VIM to ZIM

The Hartzell High connection has continued. 17 faculty and staff members are taking an instructional technology course now at AU, using the donated money left at AU. Also Wisdom Muchacha and several other AU computer professors gave 30 Hartzell High teacher a free course in December in the the advantages of computers in education. They enjoyed that opportunity.

I am working to raise money to send a container to Hartzell High in early summer. I have been given 5 new sewing machines, many computers, school supplies, agriculture tools, books, and many other items to go on board so far. Marsha is working to get a generator sent on this shipment for the Dream Farm. I have a local storage area here, which has been donated, to collect these items. Many UMC circles are anxious to help with this project. Attached is the list of items needed for the shipment; I distribute this when I speak. If anyone is speaking and would get an offering for this shipment or donations for this shipment, I would be so grateful. Also please send me any ideas that you have about the shipment. “The beat goes on.”

One celebration is that two groups have chosen to sponsor a child each at Fairfield after they heard about Nyarai, the child that my family sponsors. I was able to spend time with Nyarai in November for the first time. What a precious memory from the trip !!

Last week I spoke to ten groups about this project. I have made a Power Point of the November Zimbabwe mission work with a focus on Hartzell High and use it when I speak. This week I have the opportunity to speak to 150 senior citizens at our Shepherd’s Center on Wednesday. Also I have found pen pals for 110 secondary students in Old Mutare and now I have 50 more US high school students who want pen pals. Next week there is a meeting to discuss a local high school getting on board with the shipment donations and perhaps becoming a sister school to Hartzell High. This work continues to excite me. I really appreciate that I was there with the Michigan team in November.

South Carolina continues to work hard to raise $250,000 for the water project in Old Mutare. Last June a SC team even discovered pollution in several water sources. We are now selling Zimbabwe mission calendars for $12. I would love to send some to you if you are interested or could sell some. They are beautiful. 100% of the profit goes to Old Mutare and the water project. Right now I am looking at three, smiling Hartzell Primary students giving “thumbs up” on the February page of the calendar. E-mail me if you are interested at britlit@sc.rr.com.

I hope everyone is doing well and is keeping warm. Today it feels like summer here in South Carolina. Best wishes to everyone.
Grace and peace,
Francie