Personal Journal from Volunteers in Mission Trip to Zimbabwe

June 21, 2000 - Wednesday

We arrived on the University campus at 1:00! We are here!

But let me go back to the remainder of yesterday when we started the final leg of our journey.

At 4:00, when Air Zimbabwe opened their gate, we (our group) were there ready to get our boarding passes for the 6:55 flight. To our dismay, there was a limit of one carry-on bag that could not weigh more than 6 kg. Everyone was scrambling to reorganize the two non-weight-limited bags which had been with us for all these many hours! Jerry and I were a lost cause -- we had to divide our carry-ons in half and could then take four on the plane as long as none was over 6 kilos. We raced to a luggage shop and purchased two nylon bags. Now we have the same amount of things, just in more containers and more to lug around! When our VIM group regrouped, several had put luggage under the plane and done other scrambling. But there was the $3000 laptop still on Maya's lap! Since it needed to be unseen, we put it into our carry-on that had been weighed but dared not put it into the overhead bin on the plane for fear of it attracting attention and legs! The overhead bin on the old plane could allow it to fall and hurt someone. Also, it could be stolen.

With bags under our feet, we had no room for our legs. Luckily it turned out to be a sort of blessing in disguise. There were empty seats, so Jerry moved where there were two seats. I then moved the baggage around and fashioned a bed.

Rather than tossing all night, as I feared, I was startled awake at 5:30 by the plane's captain announcing breakfast before we were to land in an hour! Yes, I had gotten some sleep.

Going through Customs in Harare was uneventful. It was curious that when the man collected our $30 each for the visa fee, he put it in his pocket! That would not be done elsewhere - at least it seemed odd to me. I must remember to keep $20 to leave Zimbabwe.

So far, so good - but OH NO! - Janet's, Gerry's and Rita's under the plane bags did not arrive. As a result, we got a very late start for our drive to Mutare. We are picked up by a 19 passenger van with a covered trailer behind and began the four hour drive.

We didn't go into Harare but could see that it looked fairly modern. The drive was down a two lane paved road that had the shoulder marked on both sides for people to ride bikes or walk.

Homes in what appeared to be the more affluent sections had fences with barbed wire, razor wire, glass and other things to prevent someone from climbing over them. There is a gasoline shortage and we saw lines to fill vehicles. Gas cost $15 Zim per liter, really not more than in Maryland.

People were walking along the road carrying things on their heads and many had things wrapped in a bundle around their waist. It seemed strange because it seemed they came from nowhere and there was no visible place for them to go.

Elephant grass grows thick everywhere. There were crews cutting and bundling it to use in making thatched roofs and huts. They really are quite sturdy. We made a short stop at a house halfway.

Susan and Linda gave us a warm welcome to our dorm quarters. Then we went to the dining room for lunch - rice or spaghetti with beef and greens and beans. A shower and some relax time will help.

I got in the shower but it wasn't clear about guys and girls - oh well! Clean hair and clothes certainly improve the spirit. I'm definitely over-packed - hadn't planned on three days in the same clothes.

At 3:30, we met with David, a representative of Africa University. He gave us a short talk about the beginnings of the University and the goals. Then he showed us the chapel. We will meet with him in the morning for a complete tour and going to Hartzell to see the school and the orphanage.

We saw poinsettia growing along the road and now saw some up close -- they are glorious!

Off to the evening meal. Again, rice or spaghetti, greens, beans and sausage this time. I spied some bananas and had two of them. We are allowed seconds, this is great!

We had a brief meeting to discuss plans. Guess I will set up the computer and hope the FedEx shipment arrives. On Saturday, Lauren and I will use the cmputer to send some pictures to Epworth and/or home. Sunday will be a day of rest with church and plans to be announced later. A reminder to be safety concious. Another volunteer was the victim of a pick pocket this evening. Elections are this weekend. We will keep close tabs on that situation.

Tomorrow we begin what we came here to do. Yes!

JM

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This text is taken from a personal journal of the recent trip to Zimbabwe. Statements made represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual volunteer and are not intended as official statements of the United Methodist Church or Epworth United Methodist Church. This web site is designed & maintained byEpworthSteeple Disciples

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Last modified November 4, 2000