January 3, 2004



Nhimbe New Year greetings from Zimbabwe!



Our gratitude for the support you extend in heart, thought and deed is
abundant.  We continue to be deeply moved by how we are all part of the
intricate gears, which sustain our lives, bringing all things together to
build bridges, and nurturing the well being that is nature.  Our time here
is reaffirming all that is good, all that is right, all that is uplifting.
Your generosity provides oil, the essential component for smooth meshing,
and for the blessing that makes this work possible.  We, on this soil, as
part of Nhimbe, come into this New Year appreciative, finding many wide and
varied reasons to want to share with you, to watch for the guidance of the
unfolding plan, and to seek the simple in everything we do.



As an added gesture of thanks I want to say how your ongoing commitment
makes all the difference.  The perpetual fundraising is of course a key to
our movement towards progress, but it is that concern that you have
integrated into your daily life that shows up on a regular basis and
strengthens the network.  There are focused pockets of you in Washington,
Oregon, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, and North Carolina, who
let me know throughout the year that you believe in us, that you want us to
carry out your heart's desire, and that you are rallying for us during the
long stretches.  It gives us endurance.  There are long nights, long days,
and we have a long way to go, but this is a relay.  And as you help us in
your thoughts, actions, and prayers, we are taking turns with some of the
hardest tasks, and there is relief.  Thank you.



Right now for instance, without those to run Ancient Ways on US soil while I
'm away, I couldn't be here.  There is a network of people there organizing
and carrying out the daily love of stateside Nhimbe for Progress, the
Ancient Ways Music Program, sculpture repair, and house-chicken-and-dog
sitting.  How can I thank all of you?  Your efforts to hold it all as your
own child comforts me tremendously as I am away.  It frees me, to be present
here in a totality of the moment, to respond precisely, with clarity and
guidance in the many situations that arise.  And there are plenty that are
outside of my normal comfortability, where I need to be here, now in all
aspects of my being.



As we are blended into the mix here, it quickly becomes apparent what is
needed to retain one's Self and what is superfluous.  Circumstance, pretense
and attachment to insulated living, are all in the melting pot.  A nomadic
non-electric camping lifestyle, going to and from the rural area, with
unusual diet offerings (crickets, grubs, and the whole animal), as well as
feeling emotionally rocked in the face of regular loss of life, contribute
to a gradual shaving away of toughened exteriors.  Shedding the excess is a
sweet process, but not without questions.  Lodi had his own awakening of
this by simply losing his luggage.  He began a new life without "the
 baggage". Of course when he returns he doesn't have any clothes to wear to
work and so it has to start over there as well. Ah, the joy of being reborn.



In his case too, this is so appropriate as he is the mukwasha, or
son-in-law, who has a new identity defined by Shona culture.  As he becomes
his nature within that context, the niche that is filled contributes to
everyone, as it also is offering him the way within the culture.  It is this
strength and beauty of the family fabric that is holding everything
together, even in the face of the economic collapse, the deplorable medical
crisis, and extensive human suffering.   Absolutely every person has a
defined role to play in the family, which also extends into the community at
large.  This is Lodi's first trip to Zimbabwe since we were married here in
2000.  We have found that the union is a living legend.people miles away
say, "Oh, so you are the white mukwasha that was married in the traditional
ceremony. "



This all makes more sense if you have been reading all the Field Reports ove
r the last years.  The family here adopted me after many experiences,
touched by death, spirituality, and ultimately respect for one another's
uniqueness. This brought us together rapidly in ways beyond the norm.
Adoption really wasn't that far out of context for this particular family as
there was another adoption that took place a few generations ago as well.
It occurred during a tribal fight.  A pregnant woman had her baby during the
fighting and the baby was brought home to become part of this family.  That
person grew to be an important contributor to many people in the region,
additionally as a recognized spirit helping even after passing on.  Myself
being dropped into their lives with precise timing was also no accident.  I
continue to see that the extensive implications of this weaving are only
just being revealed.



Besides giving me the obvious of the love of more family, and me being able
to contribute and absorb the traditional ways as a daughter, the fantastic
understanding it has brought my Nhimbe work is so far beyond any
expectations that I could ever have.  How else could I have come to work so
intimately with everyone in the villages?  How else could I have learned of
the cultural fabric from the inside out?  How else could I bring your aid to
these people in this way?  Helping people is not an impersonal thing,
particularly in a culture such as this.  The intimacy needed to offer the
hand in the appropriate context continues to be learned.  Particularly after
their struggle for independence from colonialism, there is always a niggling
concern lingering in the background about the "how" of what we do, even more
important that the "what".

Ancient Ways, which was founded in 1993 with a desire to preserve
traditional ways of indigenous peoples everywhere, stepped forward into
assisting these people in 1999.  It is a fine line to walk since the nature
of evolution will change those traditions.  So how do we continue to know
how to offer our help without imposing or infringing, or even knowing if we
are offering inappropriate help because it seems right at the time?  I can
only trust that Spirit has a plan and that I am a steward.  I need to thank
you for all of your varied ways of being part of that plan, in whatever ways
you carry out your heart felt connection.  We all appreciate your dedication
to these principles that uplift the spirit of the people.



HOLIDAYS

The holidays here are like many places around the world.  Manufacturing
ceases, while stores close and the focus is on the festive time of the year.
The traditions here are quite different.  Jivan was the most aware of the
stimulus that was missing since we are so used to the commercial hype with
lights, music and advertising shouting from almost Halloween.  Being away
from home truly brings the holiday spirit into the heart to allow the
simplicity of other's ways to wash over us.  We have thoroughly enjoyed
spending time with the family.



Each of them takes the holidays in their own way.  Generally they are
working right up until Christmas day, and then soon after begin again with
normal schedules, even though many business do shut their doors.  The maids
often return to their homes for a day or two to be with family.  All of the
people I have met are of Catholic or Apostolic faith.  The Catholic faith is
blended with their traditional religion in a beautiful way.  There is no
conflict between the belief systems.  The Apostolic faith is a more
fundamental approach and declares renunciation of traditional spiritual
ways, although they seem quite accepting of others, maybe hoping to live the
example they study.  They all believe in the birth of Jesus Christ and that
is why they set the Christmas day aside.  Many also party hardy as a way of
breaking the tension of yearlong work, and so play and eat much on Christmas
and the day following, called "boxing day".



Nhimbe work has slowed to a snail's pace during the holidays.  It is really
good for me to be here without working the 24-7 but I started feeling
anxious about the many things needing to get done.  It's great
self-discipline to just relax.  This will be the first time in 6 visits that
I have had some time to be a little lower key.  I'm sure it will help with
the recuperation process in February/March.  It usually takes me a long time
to find balance when I return.  Part of it is that the hibernation that I
would be doing in the Northern Hemisphere never gets done.  I live out
summer there and here and haven't figured out how to bed down for a long
winter's nap.  This holiday time may be just the ticket to bring some
balance back into my routine.



MEDICAL & HEALTH

The daughter-in-law with tuberculosis continues to improve greatly.  All
fevers have gone and her appetite has returned entirely.  We have done only
two NMT treatments.  Her son, around 4 years old, has begun showing small
symptoms such as hers were in the beginning.  They asked that I begin
treating him as well.  Many people have complaints of fevers, legs and feet
hurting and on fire, backaches, and digestive problems.  NMT has been
getting incredible results.  Fevers are leaving and people are walking
without pain who were hurting; I only wish I had a colleague here to help.



The people here are very quick to respond to NMT when presenting what appear
to be medically complicated issues, often things I've never heard of before.
I believe this is because their traditions are based in spiritual and herbal
treatments for medical problems, and so their innate belief system is in
perfect alignment with intentional healing.  This means that they are ready
and receptive to have healing come about.   They don't have all the
scientific background, pragmatic and dogmatic thought that stands in the
western mind's way to allowing well being to be a natural and intentional
creation.



The difference I see also is that our high stress, fast pace, overly
consumptive lifestyle in the states, contributes to creating internal
confusion that these people do not have.  Yes, their bodies have been given
wrong tablets by ill trained doctors and highly exposed to improper medical
sanitation, poisoned by modern production of agricultural and cleaning
chemicals, as well as breathing vehicle exhaust prohibited elsewhere, so
they have been assaulted physically.  But emotionally and mentally the
average person doesn't carry the western burden. They do carry troubles in
their heart and mind, mainly survival problems.  And spiritually they retain
their simplicity.



PERMACULTURE

We continue to look for assistance to teach the basics of sustainable and
integrated growing techniques.  I would be very happy to connect with the
permaculture association here, but so far have been unable.  The Nhimbe
Community Center groundskeeper surprised me this year by talking of using
more manure, wood ashes and compost.  I'm elated, as earth stewardship is
one of my passions.  She hasn't abandoned artificial methods as yet, but I
haven't been able to provide her with sufficient training in alternatives
either.  I'm thrilled that she took in our conversations in the past and is
considering them.  Remember that fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides were
introduced here many years ago and people here are convinced just like in
the states, that they are superior.  Remember us in the late 50's and the 60
's?  That gives you a picture.



Through my exploration using essential oils in healing work I began working
with Avraham Sands from Tiferet, based in Israel.  He was generous enough to
give me his essential oil distiller contact information in Johannesburg,
whom I had emailed. They are producing oil from rural projects all over
southern Africa.  When I arrived at the airport, we took a few hours and
went to the plant in the suburbs.  There we met Mr. Teubes and began
discussing our project and his work.  Besides being a delightful man, he has
an incredible business working with rural areas that produce the oils. He
has a mobile processor as well as helps to build something on site.



Due to the economic situation with hyperinflation, he has just been waiting
to work with Zimbabwe in any new ways, until the economy stabilizes.  He
said because we are there and able to manage operations, he could conceive
of an investment with our project.  He will be sending an expert from the
University of Zimbabwe after the holidays to evaluate our area for the
proper plants to grow.  We may be able to try some small plots this year to
see what really handles the soil and weather conditions.  Since we have no
real irrigation, it will need to be something simple.  Our plan is to
involve all the villages in whatever capacity we can, all being able to grow
the herbs as a cash crop, hopefully providing more of a living that the
present.



COMMUNITY CENTER

We were able to find some of the trees and seeds needed for the Community
Center.  We have delivered them and Chiedza has begun planting.  She is
excited. They didn't have the seeds marked at this particular store so I was
curious what things were going to cost.  Most packets were less than $5,000
Zim and quite within our budget.  Then I noticed the cucumbers were $37,000.
I don't know if there was a crop failure or what but they didn't have any
cucumbers any cheaper.  We managed tomatoes, carrots, peas, watermelon, and
cantaloupe. Someone probably has dried their own cucumber seeds and will
offer them. These will be sewn for the preschool snack time to have some
fresh produce.



We managed to purchase some of the supplies needed for hanging the curtains.
It will be so great to get that newspaper off the windows!  I had really
planned on doing it the traditional way, with cement screws and string, but
realized that the cost is minimal and the effect so great, that we decided
to get the wooden rods.  Wood here is very expensive but it was still
reasonable for the purpose.  It's funny how curtains never occurred to me
when we started.  It's really like a child growing.  You don't really know
what exactly the child will need until they reach the age when they need it,
and then it's so obvious.



Giving people a space to be, is a primary focus in my life.  The need to
offer this is my godmother's legacy, in that she gave me space to be, so
this manifests both physically as well as in other ways.  So when we create
these community areas it is deep water that is flowing in my veins.  The
offering is providing a place for much learning, creativity and sharing and
I'm pleased in the growth.  When we first began, no one really understood
what was coming about.  Most people didn't know what a library was.  The
preschool that the children went to was often held under a tree or a
condemned building.  There was no where for the textile women to gather for
large projects.  And we still, have only just begun.  I'm grateful that this
is a gradual process.  Its quite organic, growing slowly as we each mature,
and then mature also as an organization, both here and in the states.  Too
much too fast is not a good thing.  Slow and steady wins the race. We have
come very far, proving the ground as we go, and that feels very
satisfactory.



RELIEF FOOD

The rains have come and have been pretty consistent over the last 2 weeks.
The maize has shot up and signs are good.  At this point, I think we will
not need to provide any relief staples as we did last year to the 12 and
under children.  CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is providing some staples.
They give maize or bugler, oil, and beans.  Not everyone qualifies, and the
amounts seem to vary, not totally based on body count.  This has been coming
monthly and so we know there are some basics to supplement the fruits,
vegetables, and meat they can raise.



EXCHANGES, PRICES & COMMUNICATION

During the holidays, there is much foreign currency and so we hear that the
street rate drops.  We heard that it was $5,100 last week.  They have ATMs
here and are advertising to get people in town to use them.  They are unable
to get more than $30,000 at once though and so it is a bit frustrating.
With petrol at $3,100 a liter that would be less than 10 liters you could
buy, if you can afford it.  That amount won't take you far.



Internet café is $2,400 an hour and so it's a viable option for some people.
They don't have printers there, so only limited research can be carried on.
With the telephone system sometimes on strike as well as generally a poorly
maintained wiring system, the phone lines are down a lot meaning internet
cafes are painfully slow at times.  Just getting time to go to a café is
another problem, since they are located in town away from the townships
where we stay.



 The other day we were trying to use a cell phone to check on Lodi's
suitcase and we literally spent hours trying to get connected.  First the
airport landline we were trying to contact was out, then the cell phone
itself couldn't hook up.  Lastly, we accidentally turned it off and the
owner had a password on it so we couldn't get it started again, so had to
borrow a neighbor's cell.  We got every message imaginable, from the
circuits being busy, to the line being unavailable.  Obviously phone
research is also severely limited.  We do most everything simply by driving
to the location, which takes petrol and time. Phone cards run about $1,000
per minute and you can use up much time waiting while the person on the
other end hands the phone over to the next 3 people in line.  Talking to 4
people is an average before you get the one you want.



PRESCHOOL

School is still on holiday until the 15th, so we continue to make their
curtains and organize for the next session.  I want to thank all of you who
sent information on the earth oven.  I have printed the documents and turned
them over to a smart young fellow, Denver, who stays with Cosmas who is
going to research the idea and help me sort out how we should go about it.
He is well educated, currently unemployed with a wife and young baby.  He
has been one of Jivan's pals as they can banter well.  Creating a small oven
for our preschool daily bread has potential for a bread business, as
"homebread" is one of the favorites here and yet the stores have the white
what-we-call balloon bread (I don't know where that came from - maybe the
old Williams package).  I'll be interested to see how this all pans out.



I hear from the Village Health worker that she weighs our preschool children
regularly.  She hooks them up in a strap she attaches to the big tree next
to our stand.  She says that all of the children are gaining weight and she
is very happy about that!



TOILETS

Thanks too to those of you who wrote with composting toilet information.
Since I have no Internet here I can't follow links to websites, but asked
Denver to see if he can get more at an Internet café.  He was quite
resourceful buying a floppy, finding a café that allows them and pasting the
pictures for viewing on our laptop.  He is an interesting young man and has
great potential himself - it is great that he can work with us now. He is
researching the ideas and proposing solutions and alternatives for its
development.  Finding educated people in the rural area has been a stress
and we are doing much to groom folks to a level that can handle more growth
in the project.  People are surfacing and it's really a matter of timing for
more things to come together.



TREES

Denver explained that his mother lives in an area where sewage is used for
fertilizing fields.  We discussed the pros and cons of this pretty
thoroughly.  We agreed that the composting toilet project would couple well
with the fuel-tree planting project, as the compost could be used to help
those trees grow, but don't want to use it for food.  Once the holidays are
over, we hope to connect with people that can work with us for the trees.



STOVES

Again, due to the holidays, we haven't been able to move forward on
purchasing metal for stovetops.  But the women are going ahead and building
anyway.  They have tended to wait for the top, but the stove can be used
without it, it's just not as tidy or useful.  But it still works and helps,
so they are going to proceed. Ivan Muungani, the man who was in charge of
all building projects, passed on this last year.  He hadn't been well since
he was in a near fatal accident in 2002.  I was heart broken to hear the
news, as he was a dear friend as well as a great contributor and original
members of Nhimbe.  We have a young man, Tichaona Katena, who had helped
with the stove project in the past, when Marian Grebanier was here in 2001.
He also helped to plant the first batch of Community Center fruit trees and
did a great job.  He will be in charge of the stove project development and
fuel-wood tree planting.  I can't wait to get the wheels moving, as there is
quite a list of interested families.



SUMMARY

This is probably a good place to stop.  We have been working on the computer
for hours over the last 2 days.  We have been producing forms and control
records for the Textile Coop to manage their business in an easier way.
Today we spent working on the audit, closing the books for 2003 and opening
for 2004.  We aren't done but it's enough.



Thank you again for helping us to begin our New Year in such an intimate
way.  The people here are given hope at such a difficult time.  They see
progress and in turn desire to move the wheel.  Your interest fuels their
inspiration and we are all motivated to nhimbe.  We are here to carry our
your wishes as they match the original vision.  The direction hasn't
changed, and all of the difficulties have only refined it, blessed us all,
and taught us about love, life, and Light.



Faithfully here on Zimbabwean soil,





Jaiaen