I'm sorry I have posted much about my trip frequent power outages and lack of internet connection make it difficult. But I'm back and have been for a few days. I have hit the ground running, NYC has a way of doing that to you, and am just now getting around to posting about my return. The pace of life is so starkly different here that it kinda took my by surprise and I was a bit overwhelmed. Its strange being state side after living life in such a different kinda way. If I had to sum up my trip in one word it would be "Life-changing." Its kinda hard to put into words all that transpired, I believe its still washing over me. To define a moment is difficult while your still in the moment... however I hope to soon be able to rationally articulate all that I experienced on my journey.
I will take the next few week to recount my steps and share my adventures. It will be strange to revisit Africa through all the images and video captured by my self and Krista Guenin, photographer who accompanied the team. I shot over 50 hours of video and she took some 8 - 10 thousand pictures. So now is when the real work begins. It will take some time for both of us to comb through everything and simply make heads and tails of our work, so please be patient. But I promise I will share photos and video as it becomes available.
Thank you all for your support, encouragement, prayers, and interest. It been a true comfort know that I wasn't alone in all this... thank you :)
<")))><
adam
November 12, 2007
November 5, 2007
Still Alive
Sorry I haven't written sooner, and please forgive me for spelling and grammar errors as I don't have much time to post this brief, but well needed, update. I am alive and well, as well as everyone else that's with me. Frequent power outages and lack of internet connection have hindered my attempt to post something sooner. I've got lots of great stories that I'm looking forward to sharing but will have to postpone them for now. I can send and receive text messages if you need to get in touch with me, however cell service is limited in most areas where I'm staying and charging my phone also presents a challenge. I have seen many things and am forever changed... that said I'm excited to share more with all of you when I have more time.
thanx
adam
thanx
adam
October 17, 2007
1 Week To Go!
Well, its now 7 Days and counting.... and things are finalizing. I'd truly love the opportunity to stay longer than 15 days but with the current situation within Zimbabwe being what it is, its unlikely that I can/should. Although there is no current violence within Zimbabwe, the circumstance of its ongoing agonizing demise is cause for caution. Currently 1 in 5 adults have a job, the capital city of Harare & other major cities have limited to no power, the inflation rate is around 7,000 % and things like gas & food are a rare and pricey commodities.
Throughout all of my preparations I've been trying not to get in the way of what God wants from me. I have to continually remind myself that this is not MY trip, but HIS. In order to better prepare myself for this I've decided to take a page from Jackson Crum, lead pastor at Park Community Church in Chicago, by praying & fasting. I recently took a trip to Chicago, specifically to show my support for a dear friend who is getting married while I'm out of the country, and while there I attended my old church, Park Community Church, and heard a sermon about Praying by Jackson Crum. Now I know I run the risk of self spiritual promotion in making this public, but I do so in order to let you all know how I'm doing and where I'm at mentally, physically, & spiritually. I have been fasting, sun up to sun down, now for a week and will continue to do so until I leave. So basically I have one meal a day, dinner... don't worry mom, still drinking lots of water & I'm not fading away. Although we will have enough food for 3 square meals a day when we are in Zimbabwe I still worry on how much of an appetite I'll have. The current food shortages within Zimbabwe are troubling, and I'm not sure if I could go back to our lodging and eat our food, which is brought in from Mozambique, knowing that everyone else around me is starving. This is something that continually weighs heavily upon my mind and heart.
Because of these recent events escalating we (the team) will be altering our travels within Zimbabwe. Rather than going to see many of these people that the organization helps and supports, they will be coming to us. Military presence has been stepped up in order to preserve the peace. Things like road blocks and check points create great risk for us as outsiders, so the less moving around we do the better. That being said I will not have an opportunity to see Victoria Falls or Hwange, National Park Reserve. It will however allow me to spend more time with the people at Mtshabezi Mission and TCZ (Theological College of Zimbabwe). I'm looking forward to leaving but know that there is still lots to do before I go.
Thank you for your support and continued prayers,
<")))>< adam
Throughout all of my preparations I've been trying not to get in the way of what God wants from me. I have to continually remind myself that this is not MY trip, but HIS. In order to better prepare myself for this I've decided to take a page from Jackson Crum, lead pastor at Park Community Church in Chicago, by praying & fasting. I recently took a trip to Chicago, specifically to show my support for a dear friend who is getting married while I'm out of the country, and while there I attended my old church, Park Community Church, and heard a sermon about Praying by Jackson Crum. Now I know I run the risk of self spiritual promotion in making this public, but I do so in order to let you all know how I'm doing and where I'm at mentally, physically, & spiritually. I have been fasting, sun up to sun down, now for a week and will continue to do so until I leave. So basically I have one meal a day, dinner... don't worry mom, still drinking lots of water & I'm not fading away. Although we will have enough food for 3 square meals a day when we are in Zimbabwe I still worry on how much of an appetite I'll have. The current food shortages within Zimbabwe are troubling, and I'm not sure if I could go back to our lodging and eat our food, which is brought in from Mozambique, knowing that everyone else around me is starving. This is something that continually weighs heavily upon my mind and heart.
Because of these recent events escalating we (the team) will be altering our travels within Zimbabwe. Rather than going to see many of these people that the organization helps and supports, they will be coming to us. Military presence has been stepped up in order to preserve the peace. Things like road blocks and check points create great risk for us as outsiders, so the less moving around we do the better. That being said I will not have an opportunity to see Victoria Falls or Hwange, National Park Reserve. It will however allow me to spend more time with the people at Mtshabezi Mission and TCZ (Theological College of Zimbabwe). I'm looking forward to leaving but know that there is still lots to do before I go.
Thank you for your support and continued prayers,
<")))>< adam
October 9, 2007
2 Weeks Remaining
Last week the State Department updated a travel announcement about US citizens going to Zimbabwe. This is the first public announcement on Zim since July. While the State Department often is overly cautious with matters in Zimbabwe, according to our project leader and president of FVI (Forgotten Voices International), we are still taking this matter seriously and seeking to contact individuals inside the country in order to gain a better temperature of the situation. The following is an email sent out by Ryan Keith (President of FVI):
This new news does not really cause me any extra worry or concern. If God calls me to travel to a section of the world where there might be danger, then so be it. This is His trip, not mine and thus I know that he goes before me to pave the way. It is in Psalm 91 that I take comfort and in His word I find truth that shatters all understanding... so pray but don't fear for my safety, for I am in good hands ;)
<")))><
adam
Essentially, at this point, State Department advised us to use caution and assess the risks. They simply pointed us to the alert and the woman was very kind. She said if we must come, come and enjoy our stay. :) But she did say that the brief was compiled by her office, so what I've read is what she has to say. Far more polite than that. A really nice American woman.
I only talked with Danisa Ndlovu, the BIC Bishop. He said we should come without question. I was unable to get ahold of anyone else all day after hours and hours of trying. I received an email from Warren King, a friend of ours and a Pastor in Bulawayo. He was simply saying to me that we have a place come and stay. More admin stuff than any travel warnings. I have not been able to reconnect with him.
So...the news out of Zim is bad, but only have heard from Danisa. Trevor, [travel coordinator] has talked to the airlines and we have options. I'm not sure yet what those are. Don't panic. :) This is Africa. Trevor & I will circulate our recommendation for moving forward.
Thanks! Keep praying!
Best,
Ryan
This new news does not really cause me any extra worry or concern. If God calls me to travel to a section of the world where there might be danger, then so be it. This is His trip, not mine and thus I know that he goes before me to pave the way. It is in Psalm 91 that I take comfort and in His word I find truth that shatters all understanding... so pray but don't fear for my safety, for I am in good hands ;)
<")))><
adam
October 1, 2007
MISSIONS TRIP TO AFRICA
Dear Friends and Family ~
As some of you may already know, I'm getting ready to embark upon an exciting professional and personal adventure. I've been asked to be a part of a mission trip as the videographer, recording the events that take place with a camcorder. I've decided that if I'm going to travel half way around the world, I'm going to make a full-fledged documentary. In doing so, I'm seeking out your help, in whatever way you can provide it.
First and foremost, I'd like to have your prayers. I'm going to need them, as this will be a first of many things for me: first time off the North American Continent, first mission trip, and first documentary of my own. I have been blessed with a great job as a freelancer at an advertising agency, working specifically on documentary material... funny how God prepares us for the road ahead, well before we even realize it.
Second, for those of you in a position to do so, I'd really appreciate you! r financial support. This is a costly undertaking. Like most mission trips, it's pay-your-own- way. The airfare is the most expensive portion of this trip, what with the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe. Any support that you could manage would be greatly appreciated. There's no amount too small, or too big - that said, please don't give outside of your means.
Lastly, please share the news. Share this letter with others that you know, to help bring more awareness to a country and a continent that so badly needs help.
I will be participating in a Zimbabwe Mission Team from October 24 - November 7, with an option to extend the trip. Our group will be ministering to people in Bulawayo & Mtshabezi Mission, Zimbabwe. I am teaming up with a non-profit, faith-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) called Forgotten Voices International, which caters to children who have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS within the country. It is my goal with the documentary to better tell the stories of these children, the communities that are raising them, and the local leaders working to bring them all together. Their stories need to be heard, so that their plights and struggles might take root in others to spur them into action.
Zimbabwe is a country with an 80% unemployment rate, 7,000% inflation (and rising), and an alarming 37% HIV/AIDS infection rate. 1.3 million AIDS orphans live in Zimbabwe today; by 2009, that number will be at least 2 million.
The question is: are we brave and bold enough to step out of our comfortable lives in order to stand with people in need, simply because we can? Speaking for myself, I'm often too prideful when it comes to recognizing a need for and accepting help from others. It's truly a struggle for me to write this letter - but if I'm going to do this, then there is no other way. If you can help, I hope you will.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement,
Adam
If you'd like to support me financially in this endeavor, there are two ways you can do so:
1) You can make a contribution to WSEFC, the church partner for this trip, to cover the core expenses of my mission trip. Just complete the form that's attached to this letter and mail it back to WSEFC by October 24, 2007.
2) You can make a contribution to me directly, to help cover other expenses that are directly related to the trip. Any surplus will be forwarded directly to Forgotten Voices International/ WSEFC, our church partner for this trip.
If you would like to make a contribution, then please feel free to contact me directly for my contact information or for the WSEFC form mentioned above.
You can also donate via PayPal online (click on the "Donate" button bellow)
Thank you again. God Bless.
As some of you may already know, I'm getting ready to embark upon an exciting professional and personal adventure. I've been asked to be a part of a mission trip as the videographer, recording the events that take place with a camcorder. I've decided that if I'm going to travel half way around the world, I'm going to make a full-fledged documentary. In doing so, I'm seeking out your help, in whatever way you can provide it.
First and foremost, I'd like to have your prayers. I'm going to need them, as this will be a first of many things for me: first time off the North American Continent, first mission trip, and first documentary of my own. I have been blessed with a great job as a freelancer at an advertising agency, working specifically on documentary material... funny how God prepares us for the road ahead, well before we even realize it.
Second, for those of you in a position to do so, I'd really appreciate you! r financial support. This is a costly undertaking. Like most mission trips, it's pay-your-own- way. The airfare is the most expensive portion of this trip, what with the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe. Any support that you could manage would be greatly appreciated. There's no amount too small, or too big - that said, please don't give outside of your means.
Lastly, please share the news. Share this letter with others that you know, to help bring more awareness to a country and a continent that so badly needs help.
I will be participating in a Zimbabwe Mission Team from October 24 - November 7, with an option to extend the trip. Our group will be ministering to people in Bulawayo & Mtshabezi Mission, Zimbabwe. I am teaming up with a non-profit, faith-based, non-governmental organization (NGO) called Forgotten Voices International, which caters to children who have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS within the country. It is my goal with the documentary to better tell the stories of these children, the communities that are raising them, and the local leaders working to bring them all together. Their stories need to be heard, so that their plights and struggles might take root in others to spur them into action.
Zimbabwe is a country with an 80% unemployment rate, 7,000% inflation (and rising), and an alarming 37% HIV/AIDS infection rate. 1.3 million AIDS orphans live in Zimbabwe today; by 2009, that number will be at least 2 million.
The question is: are we brave and bold enough to step out of our comfortable lives in order to stand with people in need, simply because we can? Speaking for myself, I'm often too prideful when it comes to recognizing a need for and accepting help from others. It's truly a struggle for me to write this letter - but if I'm going to do this, then there is no other way. If you can help, I hope you will.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement,
Adam
If you'd like to support me financially in this endeavor, there are two ways you can do so:
1) You can make a contribution to WSEFC, the church partner for this trip, to cover the core expenses of my mission trip. Just complete the form that's attached to this letter and mail it back to WSEFC by October 24, 2007.
2) You can make a contribution to me directly, to help cover other expenses that are directly related to the trip. Any surplus will be forwarded directly to Forgotten Voices International/ WSEFC, our church partner for this trip.
If you would like to make a contribution, then please feel free to contact me directly for my contact information or for the WSEFC form mentioned above.
You can also donate via PayPal online (click on the "Donate" button bellow)
Thank you again. God Bless.
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