MissionZimbabwe.org

Well after 2 weeks in Zimbabwe the team has returned.  I apologize for those who were trying to follow our trip via the website, because of internet restrictions there, we were unable to update the site while there.  However, I have posted all the email posts we were able to send so that you can catch up on what we did, they are under Updates From the Feild.  Here is a quick rap up of what went on. 

The Village of Hope is expanding quickly.  Since we were there last year they have most of the school completed and the last of it under construction.  There were 19 students attending Cornelius Hope Academy Primary School (CHAPS) when we were there last year, now there are over 200 from ECD to grade 6.  The final building is set to be completed in November and will round out the school with a new library and grade 7 classroom, making it a complete primary school.  The Village has also expanding its staff, they now have a full construction team that is working on various projects around the site, including the new orphan homes.  Last year while there they recieved the liscence for their orphanage, which was stopping them from moving forward.  They had 2 homes then, one operating.  Now both homes are operating and they are working on 4 more which are nearing completion.

The Village is now running 3 plots feeding programs, one more from last year.  This is important for them because it gets them out into the poor areas where they can identify new children as well as offer the children there an introduction to schooling and at least one good meal for the day.  They are also doing a breakfast program for the kids of the school to start them off ready to learn.

After schol they run both a sports program, where we introduced teh children to volleyball, and a discipleship program.  The disipleship pragram combines devotions and fun and games.  Both are open to the community and give the kids something positive to do.

In Zimbabwe, the sun comes up fast and goes down fast.  It rises around 5:30 am and goes down at 6:30 pm consistently all year round.  At the Village things start with the sun and it is busy around the grounds till the sun goes down.

Away from the Village of Hope the team visited a small orhanage in Zvimba.  We were there last year as well and felt we needed to help them out.  After visiting this year we decided instead of just leaving money we would finance specific projects. We decied that we were going to leave money to ensure that all the children’s school fees would get paid.  Also we funded the delivery of food supplies regularly as well as the fixing of their pump so they can use their boar hole instead of going to a local water hole.  As well we left $100 US a month for the next 10 months to be used how they feel necessary.  There will be more to come once the team has time to get readjusted to being home as well as pictures to follow.