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!