Send a Message to the People of Zimbabwe

Hi,
I just signed a message to the people of Zimbabwe letting them know we stand defiantly with their quest for democracy, security and justice and I thought you would want to join this global campaign. If we join voices as citizens around the world and stand with them in their struggle - they will know that they are not alone and remain strong in the belief that change is still possible. Click here to sign the message:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_citizens_for_zimbabwe/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK
Thanks!
------------------------
Dear friends,
As we approach the holiday season, the people of Zimbabwe need our solidarity and support. For many, this will be their tenth New Year's Eve living in fear, their third without clean water, and their first amidst the spiralling cholera epidemic. So many have died that it is no longer clear what is the population of the country.

Ultimately, it is the people of Zimbabwe who will bring change. Right now, our friends on the ground say that crushing hardship and isolation are the greatest threat -- that the most powerful contribution we can make is to cry out our solidarity with their struggle, and let them know that they are not alone.

While Mugabe and his generals might control the borders and the newspapers, the airwaves are still free. Sign our global message of solidarity now -- it will be turned into a radio advertisement and broadcast across Zimbabwe in the new year--and then if you choose, write or record your own ad for broadcast using our online tools:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_citizens_for_zimbabwe/?CLICKTRACK

Zimbabwe's people are wracked by a cholera crisis which has already killed over 1000 people. Three months after Robert Mugabe and the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangarai signed a power-sharing agreement, Mugabe's still clings to power, even denying there is an epidemic. And as the regime cracks down, with increasing numbers of journalists, human rights defenders and ordinary people being abducted this week, the prospect of a unity government seems more remote than ever. The Zimbabweans who risked their lives to vote against Mugabe in March this year are exhausted, hungry and terrorised by violence.

We have campaigned throughout the year on different levels with a range of targets, tactics and strategies, but Zimbabwe will only change if, amongst the dread and fear, Zimbabweans themselves believe they have the power to overcome hopelessness and lawlessness.
With our radio-broadcast messages of international solidarity, let's let them know our eyes are on Zimbabwe and send them hope and strength to carry on strong into 2009. Our voices aim to uplift Zimbabwean people who have lost their hope or loved ones, helping a people who are desperate for democracy and ravaged by hunger and disease. These messages will be heard by hundreds of thousands across Zimbabwe and the region: sign our collective message here, then leave your personal message:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_citizens_for_zimbabwe/?CLICKTRACK

It is up to us to get our messages of support to the people of Zimbabwe. As citizens of the world, our only interest in ending the Mugabe era is that which led us to struggle in our own lands for political freedoms, and which brought many of us to stand with the South African people in the anti-apartheid struggle: a common humanity, a duty to fight repression and a commitment to the universality of rights. Let the Zimbabwean people know we stand with them:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/global_citizens_for_zimbabwe/?CLICKTRACK

In hope and solidarity,
Ben, Ricken, Alice, Brett, Pascal, Paul, Graziela, Paula, Luis, Iain and the whole Avaaz team
P.S. For a report on Avaaz's campaigning so far, see: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2

The Big Ask: Climate Change

Check out 50 things you can do to help stop global warming!

A Zimbabwean Funeral

Take a look at these incredible photos of a funeral that took place at Mtshabezi in Zimbabwe. Be sure to check out the slideshow. If you leave a comment in the next few days Krista will donate a dollar to help Zimbabwe!

African Tobogganing

On Christmas Day in 2006 we spent the day in the village where our friends Richard and Danisa grew up. Richard showed us their version of African tobogganing. It was hilarious and such a great memory! This one is my favourite even though it's sideways. Enjoy!

AIDS Kits

Our friend Mrs. Maphosa - Home-based care worker at Mtshabezi

AIDS kits in Swaziland from Canada

21 kits our home church put together

This past month at The Meeting House we've been putting together AIDS kits through MCC. Joel and I decided to head up the project within our homechurch since this is something we really care about. We challenged our group to think about ways of giving sacrifically to help someone else in need and they were up for the challenge. We exceeded our goal and put together 21 kits. I'm really excited of the generosity of our group, but I'm even more excited about the people who will benefit from these kits. One of our good friends in Zimbabwe, Mrs. Maphosa, is a home-based care worker. I remember her coming to the AIDS office where we worked and asked if there were any kits she could give out. There were none at the time. While she gave her time and energy visiting people in the village, doing whatever she could to help, she really wanted to be able to give her patients something. These kits are that 'something' that can really help someone suffering with HIV or AIDS. There are many types of kits you can put together. They DO get there...we've seen them on the other side of the world!

To Blog or Not to Blog? Reflections a year later...

Well, a year ago I started this blog. It's been fun being a blogger, although I don't think I'm great at it, but I never claimed to be. Now I'm trying to decide whether I should call it a day (or a year) or keep going. One of my original goals in blogging was to share things I've been thinking about, especially related to Christianity. I've done a lot of thinking the past few years, but haven't had the guts to write about it yet. I'm not sure why. I've also tried to use this space to keep those who are interested, updated on what's going on in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately there hasn't been a lot of good news, but it's always good to be aware.

If I continue in the blogging world I think I'll commit to be more open and honest about what's going on inside my head. I also like to ask questions and have loved the times my posts have turned into mini-conversations. Yes, comments are a good thing! But they also require people who read this. I know there are a few faithful readers out there, but I guess (and here's where the first "honest" part comes) I need a little affirmation. I'm quite happy to not be a blogger or to be one, but to me there's no point if there's no one out there to have a 'conversation' with. So if you're out there, let me know. I'll even let you do it with the handy dandy anonymous poll feature. It's been a good ride, however much longer it lasts!

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. Hopefully someday we'll use this day to celebrate its eradication or cure, but for now it's still a huge reality. Meet some families affected by it. What are YOU doing about it?

Zimbabwe Videos

I'm not sure if anyone is still out there in my blogging world, but if you are, take a few minutes to watch these videos about Zimbabwe created by the Dispatch Foundation. They are also partnering with our friend Ryan's organization, Forgotten Voices, to help the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. The latest has been a cholera outbreak which is killing hundreds. There are many worthy causes to give to, but if this is one you care about I encourage you to give to one of these or the many other organizations that are working to help our friends in Zimbabwe. Let's not forget them!



How many people can we feed? from Dispatch Foundation on Vimeo.



Starvation and Hope from Dispatch Foundation on Vimeo.



Love and Unity from Dispatch Foundation on Vimeo.

Diary from Zimbabwe

A women living in Harare writes a diary every once in awhlie for the BBC Africa website. I always find it interesting to hear how life continues to change for people in Zimbabwe. You can read it here.

Sugar Fast

Tomorrow I'm starting a 5 day sugar fast. It's no secret how bad sugar is for us, and yet it's my weakness. The first thing I do when I get home from work is find something sweet, usually a handful of chocolate chips. I like doing these little fasts, just to prove to myself that I can and I have some small ounce of self-discipline in me. A few weeks ago it was a Facebook fast and it felt good to be successful. Luckily I love fruit so I'm hoping that will satisfy my sugar cravings for the week. And somehow posting it on here will help me follow through. But for tonight, a Coke and bowl of ice cream are waiting for me...

Could it get any worse?

Conditions in Zimbabwe continue to deteriorate rapidly and people are getting desperate. People are starving! I'll let you read more about it here.

We received an email from a friend in Zimbabwe this week. Here's what he wrote:

"The underlying fact is that the situation is getting worse everyday. The Zimbabwean Economy has just collapsed. Prices of all commodities are far above reach. I sometimes wonder how we are surviving. Our survival is through grace. Out in the communities people are starving to death and some are surviving on feeding on wild trees that have never been eaten. The yesterday Chronicle Newspaper mentioned the New prizes for mealie meal. A 50kg now costs 10 million. No one gets that much as a
salary.Most of the commodities are now basically sold in Forex."

It was over 2 years ago that Joel and I left for Zimbabwe. Things were bad then and they've progressively gotten worse. I have no idea how people are surviving, and I know many aren't. In the next few weeks I'll be putting together some Christmas gifts for some of our good friends in Zimbabwe. I wish I could just send all the mealie meal they'll need to get through the next year.

A situation like this demands a response. It is time to start giving... sacrificially... because even my tiniest sacrifices don't come remotely close to what my dear friends are experiencing.

The Heat Is On

Tonight Joel and I finally turned our heat on. I can't remember what's normal, but it feels early in mid October. In one of my little attempts to be more 'green' I was trying to leave it off as long as possible, but tonight we caved. Who knew 17 degrees celcius would feel so cold? Last night I wore my toque in an attempt to stay warm while watching TV. Maybe that was a sign. The cold house brought back interesting memories from our experience of winter in Zimbabwe. It got really cold at night and our house wasn't insulated. Add that to the concrete floors and we were freezing. Nights would be spent as close to the fire as possible and we would go to bed wearing hats and fleeces piled with as many blankets as we could find and hot water bottles to warm our feet. Not really the image you normally get in your mind while thinking about Africa. I am still amazed that people survive in huts sleeping on the bare ground with little to no covering. We're keeping the temperature lower than we did last year, but I'm grateful for the option to press a button to warm my home.

Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

I just found out that today is blog action day....when "thousands of bloggers will unnite to discuss a single issue." This year it's poverty. Visuals seem to help when talking about poverty. There are thousands to choose from but I thought this video was good.



The very last line keeps ringing in my head. "I didn't forget." I'm one of the few who has seen real poverty and have good friends who live with its challenges daily, but I still forget. I think we all do. So, what are some of the things you do to remember the poor? One of the things I really want to be more intentional about is living a life of simplicity. It involves a hundred and one daily choices and in our culture it's easy to choose excess. What are some things you've done to live a simple life? Is poverty something you even care about or does it seem too big and too hard to solve? Let's get the dialogue going... thousands are joining us today!

Vote for Environment

I have virtually no interest in Canadian politics. Due to my lack of knowledge and to be honest, lack of actually caring, I was originally not going to vote. I know, I know... if I don't vote, I have no right to complain about the government (I don't think I ever have), I'm not using the right that women fought so hard for me to have, etc. etc. Valid points. I tried watching the leaders debate, but was quickly bored and flipping to the American one. A few weeks ago my cousin, an occasional reader of this blog, sent me a link I found interesting. It's basically a site to help you vote strategically for the environment and apparently I live in a "red hot riding" that can make a difference. Of all the issues, I think the environment is a significant one and one I'm willing to throw my support behind. So if you haven't made up your mind yet, I suggest you check out "Vote for Environment".

Young at Heart

I cried a little. I laughed a lot. You should see this movie.

Summer Highlights

Now that it's officially fall, I thought it was time to post some pictures from summer. It consisted of 3 main things which aren't surprising... Joel, family and friends. Here are some of the highlights.

TIME WITH JOEL

Joel doesn't get all summer off but took 2 weeks off to hang out with me. We went camping in Orillia where we spent some time with the Birch family and my brother and sister-in-law Jon and Adrienne and nephews Isaac and Ari. We made another short trip to Barrie and then went away to celebrate our third anniversary in Niagara-on-the-lake. We took a day trip to the falls which wasn't as exciting after having spent so much time at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, but got a kick out of some of the touristy stuff. Our vacation ended with a few days at my parents farm getting ready for a big family reunion.

At our campsite at Mara Provincial Park

Celebrating our third anniversary in style

Enjoying a bon fire at the farm

TIME WITH FAMILY

It was great to spend so much time with my family this summer. We made trips to Barrie and Huntsville to see both of my brothers and their families, as well at time at the farm with my parents. The highlight was definitely a family reunion from my mom's side of the family. As kids keep coming the family has grown too big to spend holidays together, so it was a treat to all be together at once.

With my nephews Isaac & Ari in Barrie

With my neice Jane in Huntsville celebrating birthdays

The Miller/Hardie/Williams family reunion at the farm

TIME WITH FRIENDS

I had a lot of great time connecting with old friends I don't get to see very often and getting to know new friends. Once a week a group from of girls from our homechurch had salad lunches together which was a great way to build friendships beyond Monday nights. In August I had a few days at some cottages up north with some good friends Cheryl, Kristen, Kat from B.C., and Phil, Kathy and Matty from Australia. My good friend Robin also came home for a visit from Calgary with her new baby Jake. We also got some more cottage time with Jenn, Alice, Wayne and Natalie from our homechurch. It doesn't get much better than hanging out on a dock, by the lake up north!

Weekly feasts with homechurch girls

Cottaging with the Westby's

Catching up with great friends from camp and university

I guess reflecting back, this summer was about people. We were never too farm from home, but I had so many great times with the people I love the most. It takes time to keep relationships going and I'm thankful I was able to do that this summer.

The Last Day of Summer

I've bought my whistle and am ready to go. Tomorrow I will start my new job as ESL and Phys-ed teacher and I can't wait. I love the summer, but by the end I'm always a bit antsy and craving the routine of working life again. I had fun setting up my ESL room last week and meeting a few of my colleagues. They are great and I'm looking forward to stepping into a supportive and friendly environment. This is my fifth school in five years of teaching, so I'm hoping I can stick around for awhile at this one. New beginnings also means the chance to also work on a few of the million and one changes and goals I've been thinking about this summer. Pressing the reset button is a good thing!

I'll post some pictures of summer highlights soon, but for now I'm off to celebrate my last official day of it at my first ever rib fest...and then, let the new season begin!

Give Mugabe a Red Card

Below is an email telling people how they can do something to help Zimbabwe. Does it make a difference? I have no idea. But anything to get Mugabe out of power is worth a try...go for it! At the very least it's a good update on the situation.

I just sent a red card to Mugabe and joined with thousands of marchers who will be asking Southern African leaders to take action now to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe. If Southern African leaders, who meet this weekend, reject Mugabe’s attempt to hold onto power, and stand by the will of the people of Zimbabwe – a political solution is possible. Click here to send your red card:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/red_card_for_mugabe/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

Hopes are slipping away for a deal to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis. Yesterday, Robert Mugabe announced plans to ignore the ongoing negotiations with the opposition MDC party, form a sham "Government of National Unity" with a breakaway opposition faction, and open parliament next week.

This weekend, when Southern Africa's 15 leaders meet at a major summit in Johannesburg, they will look out upon a sea of red. Thousands of Southern African trade unionists and other citizens will march to the summit waving red cards -- the football penalty symbol for expulsion -- and call for Mugabe to go. The organisers have appealed to Avaaz for international support, and will carry signs at the march representing the "virtual red cards" sent by Avaaz members.
The SADC leaders know that if the region's trade unions take action (by, for example, refusing to handle goods coming to or from Zimbabwe), Mugabe's government cannot survive. A bold march this weekend backed by 100,000 supporters from around the world will be a powerful signal to them that the time has come to act -- to announce that the Mbeki-led negotiations have failed, and to launch a new and fairer process immediately. Click below to send a virtual red card, and pass this message along to friends and family!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/red_card_for_mugabe/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

Four and a half months have passed since the people of Zimbabwe voted for Morgan Tsvangirai and the Movement for Democratic Change on 29 March. Hyperinflation has exploded to an unimaginable 40,000,000%, and millions now face starvation. The EU, US, and UK have pledged a $1.9bn financial aid package to stabilise Zimbabwe's economy, feed the hungry and combat hyperinflation -- but only if Mugabe is removed.

Meanwhile, distribution of food aid by local and international humanitarian agencies has been prohibited by Mugabe's government. Torture camps remain in operation, political violence continues in some rural provinces, and 12 opposition MPs languish in jail on trumped-up charges. The Mbeki-led talks are collapsing, as Mugabe and his military high command insist on retaining control.

Tsvangirai, and the people of Zimbabwe, need strong allies willing to take bold action. Already, more than 300,000 Avaaz members -- including tens of thousands in Africa -- have signed petitions, donated funds, and written to their leaders in global campaigns for democracy and justice. After Avaaz flew a 280-square-metre banner over an Mbeki-chaired United Nations meeting, South Africa finally called for the release of elections results. In April, trade unions and civil society groups including Avaaz led a successful campaign to block a Chinese arms shipment to Zimbabwe. Now, as the crisis accelerates, our voices matter more than ever -- we can send an electronic wave of red cards to Johannesburg and bolster the efforts of on-the-ground advocates pressing for change.

Join the global outcry now, and then pass this message along!
http://www.avaaz.org/en/red_card_for_mugabe/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

With hope,
Ben, Alice, Ricken, Brett, Paul, Iain, Pascal, Graziela, Veronique, and Milena -- the Avaaz.org team

PS: Here are links to sources for this alert:

"Zimbabwe: Mugabe set to keep power amid rumours of breakaway deal" - The Guardian, 14 August 2008http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/14/zimbabwe

Information on the march - COSATU / SW Radio Africahttp://swradioafrica.com/pages/marchagainst130808.htm

"South Africa: Unions Bid to Halt Zimbabwe Arms Ship" - Business Day (Johannesburg), 22 April 2008.http://allafrica.com/stories/200804220109.html

"No arms for Zimbabwe" - Avaaz campaign.http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_arms_for_zimbabwe/70.php

Changes

Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like there's so much about your life you want to change? I'm having one. It's ranged from things as trivial and specific as getting my hair cut, to more significant and difficult as becoming more other-centered. It's a little overwhelming. And probably the biggest change I want to make is from being someone who thinks a lot about change to someone who actually does change. I'm not so great on the follow through, especially on the big stuff. What is the secret to making changes in life? Is it hard core determination and self-discipline? Is it breaking it down into a step-by-step plan? Wanting to change is an easy first step, and too often the last for me. And if I don't really do anything about it, do I really want it, or just want to want it? I could drive myself crazy with the questions and I seem to have an endless list. And instead of doing something about it, I write a blog entry about it and succesfully avoid another 10 minutes of making any significant changes in my life. It's easier, at least in the moment!

Freerice.com

Have you been to http://www.freerice.com/ ? It's a website where you can work on your vocabulary and help someone out at the same time. You are given a word, and 4 possible definitions. Everytime you make a correct answer, 20 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations Food Program. The rice is paid for by advertisers on the site. I found this site through a colleague at work and decided to show it to my grade five students. They loved it and it was a great chance to teach them a little bit about world hunger. One of my favourite moments as a teacher was watching them eagerly answer questions to donate rice and adding up our total as a class. Some of them shared the site with their families and would proudly tell me the total of rice they earned the night before. For any skeptics, the site has a great FAQ section and I thought this video below was helpful too. How much rice did you donate? What vocabulary level can you get to? A little friendly competition anyone?!

08 08 08

Happy 08 08 08 day! I just realized that's the date today and since 8 is my favourite number I thought it was worthy of a post. I feel like I should have done more to celebrate but spending the evening watching the Olympics with my wonderful husband is pretty good I think.... a good excuse to add some ice cream!

Mpendulo Dlodlo

Mpendulo - November 2007

The Dlodlo Family - July 2007

We received the sad news yesterday that good friends of ours in Zimbabwe, the Dlodlo's, just lost their son. Mpendulo Dlodlo was born on July 31, 2007 and passed away a few days after his first birthday. The Dlodlo family were our neighbours at EBI. The mother, Sifiso, worked in our house each week helping with laundry and cleaning. The two girls, Silethemba and Thabisile were constant visitors to our house, coming over to play games, learn English or just hang out. The Dlodlo's were thrilled when they learned Sifiso was pregnant with a boy and the girls couldn't wait to have a little brother. They had always wanted a boy and suffered a miscarriage a few years ago.

Although Mpendulo arrived only a few weeks after we moved back to Canada, we were able to meet him on our visit in November. The last email I received from Sifiso was in March when she told me her family would be leaving Mtshabezi to move to Beitbridge so her husband could pastor a church. She told me Mpendulo was "fit and strong". We lost touch when she moved as there was no one to send emails for her, so I was shocked to hear from another friend, of Mpendulo's death a few days ago. Apparently Sifiso is critically ill as well and has been in and out of the hospital.

Please pray for the Dlodlo family. Like most of our friends in Zimbabwe, this family has experienced more tragedy then most of us will ever know (see our Africa blog entry for April 10, 2007). No doubt they are devestasted by the loss of their son and little brother.

Rain, rain, go away... or stay?

Dry fields in Zimbabwe - February 2007

Today we've set a record. As I'm sitting here watching it rain, I'm pretty sure we've beaten the record set in 1980 for the most rain recorded in July in Toronto. It's been a wet one. Rain can be inconvenient, especially in the summer. Plans get changed and we spend more time inside. Joel and I packed up a day early on our recent camping trip because of rain. Normally I'd be a bit annoyed that a lot of my summer so far has been spent avoiding the wet stuff, but this year my perspective is a bit different.

Last year in Zimbabwe we watched our friends suffer through a drought year. Our friends in the villages who grow their own food to survive had little to no harvest. Supplies of mealie meal were low in the country, and expensive when it could be found. People were hungry. When someone prayed, it almost certainly involved asking for rain. I remember woman at the local church spending a whole day together, simply to beg God for rain. They were desperate.

While I can't say that I've never complained or wished it to stop, the rain has now become a reminder of me to stop and think about my friends in Zimbabwe and to be thankful we live in a place where our next meal doesn't depend on our backyard gardens being successful.

On the ninth day she rested... and ate!

Well, I did it. I've successfully completed my first week of consistent exercise. My goal was to do 250 minutes this week and I managed 316 minutes and 8 consecutive days. I tried a class at the gym called Body Flow which is a mix of yoga, tai chi and pilates. Although I wasn't sweating buckets it was good to work on my flexibility and balance which are two of my weaknesses. The best part was randomly meeting a teacher who works at my new school and getting to know her a bit. Perhaps a future workout buddy?

Joel and I have also started running together. Our goal is to complete a 10k race in October. We did a running room clinic for a 5k before we got married but all my endurance has gone. We're using their strategy of running a minute, walking a minute and gradually increasing the running each week up to 10 minute sets. We're only at 3 minutes, but each week feels like a mini accomplishment.

This week we are going up north to camp, so my only goal is to do our 3 runs this week. It will probably be the same for the following week as we're still on vacation. I've also been practicing my new strategy of eating whatever I want guilt-free. I think I had about 6 brownies yesterday. Perhaps my previous post where I said I never over-indulge on sweet stuff, wasn't entirely true! :)

Getting Fit

One of my main goals this summer is to get in the habit of exercising. I know I wrote about that last December and shortly after I got hired to teach grade 5 and the madness began. Although I would have liked to work-out consistently it definitely wasn't a priority. Now I have a much more relaxed job lined up for September and have a whole summer ahead... no excuses.

I'm all about prevention. Most of my life I've gotten away with eating whatever I want and being active when I feel like it. But with turning 30 less than a year away I know my body is starting to make little changes that will force me to actually do something. I don't have a problem with healthy eating. I crave my daily dose of something sweet, but have never over-indulged on that stuff and would say I have good self-control. I enjoy healthy foods. At the same time, I've decided that this is the last year where I can eat whatever I want. Because eating is less of a problem I want to enjoy one last guilt-free year of it where if I want another brownie, I'll have one. Why? Because you have to give yourself a treat as you finish off your twenties and because I don't think it will be a big deal once I actually give myself some limits.

It's the other half of the health equation that I struggle with. Exercise. While I enjoy that as well I have less self-discipline and fall into the cycle of 3 days at the gym, 3 months off. So I'm going to do something about it. I have a monthly calendar and am writing down my daily exercise. I'm setting weekly goals of how much exercise to do. I want to be realistic and the weeks we go away I know I'll do less. This week my goal is 250 minutes of exercise which I think I can do. I'm off to a good start. While it's wonderful having lots of time to relax, it feels good to get off my butt every once in awhile and sweat. Okay, enough ramblings... can you tell I have more time on my hands?

Dispatch Zimbabwe Video

A beautiful four minute visual of Zimbabwe!

Canada Day with the Bishop!

This Canada Day we had the priviledge of having our good friend Danisa Ndlovu in our home. Danisa also happens to be the Bishop of the BIC church in Zimbabwe. We spent many evenings at his home in Bulawayo with his family when we lived there and even got to spend Christmas in the rural village where he grew up. But I didn't imagine that he'd be in our home, at least not this soon. Danisa was in town speaking at the BIC conference in Toronto so we invited him to spend the night with us.

He was also here for the June 29 elections in Zimbabwe in which Robert Mugabe was the only candidate, and was sworn in for another five-year term as president. When asked about the situation in Zimbabwe, Danisa's answer was simple... "We continue to have faith that things will get better. They can't stay like this forever." He talked of how hard it was watching his country deteriorate over the years...once the bread-basket of Africa and now an economy that is beyond comprehension, one in five is infected with HIV/AIDS and a life expectancy that has dropped to 37 years. Yet Danisa is one example of so many Zimbabweans we met who press on during hard times and don't allow their challenges to define them. They are gracious in the the midst of suffering and have incredible faith that things will eventually change. They've been waiting for a long time!

It was wonderful to spend time with Danisa and look forward to hopefully hosting more of our Zimbabwean friends in the future.

School's Out!

Well, I did it. I survived my year as a grade 5 teacher. It definitely had its shares of highs and lows but feels good to have made it through. This was by far, my most challenging year of teaching yet. It's hard coming into a room of kids about to hit puberty, in the middle of the year. I was a lot different than their first teacher which was a hard transition for all of us. It was hard to all of a sudden go from doing nothing to being constantly busy for 6 months straight. I like working, but my job is not my life and I wasn't a fan of spending after-hours time on it. But I worked with a great team and Joel was a huge encourager as always.



By the end of the year, I felt like I was finally connecting with some of my students. A group of girls would often come to me for help with relational issues and we'd have long chats about friendship and changing and growing up. All of my kids are going to middle school next year and some are moving away. This resulted in a huge sob-fest by all the girls 10 minutes before the bell ran on the last day of school. The girls were crying and the boys were very confused. One boy said he'd never seen so many people cry at once and I just smiled and told him sometimes girls do that. They often drove me nuts, but that night I worried about them and hoped they'd be okay as they went their separate ways. As hard as teaching is, it's rewarding. If I had my way I'd just skip most of the curriculum (they have to learn way too much anyways) and focus on the relational stuff.


Now that summer is here, I'm trying to find things to keep me busy. Getting a job meant my role in organizing our new home was put on hold. Joel has waited patiently and I'm ready to get it done, although I'm horrible at it. Fortunately I'm married to an organizational genius who is willing to guide me. It'll be nice for everything to finally have a place. I have other goals this summer but will save that for another post. For now, I'm enjoying some time to relax and planning out my list of things to accomplish.

Shocking News from Zimbabwe

News came out today that the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has pulled himself out of the race for the run-off election next Friday. With the increase of violence, threats and intimidation he says he is not prepared to ask people to risk their lives in voting for him. To read more see the articles here and here.

My heart breaks for people who were hoping for change and now may have no choice but to see Mugabe remain in power. But what will happen in the next week is still unknown... keep praying for a miracle. Zimbabwe needs one more than ever.

How Cute Are My Nephews?

I just had to post this picture of my adorable nephews Isaac and Ari. I can hardly believe they are already 8 months. They have changed so much from the little five pound babies I first met last October. They are super smiley and my brother Jon and sister-in-law Adrienne are amazing parents. I love being an aunt and I'm certainly a pround one!

Zimbabwe Run-Off Election June 27

The Zimbabwe run-off election is coming up next week. We haven't heard anything from our friends in Zimbabwe for a few weeks, but things continue to get worse. On the BBC Africa website, a woman named "Esther" who lives in Harare is writing a journal about what she's experiencing. Her latest entry tells of people being being stopped at roadblocks and being asked to chant the Zanu-PF (Mugabe's party) slogan. Apparently you can receive a beating for not knowing it. Unbelievable.

I am continually amazed at the deteriorating conditions our Zimbabwean friends have to endure on top of extreme poverty, food shortages and one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. June 27 is a very important day in the history of Zimbabwe. If you are someone who prays, please be praying. Here is an excellent list to guide you.

Last night Joel and I had the opportunity to meet with a great group of people who were interested in knowing more about our time in Africa. I was tired and didn't want to go, but I left with a renewed sense of responsibility. These people suffering are not just some strangers on the other side of the world. They are my friends... who wake up each morning and try their hardest to make it through another day, who continue to have faith and hope when life keeps getting worse and who are desperately praying that June 27 will be the beginning of a brighter future for Zimbabwe. Please join with them and pray for a miracle on June 27.

Happy Birthday Jane!!!

Me and Jane at the farm on the May long weekend

Today my wonderful little niece Jane turns 4. Unfortunately we couldn't make the trip up north to enjoy hot dogs with her on her big day, but we did enjoy a conversation on the phone. Jane is great and it's so fun being her aunt. I can't believe in a few short months she'll be off to school. Happy Birthday Jane. Uncle Joel and I love you lots!! XOXO

Violence Continues

It's hard to know what to write about the situation in Zimbabwe, except that it seems to get worse daily. There will be a run-off election for President. Normally this should happen within 21 days but the government has extended the deadline to 90 days, in an obvious attempt to intimidate those who voted for the opposition to support the ruling party. You can read more about it here.

Below is another article from the Zimbabwean that I found interesting:

Gukurahundi commander terrorizes Manicaland

The ZimbabweanTuesday,
13 May 2008 20:14..
BY CHIEF REPORTERMUTARE

Air Marshal Perence Shiri, the head of the Zimbabwe Air Force, isdirecting a terror campaign in Manicaland whose carnage so far involves seven shut-down schools , smoldering huts, hundreds internally displaced and at least three killed.

Reports from Manicaland this week spoke of a door-to-door campaign bymarauding Zanu (PF) thugs, war veterans and troops, other gun-toting troops lounging around bars and shops, in the villages and at schools, spearheading a purge of the province of all MDC activists.Shiri, who has taken temporary residence in Manicaland, where he is booked in at the serene La Rochelle Gardens in Penhalonga, is commanding the joint operation that also involves senior police and army officials.The teams deployed across Manicaland have been mandated with ensuring that Mugabe wins the impending presidential election run off by any meansnecessary.

This is not the first time that Shiri has been called to defend Mugabeagainst threats to his rule.Shortly after independence in 1980, Shiri was chosen to head thenotorious Fifth Brigade of the Zimbabwean National Army which, between 1982and 1987, slaughtered up to 20,000 men, women and children in Matabeleland,the area of the country populated by the Ndebele people.He is now in charge of "operations" in Manicaland, a province whichvoted overwhelmingly against Zanu (PF) in the March 29 poll. Senior Zanu(PF) officials suffered their heaviest losses in Manicaland, where formerministers such as Joseph Made, Patrick Chinamasa, Oppah Muchinguri, ChrisMushowe and former deputy Speaker Kumbirai Kangai lost their seats.The province also voted overwhelmingly against Mugabe, according tovoting figures, reflecting a massive shift in allegiance from a provincethat has loyally supported Zanu (PF) and Mugabe to MDC and its leader MorganTsvangirai.

The deployed troops and the Zanu (PF) militia are beating hard on thedrums of confrontation, taking on all opponents of Mugabe and Zanu (PF) thatpose a threat to the veteran ruler's electoral victory in the crunch runoff. Two-week long investigations have revealed that the operation is beingspearheaded by Retired Brigadier Zambara in Mutasa Central, Colonel Masamvuin Nyanga, and Col Romeo Machinguma in Makoni West.There is also Col Matuvhunye and Brigadier Mandama, jointly headingoperations in Musikavanhu; Col Morgan Mzilikazi in Buhera, and the former Harare Central Law and Order chief, Senior Assistant CommissionerMusarashana Mavhunda, heading the Chipinge operation. Mabhunda is ironically a member of the ZAOGA church, yet he is notorious for torturing opposition activists. The Zimbabwean heard that by far the most gruesome of these teams is the one assigned to Makoni South. This team comprises former CIO bossShadreck Chipanga, Senior Assistant Commissioner Pfumvuti and Wing CommanderMandeya.In Makoni South seven schools have been shutdown over the past one week by the terror troops after headmasters and teachers were first manhandled by the goon squad.

The Zimbabwean can reveal that in Makoni South, Chakuma Priimary School has been shut down. The headmaster, Jethro Manyani was first assaulted on allegations he was an MDC activist and then forced to shut the school and flee.Pupils have missed class since last week. Chikobvore Primary School has also been shut down and the headmaster, only identified as Duma, beaten up. Teacher Chipadzwa's car has also been burnt by the terror squad loyal toMugabe. Other schools that have been shut down in Makoni South by the Zanu(PF) terror troops include Mutungagore Secondary School, Zambuko PrimarySchool, Handina Secondary School, Makumba Secondary School and Zembera Primary School.Across the provinces, violence has escalated sharply.

The newly-elected MDC MP for Mutasa Central, Trevor Saruwaka remainedin police custody on Tuesday following his arrest on Monday after visiting Penhalonga Police Station to inquire about the arrest of an MDC activist.The activist had been abducted by war veterans and soldiers because hewas wearing an MDC T-shirt, brutalised, before he was handed to the police.When the new area MP Saruwaka visited the police station inquiring about the MDC youth's whereabouts, the member-in-charge, Assistant Inspector Goronga, was ordered by Col Masamvu to detain the legislator on charges of inciting violence."We now have a situation where people sleep out in the open becausethey fear spending the night at their homes," said Reverend Stephen Maengamhuru, the regional official from human rights group ZimRights.

MDC Manicaland spokesman Pishai Muchauraya told The Zimbabwean thatthe level of brutality was shocking and said people were fleeing their homesin numbers."It's a big problem we are having," he said. "It's a campaign of retribution."Across the Mozambican border, officials are struggling to cope withthe huge number of people fleeing the violence."There is a massive exodus of Zimbabweans going into Mozambique,"Mozambican immigration official Boste Marizane told journalists in ManicaTown, about 25km east of Mutare. "What is happening is that these days thereare lots of people crossing to Mozambique who do not return," he said.

Violence in Zimbabwe

For those of you following the situation in Zimbabwe, here is a recent BBC article on what is happening. There are some small glimmers of hope, like South African dock workers refusing to offload a ship full of weapons headed for Zimbabwe. But overall, things seem to be getting worse, not better as presidential election results still haven't been announced over 3 weeks later.

Apparently, over 10 people have been killed in post-election violence. No doubt for every death we hear about, there are many more.

I am trying to get in contact with friends in Zimbabwe this week to find out more. Keep praying for peace!

I got a job....again!

A few months ago I was told that I was being declared excess to my school. Basically enrollment is down for next year and I'm the lowest on the totem pole so I got the boot. My job was guaranteed somewhere in the board, but I started the process of interviews to find something I wanted instead of being placed randomly. Thankfully I was successful and have a job next year I'm really looking forward to.

I've reduced my contract to 90% and will be working at a school in Mississauga teaching ESL (.7) and Phys-ed (.2). I'm really excited to be doing what I love again with the fun addition of being a gym teacher! Grade 5 has been a challenge which has been good for me, but I won't miss it. Twenty-eight 10 year-olds in one room definitely has it's moments and I'm grateful there's an end in sight!

It also be nice to have the extra time to pursue some kind of volunteer work that has been missing in my life. All I know is I want to work locally with people in need. Any ideas?

Anxiously Waiting

Zimbabwe's elections were held this past Saturday and three days later, no results have been announced. For those of you following, here are a few good sources:

The BBC has a good website with updated information here.

Also, Ryan who runs Forgotten Voices has a blog that he his updating regularly with relevant articles.

The next day or so should be very interesting!

Prayer For Zimbabwe

On Saturday March 29, Zimbabwe will be holding it's next set of Presidential Elections. This country is in desperate need of change. For those of you who pray, here is something to help guide you. This was sent to me through a contact at Forgotten Voices, our friend Ryan's organization who does amazing work in Southern Africa.

Background Information:

Election date: March 29th
Candidates: Current President Robert Mugabe (Party: Zanu PF)
Former Finance Minister Simba Makoni (Party: Independent)
Opposition Leader Morgan Tsvangirai (Party: Movement for Democratic Change)

Suggested Prayer Requests

1) Pray for peace and justice at all levels and in all situations during this election process.
2) Pray for wisdom and discernment for government, church and community leaders.
3) Pray for a fair electoral process.
4) Pray for safety amidst high tensions and potential for violence.
5) Pray that regardless of the election outcomes, God would be glorified by the actions of His people in Zimbabwe.
6) Pray that regardless of the election outcomes, God would guide the elected leadership.
7) Pray for those who won’t have a voice with which to vote – children, those with illness, people without transportation to go to the polls, those too afraid to cast their vote.
8) Pray for pastors as they lead their communities during this critical time.
9) Pray for home-based care workers as they carry on their work and travel about the community during these tense times.
10) Pray for children who have been orphaned – they’ve already experienced the personal upheaval of a broken family, and are now facing the upheaval of a nation about to go through a historic election.
11) Pray for a protected living environment for the children of Zimbabwe.
12) Pray for increased stability leading up to and following the elections, as a stable government allows greater opportunity for the church and community to care for a child.

March Break has begun and Joel and I are heading on a vacation to Santa Clara, Cuba. We've talked about doing a trip like this since we got married and have always put it off... sometimes for good reasons like moving to Africa for a year! But now we are more than ready to have a week away together, to unplug from life and relax. I look forward to swimming, playing a little tennis (we just finished the City of Mississauga's Intermediate Tennis course... look out!), reading, all-you-can-eat buffets, wearing my flip-flops again and especially lots of time with my favourite person in the world! See you in a week :)

Back to Life

I got home from school today before 4pm, did a quick quiz for my course and then thought to myself "What am I going to do now?" It's been weeks since I've had that thought. For the past several weeks I've been on the go, madly trying to whiz through units, mark my student's work, finish course assignments and write report cards. Today is the day I get to catch my breath as report cards have finally been handed in. I have one day to go before March Break and I can't wait.

Joel and I were talking last night about our lives have taken a complete flip from a year ago. Last year, we would wake up, go spend several hours at the AIDS office which was slow on a good day, and then come home. The evening might involve some volleyball with the Bible school students, cooking dinner, maybe a walk or playing with the kids outside and then several hours on the couch reading... or if we felt like doing something, walking over the the table and playing a game. And of course there was the continual task of boiling water. But overall life was pretty relaxed. Neither of us thrive on being busy like some people. We don't bore easily and can handle having nothing to do.... we just haven't had the option lately.

It's nice to have that option back, to have a night of no work and take it easy. There is always lots to do as a teacher, but I enjoy these little pockets of time where I can decide whether or not I want to do it. I think ultimately, being busy is a choice we make for ourselves, whether good or bad. I look forward to the next ten days of choosing time for Joel and for myself. Call me selfish, but I think we deserve it!

Missing In Action

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. Life has gotten super busy with my new teaching job. I'm also taking a course to get qualified in special education... a decision I made to get a job, before I had one and now I'm stuck with! Our report cards are due in 12 days and I have a ton to cover with my kids who I feel like I'm still getting to know. Thankfully, the previous teacher is helping me out, but with school and course deadlines coming up, I'm struggling to keep my head above water. That all being said, I do plan on blogging more soon, I just need to get through the next few weeks.... if anyone is still out there!?! I hope all is well in your world.

Let It Snow!

There is nothing sweeter than being woken up at 6:30am with a call from a fellow teacher, telling you to stay in bed because it's a snow day. I was doubtful, but it turns out my little snow dance worked! 4 hours later I'm still in my PJs... life is good! Happy extra long weekend!

Week One... Done!

ghWell, I've officially been a grade 5 teacher for 8 days now....and only one kid sent to the principal's office! I'm exhausted and overwhelmed but definitely surviving! I have 28 kids in my class and a full time teaching assistant since I have a girl with downs syndrome and a boy with aspergers. It's a weird time of year to get a new teacher, so the kids are definitely pushing me to see how far they can get. I think I've stood my ground and we're making baby steps but I imagine it'll be a few more weeks before I have the "great class" I've been told I have. I've had my fair share of eyes rolled at me. Grade fives are at that fun age of hitting puberty and developing their attitudes. And the girls... well, girls can just be really mean to each other. Curriculum aside, if I can teach them how to get along it will be a successful year.

One of my goals this year is to have balance. Too many teachers work all day and then work all night. The truth is, our job will never be done and we can always do better, but sometimes you just have to walk away. If the kids don't learn every aspect about the Greek environment, they still might actually grow up to be decent people. So I've been workig hard, but trying not to work TOO hard. It's a job, but at the same time, it's only a job. Thankfully I work with several other people who share that philosophy.

Although I miss my sleep-ins, it's good to be out working and hopefully influencing kids' lives for the better, even if they do drive me a bit nutty. But it's only 20 weeks 'til summer.... not that I'm counting!

What would you do with 10 million dollars?

I read today that Zimbabwe has just introduced a 10 million dollar bank note. Sounds like a lot of money. Unfortunately it's less than 4 US dollars. When Joel and I arrived in Zimbabwe just over a year ago the exchange rate was 1,200 Zim dollars to 1 US. Now it's over 2 million to 1. That's hyperinflation for you and it doesn't seem to stop. What would you do with 10 million dollars? If you live in Zimbabwe, not much.

Working Woman

It's almost 10am and I'm still in my pajamas. Life is good. But as of tomorrow I'll be up bright and early. Last week I got the exciting news that I've been hired by the Peel board as a permanent grade 5 teacher. I was shocked when I got the call, as I've applied for so many jobs since returning home from Zimbabwe in July. I even interviewed for jobs I was sure I was going to get... but turns out I was the only one who was sure! I'm very thankful for a permanent job in the middle of the year. The current teacher was hired to a new position in the board, opening up her role.

For my last few years of teaching I taught ESL (English as a Second Language). It was my dream job... working with small groups of kids, teaching language (no math or science!!), watching kids go from silence to non-stop talking and learning how to read and write. It was the perfect job for me and it didn't require a lot of after school hours. The hardest part of going to Zimbabwe for me was giving up my job. And while I knew that getting back into ESL right away was unlikely, I had no idea how hard it was going to be to get any kind of teaching job.

The neat part about the school I'm working at is that they have a focus on social justice. They were really interested in our work in Africa and I know that's what tipped the scales in my favour. It's neat that the reason I gave up my job, is also the reason I got my new job. I officially start on the 21st but am going in tomorrow to meet the kids and start getting ready. I'm overwhelmed and scared but overall just incredibly grateful. I've enjoyed the slow pace of the last year and a half, but am more than ready to jump back into the working world!

Jeanne Assam

On Sunday December 9th, a gunman shot two people outside New Life Church in Colorado Springs, and then charged inside apparently planning to kill many more. Because of earlier shootings at a nearby Youth With a Mission Base, there were armed security guards in the church. One of them was Jeanne Assam, who confronted the man as he came inside and eventually shot him dead. She credits God for helping her take him down. (See story and related videos here)

Not surprisingly Jeanne is being hailed as a hero as her act likely saved hundreds of lives. While I understand where this is coming from and why she did it, I find it all fascinating. I've come to the place where I guess you could label me a "pacifist". And while I know I am definitely in the minority, as a Christ-follower I don't believe Jesus taught us to use violence, but instead to radically love our enemies. Easier said than done I know, but it's what I believe and hope to live out. Out of interest I did a google search to try to find out if anyone else had a problem with what Jeanne did and surprisingly I found almost nothing... only articles and blogs about how this shows how ridiculous pacifism is and how guns save lives.

While I'm not here to judge Jeanne Assam and understand that lives were lost in this tradegy, I still have a hard time with the fact that so many Christians don't think twice about the fact that she also took a human life. What do you think?

A Canadian Christmas!

Christmas was exciting for us this year as it was our first as a married couple in Canada. Our first Christmas was spent on a plane crossing the Atlantic and then completely jet lagged in Zimbabwe. We were on a whirlwind exploratory trip to see where we might spend a year in Africa. Our second Christmas was spent in a rural Zimbabwean village with new friends. We napped, went for a hike, picked wild fruit, sat under the shade of a tree, napped again, ate fresh goat and danced under the stars. Definitely a wonderful Christmas we will never forget. But this year we got to be home, with family, turkey and snow. We are lucky to live in the same city as both of our families so we had lots of time together.

As we have just moved into our new house we went back and forth on getting a tree, as it just felt like another project. But Joel spotted a Loblaws deal... a 6 foot tree for $14. Although I prefer a real tree, I couldn't pass up the deal and the convenience. In 20 minutes our tree was up and decorated and Christmas at the Percy house began. On Christmas Eve Joel was working at The Meeting House so I decided to join him for the night. It was a beautiful service. Christmas morning we opened stockings and our gifts, then headed to my parents for breakfast. We spent the afternoon and evening with the Percy's sharing gifts, playing games and eating turkey. I have to say that it beats goat any day! We had Miller Christmas a few days ealier and had more time with family in the days that followed. Nothing beats time with family and I was thankful to share Christmas with them on the same side of the world!

Our Christmas Tree in Zimbabwe and Joel's snowflake creation

This year's $14 bargain... a step up from last year's paper tree

I got to make dessert. Birthday cake with money in it.... a Miller tradition resurrected

My nephews Isaac and Ari... first Christmas

I gave Jane Cheer Bear for Christmas. She loves pink and I have a soft spot for Cheer Bear... more on that story another time.