A day before we left for the trip, Tapedza my colleague apologised to the fact that we were going on a different trip than what he is used to. Thus from the beginning, I left knowing I was not going on a holiday. We left Harare at 8a.m and the larger part of the trip was quite comfortable particularly because of the favourable weather which was overcast. We had to sleep at a lodge/game park along the way as it got dark then we proceeded to Mola the following morning. We got a very warm welcome from the local Baptist church pastor White and his family. I was touched by the love of God and commitment that the family has for the gospel and reaching out to others in their community and beyond. They practically hosted more than 10 of their church members who came from far away so that they could attend seminars during the 3 day convention in the village. I was touched by the fact that the pastor’s home was not spacious at all but their hearts as a family were big enough to host people for the sake of the gospel, yet for us living in towns hosting is a matter of how many spare bedrooms are available before deciding to have people over. The simple way in which the Tonga people of Mola village live their lives brought me back to the basics of life where shelter, food, water and love are all we need in life. Poverty to me is no longer about a lack in material things but it is when one spends the rest of their life with ingratitude and chasing after things.

I was mainly on this trip to help the American ladies from Brooklyn Baptist church with translation as they ministered to the local ladies. A team of four ladies and a man came to minister to the Tonga people of Mola. After one of the teachings I happened to overhear one of the local ladies speak with her colleague, she was testifying that surely Christ was among these ladies, and I too confidently echo her sentiments. Tami, Jen, Alissa and Jennifer are women who agreed to be used by God to encourage fellow women in Christ. I had the privilege of hearing some of their life testimonies, the paths they have been through and how God has used their painful experiences to encourage others going through the same issues. They presented teachings from the bible with such simplicity and yet with amazing impact. I think it is mainly because they shared from their hearts. It was interesting how we were different women; some from USA which is the hub of technology and a very fast paced life, the Tonga women who are at the peripheries of modernity and myself with the stresses of city life and bearing most of the brunt of Zimbabwe’s harsh economy yet we all had one thing in common-the love for Christ and for one another.
I went to serve but came back feeling like I had received more than I gave, the changed perspective to life and a wealth of relations formed on the trip are priceless. I also got a chance to appreciate my family (Donny, Tash and Donna)as I missed them so much and realised how they are a very important part of my well-being. I have known Tapedza for almost a decade but on this trip I got to know the real person that he is, his kind heart and servitude are remarkable. He is my brother from another mother, with a close to abnormal sense of humour like I have. One of the lifelong skills I got from Tapedza is the art of making a fire. I am grateful to have been part of the team on this mission.