Returning Home: Weaving Hope, Healing, and New Dreams

Recently, I traveled home to Zimbabwe, a journey that has become an annual tradition for me. The only difference this year was that instead of going over Christmas to celebrate with the children at the children’s home, I traveled earlier—and I am truly glad that I did.

This time, I was able to see almost all of the children, except for a few who had already left to spend the holidays with extended family. Before I continue, I would like to briefly explain why these trips have become so important and why they are now part of a deeply personal tradition.

A few years ago, I was speaking with one of the directors at EME Ministries about a growing desire in my heart—to give back to my home country using the skills I have learned over the years. This was not only a personal desire, but one that was further encouraged by friends who had taken responsibility for overseeing more than 110 orphanages and institutions across Zimbabwe, ensuring that orphaned and marginalized children were not forgotten. His response was simple: if I had found a way to give back and be a responsible citizen in my country, then why not? This conversation likely took place sometime between 2018 and 2020.

Over the years, I have returned regularly and spent Christmas with the children. Often, I did not have material gifts to give them individually, and the only gift I could offer was my time and attention. Then God gave me an idea—to teach the children how to weave on a simple wooden frame, just as I had learned when I first started.

I began doing exactly that. Last Christmas, I bought a small loom, packed it into one of my suitcases, and took it with me. I showed the children how it worked, and they were thrilled. They had already learned how to weave on a simple frame, and now they felt as though they were graduating to a small loom. During that visit, I also took them to meet a group of local women weavers who have been practicing their craft since 1985. I wanted the children to see what small beginnings could one day lead to.

I truly believe that God is generous, and that He invites us to dream big and expect great things from His hand. My heart will never be the same after this visit. I believe God has made room in my heart to carry these children and to actively seek ways to improve their educational lives.

In 2025, the children took another step forward. They learned from these women how to weave on an upright frame loom and created a beautiful rug. The rug was woven using 100% wool, which the children learned to clean, wash, and naturally dye themselves. I am deeply grateful to have witnessed their progress and to see them overcome their fears of trying something new and stepping outside their normal routines.

This most recent visit was a time to celebrate milestones with the children, and it was deeply encouraging for me. But weaving was not the only meaningful experience.

I also spent time working in their cornfield—removing weeds and applying fertilizer—something I had not done in nearly forty years. Walking barefoot in the field alongside some of the children, getting my hands dirty, and doing honest, physical work was both therapeutic and deeply satisfying. It was hard work, especially after so many years, but I am grateful for the opportunity.

I shared from the Word with the children, we prayed together, and at times we cried—especially as I listened to stories of the circumstances from which some of them had been rescued. One particular child’s story broke my heart. I watched a six-year-old trying to make sense of her new reality: her parents are divorced, her mother is not in a place to care for her, and living with her father was considered a recipe for disaster. My heart felt a deep compassion for her, partly because of my own experience of my parents divorcing when I was just three years old.

As I spent time playing and interacting with the children, I noticed something that deeply concerned me. They have very little to stimulate their developing minds beyond physical play. They do not have toys, games, or books to read. Since returning, my heart has been burdened with thoughts of how I can help introduce these children to reading—and this is where I am asking my friends to help me.

Thoughts and Ideas

I would like to ask you, my friend, to consider helping me provide two books per child instead of giving me a Christmas gift. There are 30 children in the home, which means we would need 60 books. If each book costs approximately $10, then $600 would allow us to purchase all the books. These could be ordered and shipped through Amazon so the children can receive them directly.

A second idea is to employ a teacher on a part-time basis at the home. This teacher would help the children read their books and assist with homework. Teachers in that area are not very expensive, especially when approached from a compassionate perspective—helping them see how they can be part of God’s redemption plan for these children.

The long-term goal is to raise funds to build a small library at the home. This space would not only house books but could also be equipped with computers to help the children learn basic technology skills.

I truly believe that God is generous, and that He invites us to dream big and expect great things from His hand. My heart will never be the same after this visit. I believe God has made room in my heart to carry these children and to actively seek ways to improve their educational lives.

Thank you for praying for me while I was traveling, and for continuing to pray for the children and their situations.

If you would like to support this cause, contact us at imbaliwebsite@gmail.com

With gratitude,

Cecilia