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We're Back!

Thank you for the prayers friends!! We arrived safely in Raleigh yesterday and saw some special people. After a good night's sleep (we went to bed around 7!!) we are ready to upload pics and videos. We hope to share them very soon.

In the meantime, here's a teaser video for you:

Goshen dancing 1 from Katie Morin on Vimeo.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane!

We had a fantastic time at Bally Vaughan yesterday seeing wild game and getting up close and personal with so many amazing animals! We saw zebras, zonkies, zorses, ostriches, lions, lionesses, leopards, monkeys, elephants and even a giraffe! It was a wonderful, relaxing time. The meals were wonderful and so was the hospitality. Gordon and Debbie have a way of making you feel at home and welcome. They even had coffee!
We are busy packing and preparing for the airport. We leave at 1:30 Zim time and will be en route for the next 30 hours. thank you in advance for your prayers!!

much love,
zim team

ps holding Masimba!! (geri and virginia's sweet blessing)

Home Stretch

Friends,

We are off to Bally Vaughn, a game park here in Harare. I'm told we'll see lions, giraffes and even have the opportunity to ride an elephant. There will be hot showers, electricity and the couples will even have their own room!! It's sort of a transition point for us to prepare us for life back in America.
Yesterday we spent the entire day at Foundations for Farming. We had the privilege and honor of hearing straight from Brian Oldrieve- the founder/originator- how God worked in his life and the ministry that has grown out of heart ache and suffering. The foundation is an initiative aimed at bringing transformation to individuals, communities and nations through faithful and productive use of the land.
We saw the clinic, the herb garden, the ministry to individuals with HIV, saw the detailed and systematic approach to keeping data and were impressed with the hearts and vision of these humble leaders. It was so much information to take in!
Here are some quick prayer requests:
*sensitivity to one another as we travel
*safe travels- we have a looong flight Saturday into Sunday
*re-entry into the states- it is difficult to move from 3rd world back into America-


Thank you so much!!
Love
Katie & team

Feeding Stations

Hello friends,

Here are some pictures from our adventures this week.

We had the privilege of serving hundreds of kids at different feeding stations that Hands of Hope supports around Harare. The meals include sadza (always) and beans, veggie or capenta (small fish). The side changes each meal. For some, this is their only meal of the day. It was quite humbling.


On our way to a rural preschool, we saw this sight: Children and children and more children walking home from school. They all wear uniforms and they all walk together. They were quite interested in us and waved hello and shouted greetings.

The preschool below was heart breaking. It may be hard to see, but the children are sitting on a dingy carpet. They are dressed in several layers of clothing. We brought donated clothing and shoes and fitted each child with an outfit. It was pretty amazing what they wore- shoes with holes in the bottom, ratty clothes, dirty and torn. Our donated clothing- even the worn items- were like brand new to these children.

Thank you again for your prayers, support and encouragement! We are humbled to be able to be here, serving the Lord and the people of Zimbabwe. In each home, each preschool, each feedin station, we have multiple opportunities to pray for the children and the adults there. No one has ever turned down prayer- they crave it. We will ask if we can pray for them and they immediately grip our shoulder and bow their heads. What a privilege it is to be here!

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In other news, it is DAVID's BIRTHDAY today!!! Hooray! We spent the day shopping- which he loved - haha- and are taking the Hands of Hope guys out for Chinese tonight. Tomorrow, we will learn about Foundations of Farming- a ministry that teaches how to maximize farming output- honestly, we'll know more after tomorrow.

Then, on Friday, we are going to a game preserve- to see African animals and debrief before our plane flight home on Saturday. Becky is nervous- so pray her nerves are calmed. We have heard one freaky story about an animal attacking- BUT we are confident that there will not be a repeat!

Our Time at Goshen

We just returned from a wonderful two-day visit to Goshen Farm. During our visit our team was able to secure playground equipment, paint a home which will hopefully one day be filled with children, spend time with the children (two homes filled now), and lead a church service for the children and aunties. It was very rewarding to be able to hear the children laughing and squealing with delight as they used the swings, slide, merry-go-round, and seesaw for the first time. David did wonderful job preaching while Farayi interpreted. We praised God in English and Shona and Katie led a children's skit to teach a lesson about David and Goliath. Ken graciously stepped up as Goliath and precious Raymond (from Goshen) was our David. Becky summed up the skit by teaching the children about the importance of trusting God and standing up for Him. We were delighted to pieces to witness little Raymond preach in Shona with all-out "amens!" and "hallelujahs!" and watch the children sing and dance along to the African drum. WOW! How wonderful to spend these two days in such a precious environment with children who are receiving such tender care from their hard working aunties. The smiles and bright eyes of the Goshen children will stay with us....

More Pictures!!!

It is a common sight to see women carrying baskets, bags, etc. on their head! Wow!
Also, to hold hands is a sign of friendship. These women are holding hands, but also men hold hands too.

To the far right is a little girl named Angela. She is 20 months old. She was abandoned at the hospital and Hands of Hope has raised her there at Fern Road. She is full of personality! She is beginning to talk and will repeat words- but her favorite to say is her own name!

This young man is Tinashe (tin-ah-she). He and his friends worked very hard with us to finish the chicken run. He wanted to give Ken a high five after completing the job.

This little boy's name is Tonderai. He is precious.

Here is a funny, random picture. Notice the 3 men on the truck!!

At Fern Rd, they do laundry by hand and a clothesline to dry the clothes. Here are the uniforms hanging. The Aunties also iron each piece of clothing. The children have many chores to help, including hanging the clothes, sweeping the dirt, cleaning, etc.

Fern Road

Friends and family,

We finished our project at Fern Road yesterday- the chicken run! We finished with time to spare and enjoyed a friendly game of volleyball with the older kids at Fern Rd.

Here is a pic of the finished product:

This morning we are going to Goshen Farm! We look forward to seeing the children there- all preschool age- and also more of the beauty of Zimbabwe. It is a distance from the city and there is no electricity there. It will be like camping for us.

Sara would like to tell her sister Laurie HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! and that she is thinking of you! Laurie donated hand warmers to our team and we plan to use those warmers out at Goshen.

Here are some updated prayer requests for us:

*Team Unity- we are presently on Day 5 in the country and the reality of being here is setting in. The culture is different, the food, the accomodations are great- but different from home. The situation of the children is heartbreaking. All these combined and typically hit a person around Day 4 and 5. Please pray for us that we are sensitive to the needs of our teammates. Phil. 4: 6-8

*Children's situations- As I mentioned above, the orphans situation is difficult to swallow. One million is a low estimate of the orphans in Zimbabwe alone. Hands of Hope is doing an amazing work here caring for them, loving them and creating a family for them. The situation in Zimbabwe, however, is difficult. The employment rate is 10%. Life has improved dramatically in the past 3 years, but there is much poverty and need. To our human heart and our American eyes, this is very difficult. Please pray God would teach us through this and that we would trust Him with the situation.

*Health- David is sick with a cold. Josh has had a fever. Emily is not sleeping well. Becky's neck is sore. Ken, Sara and I are fine though! Please pray for God's strength and healing hand. Praise that Ken, Sara and I are healthy and sleeping well!

*Balance- we are here for a goal and for productivity- but we are also here to minister and love the people of Zim. Please pray we would find a balance in each situation.

Thank you dear friends and family. A follower of our blog commented that we need to not take any minute for granted! We are trying to do that- thank you for the reminder!

Nda Tienda! (thank you in Shona!)

Katie

Picture Time!

Sunday before Church

We are staying at a beautiful house with unbelievable landscaping, a courtyard, swimming pool and beautiful sights. Previously, it belonged to the Catholic church. Sadly, it has not been kept up, but is now being maintained by the Hands of Hope. It is another home for orphans and we hope soon that it will be filled with the pitter patter of little feet.

This is a typical way to travel here in Zim.
The children were transported back to their homes after church.

Sweet faces of the children of Zimbabwe

Those of you who were here last year and in previous years will recognize two children- William is in the orange sweater and Judith is in the blue sweater! They are huggable and lovable as ever!

Tuesday in Zimbabwe

Good Morning friends,
[this is Katie]
Today Ken and I woke up early to go for a little run. It was fun to see the bustling going on around the house - especially the children walking in their uniforms to school. Their faces showed surprise at the white runners but also some curiosity and friendliness too.

Yesterday, project-wise, we were able to clear a good portion of an old shed out and also clear a large area in the yard for a volleyball court. There were about 5 Zim boys- young men really- who helped us the entire afternoon. The holes were dug for the volleyball poles and cement poured in. We may actually be able to play a game today!

While the boys worked hard in the yard, the ladies took some books and bubbles and found where the children were. They read to us in English and read very well! Some older girls sang a song to Becky that was very moving for them and for her. I'll let her share some about it...

(from Becky) The girls sang a sweet, sweet song from their hearts about drawing near to Christ and that being near to Him is really all we ever need. As they sang they drew up into a small circle all around me and several of them were visibly moved by what they were singing. I thought that if they can truly understand the truth of Jesus, they will be more blessed than most of the world, despite their circumstances. What a blessed memory!.

***It's Sara****We had such a great time at the Fern Homes again yesterday and are getting ready to head out again this morning. It was exciting to see the volleyball nets going up and begin clearing out the area for the chicken coop. How rewarding to spend time with the precious kids again. Nearly indescribable. Hey, Chip and Diona, this is for you....I grabbed William as soon as possible and didn't think he remembered me, but hugged him so hard and said, "William!!! Do you remember CHIPO? And Miss Diona????" And he got the HUGEST smile on his face!!!! It was so sweet!!!! He looked so happy and he just glowed and grinned. I wish you could have seen it but I know you can imagine it. I am hugging him bunches on your behalf. XO! ****

PS It has been a delight to us to watch our team step up to challenges and make things happen! David spoke on behalf of us at church; Emily shared a song with the children at Glenmore; Ken shared his story to a group of children; Becky is seeking out the older children and teens. We are honored to be here with them!

Also- wish we could upload pics.. no luck today..

Church and Kid's Homes

Sunday morning we awoke rested and refreshed. Sadly, David got word that his mother had passed away while we were traveling. Please keep his family in your prayers. His mother had been ill for some time, but the news is never easy. He may write something later this week.
We went to church at 11 and enjoyed music, dancing and prayer Zimbabwe style. It was quite charismatic but I enjoyed it very much. [I come from a Catholic background- you can imagine the difference in the two styles of worship!]
We then went to visit 3 different homes- at each home the kids introduced themselves and then sang songs for us. We had a tour of each home and met the aunties.
I'm getting the "LET'S GO!" from Jephat- and need to run!

BUT,
last night we visited and had a wonderful meal with the Goppert's and Doyle's. They are missionaries here and relatives to our dear Everswick's. Try as we might, Joyce Goppert, Lynn Everswick's sister, could not recall any funny childhood memories about Lynn!!

Today we separated our donations and organized them. We are headed ot Fern Road homes to get moving on a chicken run and the volleyball courts. The weather is overcast and cool.

Thank you for your prayers and love
Katie

We've Arrived!

Friends and Family-
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf! After a wild start in Greensboro, where we almost missed our flight because of a boarding pass error, each subsequent stop was routine. We were pleasantly surprised with Ethiopian Air- they gave us 3 different (and tasty) meals, snacks and drinks. In addition, pillows, blankets, sleeping mask, socks and tooth brush/tooth paste was provided to us.
We arrived in Harara, Zimbabwe around 2 in the afternoon, Zim time. Our bodies are telling us that it's been waaaaay too long since we've been in the horizontal, sleeping position. The weather is cool and pleasant, only requiring a light jacket or sweater.
Tonight we will have dinner with Glenn Miller, the president of Hands of Hope, and visit with various people in the ministry at Shalom House. We have met 5 orphans already, ranging from 3 to 10 years old. They are precious and have contagious smiles.
David has taken on the duties of driver, and he was successful on a short trip. Josh, Sara and I rode in the truck bed while the rest of the team rode in the truck. It was a little bumpy, but real fun!
Thank you again for your prayers!
Love,
Katie

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Hi from Emily!
We have arrive after over 24 hours of travel. As Katie said, Ethiopian Air fed us well, but we were certainly ready to be on solid ground when we arrived. Even in winter, Zimbabwae is beautiful. For the next couple of days we will stay in Harare, working on projects here, but tomorrow we will go to church with Jephat. I am looking forward to participating in their worship service!
Today we have looked at the gardens they have here and picked up avacados that have fallen from the trees. There are other teams from other areas working here also. We have met many people already!
Thanks for your prayes on our behalf!!

Emily

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Greetings from David
It feels great to be cool. Everyone has made us feel very welcome. The teams faith was tested as I drove them here to the office from Shalom house. It's fun to (legally) drive on the wrong side of the road.
Japhat is already talking to me about maintanence and building projects.
Thanks for all your prayers,
David

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Hello from Sara....It's surreal to be back in Zim. So thankful to everyone for your prayers. Our flights went great. I am realizing how much I have missed Zimbabwe. It is so amazing to be reunited with Uncle Jeph, Gari, Farayi, and their wives...and now the two new babies. And Rezina too! They are such a blessing and encouragement to us. We've already seen a few of the kids....and we can't wait to spend more time with them. Keep praying. Thank you for your support!
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Wow!! So good to stretch the legs and meet gracious folks here at the Harare Airport. We have already seen great gardens overlfowing with herbs and vegetables grown in small areas to feed the orphans and met other visiting helpers. We will stay in the Shalom house tonight and get acclamated to our surroundings where poinsettias and tropical flowers grow wild on the roadsides and the sky is deep blue and wide open. God bless you for your prayers and support. We will update this blog as we are able...........Becky
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We are here at the Hands of Hope office letting people know we made it safely! Long 24 hour flight including layovers and we made it safely but are tired and ready to eat and get some sleep. Spending some time meeting the staff and families and kids......Ken
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Alright everyone, I'm last on the blog post! We are here, with no sickness, missed flights, and just a slight delay. Thanks for all your prayers and we love you!.......Josh

Packing Party!

Thank you for praying for us as we packed tonight! We are each taking two 50 pound bags (we are also allowed one 15 pound carry-on) filled with camping supplies, toys, "sweets," shoes, clothes, sporting equipment, and other supplies. We are thankful for everyone who has donated items and we trust these items will be a blessing to those who receive them. Please pray that Christ will be revealed as these gifts are distributed. Looking forward to departing in a little over 24 hours....

Kids!

Here are some pictures of the precious children we will have the privilege of loving while in Zim. The top picture is a favorite of mine- the excitement and joy- is captured in their sweet faces.

The bottom picture was taken at a feeding station. Hands of Hope feeds over 500 children per day- the white food on their plate is called Sadza. It is similar to grits and is a staple food in the country. Notice the young lady at the bottom left of the photo. Too cute.

Meet Our Team

Emily & David Hinshaw, Becky O'Hare, Josh & Katie Morin, Sara Rogers, Ken Bailey

We are excited to be leaving in 1 week! Plane leaves Greensboro at 6:15am- feel free to come early and pray with us before we board the plane! ;) If not, pray from the comfort of your home- we appreciate it so much!