Ashland to Africa

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Mission has legs!!

Another great day here in Doma. We almost have all the legs cut and assembled for all fifteen tables and the four benches that go along with the tables. Thanks to some very helpful local guys(4) that are willing to pitch in a help us. We have an assembly line working, one guys measures then the next guys cuts followed by me putting them together all 5 pieces, finally one guy that puts bolts in them that finishes the legs off. We are waiting on one last load of timber that will arrive in the morning. This last load consists of the 2x8's that will be the tops of the tables. Last night we made a trip over to the village that is about 1.5 miles away from the orphanage. They sang to us and fed us a great local meal that consisted of beans, vegetables and sadza (grits made of maze). While we were there to eat with children and their house mothers, I was able to look at the current tables that are in each of the 5 huts. And to say the least they are falling apart if not already completely broken. Yet the attitudes of the children and their house mothers are super positive and warming. I am looking forward to the time when we are able to take the tables to the children and show them their new place to eat, since they had to eat on the floor when they have lunch and dinner. Time seems to be flying by here, I miss home and all the friends and family. Thanks again for the support and help getting us here. I know the children and most of all the staff here at Eden's appreciate the hard work that went into this trip. Until next blog take care and God bless. Praise Yeshua!

Chance

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS..."
Tonight I met the ultimate expression of this verse in a little boy named Jimmy. As I had the pleasure of being the night's guest in House 5 of Eden Children's Village, I asked the boys who reside there to sing a song for me. A fair skinned 6 year old-Jimmy, leapt to his feet and with a wide smile began to sing at the loudest volume his body could expel a song recalling the might of our God. His expressiveness, his passion, his exuberant dancing caught my attention. When I began sharing from Philippians 3, I maintained eye contact with the older boys of this house much of the talk. I was speaking along side my gracious brother Elliot (the house father) who kindly agreed to translate my words to the native tongue Shona. I was prepared to speak to older teens not 6 year olds! Coming to the climax of my devotion, I spoke of the unfailing love of God. I quickly caught a glimpse of my happy new friend Jimmy. Tears were pouring down his face! Following the prayer, Jimmy returned to joyful dancing as before-looking up at me with his winning smile.
I later learned Jimmy's mother was committed to a mental institution when he was born. Due to inadequate child services in Zimbabwe, Jimmy was left to wander the halls of the institution until he was two when he arrived at Eden Children's Village. Just last November, Jimmy was riding the handle bars of a friend's bike when a motorcycle crested the hill Jimmy and his friend were approaching. Jimmy suffered the full force of the racing motorcycle, plunging him headfirst into a concrete embankment. When Jimmy finally arrived at the hospital, cerebral spinal fluid was seeping from his ears. Through prayers of the staff and supporters of Eden Children's Village, Jimmy survived! Miraculously, Jimmy has no brain damage as a result of the accident! By the way, Jimmy is HIV-positive.
To those who like me, have allowed loss and abuse to cripple them with doubt, cynicism, worry, bitterness, and a fear of the future-hear the wild shout, watch the victory dance of a six year old named Jimmy and REJOICE in the God who comes to save us!
He is the boy pointing to the sky in the left corner of the picture! :)

July 4th, 2012

Yesterday we got a tour of the whole village and how everything works. It’s really quite amazing how they don’t waste anything, if they can use it for something they don’t throw it away. My favorite part, of what I have experienced so far, is meeting the children in the village. They seemed so excited to see us and didn’t have a care in the world. We were only there for a short time but in that short time they played with us and introduced themselves. I think we are going to go have dinner with them tonight. I also helped with prepping things that they will need in the clinic today. They use herbs for all their medicines and I spent my afternoon with a lady by the name of Angelia cutting ginger. She told me that they use it for stomach aches and she also introduced me to her family. Her and I seemed to have made a connection when she saw my bracelet with all the Saints, she then told me that she is also Catholic. She tried teaching me a few Shona words but I don’t think I’ve quite picked it up, she’s very patient with me though. Everyone here has been very inviting and I look forward to see what I can give to them and them give to me in return. Hope all is well back home.

God Bless,

Naomi Bonilla

Monday, July 2, 2012

We arrived this evening at Eden Children's Village in Doma. The trip was an adventure in itself. After getting into Washington DC late, after less than 4 hours sleep, we were at the airport in time to check all the totes again and board for the 13 hour flight to the Addis Ababa Airport in Ethiopia. We got on the plane on Sunday late morning and arrived at Addia Ababa. Changed planes for a 3 hour flight to Harare. After a little confusion about when to deplane we arrived in Zimbabwe at about 3:00 Monday. We picked up all the totes and had no problem going through customs.

Susan and Kevin picked us up, and we were very happy to arrive in Doma at about 7:00 pm. So glad to be here and for the relatively uneventful trip. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Jane