Hello From Harare!

 We gave each Primary child a CTR ring last week.  They were so excited!  Most of them came to church wearing them today.  These little girls are so happy to have these rings.  Even those who do not speak or understand English well know the ring reminds them to "Choose The Right".   This is President Bongani Moyo.  He is employed by the mission to make sure passports and visas are updated for all 180+ missionaries.  He is also a Stake President in our mission. He is frequently in the office working at a table in the lobby where my desk is.  This past week, he told me his story.  I find it amazing and hope you do as well.   He was born in Zimbabwe and has lived here all of his life.  He and his siblings were raised by a single mother.  She took them to a Pentecostal Church.  At the age of 13, he met the missionaries and accepted their invitation to attend church.  On his very first visit, he says he felt...

 There were over 80 baptisms in the mission during one week.  So many people in Zimbabwe love the message of the restored gospel and many of them seek out the missionaries because they want to learn more.  Our missionaries work long, busy days.  There is little time for rest.  I love being a part of this work.  Thirty eight people were baptized last Sunday in one branch.  About thirty five more were scheduled for today.   This lady was frightened of the water but got lots of support.  Even though she uses a cane for walking, she walks about an hour to get to church.                                                                                         What a week and so many happy people, including happy missio...

 Our Branch President invited Diana and me to have lunch at his house after church.  We enjoyed the visit so much and the food was delicious.  His wife's name is Carin.  She is holding their son and their daughter is wearing the red dress.  His sister is next to me and the other little girl is his daughter's friend.  Their home is 3 rooms: a small kitchen, a living room which is where we ate sitting on couches, and 1 small bedroom.  There is no running water or electricity.  They do have a solar panel.  His sister lives with them.  They must walk to a bore hole every day for water.  They are happy and grateful for their home. Carin cooked our meal on three pots on a gas stove.  Many people have to cook outside over a fire.  Their stove is a bit of a luxury. She had just gotten up from the couch after nursing her baby to put our food on the plate.  Thus the open dress.  She is so sweet and kind and a joy to be aro...

One of my happiest times of the week is when Diana and I drive to church.  We go down a bumpy dirt road for about 40 minutes and we pass lots of people walking.  When we see children we stop, roll down a window and give them a car.  This little girl was shy at first but her face lit up when I handed her the car.  It is such a fun thing to do.  The parents get as excited as the children.  They thank us many times over.   Sometimes, the office looks like this.  Sometimes it's even busier.  I really enjoy those times.   This is President Sebatia.   He helps keep up with all of the registrations required for our cars and deals with the police when they stop our missionaries, young and old.  Sometimes the stops are justified, but most times not.  He is an amazing man.  At the age of 12, he started attending church and wanted to be baptized.  His parents would not let him and physically abused him becaus...