January 24, 2011

Dearest family and friends,

Church service was beautiful yesterday. The choir sang multiple songs
in both Shona and English. Their voices blended in beautiful harmony.
One song in particular blessed our hearts. The verses described the
attributes of God, and one line that was sung over and over again was
"God is Provider".

It was a sweet reminder. God provides. He is the same God that
provides the latest technology to hospitals in the west, and He is the
same God that provides semi-truck loads of supplies to hospitals in
Zimbabwe. Even though His provision may appear different, He is the
same. Gracie still hasn't received her nursing license, but God
provides according to His perfect will.
,
God provides. It is a humbling, peace-giving, and yet difficult idea
to understand at times. But we trust in a good God that loves.

On another note, we thought it might be fun to share some Shona
culture with you!

Here are some fun facts that we have learned during our time here:

1) Church is a communal time. Anyone is able to share a song with the
congregation (whether or not you have any musical talent) and prayer
requests.At the end of the service, everyone forms a circle and shakes
hands with one another.

2) Women wear long dresses to cover their knees. Women do not wear
long or short pants, because a woman's thighs are considered the most
sexually arousing part of her body!
3) Women should not have direct eye contact with men... unless you are flirting.
4) Shona people do not kiss, embrace or pat any member of the opposite
sex (even if married) in public... This has been harder for us to
adjust to :O)
5) Shona people are very friendly and welcoming. They also love to
hear "white" folks speak Shona. They get a kick out of it!

Okay, that's it for now. Until next time, may the peace of Christ fill
your hearts and remember to look around you and thank our God who
provides!

Love,
Jeff and Gracie

PS- The man who's leg got munched on by an crocodile is looking much
better each day and it seems like he will not need an amputation!
Hooray!!! (see attached picture)
PSS- Gracie finished sorting and labeling thousands of medical
supplies that people graciously donated. Hooray!!! (They also donated
A LOT of gauze!) (see attached picture)