Second Day of Team's Arrival
You've already read about the complications when the mission team arrived in Zimbabwe. We decided since it was already dark that we would grab a bite to eat and then head home. The road between Harare and Chinhoyi is not one to be driven on after dark, so we rarely ever attempt to do so, but this was a unique situation and we were all ready to get home, not least of all the team who had been traveling for 2 days already.
Day Two was a day to finally unpack all 6 bags of donations. We had purchased some personal items as well, such as vitamins and such that they kindly brought along for us. We were amazed by all the donations, but not at all surprised by the generosity since the Church always steps up when called upon - the beauty of being part of a much greater family that expands worldwide.
As we 3 ladies unpacked, attempting to do some organizing and packing away, the guys worked on a few other projects. Jase got straight to work sanding, removing hinges and screws and prepping the play pen for little Talia, who comes every Wednesday with her mom. Jase worked on the project for a couple days to get it all painted and ready. The heat quickly got to him and I think the whole team was surprised how draining the heat and humidity would be. They came from cold temperatures and entered high heat immediately, not to mention jetlag, lack of sleep and swelling ankles and feet. Nevertheless, everyone's willingness to get stuck in was amazing and much appreciated.
Jase had the play pen ready during the first day of the sewing seminar, but little Talia was completely out of her comfort zone and the tears spilled freely any time her mom left her in it. However, now, almost a month later, she is becoming much more accustomed to it and feels comfortable playing in it for longer periods of time. This really allows her mom to work on sewing, paper beads, designing jewelry or taking notes during the devotional time. African moms are already more than capable of multi-tasking, but sitting still and keeping your 9 month old on your back for several hours is not ideal for either mom or baby. Below is the completed play pen with a few pillows and makeshift toys.
You've already read about the complications when the mission team arrived in Zimbabwe. We decided since it was already dark that we would grab a bite to eat and then head home. The road between Harare and Chinhoyi is not one to be driven on after dark, so we rarely ever attempt to do so, but this was a unique situation and we were all ready to get home, not least of all the team who had been traveling for 2 days already.
Day Two was a day to finally unpack all 6 bags of donations. We had purchased some personal items as well, such as vitamins and such that they kindly brought along for us. We were amazed by all the donations, but not at all surprised by the generosity since the Church always steps up when called upon - the beauty of being part of a much greater family that expands worldwide.
As we 3 ladies unpacked, attempting to do some organizing and packing away, the guys worked on a few other projects. Jase got straight to work sanding, removing hinges and screws and prepping the play pen for little Talia, who comes every Wednesday with her mom. Jase worked on the project for a couple days to get it all painted and ready. The heat quickly got to him and I think the whole team was surprised how draining the heat and humidity would be. They came from cold temperatures and entered high heat immediately, not to mention jetlag, lack of sleep and swelling ankles and feet. Nevertheless, everyone's willingness to get stuck in was amazing and much appreciated.
Jase had the play pen ready during the first day of the sewing seminar, but little Talia was completely out of her comfort zone and the tears spilled freely any time her mom left her in it. However, now, almost a month later, she is becoming much more accustomed to it and feels comfortable playing in it for longer periods of time. This really allows her mom to work on sewing, paper beads, designing jewelry or taking notes during the devotional time. African moms are already more than capable of multi-tasking, but sitting still and keeping your 9 month old on your back for several hours is not ideal for either mom or baby. Below is the completed play pen with a few pillows and makeshift toys.
Antelope Park
The following day, we left early in the morning to head to Antelope Park for an overnight. It's a 4 hour drive from home and we wanted the team to be able to experience some of wild Africa. Once there, they immediately took part in several tourist experiences, such as riding elephants and walking with lions, etc. Andrew and I took advantage of resting in the tent (also kindly covered by the team). I felt guilty at first for not bringing work along, but after several weeks of planning and not much sleep, it felt great to just take a nap and go to bed early. Little did we know that this one overnight would be much needed to see us through the next 2 weeks of non-stop busyness.
The following day, we left early in the morning to head to Antelope Park for an overnight. It's a 4 hour drive from home and we wanted the team to be able to experience some of wild Africa. Once there, they immediately took part in several tourist experiences, such as riding elephants and walking with lions, etc. Andrew and I took advantage of resting in the tent (also kindly covered by the team). I felt guilty at first for not bringing work along, but after several weeks of planning and not much sleep, it felt great to just take a nap and go to bed early. Little did we know that this one overnight would be much needed to see us through the next 2 weeks of non-stop busyness.
They spotted these giraffes during their game drive
Sewing Seminar
Back in December, I (Yolanda) told Andrew that one of our goals this year should be to start an actual sewing class that allows the women to learn sewing on machines. At the time he asked a million questions about where, how, when, etc. - my husband is a contemplative thinker, who sees the potential hiccups and pitfalls and I'm a visionary, who likes to dream big and put plans into action. Needless to say, I started looking into where we could purchase 3-5 sewing machines for affordable prices. Soon into the new year, we noticed several secondhand sewing machines being sold at affordable prices. Over time, we purchased these sewing machines online through FB, since they were being sold in Bulawayo (several hours from us). We had worked it out to drive back from SA via Bulawayo and my cousin kindly picked up all the sewing machines for us. We purchased them using ecocash (mobile money) and soon were on our way to teaching the ladies how to use them.
We purchased the machines for $35-$100 each, a great price considering some secondhand machines were selling for $180 and new ones in SA were over $250. We have not yet recouped all the funds we spent buying them, so if YOU would like to donate to our sewing fund that would be much appreciated.
At the time, the mission team was coming to assist with VBS, but we wanted to make full use of them while they were here and use their skills as best we could. Hence, the sewing seminar was created. I was in communication with one of the ladies who would teach the classes. In the meantime, we had all the sewing machines serviced, gathered our fabrics (which we bought last December) and ideas were being shared via e-mail. Nan, who would be teaching the classes, also gathered some necessary supplies like patterns, tracing papers, scissors, thread, tape measures and such. We also made a quick run to town the day before to get a few more scissors and backing and a few more supplies - thank you God that we were able to find everything we needed last minute, in small little Chinhoyi and at a reasonable price.
Our dining room became the sewing room and our living room became the cutting room. It's fair to say our home was the center of operations and became a hub of business, teaching, learning and creativity. I had hoped to join the ladies in making a project, but final preparations for VBS took first priority, with less than 4 days before we would host so many kids all day, every day for 5 days.
Below is a slideshow of photos that show the ladies making their projects and Nan teaching them all the basic skills.
Back in December, I (Yolanda) told Andrew that one of our goals this year should be to start an actual sewing class that allows the women to learn sewing on machines. At the time he asked a million questions about where, how, when, etc. - my husband is a contemplative thinker, who sees the potential hiccups and pitfalls and I'm a visionary, who likes to dream big and put plans into action. Needless to say, I started looking into where we could purchase 3-5 sewing machines for affordable prices. Soon into the new year, we noticed several secondhand sewing machines being sold at affordable prices. Over time, we purchased these sewing machines online through FB, since they were being sold in Bulawayo (several hours from us). We had worked it out to drive back from SA via Bulawayo and my cousin kindly picked up all the sewing machines for us. We purchased them using ecocash (mobile money) and soon were on our way to teaching the ladies how to use them.
We purchased the machines for $35-$100 each, a great price considering some secondhand machines were selling for $180 and new ones in SA were over $250. We have not yet recouped all the funds we spent buying them, so if YOU would like to donate to our sewing fund that would be much appreciated.
At the time, the mission team was coming to assist with VBS, but we wanted to make full use of them while they were here and use their skills as best we could. Hence, the sewing seminar was created. I was in communication with one of the ladies who would teach the classes. In the meantime, we had all the sewing machines serviced, gathered our fabrics (which we bought last December) and ideas were being shared via e-mail. Nan, who would be teaching the classes, also gathered some necessary supplies like patterns, tracing papers, scissors, thread, tape measures and such. We also made a quick run to town the day before to get a few more scissors and backing and a few more supplies - thank you God that we were able to find everything we needed last minute, in small little Chinhoyi and at a reasonable price.
Our dining room became the sewing room and our living room became the cutting room. It's fair to say our home was the center of operations and became a hub of business, teaching, learning and creativity. I had hoped to join the ladies in making a project, but final preparations for VBS took first priority, with less than 4 days before we would host so many kids all day, every day for 5 days.
Below is a slideshow of photos that show the ladies making their projects and Nan teaching them all the basic skills.
Servant Hearts
Meanwhile, Shelly and Jase were willing to do whatever was needed and required. Shelly cooked up a storm in the kitchen, learning how to make some traditional Zimbabwean foods and Jase cut out so many papers for crafts, memory verses and displays for VBS.
Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the extra workload, but not for long because every one chipped in where needed, whether it meant washing dishes or even washing floors on hands and knees - it's a very humbling experience having someone else wash your dishes or floors for that matter. Once again I was reminded of the great support of the Church, Christians being the hands and feet of Jesus, doing the jobs that weren't "as fun" but just as necessary.
Below is an array of serving hands and feet.
Meanwhile, Shelly and Jase were willing to do whatever was needed and required. Shelly cooked up a storm in the kitchen, learning how to make some traditional Zimbabwean foods and Jase cut out so many papers for crafts, memory verses and displays for VBS.
Elizabeth was overwhelmed with the extra workload, but not for long because every one chipped in where needed, whether it meant washing dishes or even washing floors on hands and knees - it's a very humbling experience having someone else wash your dishes or floors for that matter. Once again I was reminded of the great support of the Church, Christians being the hands and feet of Jesus, doing the jobs that weren't "as fun" but just as necessary.
Below is an array of serving hands and feet.
Finished Projects
The ladies were so excited to be sewing on machines and they could hardly contain themselves. When lunch was ready, Nan actually had to physically unplug the main cord so that everyone would stop sewing and take a break.
The goal all along, was for each lady to complete a shoulder bag. It's never fun just sewing on scraps and not actually accomplishing something, but boy oh boy did these ladies accomplish something! They were so incredibly proud of their finished projects. We used authentic African fabrics, sourced in a fair market that resulted in brightly colored, beautifully handcrafted, yet perfectly imperfect, shoulder bags.
I believe most, if not all, of the bags had pockets as well. They were all lined with complimenting colors and each bag was made from scratch. This may not seem like a major, feat but note that except for 2 of the ladies, none had ever used a sewing machine. Yet in just 2 days, each of them completed a bag from scratch.
Yes, there are some flaws and yes, some ladies struggled more than others, BUT without a doubt each bag was beautiful, more so because of who created it than the actual product itself.
The ladies from the mission team posted the bags on social media immediately and before they left to go back to the States, each bag had been sold. Ladies in the U.S. stepped up to the plate to scoop up these one-of-a-kind bags that were hand-crafted with so much care and love, where each and every stitch was made with pride.
Thank you to all the women who bought these bags and we look forward to creating many more to sell. Each bag came with a picture of the lady who made it and her name, so very precious indeed. Below are a smattering of photos, showing the finished product and the pride in the smiles of the women who created them.
The ladies were so excited to be sewing on machines and they could hardly contain themselves. When lunch was ready, Nan actually had to physically unplug the main cord so that everyone would stop sewing and take a break.
The goal all along, was for each lady to complete a shoulder bag. It's never fun just sewing on scraps and not actually accomplishing something, but boy oh boy did these ladies accomplish something! They were so incredibly proud of their finished projects. We used authentic African fabrics, sourced in a fair market that resulted in brightly colored, beautifully handcrafted, yet perfectly imperfect, shoulder bags.
I believe most, if not all, of the bags had pockets as well. They were all lined with complimenting colors and each bag was made from scratch. This may not seem like a major, feat but note that except for 2 of the ladies, none had ever used a sewing machine. Yet in just 2 days, each of them completed a bag from scratch.
Yes, there are some flaws and yes, some ladies struggled more than others, BUT without a doubt each bag was beautiful, more so because of who created it than the actual product itself.
The ladies from the mission team posted the bags on social media immediately and before they left to go back to the States, each bag had been sold. Ladies in the U.S. stepped up to the plate to scoop up these one-of-a-kind bags that were hand-crafted with so much care and love, where each and every stitch was made with pride.
Thank you to all the women who bought these bags and we look forward to creating many more to sell. Each bag came with a picture of the lady who made it and her name, so very precious indeed. Below are a smattering of photos, showing the finished product and the pride in the smiles of the women who created them.
Tuesday Group
I had previously organized with the Tuesday group that we would meet on Wednesday this week. The sewing seminar was hosted on Tuesday and Thursday, but on Wednesday the Wednesday group attended their chicken program, which you read about in the last blog post.
I hesitated on Wednesday, whether we could afford to take the time to go, since I had made sure the ladies had a project to finish on their own. Nevertheless, I knew this was the only opportunity that the team (excluding Jase, since it was only ladies) would be able to actually meet the Tuesday ladies. Nan prepared a short devotional to share, explaining the spiritual warfare she and Shelly encountered before leaving for this trip. The ladies intently listened and were eager to make new friends. Everyone wanted a selfie and a photo with their new friends from America. We shared, we visited, we built relationships, we made memories and once again we acted out the beauty of fellowship that takes place between sisters in Christ. No matter where you are in the world, if you are a Christian, you have family. I experience this in America and I'm sure the team experienced that here in Zimbabwe.
In closing, one of the ladies prayed in Shona; but as Nan and Shelly commented, she did not pray, she rather delivered a mini-sermon of sorts which was understood by our hearts as her passion obviously escaped with each word as it was said with increased loudness and zeal.
I had previously organized with the Tuesday group that we would meet on Wednesday this week. The sewing seminar was hosted on Tuesday and Thursday, but on Wednesday the Wednesday group attended their chicken program, which you read about in the last blog post.
I hesitated on Wednesday, whether we could afford to take the time to go, since I had made sure the ladies had a project to finish on their own. Nevertheless, I knew this was the only opportunity that the team (excluding Jase, since it was only ladies) would be able to actually meet the Tuesday ladies. Nan prepared a short devotional to share, explaining the spiritual warfare she and Shelly encountered before leaving for this trip. The ladies intently listened and were eager to make new friends. Everyone wanted a selfie and a photo with their new friends from America. We shared, we visited, we built relationships, we made memories and once again we acted out the beauty of fellowship that takes place between sisters in Christ. No matter where you are in the world, if you are a Christian, you have family. I experience this in America and I'm sure the team experienced that here in Zimbabwe.
In closing, one of the ladies prayed in Shona; but as Nan and Shelly commented, she did not pray, she rather delivered a mini-sermon of sorts which was understood by our hearts as her passion obviously escaped with each word as it was said with increased loudness and zeal.
Fellowshipping with the Tuesday group ladies
VBS Prep
Photos or words cannot express the work that took place before VBS - the planning, organizing, cutting, folding, packing, sorting, printing, copying, and discussing. In between the sewing seminar, meeting the Tuesday ladies, unpacking donations and even having a day of fun, it was still crazy busyness as we got ready for Friday.... because Friday was coming and those kids were going to show up, ready to hear about Jesus and ready to have fun.
You'll have to wait for our third installment to find out all about that.
Photos or words cannot express the work that took place before VBS - the planning, organizing, cutting, folding, packing, sorting, printing, copying, and discussing. In between the sewing seminar, meeting the Tuesday ladies, unpacking donations and even having a day of fun, it was still crazy busyness as we got ready for Friday.... because Friday was coming and those kids were going to show up, ready to hear about Jesus and ready to have fun.
You'll have to wait for our third installment to find out all about that.
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