Zimbabwe 14 - No. 4
8/15/2014
Give thanks
Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
A little belated due to lack of wifi and iPhone SIM card issues (mostly operator error in a total mobile society). And there's well ... time. It's been busy.
Thursday was to be a day of rest. Once my host family picked me up we ate a light meal and then I suggested I take a short nap (thinking 20-30 minutes), two hours later I wake and it's mid-afternoon.
My host family Chipangidzo and William Nyemba (at right) are most gracious. Chipangidzo is chair of the Episcopacy Committee, is a district officer and is her local church trustee. She teaches primary school which will begin a three-month session in early September.
Chipangidzo took me on a short tour of Harare, including her school. We went to a look-out point where you could see the city in nearly all directions. The climate is fall-like and while it is winter here, there are still blooming shrubs and other green plants. In fact, I was fascinated by my hosts' garden as it contained many of the same things I have in my own, plus a few interesting other varieties, especially greens.
Following the tour we stopped at an Econet store to get a SIM card. I purchased the card, and just as I did, their computer went down. The sales associate said I would need to buy my minutes at another location, so I did. However, I wasn't able to activate my phone ... (more later).
Thursday evening there was a lovely memorial service for the late Rev. Lee Louderback. The Zimbabwe congregations wanted to show support to Linda Louderback and honor Lee's ministry. Some of those in attendance had met Lee in a recent visit to Kansas.
Zimbabwe Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa and Bishop Scott Jones both delivered messages, along with many others. The sanctuary was filled with white floral arrangements. The memorial service was held at Chisipiti (Spring Water) UMC.
Pastor Ronnie read readings and Chisipiti District Superintendent Portia Kanoyangwa preached on Psalm 23 and communicated that friends in Zimbabwe were praying for The Lord to give Linda strength.
"With love, faith and hope we thank God for the opportunity the praise God and that God is at work in all situations," said Jones and affirmed by Nhiwatiwa.
A reception followed with much conversation and acquaintances being refreshed and new ones being made.
I joined the Nyemba's for a late dinner of chicken and vegetables and time to get to know each other.
Christ-like kindness and generosity flows from my host family.
Cheers,
Kathryn
