Hello From Harare!

Elder Bruce Anderson and Sister Lottie Anderson went home after 2 1/2 years in the mission.  They were the Temple Missionaries and did an amazing work in Zimbabwe.  They taught the gospel to the workers on the temple site during lunch breaks and after work and scores of people were baptized as a result.  Two of the workers named their baby boys after Bruce.  I will miss them so much.  We had a Farewell Party for them on Friday.  We had Thai food and Diana worked her magic with the decorations.  I will miss my dear roommate so much when she leaves in 4 weeks.   Bruce and Lottie took some of us who won't be here for the open house for a close up outside look at the temple.  I am disappointed that I won't get to see inside when it is finished.  I have said it before but I love my job as the Mission Secretary.  I love watching the young missionaries visiting when they come to the office.  They like to look at the Mission Board...

We got 10 new missionaries this week.  I do a short orientation presentation with them at the office before they go to the Mission Home for dinner and further orientation.  I love being able to meet all the many missionaries arriving.                           These fabulous APs spent lots of time at the airport this week. We had  missionaries 10 go home this week.  They were so excited.  I am always a bit sad to see them go but so happy for them at the same time. Transfer day is every six weeks.  It is the happiest of all days at the office.  Lots of hugs and back slapping when they see friends and former companions.                   Diana and I love the hugs and smiles we get each Sunday from these Primary children.                                 ...

There are currently 25 senior missionaries in the Zimbabwe Harare Mission.  It takes us all to give the support necessary for 180+ young Elders and Sisters.   I was very busy this past week preparing for transfers and missionaries coming and going this coming week.  An Italian dinner at the mission home was a great ending to the work week. It was a farewell dinner for the humanitarian missionaries, Dave and Nony Orr as well as a welcome to the mission dinner for the Davies and Meachams.   Diana, my roommate, decorates for our social functions.  We felt like we were in a fancy Italian restaurant.   Not much to post this week.  For those who still check in and look at the blog, I love and miss you all.  Next week, I will be down to 5 months.  Time is flying by.

 My youngest granddaughter, Juliet, was baptized on Saturday.  Thanks to amazing technology, I was able to view the program and give the talk on baptism.  Seven of my grandchildren were present and my heart was full as they all said in unison, "Bye Oma" as I was hanging up.   One grandson gave the opening prayer and Juliet's sister, Charlotte, gave the closing prayer.  How did this beautiful granddaughter turn into a young woman in just a year?  Here is a yummy touch of home. I rarely ate KFC at home, but it's an almost weekly comfort food here.   We have had so much rain this year.  AND THAT IS WONDERFUL!!!  There was no rain in 2024.  The downside is that the roads turn to rivers when the rain is heavy.   Even though the temple looks ready, I don't think it will open by the time I leave on August 22.  

 My early morning walks have been more difficult to work into my daily schedule because the sun rises later.  I still manage to get in about a 40 minute walk each morning.  This is Cuyo.  I pass him and his mother, Michelle, each morning while he is standing outside his home waiting for his ride to school.  He has something to tell me each morning.  He calls me Auntie.  I will miss the many children I have met when it is time to go home (less than 6 months now). No words necessary My work at the office keeps me constantly busy from 8 - 4.  There are 12 missionaries leaving on March 18 which requires lots of letters and certificates to be gotten ready for their departing packets.  Normally, I would also teach them a Self-Reliance class before they leave but, thankfully, that responsibility has been given to new senior couple who arrived in January.  Missionaries lose badges.  It just happens.  Ordering new ones from MTC in Provo...