Week 17

 There is a public elementary school across the street from our apartment.  While doing my morning walk this week, I walked for a while with this little boy.  Notice his uniform.   All school students, elementary through high school,  wear uniforms.  No exceptions.  Even though schools are "Public", there is still a small fee to attend.  Some families, especially in the rural areas, can't afford the fee so the children can't attend school.  Bishops and Branch Presidents have recently been instructed to assist all ward or branch families with the fees, if needed, so that all children can attend school.  

                                                          Classes are often held outside.  

Our former Mission President, Gary and Julene Judd returned home to Utah after serving for 3 years.  They did not return to US during those years.  Here are some joyful pictures of them reuniting with children and grandchildren.  

I've been forced to drive more.  One of the senior sisters does not drive and she and her roommate had an appointment on Sunday to teach some leaders in a ward about Family History.  Her roommate was sick so I had to drive her.  The ward was an hour away.  I had to go through some nasty intersections with no lights or stop signs.  Everyone just pushes through.  I have learned from my roommate that you just hug the back bumper of the car in front of you and when they go, you go.  I made it. As we neared the chapel, our GPS took us through alleys instead of roads.  We got to a point where I thought we could not get through because there was an embankment on one side and a truck parked on the other.  Thankfully a man saw my predicament and assured me I would fit through and guided me.  We reached the chapel just in time for Sacrament Meeting.  This was the first sister to greet us when we got out of the car.  Everyone was so warm and welcoming.  Well, except the little toddler who saw me and ran away screaming.  It happens frequently.  There were only three white people at the ward and we were all missionaries.  

I help in the Nursery at the Borrowdale Ward where my roommate and I attend church. This is the Nursery Leader and a tired little boy.  There is a custom among some in Zimbabwe when it comes time to wean a baby.  The baby goes to live with a close friend or relative for two weeks.  This was the second week this little boy had been separated from his mother and living with his aunt.  Naturally, he had a hard time but I was glad he was going to be reunited with his mother that day.  I love serving in the Nursery. 

Elder and Sister Stucki, Grant and Wendy, are going home on Thursday after completing a one year mission.  They have served the young missionaries well as the Flat and Fleet missionaries overseeing their apartment needs and the vehicles, driven only by Zone Leaders.  Everyone else walks.  There was a Farewell Dinner at our apartment.  Everyone brought something. Diana and I made chicken chimichangas and stuffed jalapenos. They were a hit.  We had to search high and low for sour cream, but found it.   I will miss them.

As usual, my missionary duties included helping incoming missionaries, teaching English Connect 3 nights a week and working in the office dealing with rents and landlords.  I am happy doing all of that.  It helps support the young missionaries and the wonderful work they are doing.