Where it might be easy to create a ‘to-do’ list a mile long and focus on accomplishing many tasks, this year’s assignment was simple: spend time together!
The goal was to enjoy our time with kids and mamas, to eat and play and do chores, to go on walks and listen to music, to share our love, joy, and community.
Our first day we relaxed, with a short walk to the dam and plenty of time to sit and play with the kids or chat with the mothers. We helped in the kitchen for lunch and dinner, and the new team members had the chance to taste sadza and chomolia for the first time!
The next day was sunny and beautiful, perfect for a hike up into the stunning rocky hills that surround Ethandweni. The first part of the hike was steep and challenging, but the kids were all there offering a hand up the hill, sharing water bottles and giggles.
Our third day was easy and restful. We worked in the garden, planting fresh rows of chomolia and spreading manure to fertilize. There was a rousing game of netball, and some very competitive ping pong, followed by a quiet evening to prepare for our exciting adventure in Bulawayo the following day.
Tuesday came early and we all boarded the busses in our best town clothes, chattering with excitement and wondering the whole way what adventures were in store for the day! We pulled up to Chippengale Animal Rescue, where kids and adults alike were able to see animals of all shapes and sizes. We worked up quite an appetite walking around Chippengale, but that part was ‘sorted’ as well! We hopped back on the busses and made our way to lunch in Bulawayo, where everyone enjoyed many helpings of delicious pizza, compliments of Lucien’s friend. We were so tired, some of us fell asleep on the way home.
Wednesday was another exciting day. In the morning we painted t-shirts to remember our time together as a family. Everyone broke out their creative side, drawing pictures, writing names, and making handprints until our simple white shirts were filled with color and joy.
Of course our time at Ethandweni wouldn’t be complete without the now world famous international volleyball tournament! The Mains’l team (assisted by young adults who used to live at the children’s home) put in a valiant effort, only loosing by a handful of points this time. In the end, we were happy to present them with the volleyball trophy, and hope for better luck next year!
As our time at our home away from home came to a close, we were sad to leave, but happy to know the friendships and connections we made will continue for many years to come. We learned so many beautiful lessons from the kids, always remembering that when you give you receive, and that a simple smile or a hug can be worth more than all the trophies in the world. Ethandweni is truly a place of love.
Our work continues in the Hwange area…