Hello From Harare!

Diana, Bonnie and I flew to Victoria Falls on Friday and visited this Natural Wonder Of The World.  The falls extend on either side of the picture you see here.  We didn't have great expectations of what we would see because of the severe drought in Zimbabwe.  This flow of water is much less than what you would see in the spring after the rainy season.  Unfortunately, there was no rainy season this year.  But I found the falls, even at this low level, to be so awe-inspiring.  This picture was taken around 2 in the afternoon and the temperature was 100 degrees.  My red face tells the story.  The path that runs along beside the falls was shady and cooler.  There are about 13 look out points along the way that allow you to see all of the falls.    We stayed at the Lokuthula Lodge located about 15 minutes from the falls..  This is a picture of our three bedroom lodge.  We loved our stay.  The monkeys, warthogs, mongo...

These children are bringing their containers to a public well across the street from our apartment.  The area of Harare where I live has fewer very poor people than what you would find in other areas of town and certainly less than areas out of town.  But this is how some of my neighbors get their water each day.  This sight greeted us as we came out of the restaurant after our Single Sister Friday Night tradition.   This woman is "sweeping" in front of her store before opening for business.  I see her often when on my early morning walk.  Sunrise is earlier now so Diana and I walk from 5:30-6:30.  We pass many of the same people every morning; students walking to school, people walking or biking to work.  We love sharing "Hellos" and "Good Mornings".  They return our greetings with big smiles and some of the men put their hands over their hearts as a respectful greeting for "Go-Gos" (older women).  The cool of the morning is always...

This is Lorraine.   Every Sunday, as soon as the Amen is said at the end of Sacrament Meeting she runs to take my hand and lead me to Nursery.  This is always the most tender moment of my week.                                                                  Here she comes! This is our chapel.  There is a large house right next to this where classes are held.  We share the buildings with another ward that meets after us.   Another Senior Sister and I share this little office with the Technology Elders and the Social Media Sisters.  They are in the office on Monday mornings for a few hours.  A few of their missionary friends stopped in to say hello.  Monday mornings are extra happy times at the office.  There are about 170 missionaries in this mission.  They WASH THE...

 I spoke of my friend, Reeve, last week.  Here is another way she helps the people in the areas around Harare.  For those who are born in distant areas, especially those born at home, it is common that their birth is never registered.  Therefore, they are not eligible for birth certificates or identity documents.  Without these, it is almost impossible for their children to attend school.  These documents also make it possible for people to marry civilly.  They are often married according to the rules of their culture, but not according to Zimbabwe law.  Couples need to be legally married in order to be baptised and attend the temple.  Young people need the documents to be able to apply for passports in order to serve missions.  Reeve saw the need and stepped in.  Well, she actually drove in.  For the past two weeks, she has gotten up between 2:30 and 3:30 AM 5 days each week to travel to Chabwino, about 45 minutes away to pick...

These children came with their ward after church on Sunday to see the temple.  The Anderson's, the missionary couple who oversee the construction, told us today that it is 90% finished.  In terms of time, they say that is sometime in the first half of 2025.  The people here are anxiously awaiting the opening.  I feel so blessed that I will still be here when it opens, assuming that is before August 26, 2025.     The Senior Sisters were invited to dinner at Reeve Nields home.  When many white families left Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) during the conflict in the 1970s.  Reeve's parents chose to stay and have been a tremendous influence for good in the country, not only for the church but for all people.   Reeve is the one taking the selfie.  Time does not allow me to tell you all that she does to help people.  I will tell about one for now.  She actively helps missionaries who are leaving from Zimbabwe to be prepared to go....