Friday, August 2, 2024
After breakfast, the Mhlangas gave each of us a sheet of fabric, 2 wooden spoons, and 1 whisk for sadza. Rev. Mandy, Sarah and Steph were so grateful for the time we had with the Mhlanga family. The delegation met at the Gweru church for brief prayers and good-byes around 9:00 AM. Once we finished, we loaded the van and headed to the Suoerintendent’s house before leaving Gweru.
When they were here in 2015, David and Lindy helped paint the house and David as asked if he would come see the finished product and bless the house.
Rev. David Keller gives a blessing in the Superintendent’s home.
📸 Rev. Mwazita
The delegation then left Gweru for Harare around 10:00 AM. The Reverend of Ivene and his wife joined us on the ride to Harare because they have a wedding there and the Reverend is preaching at it.
One last group photo outside the Superintendent’s home before leaving for Harare.
📸 Rev. Mwazita
The delegation as they leave for Harare
📸 Rev. Mwazita
The delegation arrived in Harare at about 2:30 PM. The traffic in Harare was really bad because there were several road closures due to roadwork.
FACT: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe — starting August 17, 2024.
We stopped at a shopping area where some went to the supermarket and others went to Nando’s, a chicken restaurant, for lunch. Those who went to Nando’s were warned by Rev. Sara that the “mild” sauce was hotter than what we’d call mild so definitely do not order hot or extra spicy!
We arrived at the Eastlea Church in Harare where we were greeted by some of the heads of UCCZ, included UCCZ president Rev. John Matiza:
📸 F. Thondhlana
I (Steph) was to stay with Rev. Dr. Edward Matuvhunye and his wife, Memory, in the town of Norton, just outside Harare. Due to rush-hour traffic and roadwork, what should have been a 1-hour ride was actually 2 hours!
It turns out that Edward is a past UCCZ president and one of the original founders of the Ukama partnership! He travelled to the USA several times in 1997, 2005, 2006, and 2007 (among other visits). Edward filled me in on the beginnings of the Ukama partnership between New Hampshire and Zimbabwe in 1996 — aided by Common Global Ministries.
I am also learning about the vast differences of resources in the homes of Zimbabweans across the country. The house I am staying at is the first house to have hand soap on the bathroom sink! They also have a washing machine and dryer for clothing! Still no toilet seat though…hmmm. 🤷🏻♀️🤔
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Stay up to date with the delegation here on NHCUCC.org and make sure to follow the New Hampshire Conference Page on Facebook, join the Facebook Group, instagram @NHConfUCC, and check out the UCCZ Facebook Group Here. Updates to these posts occur approximately once daily.
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