Update From Our Previous Blog
Just a quick update from our last blog in regards to my grandpa. We had said our goodbyes to him the week before we posted our last blog, knowing that whatever happens, we probably wouldn’t be seeing him again on earth. He ended up dying the day after we posted that blog. Even though we were unable to attend his service, we were thankful to be blessed to be able to visit with him in his final week and to be able to have closure before we left, especially knowing that we will see him again one day.
All of our bags barely fit in the car, as we heading to the airport
Travel and Down Time
We left the US over a month ago and safely made the flight back to Zimbabwe, via England. The cheapest tickets we could find which included 2 free bags was Turkish Airlines (cheapest by $600!). We hadn’t flown with them before, but we read some great reviews. We weren’t disappointed and it flew via Istanbul. We had a 23 hour layover in Istanbul and because of that, the airlines gave us a free city tour!
We finally landed in London and got to see Yolanda’s mother after a year and a half since the last time we saw her and visited with her brother and soon to be sister-in-law.
We were also able to take off a week, as requested by our board. Our board insisted we recuperate and rest before returning to Zimbabwe. We found ourselves sleeping for literal 12 hour days while on our week off. We were much more tired than we realized! After the last week in the US of 4 hour nights of sleep and the strenuous travel schedule and many speaking engagements over the past 6 months, rest was much needed. We love being able to visit with each and every one of YOU, we love to go to each of our supporting churches in person to update you, we love to stay in your homes and visit over a meal. Having said all of that, our schedule is usually grueling and exhausting and it's often hard to explain that to others. What we are not doing while in the US, is taking a 6 month long vacation. All that to say, we were especially grateful for the week off, with no one else, but each other to rest and relax, so we could give our best upon returning to Zimbabwe!
Yolanda received these messages on her watch during our down time □
Back in Zimbabwe
We made it back to Zimbabwe safely, with all of our bags in tow. We drove the 2 hours to Chinhoyi from the airport. After an early night, we were back to work the next day. Unpacking bags and cleaning layers of dust on everything since the time Janeece had left and also getting started on a few repairs and maintenance items around the place. We came home to an empty fridge and pantry (as is always the case), which meant trying to source supplies and sorting out necessary finances and money related items as is the issue in Zimbabwe (sourcing local currency). We buy some of our dairy products from a farmer, some vegetables from another farmer, some items from a lady on the road, eggs from a corner of town, meat from the local butcher, and a list sent to a runner (a person who brings goods across the South Africa/Zim border) for non-perishables. In a week or so, more items will be ready from our own garden for us to enjoy. The first night we were here, we figured out what to do with our one can of chickpeas in the pantry and the one eggplant from the garden LOL - don’t worry we won’t go hungry, but it’s always interesting figuring out meals during the transitional period of sourcing goods (due to multiple reasons).
Shocked by Store Prices
Grocery store, full of goods, but no people 15 years ago, there were no goods in any stores in Zimbabwe. Food and supplies just weren’t available and shelves were completely empty. During recent years, shelves have been filled, except for the occasional shortage of one item or another, which lasts several months, but then becomes available (sugar, salt, cooking oil, etc.).
One of the frustrating things of life in Zim is all the waiting. Patience is a must! Sometimes we remind ourselves of the VBS we did a few years ago when the theme was the Fruit of the Spirit :-) Because you need to wait in lines everywhere, to pay bills, to buy electricity, to pay car insurance, to buy something at the pharmacy, hardware store, and especially the grocery stores. People waiting in lines trying to check out at the grocery store are usually so long that they weave through the aisles. If you’re pushing a cart, you need to constantly be telling people, “Excuse me,” so you can get through.
However, since we have been back this time, the main grocery stores are empty. Although they are full of food, toiletries, and supplies, the aisles and check out registers are empty, because there are no people inside. The prices have always been high, but they are even higher this year. In past years, getting just a few items at the store could take 45 minutes, purely due to waiting in line to pay, but now, there are no lines and it only takes about 2 minutes to pay.
We used to purchase groceries and ministry supplies in South Africa, not just because of availability, variety, and quality, but also because things are a third of the price as compared to Zim. However, it must be an even wider gap now. If we feel like we can’t afford things here, how is the average person surviving, especially when one’s paycheck inflates on a weekly basis? When we left at the end of last year, Zimbabwe’s local currency was about Z$750 to $1 USD. The gap has steadily widen ever since then. Several weeks ago, it was up to Z$8,000 to $1USD. Now, it’s leveled out at Z$5,500 to $1USD (for now).
In general, most transactions are done in USD, but it’s still cheaper in some stores to pay in Zimbabwe dollars. It just depends on the store. Regardless, it’s still best for us to buy from South Africa, so that’s what we do for most things.
One of the frustrating things of life in Zim is all the waiting. Patience is a must! Sometimes we remind ourselves of the VBS we did a few years ago when the theme was the Fruit of the Spirit :-) Because you need to wait in lines everywhere, to pay bills, to buy electricity, to pay car insurance, to buy something at the pharmacy, hardware store, and especially the grocery stores. People waiting in lines trying to check out at the grocery store are usually so long that they weave through the aisles. If you’re pushing a cart, you need to constantly be telling people, “Excuse me,” so you can get through.
However, since we have been back this time, the main grocery stores are empty. Although they are full of food, toiletries, and supplies, the aisles and check out registers are empty, because there are no people inside. The prices have always been high, but they are even higher this year. In past years, getting just a few items at the store could take 45 minutes, purely due to waiting in line to pay, but now, there are no lines and it only takes about 2 minutes to pay.
We used to purchase groceries and ministry supplies in South Africa, not just because of availability, variety, and quality, but also because things are a third of the price as compared to Zim. However, it must be an even wider gap now. If we feel like we can’t afford things here, how is the average person surviving, especially when one’s paycheck inflates on a weekly basis? When we left at the end of last year, Zimbabwe’s local currency was about Z$750 to $1 USD. The gap has steadily widen ever since then. Several weeks ago, it was up to Z$8,000 to $1USD. Now, it’s leveled out at Z$5,500 to $1USD (for now).
In general, most transactions are done in USD, but it’s still cheaper in some stores to pay in Zimbabwe dollars. It just depends on the store. Regardless, it’s still best for us to buy from South Africa, so that’s what we do for most things.
First Women's Gathering
We just finished the coldest month of the year (July). So you can see their winter clothing. When they are inside, they take out their wraps, to wrap around their legs, and of course drink plenty of hot tea. We decided to have a combined gathering with both the Tuesday and Wednesday ladies, for our first meeting. Unfortunately, some were not able to attend, but those who did had a wonderful time visiting and fellowshipping with one another. The ladies showed up in 2 regular cars - yes all 15 of them! Several sat in the front seat, several in the back row, and a few even in the open trunk. We had organized a kombi (20 passenger van - taxi) for them, but it never showed, so they improvised and ordered a couple car-taxis instead. Our truck was in the garage being serviced at the time.
They all showed up in high spirits and there were hugs for everyone. We enjoyed a meal together, then visited and caught up on all that had been happening in their lives. One had a new grandchild, another’s daughter had gotten married, another’s child had gotten engaged, several of their children had gotten their results back from final exams from last year - everyone passed. There was much news to be shared and lots of stories to go around. I (Yolanda) asked them about all they had learned during their Bible Studies with Janeece. Immediately they all started sharing in a flurry. “We must be bold. One person can make a difference. Our influence is either good or bad. The kings, soooo many kings. We made a family tree, to remember it all. Naaman, the servant, Elisha.” Each shared in more detail and what they found interesting or how they’ve tried to put into practice what they had learned.
One of the ladies is speaking at a women’s conference next month. Another lady is teaching her entire women’s ministry group every week at church. Another lady is meeting with her neighbor for weekly prayer. These are all new occurrences this year. We are so proud and so excited for the women stepping up and living out the Gospel in their communities. The Holy Spirit is working in them and through them and to hear their passion and their stories is such a joy - all glory and honor to Jesus!
We also spent a good amount of time dreaming. We worked on casting a vision, setting a goal, making a plan, putting it into action, and hopefully making it a reality. This is all in preparation for the women who will receive the money they made from all their crocheted items we sold in the US. We discussed many ideas and how to make a budget (something we have discussed in detail in past years) and plan accordingly. The women all found this exciting. Although they started out quite apprehensive. They have homework to come up with an actual vision, goal and plan, which they will need to research in finding out what is a need they can meet in their communities and how can they profit from that. This is all in an effort to continue helping the women to become as self-sustainable as is possible in this environment.
After enjoying a sweet time of prayer together, the conversation turned to our next gathering. The ladies requested we not meet this month (August), until after the e1ecti0ns (typo intentional). They shared their concern of traveling in groups and meeting. They especially shared the concern of meeting with a white Zimbabwean and how that may be perceived. We 100% respect their analysis of the situation as well as their understandable fears and caution surrounding the event and their memories of occurrences from not long ago. (A quick google search of past such events in the country could put more light on the issue, if you are unaware of the history.) Therefore, we have suspended all gatherings until mid-September.
They all showed up in high spirits and there were hugs for everyone. We enjoyed a meal together, then visited and caught up on all that had been happening in their lives. One had a new grandchild, another’s daughter had gotten married, another’s child had gotten engaged, several of their children had gotten their results back from final exams from last year - everyone passed. There was much news to be shared and lots of stories to go around. I (Yolanda) asked them about all they had learned during their Bible Studies with Janeece. Immediately they all started sharing in a flurry. “We must be bold. One person can make a difference. Our influence is either good or bad. The kings, soooo many kings. We made a family tree, to remember it all. Naaman, the servant, Elisha.” Each shared in more detail and what they found interesting or how they’ve tried to put into practice what they had learned.
One of the ladies is speaking at a women’s conference next month. Another lady is teaching her entire women’s ministry group every week at church. Another lady is meeting with her neighbor for weekly prayer. These are all new occurrences this year. We are so proud and so excited for the women stepping up and living out the Gospel in their communities. The Holy Spirit is working in them and through them and to hear their passion and their stories is such a joy - all glory and honor to Jesus!
We also spent a good amount of time dreaming. We worked on casting a vision, setting a goal, making a plan, putting it into action, and hopefully making it a reality. This is all in preparation for the women who will receive the money they made from all their crocheted items we sold in the US. We discussed many ideas and how to make a budget (something we have discussed in detail in past years) and plan accordingly. The women all found this exciting. Although they started out quite apprehensive. They have homework to come up with an actual vision, goal and plan, which they will need to research in finding out what is a need they can meet in their communities and how can they profit from that. This is all in an effort to continue helping the women to become as self-sustainable as is possible in this environment.
After enjoying a sweet time of prayer together, the conversation turned to our next gathering. The ladies requested we not meet this month (August), until after the e1ecti0ns (typo intentional). They shared their concern of traveling in groups and meeting. They especially shared the concern of meeting with a white Zimbabwean and how that may be perceived. We 100% respect their analysis of the situation as well as their understandable fears and caution surrounding the event and their memories of occurrences from not long ago. (A quick google search of past such events in the country could put more light on the issue, if you are unaware of the history.) Therefore, we have suspended all gatherings until mid-September.
 |  Campai9n signs like these on the tree and electrical box are plastered all over the place |
Upcoming Events
We had the next round of food hampers delivered a couple weeks ago. At this point, almost all of the women are giving away all the food and toiletries to people they know who are in much more dire financial situations than they are. The exceptions are the couple widows in our groups. They are still in need of these themselves at this point, but the others have been able to gift so many other families with these supplies. What a blessing it is!
The next round of school fees have been paid for the children who are in our education sponsorship program. The second of three terms for the school year is just finishing up, so fees are due for the third term.
We will be begin the final phase of completing the new ministry building in September. The women are so excited to be able to use it, so it will be good to get that finished up.
We also are in planning mode for our next VBS, which will be in December. As you know, it takes quite a bit of planning, especially since it's all from scratch.
Yolanda’s youngest brother will be getting married in Victoria Falls (the other side of the country) towards the end of this month. We will travel to attend this special event. We will also feel blessed to visit with all the family and friends traveling in from abroad. Please pray for safety on the roads. One particular 75 mile stretch of road is especially bad (deeper and wider potholes than other roads, missing tar, loose gravel, etc.) and as we get closer to the e1ecti0ns, we also want to be wise. Yolanda’s mother will be flying in, as well as Yolanda’s sister from Australia and also family from South Africa. Pray that this will be a sweet time of family reunion and building memories.
The next round of school fees have been paid for the children who are in our education sponsorship program. The second of three terms for the school year is just finishing up, so fees are due for the third term.
We will be begin the final phase of completing the new ministry building in September. The women are so excited to be able to use it, so it will be good to get that finished up.
We also are in planning mode for our next VBS, which will be in December. As you know, it takes quite a bit of planning, especially since it's all from scratch.
Yolanda’s youngest brother will be getting married in Victoria Falls (the other side of the country) towards the end of this month. We will travel to attend this special event. We will also feel blessed to visit with all the family and friends traveling in from abroad. Please pray for safety on the roads. One particular 75 mile stretch of road is especially bad (deeper and wider potholes than other roads, missing tar, loose gravel, etc.) and as we get closer to the e1ecti0ns, we also want to be wise. Yolanda’s mother will be flying in, as well as Yolanda’s sister from Australia and also family from South Africa. Pray that this will be a sweet time of family reunion and building memories.
New Board Members
We are excited to announce two new people added to JM2Z’s board during our last board meeting!
Pamela Royer is a retired teacher, who now works at Myrtle Point First Christian Church in Oregon, which is one of our supporting churches. She is also the head of the church’s missions committee.
Violet Gott also lives in Oregon. She works for Boise Bible College, as an admissions counselor. She has experience in missions, mainly while she was a missionary in Mexico, before returning to Oregon within the past 1.5yrs.
We feel blessed that they have decided to join the JM2Z team. We believe they will play integral roles in continuing to fulfill our mission. We know that their unique gifts and skills will be well utilized on our board.
Pamela Royer is a retired teacher, who now works at Myrtle Point First Christian Church in Oregon, which is one of our supporting churches. She is also the head of the church’s missions committee.
Violet Gott also lives in Oregon. She works for Boise Bible College, as an admissions counselor. She has experience in missions, mainly while she was a missionary in Mexico, before returning to Oregon within the past 1.5yrs.
We feel blessed that they have decided to join the JM2Z team. We believe they will play integral roles in continuing to fulfill our mission. We know that their unique gifts and skills will be well utilized on our board.
This picture was taken with Pamela after she graciously drove us across Oregon during an ice storm this past spring
This picture with Violet was taken during our time in Oregon in the spring and we would be blessed to see her again during our visit to BBC in May
A Note to Our Financial Donors
For those of you who give regularly, once in awhile, or annually, if you have blessed JM2Z with a check or online donation in the past 4-6 weeks, we first want to thank you! This ministry could not happen without you!
But also, just a word about our forwarding agent, Shasta, who is the one who processes all of your donations. She monitors JM2Z's bank accounts and online giving. For those of you who mail a paper check, your check is mailed directly to her, so that she can get everything deposited, keep records of, and send receipts out to you, whether by mail or email, depending on your method of giving.
She is extremely organized and we are very blessed to have her volunteering her time for JM2Z! About 6 weeks ago, she had a family emergency, which she has been dealing with ever since. This has understandably taken up much of her time and rightfully so.
In regard to any donations sent during this time frame, please be aware of this. Checks may not be deposited as quickly and you may not receive receipts right away. However, it will happen and it will be as soon as possible. We just wanted to make you aware of this situation and appreciate your understanding during this time. Also, if you could keep Shasta and her family in your prayers, that would be much appreciated too! Thank you!
But also, just a word about our forwarding agent, Shasta, who is the one who processes all of your donations. She monitors JM2Z's bank accounts and online giving. For those of you who mail a paper check, your check is mailed directly to her, so that she can get everything deposited, keep records of, and send receipts out to you, whether by mail or email, depending on your method of giving.
She is extremely organized and we are very blessed to have her volunteering her time for JM2Z! About 6 weeks ago, she had a family emergency, which she has been dealing with ever since. This has understandably taken up much of her time and rightfully so.
In regard to any donations sent during this time frame, please be aware of this. Checks may not be deposited as quickly and you may not receive receipts right away. However, it will happen and it will be as soon as possible. We just wanted to make you aware of this situation and appreciate your understanding during this time. Also, if you could keep Shasta and her family in your prayers, that would be much appreciated too! Thank you!
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