I wanted to write and thank everyone for your continued prayers throughout this year for my visa to stay in Zimbabwe.
Two days ago I received a letter from immigration stating that my temporary employment permit is approved through October 26, 2007! I am very excited to be given this amount of time because normally work permits are given out only one year at a time.
I hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas holiday...we are getting ready to celebrate with the children here.
Merry Christmas from all of us here in Zimbabwe!
Love, Janine
One of the boys had become very sick during the first part of November. I was very upset because it has been over two months since we began the process of starting him on ARV's (AIDS medication) and the doctor in town still had not given us the pills. He was going downhill and hadn't been able to go to school for about two weeks. Everyone was worried as we watched his body swell all over, his appetite disappear, and his cough increase. What worried me most was that my usually smiling, talkative little guy had decided to quick speaking completely. We couldn't get him to say one word for over a week. On Friday of that week, the staff gathered in his room to pray. He no longer wanted to get out of bed.
That night I couldn't sleep. I was so afraid that something would happen to him. Around three in the morning, I finally decided to call one of my friends, who fortunately challenged me to start reading 3-5 chapters of the Bible every day and see what God had to say about the whole matter.
What I found when I blew off the dust from my book was this: Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid-John 14: 27b. I had been filled with those two things: worry and fear. Since it resonated so well, I decided to read on. In chapter 15, Jesus states that if we remain in him and his words, we can ask for whatever we wish and he will give it to us.
I remember distinctly staring at the wall and saying in complete unbelief, "Fine then, heal this child." I fell sound asleep for the first time in weeks, and woke an hour or so later to a knock at my door. Dragging myself out of bed, I opened the door to find my boy standing there. As I stared in disbelief, he gave me one of those smiles I know him best for, and stepped into my front room.
"Can I have a drink? Will you cook me an egg? Can I have some peanut butter?" I had almost forgotten the sound of his voice. I ushered him inside willing at that point to give him just about anything he asked for. Over the next week, all of us at Fairfield watched amazed as he continued to improve until yesterday when his "mother" stood and said the words we had been waiting to hear. "Today I sent him to school."
God had heard us. God was faithful in answering us, and every day as our little boy shows up at my door, I am eternally grateful for the extra time God has given us to spend with him in good health.
This Thanksgiving, let this story be a reminder of God's great love for His children. You are one of them, and the single most important command He gives us is to spread this love to others. John 14-15 Happy Thanksgiving! I am especially thankful to my friends and family members who are a constant reminder to me of God's unfailing love.
-Janine
People from Project HOPE who had their homes burned in June have for the most part been resettled either in town, Mozambique, or with relatives. We are still feeling the effects, but it has definitely calmed down. The school children are being asked to leave school one week early this term at the end of November due to senatorial elections. We are also taking precautions during this month and will be visiting only in areas that we know are safe. Please pray that there will be no complications and that we are able to continue with our work as usual.
Julia and I were moms for a day a few weeks ago when a baby was brought to us who was 10 months old, but only weighed a few pounds. His mother was paralyzed on her right side during the birth and was not able to feed the baby. We agreed to keep him with us for a few months until his health improved, but after only one late night of feedings, we had to take him back to his mother. Social welfare said Julia and I were not allowed to keep the baby.
God is working, though. We were able to deliver milk formula, wheat porridge, and peanut butter along with some soaps, clothes, etc., thanks to the donations that have been coming in at CornerStone. We were also able to hire a girl to help care for mother and baby for three months, take them both to the hospital, and put a small roof on their shack so they won't get rained out. We have visited him several times and his little arms and legs are beginning to gain strength and move around. He is also talking up a storm in baby phrases we hope to someday understand.
Mrs. Chimbo said she prayed the night we had to take him back that one day he would be able to walk up to her and shake her hand. I think that God will surely make that possible in the coming years.
There are a few items in my storeroom that we are running low on as well as a few new items to add to the list. We would be very appreciative to receive the items listed below if you know of a group that is able to collect and send them by airmail. Thank you!
Wenyu Munashe,
Janine
Items needed:
Wal-Mart plastic bags (finally a use for them! We need them to distribute our supplies)
Women's one daily vitamins with iron (women who are HIV positive tend to be anemic)
Antacid tablets (tums)
Cough medicine for adults/kids
Ibuprofen for adults/kids/infants (ibuprofen is safer for HIV positive patients)
Chalk for school
Hydrocortisone cream
Neosporin or any generic form
Lotions for dry skin
Underwear for children and teenagers along with feminine products for older girls
Pencils/erasers
Antibacterial bars of soap
Colgate
Blue pens
Send to:
Fairfield Children's Homes
PO Box 1040
Mutare, Zimbabwe Africa
Attention: Emergency Relief-Project HOPE
Inside the box, attach a note addressed to Janine Roberts with the supplies listed.
The other day, I heard a man talking about the situation here in Zimbabwe. He said, "Well at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, it is behind us."
Sometimes it seems like we are going further into the tunnel, but we have a Father Who can be light in the midst of darkness if we only ask Him to be. There have been many rays of that light evidenced lately, and I wanted to write and share a few with all of you who have been so faithful in prayer and support even when tragedy is hitting much closer to home in the US now as well.
Three good friends arrived last week that are on the FOSA board, one of the main sponsoring groups for Fairfield Children's Homes where I live. Everyone is suffering due to inflation right now, and the mothers working faithfully day after day to care for the children are not exempt from the hardships that are arising. The FOSA members spent many hours listening and giving everyone a chance to voice their concerns. Sometimes just having someone care enough to listen to your problems can cut your worries in half, but the FOSA members went a step further and took action to help resolve many of the issues right away.
This was a very large ray of light shining into the tunnel that many had been walking down here at the children's homes, as they now feel validated in their concerns. Also, after many long hours sitting in lines at the general hospital to start one of the children on ARV's (AIDS medication), the doctor told me we needed him to come for counseling as well. This is difficult because he has to miss school to travel all the way into town. It is also very scary for him because the other people waiting are often adults whose disease has progressed much further than his own. It was clear he needed counseling, however, since he didn't fully understand what it means to be HIV positive, and I could tell it was worrying him.
Someone happened to mention a new AIDS clinic starting at the mission on which we live. I went with his mother to find out about it, and it turns out they have an HIV/AIDS counselor right next door to us at the mission hospital. She is very kind and patient and because they are just beginning, there is no one waiting in line. My little friend can just walk there every day after school and have someone to talk to about his troubles. Each day he comes back from seeing her, I can tell a weight has been lifted off his shoulders, and I am thanking God for providing light in the midst of this young boy's tunnel as well.
One thing making my tunnel darker has been the difficulty to make or receive phone calls internationally. The phone system has been having problems, and I haven't talked to my mom in over a month. E-mail helps some, but it doesn't take the place of a familiar voice from home. Please pray that I will be able to talk to my family and friends soon. In the meantime, I can now send and receive text messages on my phone, so feel free to send me one, and I will be sure to write back - 011-263-91-953-920
God has also sent another friend from the US who will hopefully be staying with me for six months depending on the visa situation. My own visa has still not been approved, so I will be going back to check on it October 16th. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
We have been praying here for the effects of Katrina and hope that the needs of those affected will be provided for quickly.
Wenyu Munashe,
Janine
PS: The other day I cut up three chickens for the mothers to cook-this is a very big step for me as I don't usually like to even touch uncooked meat. I was so proud of myself that I went around telling every single person I passed on the mission-no one cared-not even one person, so I am passing it along to you hoping someone will understand how great a feat this is for someone who has trouble cooking macaroni and cheese:)
Wednesday morning:
My eyes pop open, glance casually at the clock, and I snap straight up. 6:28 and my alarm has chosen today to stop working. My little friend will be knocking at the door in exactly 2 minutes. He is always very punctual on the days he has to be at the hospital early. I fling on my outfit, brush teeth and hair (remembering to use two different brushes) and run to the door just in time to answer the knock, pulling my jacket on as I lock the door behind me. Today is a good day because after four long days sitting in lines, we finally get to see the doctor. The right medicines and diet now will hopefully make all the difference as "this disease" continues to float around in his body.
Thursday morning:
4:30AM my alarm has fortunately fixed its problem after the stern talk I gave it the night before. I wake up in excited anticipation today. My friend went to the hospital last night when the first pangs of labor started. Mrs. Chimuka, one of the mothers at Fairfield, accompanies me as we enter the maternity wing at 5AM. "Ndiani" says the nurse from behind the door. Who is it? "Janine na Mai Chimuka ku Fairfield" I answer. "Oh, you've come to see your baby."
She opens the door wide and leads the way to a tiny bundle lying on the bed. It's a girl and I love her at first sight. Her mother walks slowly and painfully into the room. What's her name? I ask holding her up to Mrs. Chimuka for a better view. "Janine Tatendwa" her mother answers back, a slow smile spreading across her face. I will love this child forever and ever.
Friday morning:
4:00AM I hear the frist rustlings from women sleeping on the floor all around me. After a long drive to the south of the country yesterday, I arrived with some church members at the UM conference. Now, one by one the women begin quietly singing, "Manganani Baba" Good morning Father (a much more comforting way to wake up then what I remember from my church sleepovers as a youth with "this is the day the Lord has made" barely audible behind the pan my youth leader was banging over my head).
The singing goes on for a while until I open one eye halfway and realize everyone is sitting up in their beds waiting. I begrudgingly pull myself upright. They immediately stop singing and start to pray. They had been waiting for their sister from the USA to wake before beginning morning prayers.
Saturday morning:
6AM Back at home now, it's time to prepare for the day's journey. Baby Janine is going "kumusha" her rural home so her mother can learn from grandmother how to care for her first child. I am privileged to carry the small baby up the steep, rocky mountainside to reach their huts. It will be a busy day for us unmarried girls - sweeping the hut, carrying water from the well, and cooking on fire. Zimbabwean women are so strong I realize, in many different ways.
Sunday morning:
4AM I am woken by the baby's cries of hunger, but happy that her mother is lying beside her to feed her. How fortunate for her to have a mother's comfort in a place where so many do not. With this knowledge, I drift happily back to sleep.
Monday morning:
3:45AM Time to get ready for Harare. I have to go again to immigration - a three-hour trip, but I arrive to find my visa still isn't approved. Luckily, a kind officer gave me a 60-day extension as I wait for the response. I will rest well tonight knowing God has allowed me to stay safely into October in this place I have come to love so much.
My love to all of you friends and family at home...
Janine
My car has become an oversized lawn ornament for the time being. The fuel shortage affects many different areas, including the ability to find basic commodities such as milk, sugar, cooking oil and bread. The cars we do see on the road are often trucks filled with mattresses, a few pieces of furniture, and some household goods packed tightly headed for "kumusha."
Many people are being forced to return to their rural homes because their houses have been burned to the ground in a clean-up operation to clear the cities of any structure that does not have a permit. This lists includes shacks, permanent homes, businesses, and churches. It is estimated that 1.5 million out of a total population of 11 million are now homeless because of this process.
When it rains, like it did today, there is no shelter. People sit on their beds outside watching as their belongings become soaked through. This clean-up hit a lot closer to home when on July 13, the homes of many of the children living at Guy Farm, who we have on our outreach list were burned to the ground in a matter of hours.
Only a short time after Melissa came home and told me she had seen the army burning down the houses of our friends, I received this letter copied word-for-word here:
-
Dear Janine,
I was happy to write this letter to tell you about operation. On Tuesday the policeman come to our area and started burning the people's house. My father said come here to plan because my family we're sleeping out sides, but it has been windy and cold.
Greetings to Melissa-
Yours faithfully,
Winfer Simau (nine years old)
After returning home from our bus trip, Melissa and I gather the few groceries we managed to collect in town and walk the too-familiar path to the mission hospital. We walk through the doors with confidence now, knowing exactly where each of our patients resides. Baba Dozva lies resting on his small cot with his wife faithfully at his side. He has admitted to us that he has tested HIV positive, his openness highly unusual. They are now the sole caregivers for three orphans as well as their own children. As we talk for a few minutes, he tells us that hospital prices will nearly double by Friday. Staring down at his tattered blankets with a glazed-over look, he thinks out loud giving one voice to the thoughts of many on this day. "My God," he says, "we're all going to die aren't we."
Psalm 10:17-18 Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed so people can no longer terrify them. (NLT)
This is our promise from God. Keep praying and waiting.we will see Him at work. We are already beginning to see progress in some of the children who are HIV positive. Some of them have been placed on a special diet and many have experienced improved health because of these minor changes. It is so great to see them running around with renewed energy and big smiles.
Wenyu Munashe,
Janine
I finally gave up on my car and had to sell it and purchase another one. A car became available at the exact time I needed it-actually the very day I needed it. I am thankful every day to have such a nice car (aka: one that starts when I turn the key:) We are now able to make regular visits to the farms as well as going to town to get supplies we need without fear of breaking down on the side of the road. This is a huge blessing.
Melissa and I went last week to Harare to process my visa papers. I was very nervous about taking the papers to immigration. When we walked in, there was absolutely no line. I walked right up to the counter, where a young woman looked through my papers with a furrowed brow. Suddenly, her face lit up. She said, “You want to work at Fairfield Children’s Homes? I used to go play with those kids every weekend when I attended Africa University.” She stamped my papers and said to check back in six weeks to see if I am approved. Until then, I am free to work in whatever ways I am needed here. Melissa and I couldn’t believe that it had been so easy.
A team came from South Carolina and carried many things for Project H.O.P.E. and Fairfield Children’s Homes in their suitcases. Within a few days of their arrival, boxes started appearing at the post office as well with medical gloves, medicines, vitamins, stuffed animals sent from home. I sat one night in the room where we stored the supplies just amazed at God’s faithfulness. He worked through many people to provide to the point of overflowing for our needs this month. We were also led to a distributor that will be able to provide us with medical gloves from here, so they no longer have to be shipped from the states. That will save a lot of money on postage!
Benji and Chipo continue to love boarding school. They are growing into happy, healthy children because of their sponsors’ faithfulness to provide for them. This is true of many of the children we are working with-it is amazing to know where they have come from- malnourished, unresponsive, and weak-and to see how God has filled them with life and laughter.
I hope you will take some time to read up on the current situation in Zimbabwe so you will better know how to pray for the country and people right now. I’m sure many of you have seen reports on the news. Hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather. We are sleeping under mounds of blankets at night:) Wenyu Munashe, Janine Go to the end of the path until you get to the gate. Go through the gate and head straight out towards the horizon. Keep going towards the horizon. Sit down and have a rest every now and again, but keep on going. Just keep on with it. Keep on going as far as you can. That's how you get there....