I have made it here safely to Africa and I am settling into my new home. We have had two teams for the last two and a half weeks which has made it very busy.
We started in Zimbabwe and visited an old folks home. We also met and worked with the street kids that Regina, another missionary here, works with. We vistied the beautiful Victoria Falls as well, one of the seven wonders of the world.
The economy in Zimbabwe is very bad with the inflation rate up to 10,000%! The money in Zimbabwe expires after a certain amount of time because it is changed so often. They have no gas at the gas stations so we had to drive up in front of someone's house and honk in order to buy gas from the black market. People are really suffering there as the economy becomes worse and worse. It is a sad situation, but ROCK of Africa is working hard to bring life and joy into people's lives amidst the suffering.
After a few days in Zimbabwe, we crossed into Zambia, my new home. We did many of the same types of things there. We visited schools, villages, orphanges, and an old folks home. We donated supplies, sang with the peoples, prayed for them, and loved them.
When the other team came, we all went on a riverboat cruise for a fundraiser for the church. We had an awesome time and saw many animals!
After the first team left, we started over with the new team and went back to Zimbabwe and did many of the same things along with going down to Gwayi River where ROCK of Africa started. This is a very poor village in the bush. We had an amazing experience!
I am now back in Zambia and we have been helping the school at the church build another classroom and type their tests.
One of the greatest experiences so far has been going to a blind village. The government sent all of the blind people who were begging in town to live in a rural area and they have built a community in the bush now. One of the guys on the team had had a dream in the U.S. about this blind man with an old guitar from the 60s. Glen wanted him to come to Africa and showed him a picture of the exact man that was in his dream! So he decided to buy this man with a new guitar and found that he was given the exact amount needed! It was so neat to see him meet this man and give him the guitar. The man had been praying for a new guitar for a long time, so it was so neat to see him answer that prayer from someone halfway around the world!
I miss everyone so much and I wish I could tell everyone everything about this place. I am getting adjusted and trying to learn the language. I think it will be a big change when all the americans leave, but I am excited about starting the work I came here to do. Thank you all for your support and love!
Tizowanana (Goodbye for now)
10 comments:
woo-hoo! fist comment - sweet! it's amazing to read your blog &, in a way, to walk with you on your journey. as i've told you before, i love to hear your stories; i find them very encouraging as they are evidence that God is moving through His people. we miss you back here in the states! i can't wait to read about your next adventure :)
Hey, Eri...STAY OUT OF ZIMBABWE! This is your mama talking!! Send me some cool photos. I am already bragging about your photos and I have only seen this one! And by the way....four of your photos of the Angora fire are going to be in the show at the college the beginning of September. Miss you....
Hello, Erin. I am so happy that you are thriving. You sound so filled with JOY! I admire you so much, Darlin'. Take good care, and stay safe. You are in our prayers--for your safety, as well as our prayers of thanksgiving. YOU ROCK!! We are so proud to know such a fine woman.
I am so proud of you that you took a huge step to help others in need. That is what we learned as a SW, but very difficult to put into action! You stay safe, safety is #1 priority as I kept saying... looking forward to reading more!
Eri.....you missed the best sunset in the world last night. We sat on the back deck and watched it. I bet the sunsets there are great too! The whole family misses you. Be good, go to bed on time, eat vegetables, take a bath each day, say please and thank you, and stay the same little Eri we all know and love.....
Hi Erin,
You are in my prayers everyday as you are doing the work of the Lord in South Africa. I am so excited for you and the great opportunity you have to teach the people there about Jesus Christ. I pray that God will keep you safe while you are living there. God bless you.
Uncle Mike
hi erin. i miss you! i tried to call you back but the phone just kept ringing. i will try you again tonight! know that He wants you to come to him, weary and heavy-laden, so that he can give you peace and great rest for your soul. friend, make this your hope.ilove you, natalie
Hey Erin! Thanks for allowing us to hear about what you are doing in Africa. Know that we are encouraged by your huge heart. I look forward to hearing more about your time in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Chisarai zvakanaka Lisalekuhle! (Goodbye)
Hi Erin,
we miss you!! Sorry you had to experience that girl getting hit by a car. Sounds like you are learing a lot and having lots of new experiences. Things are settling down here. Stay healthy and safe. We love you!
Auntie & Uncle Steve
Wow you are awesome young woman to be able to help out people other countries.
You are in a place that not many have the opportunity to experience.
I will pray for you and God Bless Your Soul.
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