Letter from Canada

Here is the first letter...
Dear friends,

Hello! How are you? I hope you are enjoying the summer.I just wanted to share some surprising news with you. John and I have left Zimbabwe, and we are back in Toronto. I'm sure most of you will know from the news that things are not quite right in Zimbabwe these days. Since we arrived there in 2006 things have been hard - food shortages, freedom restrictions, fuel/electricity/water shortages, etc. But since the election in March there has also been a lot of violence, and it has spread to almost every corner of the country. The Salvation Army in Canada became quite worried about us - particularly since finding out that I am pregnant (due in November - another piece of news that not all of you might know!) So, we found out we were leaving last weekend, we were allowed to tell people in Zimbabwe on Tuesday and then we left Thursday. It was a whirlwind, and now we are in a whole new world. Of course it's good to see food and family and friends, but a big part of our hearts are still in Zimbabwe, where we have shared life with people for the past 2 years and 2 months. I'm sure the next few weeks will bring out many emotions!Since we came back in a hurry, we're not really sure what's next. John will likely work for The Salvation Army here, but it might be tricky for me to get a job since I'm pregnant. We'll wait and see - it's still early. We have a lead on a place we might be able to stay, so that is another piece of the puzzle.Anyway, just wanted to let you know.
Happy Canada day!If you want to hang out, or be in touch, please email me
with grace,Rochelle

Second Letter..

Dear Renee,

Thanks so much for the package that you sent for people in Zimbabwe. The colouring books and books were beautiful and made wonderful gifts for people. We gave them out to kids in our neighbourhood whose parents are working and yet don't have a single toy. They were THRILLED! We gave most of the seeds to an old aged home. The people have been starving and they were starting a new gardening project, so we thought that was a good use of your gift.

Your package was not actually the one that cost us money - that one came from a mysterious donor. So you didn't cost us a cent, and your gifts made people SO happy. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos.There just wasn't time. We are no longer actually in Zimbabwe. We had to be repatriated out early (and in a real rush) so that we could be out of the country before the run-off. So that has been heart-breaking and we miss the people so much. I think The Salvation Army in Canada became really nervous about our situation when I became pregnant.

Anyway, thanks for your generosity - it was really appreciated.

with grace,
Rochelle

I'm glad that they are on safer grounds now and can concentrate on their new baby..