Feeling Anxious

According to a recent study by the United Nations, Zimbabwe is the worst country in the world to live in.

This breaks my heart into a million little pieces. So many people I love live in Zimbabwe. Although I am so excited to see my friends there in a matter of weeks, I also hold a level of anxiety.

I left the country in 2007, and since then so many things have happened. So many horrible things.

Inflation rates reached 500 billion percent and beyond, into uncomprehendable percentages.

Diamonds were discovered, which began a new export of blood diamonds. Hundreds of people have been killed, thousands forced into slavery working in the mines. Pockets of the crooked government officials continue to grow, while Zimbabwe remains more dependent on food aid than any other country in the world. Up to 80% of the population depends on aid for survival.

Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, was declared the worst dictator in the world in 2009 after he proved in the 2008 elections that he would do anything to remain in power.

And in 2008 a cholera outbreak swept the country, taking nearly 5,000 lives.

Zimbabwe is a beautiful country of some of the most beautiful, peaceful, and gracious people in the world. They live in a country plagued by AIDS, famine, drought, greedy government, human trafficking, malaria, and so many things that those of us living comfortably will never be able to fathom.

I am excited to return and see my friends, but anxious to see how they are doing; how they are surviving.

Humans are resilient beings, and I would say Zimbabweans are more so than most. While there I saw joy amongst the suffering.



Singing amongst the hungry. Laughter amongst the sick.



But I am fearful that even among the most resilient, there is a breaking point. And I can't help but wonder when, or if, that point has been reached.

I would be so blessed if you would join me in praying for Zimbabwe