Weak in the Knees & Help Pack a Package

I went to Zimbabwe to hold and play with orphan babies and toddlers.  That is where my heart was.  Fortunately, God stretches us and gives us experiences far beyond what we would plan for ourselves.  I went to Africa for the babies, but fell in love with the teenagers. 

Lillian, Matilda, Elizabeth, Tandy, Faith.  These girls messed with me.  They all have lost family due to HIV or alcoholism.  They all face hardships that I can't begin to understand.  Most can't afford the $60 fee for school.  Most have spent their lives helping care for younger kids.  Despite all that, they have joy. 

I had the pleasure of sitting in a field one day with my teammate Karyn and three teenage girls.   We talked about music, boys, and the differences between the US and Zimbabwe.  I told them that Americans have a lot of STUFF, but really miss out on some of the beauty that I saw in Zim.  People in the US are distracted by technology, busy schedules, and our STUFF.  Our main goal is to get MORE STUFF.  We are obsessed with time and agendas.  They focus on relationships and today.  They are outside with other people.  The people there sing and dance with ease.  Their harmony will make you weak in the knees.  They praise authentically.  They care for one another without question.  They share the last of what they have.  Their faith rocked me. They don't question God. They quote scripture like I can not.  One of the teenage girls at the end of the week said, "It sounds like it is hard to live in the US." Sigh. I think it might just be.

The next day, we got a larger group of girls together.  We talked and then they sang, and sang and sang. 
I listened with my weak knees. 

When asked what to pray for for them they responded:

1.  to be able to go to school

2.  for the health and faith of their families

3.  for provision of underwear, Bibles and shoes

Because they blessed us, we hope to bless them.  Anyone want to help pack a package to mail to these girls?    Along with lots of copies of this book, we would like to help meet one of their needs. 

We need:
1. underwear to fit teenage girls

2.  simple shoes/flip flops (teenage girls or boys)

3.  Bibles (new or gently used)

4.  socks (teenage girls or boys)

5.   notes of encouragement

Here are two of the scriptures that they could all quote by heart:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.