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