We are home!

Keeping this blog up to date was a bigger challenge than I expected!  We had very limited access to the internet.  Morning Star Farm where we did most of our ministry has no electricity, only solar.  In order to send an email we had to start the generator and then get on line via a satellite connection.  Very expensive in this remote part of the world.

Our team did a great job.  We stayed healthy, and engaged fully everyday in the ministry opportunities that were presented.  Morning Star Farm is a peaceful oasis in the midst of a busy demanding world.  It many ways it was a place of peace for each of us.

thanks for hanging in there with us and covering us with your prayers. Some highlights from our time in Zimbabwe.

Leaving Morning Star Farm

We just completed Tuesday in Matopos, Zimbabwe.  We got started at 7:30 with a time of devotion.  Heather Witherow had prepared an excellent daily devotional that each of us took a turn in leading the discussion and prayer time. Breakfast was at 8 and most of the women left at 8:30 to spend the day in a local school training teachers in early childhood development techniques.  The guys along with Susan Payne spent the day installing “wicking beds” for three widows.  These beds have been developed to help them grow vegetables. The travel to the sites was as much work as preparing the beds.  The dirt roads are in terrible shape because of the torrential rains they had recently.  We road in the back of a pickup.  Tomorrow we will finish some of the projects we started on Monday.  Monday and Tuesday morning were cloudy and very cool with quite a bit of wind. Tuesday afternoon the clouds cleared and it was comfortable warm.  Our team is feeling great and in good spirits. 

Wednesday was a pretty physical day for most of us.  We dug a lot of post holes and installed 6 more posts for the “goat race” that will be used to hold a goat in place while it is being sprayed for ticks.  Several went to visit a nearby preschool where they read to the students.  Others attended a local Bible study in the afternoon.  The weather was beautiful today and we will be able to have our evening meal outside. 

Today, Thursday we left Morning Star Farm and are currently in Bulaweyo. We will head to the train station in about an hour for an overnight train ride to Victoria Falls. The team continues to be in great health and unity.

We have had an amazing time here in Zimbabwe. It is such a peaceful place.  Watch for a time where our team will share after church.

We made it to Zimbabwe

We have arrived safely in Matopos, Zimbabwe.  We flew from Johannesburg on Friday morning, John Witherow met us at the Bulawayo airport and a couple of hours later we were at Morning Star Ranch which is operated by Chris and Norman Ferguson, ministry partners of the Witherows.  The weather is beautiful.  A little warmer than we expected.  After a wonderful dinner we went to bed pretty early after a long couple of days traveling.  Most of us were up around 6 AM Saturday and had a great time of catching up with the Witherows and Fergusons.  After breakfast we enjoyed a time of devotion and prayer.  Then we took a 2 ½ hour walking tour of the ranch.  John and Heather built a fairly quiet Saturday into the schedule to allow us to catch up to the 9 hour time difference and jet lag.  The team is healthy and enjoying our time here at the ranch.  We appreciate your continued prayers. Today (Sunday) we worshipped at a local church where our team did ministry with the children and Dan and Jim got to share a message with the adults.  Tomorrow we will be doing projects on the farm.

Made it to Johannesburg

Our mighty team of eight left Portland on Wednesday morning May 24. We arrived in Johannesburg on schedule at 5:35 PM Thursday local time.  Made easy connection to our guest house where we had dinner and then early to bed.  The flight from the US went smoothly but was a very long 16 hours non stop.  This morning we are up at 6 AM will have breakfast at the guest house and then head back to the airport to catch our 10:30 AM flight to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Sunset missionary John Witherow will meet us there and take us to Morning Star Ranch where we will be staying.

Having trouble downloading pictures.  Check out our team members Facebook page for picture.

Sunset Team to Zimbabwe ready to go

A team of eight from Sunset is ready to head out on Wednesday May 24 for Zimbabwe.  We will be working with Sunset's long time missionaries John and Heather Witherow and their three boys, Micah, Caleb, and Jake. Our ministry in Zim with be with the Witherow's ministry partners Chris and Norma Ferguson at Morning Star Ranch.  Our team will be involved in a variety of ministries and projects during our time in Zim.  We greatly appreciate your prayers.  There is only solar power at Morning Star Ranch so the frequency of our blog updates is uncertain.  Please keep checking in.

Brad and Sheri Schlief, Dan and Susan Payne, Mike and Gail Hildenbrand, Jim and Rosemary Zook

From Average to Awesome

Friday’s plan was to decorate and dedicate the house – then God went to work.

We arrived to see la familia de Fernando had the front yard cleaned up and a sweet grill operation going. Nothing like the sweet smell of roasting chicken in the morning.

Decoration began as pictures were hung, curtains installed, table set, pantry stocked, clothing folded, and paper hand cutouts were hung with names of all prayer warriors and trip supporters.

Dedication verses were written on a beam, along with the names of everyone who worked on the house.

Joshua 24:15 and Joshua 1:8 were chosen by pastor Jaime especially for the family and their home.

At the dedication, Bruce elaborated on being a missionary. He encouraged everyone to not be a “pew pig”- be the hands and feet of Jesus and watch the Lord go to work.

Well, God was working hard. At the dedication, eight people accepted Christ as their Savior.

Then three couples became engaged. It’s not every day that three guys get down on one knee and ask for their soul mates’ hand in marriage in front of twenty strangers.. These couples each had three plus children but were moved to honor God’s wish for holy matrimony.

Hard to follow that act, but the La Colonia tradition continued as Fernando carried Diana across the threshold for the grand entrance.

On the way out of La Colonia, we handed out beans and rice to the neighbors and gave little horse “caballito” rides to los ninos.

The day was capped off back at Bruce and Paula’s house as everyone shared a God moment from the week (hard to pick only one) and we shared affirmations for each other.

Celebrating His joy,

Ken, Brad, and Gunnar

And we're walking...

"And we're walking".... that was the quote for today from our fearless mission leader - Bruce.

Our adventure started by visiting and exploring the Big Heart Orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico.  They provide all the needs for children ages 6 - 18 years.  We walked down to the elementary school to serve lunch to all the kids, among them many of the orphans.

Then we took an excursion to have an authentic taco for lunch.  We enjoyed three different types of salsa from mild to hot - and yes hot was "caliente" according to Janet.

After our fill of delicious local cuisine, we did a little shopping at the "Disco" mart and found yummy delights of Mexican made goods.  A portion of our group took a little detour to the airport to pick up another small family who have come to help our missionaries with their work this week and will be going with us to the dedication ceremony of the house tomorrow.

Beth

Esta Terminado (It Is Finished)

What a Wednesday!

Yesterday we finished the final touches on  the house. We did trim work, shelving and cleaned the building site. The family once again cooked a delicious authentic meal for us and we enjoyed mango and lime ice cream. Afterwards, we headed back to the community center to prepare a meal for the local Mexican workers to thank them and their families. While dinner was being prepared, we made friendship bracelets with some  of our quilting friends. We listened to some guitar music and pastor Jaime's family also joined us. Jaime was crucial  in doing the electrical work on the house. After dinner, we had a sixteenth birthday fiesta for Katie with a traditional celebration, including trece de  leche and a pinata. After the party, Bruce, Paula and the team surprised Katie by giving her the quilt she and Alicia made. Our team felt blessed to spend time with Aleazar, Andres, Victor, and their families, who helped build the house for Fernando and his family.

In Christ,
Kristen, Madi, Levi and the rest of the team

Tonight we stayed late in the Colonia and had dinner with our new Colonia friends

We are home safe, the best kind of tired and headed to bed. More tomorrow. Much love, Janet 

Tuesday - "Team Divided"

Our morning began with another culinary delight, prepared by Paula, and an inspirational devotion.

SEW... today we divided and conquered. Half the team team went to a local sewing group at the community center and the other half of the team returned to finish the house we have been helping build. 

The sewing group was attended by about 10 of the women from the community. As a group, we accomplished completing 2 sets of curtains, cutting and prepping multiple squares, and 3 finished quilts. Our very own, Katie and Alicia- worked vigorously as first time quilters, and managed to complete a beautiful masterpiece! Katie, Karsyn and Sue helped greatly bless Bruce and Paula by cleaning the storage house and their La Colonia home. Their cats Taku and Luna, stayed close and kept everyone company. Karsyn played endless games of Uno with the local kids, colored, and "made pretend dinner" out of dried flowers they picked together.  She even managed to talk them into helping her clean. The sewing group ended with Katie trying a beautiful, pink Quinsenerra dress, it had 9 layers and she looked like a queen.

The "house" team painted the house a happy blue (feliz azul), and all the trim complemented by a lovely gray! Some of the team worked to install the wiring in the house with Pastor Jaime and others worked with some other locals to install the metal roofing. LOTS of time spent on ladders today! Others on the team worked to dig the pit for the outhouse. We were blessed again to be fed authentic, local food by the family. The family is so nice and kind, and the kids are beautiful.

Although we went different directions today, we all accomplished acts of labor and more relational value from the people we've been blessed to spend our week with.

Your continued prayers are so appreciated!

Brad S. & Alicia on behalf of the team

Today we woke up at 6:30 to start our first group devotional. We then enjoyed Paula's cooking of biscuits and gravy for breakfast (Texas rocks). We headed to La Colonia, where we worked on the house with Fernando and his family for about eight hours. We got four walls up, two windows, and the start of the roof! Some of us traded off between blowing bubbles with the local kids and hammering nails. It was a productive, God-planned day!

Keep us in your prayers, please!

Karsyn and the team

Fair and Foul a Day We Have Seen..

Today we woke up to a wonderful breakfast cooked by Paula before we set off for the day. We took bags of beans and rice with us as we crossed the border. Our first stop was a soon-to-be orphanage where today's church service was held. We met Jaime the pastor, whose birthday we celebrated today. The service was filled with touching testimonies and great music in both English and Spanish. We were honored that the congregation translated the service for us. Jaime is a kind and well respected pastor who values his family and serving the lord. One of the passages of scripture shared in honor of Jaime's Birthday was Jeremiah 17:7-8. We also were treated to a delicious lunch and entertainment was provided by River of Peace, an 8-piece guitar band who sang for Jaime's birthday as well.

We then headed to La Colonia where we  met the guitar band again and danced with the residents. During this time, Paula and Bruce held their clothing sale, where people were able to choose clothes for a penny. We then experienced Paula and Bruce's version of Helping Hands through their food outreach that provided food for over 200 families. 

A local woman had a heart attack during the afternoon - our team members (Kristen Gustafson and Alicia Eddens) did chest compressions onsite and all the way to a hospital. The lady passed away after arriving at the ER. Prayers for the family would be greatly appreciated as they move through this difficult time.

Once our team was reunited, we were able to meet the family we will be helping build a house for tomorrow. 

Keep us in your prayers as we tackle the rest of the week.

In His joy,

Katie, Sue, and Madi

Hello Sunset!

The Spring Break Mission team has arrived safely in McAllen, Texas!

Thank you so much for all your prayers for safe and timely travels. Our flights were on time, and every team member arrived along with the checked luggage that had all of the goodies for the people of La Colonia!

Bruce and Paula greeted us upon our arrival, and twenty minutes later we were at their home getting settled in. The team was treated with a wonderful dinner and got to hear Bruce and Paula's journey and their story of how God called them to the mission field.We learned more about the community we will be spending the week with, and then got to work packing up rice and beans.

Tomorrow is church in Mexico and food distribution day!

Please pray for a good night's rest, safety, and open hearts and minds for tomorrow as we head out onto the mission field!

In Christ,
Brad & Michele Jones on behalf of the team

La Colonia - spring team!

And we're off! Traveling to McAllen Texas via Dallas this morning! Excited to meet Bruce and Paula, claim our bunks and settle in. 

Please pray for traveling mercies, Brad & Michele Jones our leaders and for us as we grow into an instant BIG family 

Much love, Janet

 

Our Team is home!

After our final day in the Nakayot Peace Village on Thursday, we returned to our guest house in Matany and had a fun dinner together recalling what we had experienced during the week.  It was fun sitting around the table one last time.  We had bonded closely with the Ugandan team.  Several made plans to stay connected and some were already planning a return trip.  We then began repacking our suitcases.  We would not find out until around 8:30 AM on Friday what time our MAF plane would arrive to take us back to Entebbe, so we had to be ready to go as soon as breakfast was over.

Our plane picked us up at 10:00 AM Friday and after a 90 minute flight we arrived at the Kajjansi MAF airfield.  Our driver was waiting for us at the airfield and took us into downtown Kampala for lunch and gift shopping.  Then it was off to the Entebbe airport.  We waited there for 6 hours for our flight to Amsterdam which left at 11:30 PM. Eight hours later we were in Amsterdam.  We had a 3 hour layover there and then off on the 10 hour flight direct to Portland.

It was a very rewarding time in Uganda. Team worked hard and accomplished a lot.  But even better were the relationships we made with the people in the Peace Village and the encouragement we brought to the CLIDE staff.  They know that there are people back in Portland that love them and are willing to come and work alongside them.  We will be back!

All the steel structure that we painted blue, the wire mesh we

installed in the ceiling framework, and the door built for the storeroom

The steel doors we painted and the steel plates we cut and installed

above and below the windows.  Also the vapor barrier and wire mess installed

on floor ready to pour concrete.

The finished product. Next will be pouring the floor and putting

up the cement block walls

The amazing young men we worked alongside all week

After a 10 mile drive over a very rough and often muddy road

you come to the turn off to the Nakayot Peace Village

The beautiful sight we were treated to on our final drive out

of Nakayot Peace Village on Thursday evening

Our departure at the Matany airstrip drew a large crowd

We are home

Thursday, our final day in the village

Wednesday evening the forecast was for very heavy rain.  It sounded like we may not even be able to get into the Nakayot Peace Village. We prayed, and woke up this morning to beautiful clear skies.  We only had a couple of sprinkles in the late afternoon.  We worked until almost dark.  We were treated to a beautiful sunset as we left Nakayot.  We had an amazing week there.  Met some wonderful people, and worked alongside some strong Christian young men.  Our hearts a full tonight.

Today we finished painting the steel support structure. Poured 3/4 of the store room floor for the kitchen.  Built and installed a steel door for the kitchen storeroom.  Installed more steel mesh.

Some were able to take a short break and visit one of the discipleship groups that are meeting regularly in the villages.  Several of the young people in the group shared one of the
Bible stories that our Sunset team trained them in last year.  Very encouraging to see them use these to share Jesus throughout the village.

The contractor who will be building the school came to the village today to layout the location for the foundation.

we fly out of Matany around 9:30 AM on Friday.  Our flight from Entebbe to Amsterdam leaves at 11:30 PM.  So we start our 28 hour trip back to Portland.  It was a very good trip.  We were blessed with a wonderful, unified team.  Makes it easy to lead.

See you Sunday!

Young boys clearing the land for their new school

Brad putting finishing touches on concrete in kitchen storeroom

Massive steel door for kitchen storeroom Spencer helped build

Andrew sharing one of the Bible stories he learned

Gail reading letter to Sunset from Joseph and Andrew. 

They both desire to be pastors.  Hope to attend Bible school soon.

Lines showing layout of the foundation for new school. 

School should be ready in 4 months.

Wednesday in the Peace Village

After Tuesday's torrential downpour we were apprehensive on the condition of the road going into Nakayot.  The morning started out warm and the road dried in most but not all places.  At one point we all had to get out of the truck so Waffle could get it out of the deep mud.

We had a very productive day: pouring cement, painting, putting up wire to keep critters out of the kitchen store room.  We also took time after lunch to walk into the main part of the village.

As soon a school is out the kids come and watch us work.

Tuesday at the Peace Village

Brad cutting sheet steel to go above and below the kitchen windows

Village youth helping to paint the panel Brad cut

Martin, CLIDE accountant, painting the metal.  He always has a smile!

About 200 first grade students attending school under a tree!

We left our guest house a little later this morning giving the dirt roads a chance to dry out.  We have about 40 miles of dirt road to get to Nakayot.  This is the start of their rainy season and the rains are a welcome sight for them.  They have had two years of drought. The road into Nakayot from the main highway was pretty bad.  Lots of mud in spots.

We had another productive day working on the kitchen and the storeroom for the school.  It is fun working alongside several of the young men from the village.  They are hard workers.

We got the first coat of finish paint on all the metal parts.  Got rebar around the edges of the floor.  Cut and installed several pieces of sheet steel above and below the kitchen serving windows.

About 3 PM we had a torrential rain storm.  Much worse than the day before.  We stuck it out until about 4:30 but had to leave for fear if we waited too much longer we might not get out on the muddy roads.  The ride out was rough and we nearly got stuck several times.  Hopefully it will dry out over night.  The team is doing very well.  Working very hard with great attitudes.

You never know what shirt you will see on the kids in the village!

A river running in front of old school building.