I finally have a moment and internet, so an update. My last ended with us in Nairobi. Leaving there and getting to Zimbabwe was not particularly eventful. We did fly a new airline, Malawi Air. It wasn’t too bad though it did fly older aircraft. It was interesting watching the nation’s president board a commercial airplane, with the ceremony one eventful might expect.
We got to Harare on time and had no issues going through imigration and customs. After a scan, we were directed to an area and instructed to put our bags up for inspection. I handed the officer my letter which shared what was in each bag, though because of the Seattle mess it wasn’t really accurate, and the purpose of each. No items for sale, only gifts and personal items. She read it and went to another officer. He asked a few questions and dismissed us to exit. Perfect. Thanks for the prayers.
We then went to the college, greeted friends, and ate lunch with the preachers. They were attending their annual conference and it was great to see them. Throughout the trip, we will see more of them. We made a few plans, most of which have changed, gathered our truck and headed to get my Zimbabwe phone (+263 78 141 0952 is the number if there is an emergency). WhatsApp is better as my regular number works but it isn’t always available.
This is when a bit of drama began. Finding the place wasn’t simple and traffic in Harare is challenging at time. Once there, I explained what I needed and we got started. All was going well until I learned my Xfinity phone was still locked even when I was promised it would not be before leaving the US. After a chat with tech support we were making progress. The chat person said it would be 2 or 3 minutes and to stay on the chat. I didn’t! Not that I wanted to leave, but service was interrupted and I couldn’t get back. So I collected my sim card, the young lady at Econet entered my credits, and I went to our motel. We neglected one thing, the number. I couldn’t do anything because I didn’t know the number. Left to the next morning, we ended our day. There was a store just a few blocks away and another very pleasant and helpful young lady found my number, helped me unlock my phone and away we went.
We did a repack/reorganization of our luggage and headed off to Chinhoyi to see Dave and Cynthia Fortescue. We were with them for 2 days and a night. We had a great visit and went to a homeschooling sports thingy. Then it was off to Banket and a visit with Shane and Denise.
Yesterday I was privileged to preach in a church there. Church was fun and my sermon well received. Coffeeand tea were available following the service. After church, the pastor and his wife, as well as a few church members, invited us to a braai at the preacher’s farm. A braai is actually a BBQ. The food was great and the time together wonderful. We told stories and laughed until some were crying. If you have seen The Lord of the Ring, we might remember the second breakfast scene. We were living a version of that. After the meal: pork, steak, lamb, sadza, cold slaw, green salad, and rolls baked on the BBQ, they brought out dessert. It was a baked pudding and a deep dish apple pie, smothered in custard sauce. I was full, and then some. The table was cleared and I was asked about coffee. “Sure.” Then we learned that after dessert, is cake time (second dessert). The pastor’s wife brought out a chocolate cake. Though asked, refusal was out of the question, so cake it was. With a glad heart and full stomachs, we went to Shane and Denise’s home. That is where we are staying for a couple of days. Today is a quiet day, Sherry is leading a woman’s study tomorrow and then we are on the road again on Wenesday.
Things are going well we get to Chiredzi Wednesday or Thursday. Thanks for all the help getting here. Keep praying for us.