February 9, 2011

Dearest Family and Friends,

We're back!!! Actually, we are currently stuck in Washington, D.C., as
we missed our connection to Chicago, but we are safe and sound. Our
last few days at Karanda were wonderful. Here are some highlights:

1) We spent Friday afternoon traveling around the countryside
administering vaccinations to children. Our first stop was under a
tree in the middle of a small village. The second stop was at an
elementary school. We learned the importance of bringing healthcare to
people, as most do not have access to transportation to get to clinics
or hospitals.

2) Friday night, we spent the evening with a Shona family off hospital
grounds. We brought them a gift of chicken, sugar, and flour, and in
return, we had one of the best times in Zim. Gracie learned how to
cook a traditional Shona meal over an open fire and carry a baby on
her back. Jeff learned how to play a Mbira (an African instrument) and
sing a few more Shona songs. We got to hear the story of Ambua
(Grandmother) Cheshire who lost 4 out of her 6 children due to AIDS
and is now caring for her 10 grandchildren on her own. The night was
filled with dancing, singing, great food, stories, and conversation
(Ambua's brother translated for us) under the stars. It was perfect.

3) Sunday night, we held a party for people we had gotten to know
during our time in Zim. It was a way for us to say "thank you" for
letting us be a part of their work and to say good bye. Gracie made
lots and lots of cookies, cake, and apple crisp. Fortunately, we had
electricity for most of the day, so the ovens were working nicely.
During our time in Zim, Jeff was quickly known to play the guitar and
sing. Many people asked for a time of praise and worship. It was
wonderful worshiping with brothers and sisters from across the world.

4) Jeff met a Shona man named Benjamin, who was an amazing musician.
They got to play a song together at church, and afterward, a
missionary from the hospital recorded them onto a CD to play for
patients in the wards as a means of encouragement.

5) Before we left, we were able to donate some food to an Ambua who
recently became a follower of Christ. Four months earlier, she was the
local witchdoctor who lived and worked at the gate of the hospital.
After she turned her life to the Lord, she burned all of her
witchcraft tools. As a result, she lost her only source of income and
has been struggling to make ends meet. Although villagers still come
to her often to "heal" them of various diseases, she refuses and
points them to Christ. Please pray that she would continue to stay
strong in her faith, and trust in God who provides.

Those are just to name a few. We still have a lot of processing to do,
as we have learned so much during our time in Zim. Thank you again for
all the encouragement and support along the way. They were felt
throughout our trip.

Love,
The Larsons