Mai Whisper, who was expecting during HBF week, has finally had her baby (2wks ago). She was three weeks past her due date, so she went into hospital to be induced. Unfortunately they said the baby was too large for natural child birth and that she would require a C-section. She stayed overnight in the hospital with surgery due to take place the next day. Of course the surgical room had none of the necessary supplies for her operation. So her husband had to go to the pharmacy with a list of items to get - syringes, needles, gloves, iodine, gauze, surgical blades, etc. They used up all the money they had, so she reached out to us for assistance. It was early evening at this point. We filled up a large thermos with tea and a large ziplock bag with cookies and gathered the necessary cash to take to the hospital. We put twice as much cash in the envelope than they asked for, knowing there would be more expenses. Any time we hand out cash for any of our programs, we expect to receive receipts and change, if due - the ladies are very good in following up with this. I walked through the labor ward then into the maternity ward, past tiny little babies in incubators until I finally got to bay six where Mai Whisper was laying in a bed in a dormitory-style room with about 12 beds filled with expectant mothers. She was grateful for the tea and cookies and of course the money that she desperately needed. I stayed briefly and visited, then prayed over her before leaving. Her husband would go to the pharmacy the first thing in the morning to get the remaining supplies. Then she would go into surgery for her C-section. The following day, she called to say her baby girl was delivered and that she was recovering well! Unfortunately, she lost a lot of blood during surgery and they had to perform a hysterectomy, something she only found out about afterwards. Although Mai Whisper has three other girls, a boy is always desired within the Shona culture. Not being able to have more children was devastating news. No doubt the decision to remove her womb was most likely due to the blood loss she was experiencing and the hospital not having enough blood on hand. They gave her one bag, but she required more. However, there was no more to give. The womb was most likely the easier fix to limit her blood loss (these are assumptions based off the healthcare service within the country and this specific hospital).

We spoke on the phone for a while, as I (Yolanda) asked how her heart was doing. I could hear her well-up on the line and I empathized with her feelings of loss and grief. Three days later, she called again, because they wouldn’t discharge her from the hospital since they had an outstanding bill. This is common practice at hospitals in Zimbabwe. The patient is made to stay on the floor with no assistance and no food (unless someone brings them some) and not allowed to leave until the bill is paid. She was needing $38 USD, which sounds like very little, but if you don’t have it, the figure is irrelevant. So after gathering up cash again, along with a baby gift of cloth diapers, a stuffed sheep, baby socks, and a diaper bag, I was off to the hospital before it got dark. Upon arriving, she told me about her experience. She introduced me to her baby girl, who does not have a name yet - also common since it usually takes about a week before the baby is named. Her baby also has albinism, just like her eldest daughter, Whisper. She shared her fears of having to protect yet another child with albinism. Children with albinism are often targets of kidnappings and murders, because their internal organs and genitalia are considered to hold magical powers. Their body parts are often used in witchcraft. She also shared the additional expense of continued need for sunblock, hats, long-sleeve attire and lip balm - all essentials for someone with albinism and something she has dealt with, with her eldest daughter. Ultimately, she was grateful her baby was healthy and she praised God for that! She shared how her eldest daughter prayed during each pregnancy that the baby would have albinism like she does, so that someone in her family would look like her. She said that Whisper, who is in her first year of high school, is so excited to have a sister that looks like her! She smiled as she shared this news, knowing all to well the discrimination and stigmatization her daughter has experienced within her own community.

I held the baby while Mai Whisper went from desk to desk to deal with paperwork. I watched as a nurse shouted a name in the ward and a woman would call back and hurriedly stand up, leave her newborn on the bed, and rush to the desk. Those who had obviously endured C-sections stood up more cautiously, but the nurse’s screeching voice would keep calling the name until the woman answered. A woman would attempt to quickly walk, hunched over in obvious discomfort, towards the bellowing voice. I watched as women lay in bare, wood-board beds, with their babies wrapped in thick winter blankets, towels, hats, and tracksuits (it is wintertime now in Zimbabwe). There were countless exposed breasts, as babies screamed for food and nourishment. Occasionally, a nurse would enter and yell instructions or commands to a patient, but for the most part they are left to fend for themselves, with little to no assistance. As a white woman, I was something different to look at and stare at in the bay. Most women sat up or moved their babies to face me as they gawked at my presence. This is something we’re accustomed to, both living in Zimbabwe and having visited the hospital on many occasions. My mere presence made it so that Mai Whisper was instantly receiving better attention and being spoken to more compassionately and tenderly (sometimes the color of my skin is an advantage, even though it’s a disadvantage other times. It just depends on the location and situation - we have learned how to navigate such situations). They would ask who I was and my answer is always the same, “This is my sister, do you not see the resemblance?” They would laugh and then go on with what they were doing. I stayed much longer than I had intended, but it was quite obvious Mai Whisper needed my presence, if nothing else, to hold her baby while she tended to things (she is a highly protective mother). It quickly became apparent that she needed much more than the initial $38 that I had brought. I had no other cash on me so I quickly drove back home to get more cash. Andrew met me at the gate at our house with the money, so I could do a quick turnaround and hopefully return before it got dark. I got the extra cash needed with a few extra dollars just in case - which ended up being a good idea, since they needed those few extra dollars for a prescription that was written. 

Once I returned to the hospital with the necessary funds, Mai Whisper called her husband, who had been standing in line to pay at accounting since 3 hours prior to when I had first arrived. He had someone hold his place as he quickly came to to get the cash. We greeted, shaking hands in the typical Shona way. I congratulated him on his new baby, “Makorokoto,” I said, clapping my hands and congratulating him. I knew I would need to leave soon before the sun went down. So I finally got a couple pictures (the baby was screaming non-stop earlier, because all she wanted to do was feed and Mai Whisper’s milk is coming in slowly), and then offered to pray for her and the baby. Of course the whole bay filled with beds of new moms with their babies quieted down (even the crying babies) as we bowed our heads in prayer. I heard several amens all around me after I opened my eyes. I made sure to leave money for a taxi too. I didn’t trust myself to know how to get home in the dark after dropping off Mai Whisper at home. She recently moved and there are many turns on a very bad road to get to her place. I picked up my thermos I had left several days earlier with her, and after ensuring she had all she needed, I made my way back home. Even in our small, little town, returning home during “rush hour” is always an adventure. Kombis (vans that are taxis) and cars swerving in front of you, cars pulling out on the main road at a moment’s notice, stuck between semi-trucks at traffic lights that are out, pedestrians running across the road with oncoming traffic, and poor visibility with the time of day doesn’t help the situation. Needless to say, two extreme brake stops were needed (that made stuff fly off the passenger seat) due to a car swerving in front of me and an almost head on collision with a semi-truck (to no fault of my own), I arrived alive. And this is just a regular day of driving in Zimbabwe.

In addition to helping out Mai Whisper, we’ve assisted several others recently under our Medical Assistance Program. Mai Innocent’s (our housekeeper) 7 year old granddaughter was driven home from school and was sitting in the backseat of a car. Unfortunately, the car door was not completely closed, so when the car drove over a pothole, the door flew open and she fell out, hitting the road head first. She was rushed to the local hospital about 15 miles from us. She had sustained some head and shoulder injuries. She received multiple stitches on her shoulder and was transported to Harare, the capital, to have a head CT scan and see a neurologist. Thankfully, her tests were all fine and she was able to return to the hospital near her town. She stayed there until her fever broke and she was stable and well enough to return home. We had given Mai Innocent some time off to go be with her daughter and granddaughter to support them. She is presently recovering well and her wounds are healing.

Western (our groundskeeper) asked for a loan because his grandfather was in the hospital here in Chinhoyi. Instead, we enrolled him in our Medical Assistance Program. He needed oxygen and other medication. We gave Western time off to go be with his grandfather. The next day, he and a cousin were starting to drive his grandfather home after the hospital had discharged him. Unfortunately, soon after they left the building, his grandfather felt ill and started vomiting. They immediately returned to the hospital. Unfortunately, soon after that, his grandfather passed away. His grandfather had ulcers and some other medical issues that required him needing to come to the hospital sooner. But as is so common in Zimbabwe, people only end up going to the hospital in severe cases and often when it’s too late. This is due to lack of transport, distance to healthcare facilities, cost of medical services, and lack of necessary support, especially due to the financial burden. Western, being the eldest cousin and one of the only working family members, was required to handle transport of the body back to his rural home, four hours away. Funerals are very expensive endeavors with the cultural requirement of transporting family to burial sites and providing food for all in attendance, etc. Again Western asked for a loan (one that would take him several months to repay and eat up most of his income). So once again, we decided to assist by covering these needs through our benevolence fund. It’s these types of emergencies and unplanned expenses that debilitate individuals and keep people in poverty. And in Zimbabwe, it’s not as simple as having medical insurance, life insurance, or a neat little emergency fund tucked away in a private account. These are not realistic options, especially or primarily because of what most individuals earn for an income.

In addition to the several medical crises we’ve assisted with recently, there have also been the minor cases of colds and flus running through our Tuesday and Wednesday group ladies and their families. The country has a seen a huge spike in flu cases, which has resulted in a bit of a panic because people were not sure if it was Covid. But the health sector has made several statements, making it clear that it’s just the normal flu and cold that is common during this season. Many have taken to wearing masks again to help curb the flu symptoms. We’ve asked the ladies to not attend group if they are sick, since it’s not uncommon for a lady to show up coughing and splattering everywhere and looking worse for wear and advising all of us that she’s been suffering from the flu for a few days. In the last two weeks, I have handed out multiple packets of cold/flu symptom meds - vitamin C, tablets for coughing, throat lozenges, headache tablets, etc. We’ve also covered for some of the more immune compromised ladies to go to the local clinic, with several of them receiving shots for their severe symptoms.

Two years ago, we discussed hosting a women’s conference. However, the timing has never been right. We are feeling the Spirit’s urging that maybe the timing will never be right and it’s just time to actually do it. We had hoped to host the event in October to give ourselves some extra time, but the ladies all insisted that August would be best as it will be school holidays. The school holidays allow their older children to take care of their younger children and ensures that no children need to be picked up from school in the middle of the day, meaning that women who attend the conference, will not have to worry about what to do with their children. This all made a lot of sense, so we are hosting the event during the last week in August (27th-29th). The women in both the Tuesday and Wednesday groups are very excited for this! Since we had already discussed the opportunity for this event two years ago, we had a head start and list of ideas of how we anticipate the event to be carried out.

We have decided to make this event extra special, providing lunch, tea time treats, table decor, worship music, multiple main session topics, small groups, notebooks, pens, and a Shona Bible for each attendee. Our audience will be women who may never otherwise be able to afford or have the opportunity of attending such an event. The Tuesday and Wednesday ladies will all personally invite a certain number of women to attend. We plan to have the event catered (at a very reasonable $5 per plate) to ensure all the ladies can attend the entire event (which will also greatly reduce our stress levels). We will not host an August HBF kids’ program and, instead, put the funds towards this three-day Women’s Conference. Even with utilizing funds we would have used for HBF, we are still in need of supplementing the event. We hope to host 150 women and it will be free for everyone to attend.

Would you like to sponsor a woman to attend? We are asking any of you who are willing, for donations of $15 per attendee. This will specifically be an outreach event. Our theme is, “Salvation: the greatest gift!” (how to become a Christian and a follower of Jesus). It doesn’t get more to the point than that! We believe this will most likely be one of the most eternity-minded events we have ever done in JM2Z. We have no idea what the outcome will be or even if we will be blessed to see the results thereof, but we are believing that something amazing will take place. If you would like to sponsor a woman (or more) for $15 each, you can donate at the link below.

The two weeks the ladies’ groups met following HBF, we spent some intentional time in prayer and visiting with one another. We had spent the previous six weeks so busy and rushed each time we gathered. Although we had opened/closed in prayer each time we met, we had not taken time to go around the circle to truly listen and hear what had been happening in the lives of each woman. Therefore, we took two back-to-back weeks to focus on just that. What unfolded was some fantastic group and peer counseling opportunities. All of the women opened up with so much vulnerability, rawness, and authenticity, about what had been happening in their lives. Each lady shared with great trust about a struggle or what they had been suffering or a traumatic even or encounter. Everything from family conflict, childhood trauma, domestic violence, verbal abuse, loss, pain, and grief - were all shared among them. Everyone quietly and actively listened as each lady shared her story. Hugs were given, hands were held, backs were rubbed in support, and tissues were handed out. Others in the group would offer up their thoughts on the matter, giving examples from their own lives and experiences. Without negating personal experiences or cultural norms/expectations, I would share a biblical story or analogy asking them to compare their advice/opinions to that of the biblical one. I would challenge them to read a verse and ask if their advice was contradictory to Scripture or lacking in compassion and understanding. Overall, the women showed great compassion towards one another. Each showed immense empathy and active listening skills, while also attempting to help, assist, and support their sisters-in-Christ. Most came to the consensus that being a part of each other’s lives outside of group was vital and checking in on each other more often was necessary. 

These two gathering times made me so proud of the ladies. The fact that the group has grown to a place of such immense trust in one another that each felt comfortable and safe enough to share extremely private and personal struggles and sufferings, spoke volumes. The women each showed great empathy and compassion, as well as wisdom in dealing with one another. Our times together also highlighted that every individual still endured great pain and that our Christian walk does not equal a bed of roses. Our time together was so sweet and our prayers so raw and open. Sharing in each other’s burdens as well as celebrating in each other’s praises was doing church at its finest. 

These times together were once again reminders of why we are closed groups. I (Yolanda) am often asked when we will be adding more women to our groups (especially as a few have gotten jobs and unable to attend the groups) or why not - and this is exactly why. It takes literal years of building relationships to get to this point, where an entire day of meeting can be about sharing, trusting, praying, crying, listening, and counseling. (Out of respect to the women I will not be sharing any specific stories the women shared).

After the two weeks of intentional prayer and group/peer counseling, we returned to our regular schedule of Bible study and fellowship. However, we have been doing things a little differently lately. I have not been preparing specific Bible studies, but rather, we have been gathering to have times of “being in the hot seat” as we call it. We all read a meatier chapter of Scripture and each lady shares her understanding of that passage. I (Yolanda) then jot down if the lady said something not quite accurate or if she gave a “correct answer,” but too simply. I then return to each lady and ask “why” she believes “a, b, c, d” or to explain her answer in more detail. In some cases, it’s helping the person get to the true meaning and understanding by allowing them to read multiple Scriptures on the topic. Other times, it’s playing devil’s advocate and challenging the person what they believe to ensure they truly understand the issue or topic at hand. 

Another week, I ask different salvation/essential and belief related questions. “How are we saved?”,  “Why?”,  “Is that all?”, “What does that mean?”, “Are you sure?”, “Where does it say that in Scripture?” “Explain yourself?” I have also been challenging each woman on church and denomination specific beliefs and traditions. I don’t tell them if something is right or wrong, but rather, question why they believe that certain thing. I’m challenging them to think for themselves and to have biblical literacy. They all know the “Sunday school answers,” but I’m pushing them to know why they believe that and not just because I said so. Sometimes they directly ask me if  “x, y, z” in their church is wrong. I don’t answer them, but instead open it to the group to discuss and then we open to several Scripture passages to read. Then I ask what they think and why. Out of these teaching times, wonderful discussion and conversation have taken place. The women represent many different denominations and schools of thought, not to mention one is a Muslim. All of which have made for very interesting learning opportunities. 

We call these times, “sitting in the hot seat” because it’s uncomfortable. The topics are hard, personal, and difficult to digest. When a question seems especially difficult to answer, all the ladies begin to blow toward the one to whom the question was asked, pretending to stoke the fire. The women joke that they need a glass of water to cool down or need to stand up from the hot seat. There is laughter to break the tension during these times. 

Obviously these times have challenged me immensely too. I can prepare for a Bible study, but these times can lead down many different rabbit trails, forcing me to do much research in advance to be prepared to turn to certain passages in Scripture or lead the conversation in a certain direction, etc. I never know which questions the ladies will ask or how they will interpret a certain passage. I never know how they will respond or how their own experiences have molded their belief systems. Although these unknowns prove a challenge, they also create wonderful opportunities for learning. You would think you’d only find these types of interactions in Bible classes at high school, college, or even seminary level classes, but instead, these conversations are taking place among African women, some who speak no English, some who struggle to read, some who have never made it to high school, and all who would be considered uninterested in these types of topics. These women never cease to amaze me! Please continue to pray for them, for their continued desire to learn and grow and ask questions. Pray that they may impart this type of desire and knowledge to those around them and within their realms of influence. Pray that this discipleship would be a part of their everyday lives among others.

Wohoo! We have great news! Finally, after 19 months, we are getting back to finishing the ministry building. We shouldn’t be surprised that this is how long it has taken just to get restarted, but with how unprecedentedly fast the building went up (six weeks), we had high hopes - our first mistake. We had hoped the building would be completed while we were stateside last year. But the contractor was dragging his feet and finally reached out, explaining he’d prefer to complete the building upon our return to Zimbabwe to ensure everything was done to our standards. We agreed, especially because we did not want to add one more thing to Janeece’s plate during her missionary relief of us. Once we returned (August 2023), we had hoped to get started immediately, but one thing after another was getting in our way to be present for the work. Finally as our schedule opened up (by end of October 2023), we reached out again attempting to get them to come and get started. Unfortunately, the main guy was out of the country in Tanzania overseeing a major project in training non-profits on how to build these prefab buildings. Then my health got poor and I ended up having surgery and we were unavailable for two months for this project. The new year (2024) came around and still we had not started. We reached out again. Finally someone was sent to meet with us. We went over all the improvements, changes, and undone work. Then we heard nothing for weeks upon weeks even though we kept reaching out. At this point, our patience was waning. Then another individual was sent and once again ALL the information needed to be shared again. Measurements of cupboards, paint colors, fixtures, adjustments, improvements, corrections, etc., etc., etc. More WhatsApp messages were sent back and forth between countries and multiple employees. We were starting to feel like everything we had already paid for was never actually going to get done. We made phone calls and once again someone (or rather a team) was sent to meet with us. Again, we went over it all step by step and then finally, a week after they said a painter would arrive, he finally did. This last week, a painter has been staying here, filling cracks, plastering corrections, and painting the ceiling. This week, the painter has been painting the interior walls, window frames, and burglar bars. Hopefully, next the external part of the structure will be touched up and bathrooms painted.. 

We expect to see electricians, builders, carpenters, and plumbers over the next several weeks in hopes of finally finishing up the building. The deadline for the building has moved many times - before we return to Zimbabwe (2023), before the end of the year (2023), before our mission team arrives (April), before the next event, and now finally hopefully before we leave to return to the US again. On the positive side, things are actually happening now and we are confident that the building will in fact be completed.