The day started like many, but ended in great celebration. Our team, along with the direction of somebody cares, set out with the task of leading the youth of chikudzulire in building 2 market stands, called hawkers (pronounced ho-kuhs). These stands will enable the community to display and sell the items they have learned to make; soaps, jewelry, hats, totes.
To see the community and teamwork in this group made from about 30 teenage boys and girls was inspiring in itself. They listened intently, encouraged each other, and worked diligently. They laughed and sang as they dreamed together about what the future might hold with this new skill in carpentry. As the first of two stands was completed, the youth burst into celebration. They cheered, laughed, danced, and crowded as many as could fit inside the stand. To say they were beaming barely begins to explain the emotion.
As they continued in their celebration, the clouds rolled in with a beautiful breeze which created the most serene setting in what was moments before, a dry, dusty, mostly empty field. Looking around, there were kids swinging, playing jump rope, kicking soccer balls. The youth were gathered together, working together. The women were crafting and singing. A peace filled the cool air and quieted each of our souls. In the hour that followed, it was clear that the Lord is at work. We could see His joy in the faces of the children, His hope in the singing of the youth.
A new generation is being raised up in the Word of God. Faith and hope in Jesus is changing lives. God is working and He is using the people at Mission and Somebody Cares to provide for the poor, and share His great love. Today, we left humbled, grateful and hopefully transformed.
Today was a gift for us to be a testimony to, and our hearts are overflowing.
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