Zim

{St. Cathrine's and Father's House}
On Friday we went to St. Cathrine's and Father's House. St. Cathrine's is a school for children with special needs. We were guests at their Friday assembly. At first we sang a few church songs that had clapping and movements. It was so fun to watch the children sing and dance. They were so joyful and excited. Then they asked us to reenact The Unfaithful Servant; I was the narrator. We only stayed for about an hour, but I had already fell in love with the children I had meet. In particular, I met one little boy who loved giving high fives. He had the sweetest, most joyful smile.

Friday afternoon we went to Father's House, one of the orphanages we are working with. Father's House has eleven boys and girls ranging from the ages six to sixteen. The mother that takes care of the children is Mary. As soon as I meet Mary, I noticed her sweet spirit and servant heart. Mary is the only caregiver for Father's House. Father's House is not a government funded orphanage, so Mary has to pay rent and pay for the children's schooling. Despite all of this, she is so happy and has a passion for the eleven children living at Father's House. During our first visit we read books, colored, and played outside with the children. I mostly spent my time with a little boy named, Takunda. He is eight years old and loves to read and draw. I noticed he read very fluently and comprehended what he read. Takunda also loves to play soccer and volleyball. Sometimes he didn't know what I was saying and I didn't know what he was saying, but he always had a kind smile on his face.

{Weekend}
Friday night Catlin (our guide), Emily, Caroline, Tara, and I went to a women's Bible study at a coffee shop called, Freshly Grounded. The coffee shop makes Nutella hot chocolate! Abby, you would love it! Over the weekend we went to a few markets. At one market there were a few monkeys walking around. Sunday for lunch we went to a South African restaurant called, Nando's. It's famous for their grilled chicken. Sunday night we went to a church called, Greystone Park Church. The worship and service was very similar to my home churches in San Antonio and Abilene. 

Everything is wonderful so far! I'm loving Harare! Please keep praying for our trip and the children we will meet. We are not allowed to take pictures of the children for the first two weeks, because they want us to focus on building relationships. I will post pictures asap! As a Zimbabwean would say, "Cheers!"