From Durban we returned to the Airport Grand in Johannesburg, our home away from home. We stay there once more before departing Africa. On Tuesday morning we flew to Harare, Zimbawe and were treated to a bus tour of the city. It is the Capitol of the nation, so we drove by the government buildings, and toured both lovely and poverty residential communities. We got to take pictures of the city from a wonderful vantage point on one of the hills. Most things were closed due to Heroes Day, celebrating Zimbawe independence. We stayed at a very nice Holiday Inn and had a delightful dinner with our group. Our guide is Thomas Harms and our host from Africa University is Victor. Rocky was our capable bus drive on the 4 hour journey to Mutare Wednesday morning. We arrived at Africa University and were greeted by the Vice Chancellor (President) of the University and he then hosted us at lunch and introduced several faculty and staff members. We learned that freshmen were arriving on campus today, some 500 strong and that the student population is to be 1700, up from 1200. There is not really enough housing for that many, so a new residence is desperately needed.
The reunion with Shirley and Ted DeWolf was a bit marred by news that Shirley was home confined to bed. Ted showed up to greet us and visit , so we hope to visit her at home tomorrow. Ted gave us glowing news about Maria and Charles, now in Arizona. I am always glad to hear such reports on couples whom I have united in marriage.
We then toured the lovely chapel donated by the largest Methodist Church in the world, Kwang Lim in Seoul. I had visited that church 15 years ago when I toured South Korean Methodism so was eager to see the chapel. The pulpit and communion table were made by Zimbawa artists and they are beautiful. Next stop was the Library (Marilyn insisted) and the archives of history surrounding Old Matare Mission and the development of the University in old farm buildings which we also saw. The University buildings were up-to-date and modern with wonderful computer labs. They are even getting in to online education so I may apply for a job!
The bus then took up to Old Matare Mission which my sister Anne had told me about. It has long been associated with Methodism. It contains a high school, orphanage and hospital, plus a beautiful church. The cross at Old Matare is in direct line with the cross on the chapel and the one on the hill above the chapel. Beautiful symmetry. Fairview Orphanage is one supported by Christie Abdul’s family and Shirley DeWolf is on the Board there. After group pictures at the University entrance we headed for our second Holiday Inn, an even nicer one, in new Matare, which appears to be quite a city. We will explore it more later. Stay tuned!Joe
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