Greetings from Motopo, Zimbabwe!

Our team of six left Portland at 7 AM on Wednesday. After a 2.5 hour flight to Los Angeles, 10 hours to Amsterdam, and 11 hours to Johannesburg, we were able to get to bed Thursday night about midnight.  Praise God the flights were uneventful.  We had breakfast at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Johannesburg and were at the airport again by 8:30 for our flight to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.  Our chief concern at this point was that we were way over weight with both our checked bags and our carry-ons.  But God made away and all of it made it on board at no extra charge!

What a great sight to see John Witherow waiting for us as we cleared customs. 

After traveling for an hour over very rough roads we arrived at Morning Star Farm where we would be spending the week.  There we were greeted by Heather, Micah, Jake, and Caleb as well as Chris and Norma Ferguson who own Morning Star.

Morning Star Farm is a 3000 acre farm in a very remote part of Zimbabwe.  The Fergusons have a great ministry in a variety of ways and host several teams throughout the year.  We have been blessed beyond words by their hospitality.  Some people feel like family the moment you meet them.  Chris and Norma are like that.

Sunday we attended a local church.  What fun!  There were about 40 children and 20 adults.  One thing that was very encouraging was to see the number of young men attending.  After introducing our selves we were asked to sing a song. Fortunately we were prepared.  Brad Schlief did a great job of sharing the day’s sermon. 

Our team was also responsible for the children’s program for the morning. The kids had a great time making cross necklaces.
 

Our team was also responsible for the children’s program for the morning. The kids had a great time making cross necklaces.
 

Our day was made complete as we got to participate in Jake Witherow’s baptism.

Tomorrow (Monday) we begin our ministry in the local elementary school. We are having a great time.