There is another house on our property that was going to be used as an orphanage, but that fell through with the lady involved so it has been sitting empty for a very long time and so we have decided to turn it into a type of guest house for teams to stay in or anyone needing a break away from town and busy life. When there was no one living here a lot of things were stolen from that house, random things like the tops of the bath taps and all the window latches. We have a guy painting at the moment and it already looks amazing! I am in the process of having curtains made and slowly we are replacing all the bits and bobs that were stolen. I have been looking through home magazines and have so many ideas that I just want to get in there and start decorating but first things first.
Friday, October 21, 2011
19th September 2011
One of the seed beds has started to germinate. The little seeds have pushed their way through the soil, reaching to their Creator. There are not as many yet as we hoped but we trust that they will all come through soon. Everything is running well at the shade house. The pump runs well and pumps water quickly, the whole operation is doing so well. Matt has been asked to speak to some tobacco trainers on AgroForestry which is very exciting. We laugh as he doesn’t know too much about it but the Lord calls the unqualified so He can be seen through it more. We are very excited to see how the Lord uses him though this.
September is the month in Zim when all the Msasa trees have their new leaves and they are well known by everyone in the country. Driving the roads in Nyanga and even where we are the hills are covered with golden and pink and red showers of trees. They are absolutely radiant! Tried to catch it on the camera but it didn’t really do it justice. It really is a sight that needs to be seen by the naked eye!!
17th September 2011
Last night the clouds built up, the wind blew and there was a rumbling in the heavens. We were so hoping for some rain, it did not fall alas, but today we woke up to a very misty, white day. It was a day to stay indoors for sure. You could almost tough the whiteness it was so thick.
6th September 2011
Our trip away was wonderful! We spent a few nights in Bulawayo, we had our friend’s house to ourselves in that time and it was full of sitting in the sun reading! Matt took a day or two to stop thinking about work and unwind but when he did he really did. Our two nights in Hwange were fun. We camped in a campsite just outside of the park and we were fortunate enough to have elephants up close in the evenings. The campsite had its own water hole and the elephants would come to drink there once it was dark. We could stand under one of the lodges and watch as they came in. It felt so close and hearing them drink, every lifting of the trunk and emptying of the water into their stomachs, left me with shivers, such glorious beasts, so quiet in their greatness. Matt was able to do a few posing shots for his blog that he sends to the SAFO (the blue brace that he wears on his foot) company every few months
We didn’t see much game in the park but it was fun to be able to drive around and be in the rugged bush again.
Victoria Falls was awesome as always. The Edwards children had never been there before and they were so impressed with the volume of water, as I am every time I see it. We spent the time mostly by the swimming pool at the lodge we stayed in and again just spent time reading. We took the Edwards to the eating place there called the Boma, a brilliant evening with all kinds of unusual food (warthog, eland and ostrich to name a few), and then my favourite part of the evening when we all get handed a drum and a group of drummers lead us in different beats and bangs. I love how everyone comes out of themselves and beats away at their drum like they have been doing it all their life. Jamie Edwards in particular made me giggle, in fact I was crying with laughter eventually. By this time he had had a bit too much sugar and he beat at his drum intensely, with his tongue moving just as fast sticking out of his mouth. He was not aware of it until he realized we were all watching him and me crying at him.
We spent our last evening at Vic Falls on a sunset cruise. It was perfect! The whole trip was! And in the words of my favourite poet:
"Drawn to the gurgle and growl of the elephant’s evening attendance and cooled by the silky, riverine stillness we watched the Zambezi play in rapids and hippo-shaped hollows – it pooled and shaped palm-shaded white sands, it flowed and invited, unfolding Africa’s Eden of adventure and exploration. The wild steals me to the geography my heart has yearned for and missed. I am not alive in a city." (Matthew Mbanga)
It was a glorious time away!
Today (6th September) we went to the doctor and had a scan and saw our dear sweet baby kicking! 12 weeks this week and growing strong and well. My heart was overwhelmed with happiness. Our baby is well and growing. Thank you Lord!
25th August 2011
The pump arrived last night and this morning Matt was out fitting it in place. It worked brilliantly and filled the 2 tanks in an hour! So exciting to have the final piece of the puzzle!
We are going away today for a much needed break after the last 2 months of crazy work to get the shade house up and running. The seeds will be watered while we are away and hopefully when we return there will be a few germinating seeds! We are going with the Edwards family to Hwange (a game park near Vic Falls) and Victoria Falls for 10 days. We are very much looking forward to a trip away for a few days.