Last week, we started our last major house project for this year. You may remember from last year, we have a room with 3 archways to outside. Each has burglar bars and have been boarded up for several years for storage. The boards that were used, to close up the room, had been rotting, so last year, we added new boards as a temporary fix. So now, we have taken the boards off and built bricks around the bars to thigh height. Metal window frames were made for the rest of the opening, and glass is being put in for windows. Window sills are also being made directly underneath the windows. We will paint the inside of the room once everything gets sealed. This will be our office, where I (Andrew) will do all of my administrative work for JM2Z, as well as Yolanda will do work when she needs to at home or host meetings with whoever it may be. It will also serve as a counseling room when needed.

Yolanda and I woke up tired this morning, due to the events of last night. About 15 minutes after turning out the light for bed, we heard a noise outside the house. We heard footsteps on the driveway and then another noise. I looked out the window to see somebody crouching down going toward the kitchen door. There is no emergency number to call, such as 911. If we were to call the police, they would literally ask us to come pick them up, as they would either not have a vehicle or gas to put in it. So, we called a private security company right away, asking them to send someone to the house. We have been advised to have their number in our phone for emergency purposes, and it paid off. As you can see in the picture, the kitchen door is on the outside, with an iron security gate just inside it. There is an additional security gate at the start of the hallway which leads to the bedrooms. After a little while, we didn't hear anymore noises, so we went out into the hallway, to the kitchen, and the wooden kitchen door had been jarred open. The security gate, however, was still intact. We think the guy got scared off when we shone a flashlight down the hallway. Two guys from the security company arrived, and whoever had been outside was long gone. Sets of keys, which hung just inside the door had been taken, and thankfully none of them were house keys. However, they were all found within the yard by the security guards. The kitchen door lock was not picked, but it was wedged open, and unable to close. One of the men from the security guards left to pick up two policemen so that we could file a police report. When the investigating and police reports were finished (3:45 am), everyone left, except one security guard who stayed until 6:00 am, just in case the person returned while we slept. We had been told that using this security service would cost $49 per call we make to them. However, they charged us $2.36/hour that they were here, which came out to less than $11. This was definitely worth the $11. Thankfully, Yolanda and I were unharmed and nothing was taken.

Please pray for us for wisdom as we decide how to go forward regarding security. They told us that hiring a security guard during the hours of 6pm-6am every night would be $700/month. Although some people have that, that is WAY out of our price range, and basically eliminated from consideration. Another option is setting up an alarm system in the house with this company, which is $200/quarter or $67/month. Something that we will definitely be doing next year is getting a dog or two for outside. Having some type of security is in JM2Z's budget. We just thought we could wait until next year for that, but now we are leaning towards doing something now. We ask you join us in prayer as we consider our options.

Ultimately, we know that locks and gates are not our protectors. It is the Lord who watches over us. "I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." - Psalm 121:1-4

We have told you about the process of applying for my spousal permit, and the fact that immigration says it will take 6 weeks, whereas we heard from someone who recently did hers, which took 6 months. We handed in the final piece of my application 3 weeks ago. We received a phone call last Thursday saying that I had a letter to pick up at the immigration office. We went to Harare the following day, and the letter said that I had been approved, without even having an interview! We were extremely surprised how relatively smooth the procedure was. I left my passport there and picked it up yesterday with the document inside it. Now, I am officially a resident of Zimbabwe! The permit is good for one year and nine months, which is longer than we anticipated. Thankfully, we will just each have to write a letter in order to renew it again, not to mention the additional fee again.

We also found out that just as Yolanda had 3 months to bring goods into the country tax free, that I too will have that option starting now. What this means is that the door is open once again for the possibility of purchasing the ministry vehicle in South Africa. and thus saving JM2Z up to $15,000 or $20,000. However, this can only take place if we were to raise $35,000 in the next couple months. If by God's provision we are able to raise this amount we will plan a trip to S.A. before my 3 month deadline. Please pray how YOU or someone you know might be able to be a part of this! We believe in a miracle working God, so we are excited to see how He will continue to provide for the needs of JM2Z, as JM2Z continues to show God's love tangibly to the women and children in Zimbabwe.

We had a great time visiting Yolanda's father on the farm a few weeks ago. We enjoyed visiting and catching up. I learned quite a bit about the process they go through to milk the cows twice a day and everything that is involved with that. New things to a city boy. There were quite a few calves born while we were there (as can be seen to the left). It was very cute seeing them try to walk with their wobbly legs, and a couple even still having the umbilical cord attached.

While there, we saw and visited with several other family members, including aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was great to see each of them. Upon returning home, we found out that one day, the electricity had gone off, on, off, on several times. This shut off one of the breakers, which shut off power to several outlets. One of these outlets is where our freezer is plugged into. Needless to say, we lost all of the meat in there, along with 2 weeks worth of freezer meals Yolanda had prepared before we left . We had also just been given meat from Yolanda's brother, which was very disappointing to lose. Although, we know that we are not the ones who provide food. It comes from the Lord, so we are very thankful that losing a freezer of food does not mean that we will go hungry.  We feel so very blessed, and don't want to take anything for granted. Thank you Lord for your faithful watch over us always.

Please pray: for our upcoming contact with Shona teachers. We met with a teacher at a nearby school, and she will give the details of two Shona teachers who may possibly tutor us.