and so on. We have been writing up legal documents, getting our PVO (Private Volunteer Organization) through all the loops and legalities as well. We found a house, but it is a private residence so we are working out whether or not we are able to change the land usage so we can run an orphanage out of it. We also have another house in mind. One thing we have found is that things here move slowly, but we are persevering!
We have identified a few orphans and are looking into identifying more with different departments and in the rural areas as well. We will probably start off with only a few orphans. Our local friends are amazing and have done som much for us. The Couple with one kid that will be running the orphanage as the "head" of it have such hearts for God and for helping others. I can't explain the amount of time and effort they have put in and will continue to put in. Our goal as an organization is to empower these people to help their own community and for it to be self-sustaining.

The feeding program we initiated a while back started and has been continued by our friends and the community. Its amazing to see how they have helped so many people consistently with feeding each week even if they themselves don't have much, and trust me people here do not have much! I feel so blessed for the life, opportunity, and wealth I have been given. I just hope my heart and efforts can one day be half of theirs. Today we also helped a kid get surgery for his leg. It was brutally mangled from a car accident.I have the photos to prove it. He couldn't afford to get surgery and the community around couldn't afford it together so we felt it was an immediate relief situation and decided to step in and help.

We have alot of work to do, but I thank you so much for your support in prayers, thoughts, and finances. It is going to a great cause! I thank God for his blessings in this endeavor.

With Love & Grace,

Josh

Of Road blocks and food...

I got an email from Caleb this morning! I must say my heart leaped when I saw it was from him! I haven't heard from him in a while. He said that his computer ran out of battery and he had to wait to charge it due to no electricity in their home.

He said they have run into a few road blocks with the house and the paperwork. It seems every office they visit refers them to another one and they have heard two different stories as to how to set up the shelter. So prayers would be greatly appreciated that they find the correct paper work and that the shelter can be opened soon!

Now for food, he said that sadza tastes pretty much how it looks. So I have included a picture for you all! Hmm, how would that taste? Looks sticky to me, I can imagine it sticking to the roof of my mouth! What about you? He said the breads and baked good are very good! So that's nice to hear.

He misses everyone but says he hasn't missed all the electronic stuff. Perhaps we all need a trip to Africa to free us from our obsession! Or maybe it's just my obsession?

They found a house!

They found a house they really like and because of Josh's delay they were able to go and put a deposit down on it. They finished all the paper work yesterday and on Monday they will be able to start preparing it for the children! They think they will be able to bring children in the beginning of next month! Praise God!

Zach said the house is pretty big with an extra two room house in the back yard. He said the yard is big too. It's only $400.00 month to rent which they feel is reasonable for a house that size. They had looked at other houses for the same price that were smaller.

It's so neat to watch God work. They had liked another house but when they went to sign the lease the house had already been rented. Then they found a larger house that was $600.00 a month although they liked it they felt that was just too much money to spend.

If God so puts it on your heart please, go to http://christsinitiative.org/2011/10/02/feeding-program/ and make a donation. They will need continuing donations to complete the work they have started. Thank you so much if you are able. Please, continue to pray for them as they begin the process of preparing the home for the children.

Josh arrived safely!

Josh made it safely to Zimbabwe on February 16th a day behind schedule. He was stuck in D.C. overnight as the plane had a cracked windshield and needed repair. It appears it was quite an adventure to go get him. The first person that was going to bring Zach and Phillip to the airport had to cancel as his mother-in-law died and he had to help with arrangements. The second person they asked to help went to Harare a day before them. Phillip and Zach took a bus to meet him there. On his way he got in a car accident and wasn't able to drive his car anymore. So when they got to Harare they had to find another car. (My van is looking better all the time!)

They arrived at the airport to pick Josh up on the 15th. They waited a long time at the airport and when Josh didn't show up they asked around and found out that his flight had been delayed. They also heard from Caleb at that point as Josh had sent them an email and left them a phone message. They ended up having to stay in a hostel type place as it was all they could afford, apparently it was a bit scary!

Finally, the next day they met up with Josh and the rest of the trip back to Gweru went smoothly!

Reason why I haven't heard from them.

I got an email from Zach late yesterday afternoon. The reason I haven't been hearing as often is because their electricity was turned off. The people that have been staying in the house where they are hadn't payed the electric bill in over a year as they had no money. The bill is over $1,000.00 and they don't want to use their funds to turn it back on so it looks like we will only hear from them when they are able to go where there is electricity.

He said they are fine, he has a headlamp he is using. He said they are using a paraffin stove for cooking and they also build fires outside to cook on. He told me not to worry that they are getting along fine without it.

My thoughts

I was reading 1 Chronicles this morning as Noah (17) recommended it. I was struck by King David's words to God in 1 Chronicles 17:16 & 17, "Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: "Who am I O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O Lord God."

It jumped out at me that David realized he was just a man and it was amazing that God had taken notice of him. I just realized the same thing. Who am I that God has chosen two of my sons to go and serve Him in Africa? I was just left in awe to think that God of the Universe chose Zach and Caleb to go and share His love with the people of Gweru. What an honor to be chosen to go. We serve a living God! I am humbled when I think about it.

God could have chosen anyone to go, for some reason He chose Zach and Caleb, and not because we are somehow special, we are an ordinary family! When I think of it how King David did, I am in total awe. What an awesome God we serve! He is indeed worthy to be praised!

Prayer Request

I chatted with Zach today via skype chat. The house they had wanted to rent is gone, someone else beat them to it. They found another larger house but it more expensive to rent. They would like prayer whether or not to move on this particular house. They would also like prayer for direction and guidance. Thanks so much!

Got to talk to them!

Caleb called today! It was so good to hear his voice. He sounds good. He said that everyone in the airport was very nice. Many asked them if they could help them by calling a cab. He said they were concerned for them. He has not yet tried the main food staples! He said they have been eating beans and rice!

He said his bug bites weren't too bad. (Was this said only to make his mommy feel better?) He said they have been very busy going around and checking things out. Today was the first day they kind of relaxed. They have already found a house they are going to check into renting. They have also found a piece of land that they are seeing about purchasing. The plan would be to start the shelter in the rented house and continue there until they have built something on the property. So let the fund raising begin! Time to do the ole barn raising!

I was able to say a quick hello to Zach too! They are trying not to use up all their minutes too fast. It was great talking to them and hearing their voices but it did make me a bit sad but only because I miss them! God has them on a great mission that even though I miss them I would not want to stop them!

Got an email!

I finally got an email from Zach! I am going to copy part of his email below so that you can all pray for his request. It was so hard reading that Caleb is covered in bug bites and sores! The poor guy, first he gets the stomach bug before leaving and now bites! Sounds like the bugs are keeping them up too!

This have been going ok here.  We didn't get here till almost 5am this side time on sunday night, then we slept in till 5pm that day haha.  But then I wasn't able to get any sleep that next night.  The bugs are pretty bad, Caleb is covered in sores and bites from them. We have been planning on what to do first, please pray for wisdom for us.

Communication

Zach and Caleb arrived safely in Zimbabwe on Sunday. They purchased a track phone when they got there. Zach called briefly to let us know they arrived safely. He didn't want to use all his minutes so it was a very quick call. So hard not being able to talk longer!

About four hours later we received word that Phillip's car had broken down and they would be stuck in the airport for several hours. They were told not to leave the airport and to make sure one of them remained awake to watch their things. During that time we were able to chat via skype with them. Zach said they were both exhausted and hungry. They didn't know that they would be stuck in the airport so hadn't gotten something to eat before all the airport food stations were closed. So at that point they hadn't eaten in over 10 hours. He said it was hard trying to rest in the airport.

Around 6 p.m. our time on Sunday, Dave received a text saying that Phillip was able to get the car fixed and had arrived at the airport. So that was around 1 a.m. their time. So they are now safe at the home they will be staying at until they find a home for the shelter. Dave got a brief message from Zach that they were resting and would try and contact us at a later date.

We have not heard anything more from them. Zach did tell us that the other two times he went it took him two to three days of sleep to get caught up. So I imagine they are still resting. It makes it harder that they had both just gotten the stomach bug days before they left. I forgot how hard it is to go so long without talking with them. When I think back to the days of the frontiers I am in awe of how they could go weeks, months, even years without hearing from a loved one, not knowing that whole time if they were dead or alive. I feel like a whimp! I have a hard time going days without word. I feel very fortunate to live in a time where they are just a computer away from contact.

Hopefully, we will be able to talk with them soon and I can update what their trip was like and what they have been doing. Please, continue to pray for them! Thanks for reading!

I wanted add few more good-bye pictures. As you saw from the previous post Caleb had to say good-bye to Patriot (collie) and Deghan. He has been spoiling them, they are going to miss him! So today I have been trying to be patient with the doggies! So a few more pictures!

Well, around 4:00 p.m. on Friday they were finally ready to head out. That was bit off from the noon time plan! We rented a car for their Dad, Dave, to drive them to NY. Any of you that know us can understand why we didn't want the van going all that distance! It was very hard saying good-bye. I must admit that I wasn't able to say it without tears. The tears lasted for about an hour after they had gone. Noah (17) and Nate (15) were a great comfort to me after their departure.

They arrived in NY around 10 p.m., I hear they had pizza and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning as they were still getting things ready! I got a call from Zach and Caleb around 10 a.m. and they were just about to board the plane. I got a last minute text saying they were on the plane and ready for take off! They both sounded very excited about this new adventure that God has them on!

At our house yesterday you would not believe that Zach and Caleb were leaving for Africa in a matter of hours! Here are some pictures of what it looked like around our home just hours before they were to leave for NY!

They were still running to stores shopping for last minute items! We then went as a family out to lunch. I must confess I was in no hurry to have them leave. Yes, Zach will be back in a month in a half but Caleb is going for as long as he feels God wants him to be there.

It's sometimes a struggle following God. I know without a doubt that God does indeed want them to serve in Africa but it breaks my mommies heart knowing how far away they will be and that there maybe times when food could be scarce or illness might strike. I hope that while they are gone I will be able to cast my cares upon God for I know He cares for me and my sons.

Why Africa?

Four years ago, Zach (18 at the time) felt called to go to Africa. At that time we were attending a small church in our town. A woman gave a presentation on a family she was helping in Zimbabwe. Her daughter had attended college with Pastor Jeff from Zimbabwe here in the states. She became friends with him and when he returned to Zimbabwe he married and had a child. His first child died from starvation so the woman and her daughter began sending money to him.

During the presentation I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that Zach was to go over and help. Being a Mom and not wanting my son to go to Africa, I said nothing. On the way home from church my husband said to Zach, "Zach, I think you are suppose to go to Africa to help." Zach said, "No way! When I went out back for coffee hour Laura said to me, "Zach, when are you going?" I then shared that I had felt the same thing.

Laura emailed Pastor Jeff and his response was, "Yes, send the young man." At the age of 19 Zach felt the time was right to go. He had never been away from home for any length of time but he gave away all his belongings, bought a one way ticket to Africa and stayed for three months. Once there God turned his heart to the children of Zimbabwe. So many abandon or both parents dead with no one to take care of them. It was then that God gave him the vision to start a non profit, "Christ's Initiative" to start a shelter for children, to help feed and educate them along with adults that may need help.

After collecting some funds he returned a year later with a friend. They were their for one month and since then Zach has been fund raising. He is again headed there with his younger brother Caleb, 19, so this is where this blog begins, with this new adventure!