What a wonderful celebration of excellence for students at Hillcrest College last Thurs. evening, where Carly and Michael Kies attend school! They are definitely in the minority, along with a few other white students, but are very well accepted and an integral part of the school fabric and leadership. Hillcrest has recently received some very high honors for their strong academic and sports program. It is also a boarding school, so some students come from too far away to go home each evening. (FYI ~~ No education in Zim. is free. Even to attend government-operated schools, fees must be paid. And of course, fees are much higher if students attend a private school!)
Let me explain that the term "college" is used here to indicate education from 7th grade through (high school) graduation. Thus, the importance of saying that you attend "university" once you have finished your "college!" The educational system here follows the British format, so students attend a primary school from first through sixth grade (U.S.) Then they do Forms 1-6, followed by "O" levels and "A" levels (Honors and top Honors, I think!) The end-of-year exams are from Cambridge in the U.K., usually ALL essay questions. Once exams are over they are sent back to Cambridge for scoring/grading! So, Carly, as a senior, is finished with all of her classes, will write her exams between now and the end of Nov., but won't hear the results for another two months!
All the students were dressed in their classy-looking uniforms of navy blazers and pants or skirts, and white shirts/blouses with a necktie. Upper level seniors all wore a beige/grey blazer. For participation in clubs, various sports, and other leadership roles, they receive a small "patch" with the name of the sport or club, etc. These are sown on the blazer in the same manner as athletic "letters," music "symbols," etc. are in the States. And they all have billed hats with "H C" embroidered on them.
We arrived at the school just before dusk. The outdoor setting was the same hillside where I had watched Michael and others in their paintball competition a few weeks ago. But now chairs were set up on various levels leading down to the platform stage with risers for the choir, chairs for faculty, honors seniors, a piano, and room on one side for their junior band! As the evening wore on a nearly full moon rose in the East, and a cool breeze brought a chill by the end of the program.
This particular event is called "Speech Night," and would be comparable to what we did at Clay High School with our Awards Night, though ours included only Seniors. Students in all levels and subject areas were recognized for excellence ~~ some received "book awards," often a dictionary; and others received various sizes of trophies, usually silver. One student in each Form received "Honors Awards."
Other awards were given for character, leadership and service ~~ all VERY IMPRESSIVE. One young lady won lots of accolades for her accomplishments in track, and even represented all of Zimbabwe in Nigeria and later in Europe in international competitions!!! Character, leadership and service qualities are highly stressed in education here, so it isn't just the student with the highest grades or SAT scores that gets the most recognition!!
This event is called "Speech Night," though, because it is the time when the female and male valedictorians give their speeches! Carly's was excellent and delivered with great confidence and humor! She took the letters of "Hillcrest," and named the various qualities she had learned during her years there. As Head Girl Prefect/Valedictorian, she also received a huge (but very light) gold trophy, which is the highest honor given there!! We were all so proud of her for all her accomplishments!! This trophy is not given every year, so you know she was at the very top of her class in EVERY respect!!
Various musical groups performed during the program, and the Manicaland Provincial Minister of Education gave an excellent speech of thanks and encouragement for all their achievements. Tea and light refreshments were served by the parents at the end of the program. It was so uplifting to be able to share this evening with the Kies' family and friends!!
This event totally overshadowed the fact that for 2-3 days earlier in the week we had no or very slow computer connection! The lack of adequate infrastructure throughout this country is keeping it from developing at a pace that will lift it out of the poverty that the majority of folks live with day in and day out.
On Monday, Dr. Machinga and I will be hosting an Open House in a large tent outside the Health Center where our office is located. It is to help all the staff (300-400) learn about the many counseling and career services we offer. We have also invited some outside vendors to come and provide information about healthy lifestyles, the need for exercise, stress reduction, an improved self image, etc., etc. We're praying that it will be received well, and that staff, as well as students, will be able to live happier, more productive lives! There is very little knowledge or emphasis on good mental health here, so we hope this will provide new opportunities for folks to receive help. Please pray that it will be so!
Until next time ~~ God is Good, All the Time, and All the Time, God is Good!!!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
A Saturday Trip to Mutare (Part 2!)
The grocery section of mfs carries mostly cereals, baking items like flour and sugar, (no cake or cookie mixes!) a few pots and pans, dishes (but no "sets" of dishes), bowls, loose silverware, biscuits (cookies), and cold drink mixes. I was encouraged to select the corn flakes produced in Zimbabwe, rather than the one from South Africa!
Another part of this "department store" was across the street, and carried some large and small appliances, a few linens, some office supplies, and children's toys ~~ a few board games, puzzles, and toys for small children.
Just around the corner from mfs was the Mutare Mart, but it was closed on Sat. and Sun. So we proceeded up the street to each of the three main grocery stores. Most carry similar items, even including some familiar labels such as Lays potato chips and Oreo cookies!! OK and TM are some larger than SPAR, and OK seems to have the best meat. Since I'm not doing much cooking for myself, I didn't make a lot of purchases, but I was looking for pickle relish to put in some tuna salad. I found sliced pickles, and the price told me that it is considered a luxury item here! Also found some hot chocolate mix which is quite tasty!! Everything, including food, carries a 15% sales tax, and if you haven't brought your own bags to carry items home, you will pay $.10 for each one you purchase! No grocery baggers, either, so must remember to put the heaviest items on the bottom!!
Just across the street from SPAR is only one of several outdoor markets where lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are sold ~~ apples (4 for $1.00), oranges, mangoes, huge bags of potatoes, tomatoes (lots for $1.00), carrots, onions, lettuce, bananas (5 for $1.00), and very large heads of cabbage, etc. Along many of the streets individuals either sit or lie down on the concrete as they wait for customers to purchase their items, whether food or trinkets, or copies of the government-run newspapers. Still other street vendors are hawking belts, sunglasses, pirated DVDs, jewelry, baskets, etc., etc. I'm aware of the amount of litter on the streets and sidewalks, and blowing in the alleyways. City services are at a minimum, it seems.
Dr. Ab and Dr. Chris Abercrombe from South Carolina have also been shopping and showing me around, so we join them at the Burger Bar for hamburgers and ginger beer to celebrate Chris' birthday! The bun was huge and very fresh, the burger almost cooked to my satisfaction, with tomato, lettuce and onion. I also had some chips (fries), which I haven't had since leaving home! Not bad for $1.50!!
We decide not to wait 45 minutes for the AU bus, and climb into a "combie" for the trip back to campus. Combies are 15-passenger vans which usually carry upwards of 26 folks each trip, for $2.00 each! We wait on several corners for others who want to come toward AU, as people are packed into the seats ~~ flesh upon flesh!! There were five of us in one set of seats, which were meant for three! A young girl sat on my left next to her mother, who was nursing a young baby as we rode along!!
A teenager was the last passenger on, and he actually stood right by the door for the entire trip. As we approached the line of cars again waiting for a green light to travel over the Pass, our combie was motioned to the side of the road by the Police. . . likely because of the young man standing! The driver pulled over, but then took off again, lickety split, turning left off the main road to get away from the Police. We made several more turns on very rutted, dusty roads before arriving back at the juncture of the road over the Pass! The kind of trip every American should experience at least once in their lifetime!!!
As we proceeded toward AU it began to sprinkle, and rain came in large drops! It was still raining when we reached our exit point on the main road (not at the AU gate!). Fortunately, I had taken an umbrella, but it's a small one for only one person! So, we trekked down the well-worn path made by many coming to this campus, until we reached the concrete brick residence of Ab and Chris. By this time our shoes were caked with red mud, and we were quite wet. Ab invited us in for some tea and biscuits to warm up a bit and dry off! We sang Happy Birthday to Chris before heading on back to the main part of campus! A very memorable Sat. shopping trip, to say the least!
Random Thoughts . . .
Another part of this "department store" was across the street, and carried some large and small appliances, a few linens, some office supplies, and children's toys ~~ a few board games, puzzles, and toys for small children.
Just around the corner from mfs was the Mutare Mart, but it was closed on Sat. and Sun. So we proceeded up the street to each of the three main grocery stores. Most carry similar items, even including some familiar labels such as Lays potato chips and Oreo cookies!! OK and TM are some larger than SPAR, and OK seems to have the best meat. Since I'm not doing much cooking for myself, I didn't make a lot of purchases, but I was looking for pickle relish to put in some tuna salad. I found sliced pickles, and the price told me that it is considered a luxury item here! Also found some hot chocolate mix which is quite tasty!! Everything, including food, carries a 15% sales tax, and if you haven't brought your own bags to carry items home, you will pay $.10 for each one you purchase! No grocery baggers, either, so must remember to put the heaviest items on the bottom!!
Just across the street from SPAR is only one of several outdoor markets where lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are sold ~~ apples (4 for $1.00), oranges, mangoes, huge bags of potatoes, tomatoes (lots for $1.00), carrots, onions, lettuce, bananas (5 for $1.00), and very large heads of cabbage, etc. Along many of the streets individuals either sit or lie down on the concrete as they wait for customers to purchase their items, whether food or trinkets, or copies of the government-run newspapers. Still other street vendors are hawking belts, sunglasses, pirated DVDs, jewelry, baskets, etc., etc. I'm aware of the amount of litter on the streets and sidewalks, and blowing in the alleyways. City services are at a minimum, it seems.
Dr. Ab and Dr. Chris Abercrombe from South Carolina have also been shopping and showing me around, so we join them at the Burger Bar for hamburgers and ginger beer to celebrate Chris' birthday! The bun was huge and very fresh, the burger almost cooked to my satisfaction, with tomato, lettuce and onion. I also had some chips (fries), which I haven't had since leaving home! Not bad for $1.50!!
We decide not to wait 45 minutes for the AU bus, and climb into a "combie" for the trip back to campus. Combies are 15-passenger vans which usually carry upwards of 26 folks each trip, for $2.00 each! We wait on several corners for others who want to come toward AU, as people are packed into the seats ~~ flesh upon flesh!! There were five of us in one set of seats, which were meant for three! A young girl sat on my left next to her mother, who was nursing a young baby as we rode along!!
A teenager was the last passenger on, and he actually stood right by the door for the entire trip. As we approached the line of cars again waiting for a green light to travel over the Pass, our combie was motioned to the side of the road by the Police. . . likely because of the young man standing! The driver pulled over, but then took off again, lickety split, turning left off the main road to get away from the Police. We made several more turns on very rutted, dusty roads before arriving back at the juncture of the road over the Pass! The kind of trip every American should experience at least once in their lifetime!!!
As we proceeded toward AU it began to sprinkle, and rain came in large drops! It was still raining when we reached our exit point on the main road (not at the AU gate!). Fortunately, I had taken an umbrella, but it's a small one for only one person! So, we trekked down the well-worn path made by many coming to this campus, until we reached the concrete brick residence of Ab and Chris. By this time our shoes were caked with red mud, and we were quite wet. Ab invited us in for some tea and biscuits to warm up a bit and dry off! We sang Happy Birthday to Chris before heading on back to the main part of campus! A very memorable Sat. shopping trip, to say the least!
Random Thoughts . . .
- I'm getting really tired of the clothes I brought, and have put together about as many combinations as is possible, even with jewelry, scarves, etc.!
- I've put on a few pounds, despite all my walking around campus. Clothes still fit, but a bit more snuggly!!
- Still haven't mastered the necessary wrist action for flushing the toilet and not having it run continually after that!!
- My hair is longer than it's been in a very long time, and much lighter brown/bleached!
- There's no reason to be obsessed with the weather because most days are usually sunny and warm ~~ some are windier than others, but usually very pleasant.
- With no TV or radio, I try to read some CNN news very early in the morning to stay abreast of world/U.S. events.
- Still having some issues with my iPad, but have figured out how to send photos. Perhaps having a modem right in my Flat this weekend will make it a little easier!!
- My days are always twice blessed when there is hot water for a bath, and I don't have to take time heating water on the stove!!
A Saturday Trip to Mutare!
I've been here at AU about six weeks and last Sat. was my first opportunity to make a trip in to Mutare on a Sat. to look around and do some shopping! (I have been in Mutare on some Sundays, but all of the stores except groceries are closed.) Many of us boarded the 9:00 a.m. AU bus in to town, and it was a bumpy ride, indeed, due to road construction and much needed road construction!
Africa University is situated in the Eastern Highlands, which means that the campus is surrounded by "mountains," mostly the size of those in Appalachia. They are very rocky, but mostly covered with tropical trees and scrub bushes. Just as around Whitewater Lake in the spring, there are various shades of green as the acacia and other trees are leafing out. The musasa trees, however, have red leaves (like our Fall) ~~ due to the combination of drought and chlorophyll process. Mixed in among these are the beautiful jacaranda trees with their trumpet-shaped purple blooms. They stand out much like dogwood stand out in the woods in our spring. Filling in the gaps are various kinds of grasses.
Along the roadside are orange, pink, purple, and fuchsia bougainvillea, sometimes trimmed as a hedge, but usually just draping over a fence or other shrubs and growing wild! What beauty God has given us to enjoy if we take the time to really drink it in! Some of the mountains near campus are blackened, having burned due to the drought. There are no fire hydrants or fire departments to come and put out these fires, so they just burn, sometimes whipped by the wind, until they burn themselves out. Many trees which have been burned never recover; and those who live in the bush cut them down to use for firewood/charcoal.
As we approached the road construction on Christmas Pass, we saw a very large, white tent standing in a camping area just off the road. While we waited for traffic to come from the other way, we saw many cars with green and yellow ribbons and balloons turning in front of our bus to go into the campsite. One of the cars carried the bride and groom to their wedding reception!! Other friends were arriving in the back of pick-up trucks, which then turned around to go back to Mutare for more well wishers!!
Finally we were given the green light to move ahead. A short stretch of the road waiting to be re-surfaced has huge potholes that are difficult to avoid. Off to the right is the City of Mutare, in the valley, below Christmas Pass. Mutare has a population of about 150,000, and people speak of living in the low, medium, or very high density areas. The very high density area suburbs are families living in abject poverty with many, many needs. Those with money live in the low density area, most with high concrete fences and padlocked gates around their spacious property. It is difficult to see their homes, but some have swimming pools and large yards.
Some folks got off just as we entered Mutare, while others of us rode on in and got off closer to the center of town. Relatively speaking, for a "city" (third largest in Zimbabwe) this size, there aren't that many cars ~~ just too expensive, with fuel sometimes reaching over $7.00/1.5 gal. Most streets in this area are four lane, two each way, but do not have any painted markings. And most street lights don't work. So, you take your life in your hands getting across the street. And I always have to remember to look right before stepping off the curb, since traffic moves in opposite lanes from the U.S.!
I walked several blocks with three others to a "department" store called "mfs." The family is Christian and has made the "f" into a cross. Scripture passages are painted all around the walls, and their service is great! We first went into a separate storefront that contained mostly hardware items, lighting and plumbing parts, etc., etc. It's amazing what small things can bring me joy!! I found a spring-loaded toilet paper holder for $1.00!!! A wonderful find, first off!! They also carry some grocery items, much cheaper than in any of the other regular grocery stores.
Africa University is situated in the Eastern Highlands, which means that the campus is surrounded by "mountains," mostly the size of those in Appalachia. They are very rocky, but mostly covered with tropical trees and scrub bushes. Just as around Whitewater Lake in the spring, there are various shades of green as the acacia and other trees are leafing out. The musasa trees, however, have red leaves (like our Fall) ~~ due to the combination of drought and chlorophyll process. Mixed in among these are the beautiful jacaranda trees with their trumpet-shaped purple blooms. They stand out much like dogwood stand out in the woods in our spring. Filling in the gaps are various kinds of grasses.
Along the roadside are orange, pink, purple, and fuchsia bougainvillea, sometimes trimmed as a hedge, but usually just draping over a fence or other shrubs and growing wild! What beauty God has given us to enjoy if we take the time to really drink it in! Some of the mountains near campus are blackened, having burned due to the drought. There are no fire hydrants or fire departments to come and put out these fires, so they just burn, sometimes whipped by the wind, until they burn themselves out. Many trees which have been burned never recover; and those who live in the bush cut them down to use for firewood/charcoal.
As we approached the road construction on Christmas Pass, we saw a very large, white tent standing in a camping area just off the road. While we waited for traffic to come from the other way, we saw many cars with green and yellow ribbons and balloons turning in front of our bus to go into the campsite. One of the cars carried the bride and groom to their wedding reception!! Other friends were arriving in the back of pick-up trucks, which then turned around to go back to Mutare for more well wishers!!
Finally we were given the green light to move ahead. A short stretch of the road waiting to be re-surfaced has huge potholes that are difficult to avoid. Off to the right is the City of Mutare, in the valley, below Christmas Pass. Mutare has a population of about 150,000, and people speak of living in the low, medium, or very high density areas. The very high density area suburbs are families living in abject poverty with many, many needs. Those with money live in the low density area, most with high concrete fences and padlocked gates around their spacious property. It is difficult to see their homes, but some have swimming pools and large yards.
Some folks got off just as we entered Mutare, while others of us rode on in and got off closer to the center of town. Relatively speaking, for a "city" (third largest in Zimbabwe) this size, there aren't that many cars ~~ just too expensive, with fuel sometimes reaching over $7.00/1.5 gal. Most streets in this area are four lane, two each way, but do not have any painted markings. And most street lights don't work. So, you take your life in your hands getting across the street. And I always have to remember to look right before stepping off the curb, since traffic moves in opposite lanes from the U.S.!
I walked several blocks with three others to a "department" store called "mfs." The family is Christian and has made the "f" into a cross. Scripture passages are painted all around the walls, and their service is great! We first went into a separate storefront that contained mostly hardware items, lighting and plumbing parts, etc., etc. It's amazing what small things can bring me joy!! I found a spring-loaded toilet paper holder for $1.00!!! A wonderful find, first off!! They also carry some grocery items, much cheaper than in any of the other regular grocery stores.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Children, Children Everywhere!
Children from about 3 - 16 continued to file into the rows of seats provided for them during our chapel worship service this morning ~~ about 80 strong!! Most wore little red robes with white stoles bearing the UMC cross and flame. They had come from the Fairfield Orphanage on the 100+ year-old-mission station at Old Mutare, just a short distance down the road from Africa University. UMW members will know this project as the "Baby Fold," which they have supported for many years. Some of these children are HIV positive, and probably lost both parents to the AIDS virus early in the child's young life. Since the early 2000s, ten children each have lived in small cottages with a housemother and other "siblings" of varying ages. They receive much better care in this family setting than they did in the old orphanage. Several two and three-year-olds wandered about during the service, just looking for a warm lap to occupy!! A weeks-old baby cried, and was cared for by one of the "mothers." The baby had been brought to the orphanage when she was only two DAYS old.
Our hearts were filled with many blessings as these children sang praises to God! And I'm sure there are two budding choir directors in their midst, getting a very early start to their careers!! I was reminded of the Scripture passage, "Train up a child in the ways of the Lord, and s/he will not stray from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
The morning "preacher" was a 15-year-old whose name is "Gifted," and who, I'm told, has been preaching since the age of 10!! He took the microphone and came right down in front with no notes or outline, and preached for at least 30 minutes! His Scripture passage was Matt. 24:23, and he spoke with great authority about the many illnesses we suffer from ~~ lying, not paying school fees, asthma, high blood pressure, and lack of faith in Jesus Christ. There were numerous references to Satan and the work of the Devil. At one point he asked all those who were suffering from such illnesses to come forward ~~ the whole chancel area was full! Then the Praise The Lord choir sang as we all prayed for them and for ourselves in our own languages! A very moving experience!
Following worship the children and their housemothers were given baloney sandwiches and tea, and then taken on a tour of the campus. It wasn't yet time for lunch, so they entertained themselves by rolling in the grass, running at top speed up and down the hills, and generally being kids having a grand time!!!
The "Fairfield Buddies" group on campus (think Big Brothers, Big Sisters) helped entertain them after lunch until it was time to go to the soccer field, where they participated in a competition with members of several soccer teams on campus!!! I know these children will all sleep well tonight!!!
Thank you God for children, who trust that you will take care of them. And thank you for their "mothers" who help them understand their role in the "family," and who let them know they are loved. Perhaps there is a future president among them!!!
I am hoping to post a short video with this so you can experience for yourselves these delightful children!! They bring us so much joy, and remind us that we are ALL children of God!!
"Dare to Love Completely" is a wonderful book by Janine Roberts, about her own journey and experiences with the children at the orphanage and their caregivers. It is available on amazon.com, or from CornerStone International, PO Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390. If you want to know what it was like in the early 2000s when AIDS was still so rampant here, this is a must read ~~ you will laugh, you will cry, and you may even ask, "where is God in the midst of all this?"
Janine tells of weekly visits to the huts of dear friends on the farms situated near the Old Mutare Mission ...at that time these large farms were operated by white Zimbabwean farmers, who provided land for their workers. These visits were to offer prayer and friendship, and also a connection to health care as needed, and sometimes food and clothing. Most of these farms have since been taken over by the government, who chased the white "colonial" farmers away, divided up the land into about 6 acre plots and gave it to the black Zimbabweans. Unfortunately, most of these "farmers" have no means of "farming" even a small plot of land to support their families. Janine and other health care workers are no longer welcome, so there is no way to gage what is happening with malaria or HIV/AIDS.You might also like to explore www.hopeofzim.blogspot.com.
The Director of the Health Clinic here at AU says that a lot of education has taken place around HIV and AIDS, so the incidents have dropped considerably. AND, anti-viral drugs are now available to those who are infected ~~ FREE.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me. . . ." Fairfield Orphanage has been saying that throughout its history, as it continues to be a strong Christian witness here in Manicaland.
Our hearts were filled with many blessings as these children sang praises to God! And I'm sure there are two budding choir directors in their midst, getting a very early start to their careers!! I was reminded of the Scripture passage, "Train up a child in the ways of the Lord, and s/he will not stray from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
The morning "preacher" was a 15-year-old whose name is "Gifted," and who, I'm told, has been preaching since the age of 10!! He took the microphone and came right down in front with no notes or outline, and preached for at least 30 minutes! His Scripture passage was Matt. 24:23, and he spoke with great authority about the many illnesses we suffer from ~~ lying, not paying school fees, asthma, high blood pressure, and lack of faith in Jesus Christ. There were numerous references to Satan and the work of the Devil. At one point he asked all those who were suffering from such illnesses to come forward ~~ the whole chancel area was full! Then the Praise The Lord choir sang as we all prayed for them and for ourselves in our own languages! A very moving experience!
Following worship the children and their housemothers were given baloney sandwiches and tea, and then taken on a tour of the campus. It wasn't yet time for lunch, so they entertained themselves by rolling in the grass, running at top speed up and down the hills, and generally being kids having a grand time!!!
The "Fairfield Buddies" group on campus (think Big Brothers, Big Sisters) helped entertain them after lunch until it was time to go to the soccer field, where they participated in a competition with members of several soccer teams on campus!!! I know these children will all sleep well tonight!!!
Thank you God for children, who trust that you will take care of them. And thank you for their "mothers" who help them understand their role in the "family," and who let them know they are loved. Perhaps there is a future president among them!!!
I am hoping to post a short video with this so you can experience for yourselves these delightful children!! They bring us so much joy, and remind us that we are ALL children of God!!
"Dare to Love Completely" is a wonderful book by Janine Roberts, about her own journey and experiences with the children at the orphanage and their caregivers. It is available on amazon.com, or from CornerStone International, PO Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390. If you want to know what it was like in the early 2000s when AIDS was still so rampant here, this is a must read ~~ you will laugh, you will cry, and you may even ask, "where is God in the midst of all this?"
Janine tells of weekly visits to the huts of dear friends on the farms situated near the Old Mutare Mission ...at that time these large farms were operated by white Zimbabwean farmers, who provided land for their workers. These visits were to offer prayer and friendship, and also a connection to health care as needed, and sometimes food and clothing. Most of these farms have since been taken over by the government, who chased the white "colonial" farmers away, divided up the land into about 6 acre plots and gave it to the black Zimbabweans. Unfortunately, most of these "farmers" have no means of "farming" even a small plot of land to support their families. Janine and other health care workers are no longer welcome, so there is no way to gage what is happening with malaria or HIV/AIDS.You might also like to explore www.hopeofzim.blogspot.com.
The Director of the Health Clinic here at AU says that a lot of education has taken place around HIV and AIDS, so the incidents have dropped considerably. AND, anti-viral drugs are now available to those who are infected ~~ FREE.
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