Wednesday, March 28th

Greetings from Africa University computer lab!

 

This is the first opportunity we've has to get to a computer.

 

We are fine -- easy trip over, no customs check, (it helps to arrive at night as they don't want to hang around late either!) -- no problems here. We've been treated royally -- meeting lots of people who are anxious to talk with us. After meeting with the Bishop (briefly) we had lunch yesterday with a DS on the way to Mutare. It was close to the area where Lloyd grew up.

 

We've been staying in delightful lodges -- so much nicer than chain hotels. Good food for very little money and beautiful scenery. Zimbabwe is quite lush this time of year -- haven't seen any orchids blooming in the trees  yet, though.

 

After hearing the Africa U Choir in chapel this morning, we met with Larry Kies -- a missionary who was at Nyadire farm for several years. We learned a lot about farming situations that we didn't know!

 

We have also learned a bit more about the money situation It seems a person can only withdraw a very litle money each day. Businesses have to go to the bank everyday because they are also limited. It makes purchasing things much more difficult than before.

 

For lunch today we are heading over to Old Mutare to meet with Dr. Manyeza and the folks at Fairfield. Lloyd has VERY busy days planned for us.

 

It is hot -- very!  I complain the most about the heat as Drew and Kim seem more resistant to it-- so different from our winter visits. We haven't seen many mosquitoes -- just at dusk -- and we aren't up at dawn to see them..

 

I cannot get on the computers at chuch so you'll need to let them know about us. Probably want to leave out the part about me complaining about the heat. Or then, again, perhaps that is just realistic!

We've seen no problems and everyone assures there is no danger. I know that is hard to believe after what we read but we have only had one very brief routine police stop.

 

The bishop keeps adding people to our meeting on Friday -- it is going to seem more like conference than a meeting!

 

Loice had not gotten my message that I was coming until yesterday. She called Lloyd while we were at the DS's house yesterday -- we hope to connect on Thursday night back in Harare...

 

I was the last to get on so I guess I need to get off.