Report from Zimbabwe

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In late March of 2001, eleven delegates from eight New Hampshire churches embarked on a two week journey to Zimbabwe, Africa for the purpose of strengthening and reaffirming our partnership (Ukama). Our sister church is in Dangamvura, Mutare located about 100 miles south-east of Harare, the capital of Zimbabe. Joe Weaver represented First Parish, and these are his notes and pictures from the trip.

The journey proved to be one which will be engraved in our minds and hearts forever as we broke bread with our brothers and sisters united by the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  (Play a prayer song from Zimbabwe.)

	Located in far southeastern Africa, Zimbabwe is home to over 11 million people and also home to the spectacular Victoria Falls, massive big game parks and other natural beauty. The year round climate is mostly moderate with low humidity. The capital city is Harare, the currency is the Zimbabwe Dollar and the official language is English.
Zimbabwe March/April, 2001: The living condition in Zimbabwe has deteriorated over the past couple of years. Upon our visit in 2001 we met a country with over 30% unemployment, 70% inflation rate, and 50% AIDS epidemic. One could only hope and pray that this was the bottom and the only path to travel now was up. The situation has not turned out that way, unfortunately. What was once an exchange rate of 70 ZIM Dollars to 1 US Dollar is now over 2000 to 1. Unemployment has risen and the AIDS epidemic is still prevalent. Compounding these problems, as if that wasn't enough, the gasoline shortage severely impacted the region and affected our plans of traveling across the country. Zimbabwe is landlocked with Mozambique on the ocean side. Oil tankers would pull into Mozambique and typically sit there until receiving pay from Zimbabwe which typically didn't come in full-payment. The tankers would eventually unload just so they could leave for the Middle East and refuel again. Commuting was generally done by privately owned vans, trucks, and/or busses on schedules which were highly unpredictable.
	Photo of Joe talking with members of our sister church in Dangamvura after service. Joe was asked to give an impromptu sermon that Sunday. The building has been under construction for several years and it's most recent addition were the glass windows. They hope to collect enough in offerings soon to purchase concrete for a floor and pulpit.
The children met outside for Sunday School. There is a small hill behind the building with a tree at its center which serves as a backdrop for their school lessons. They hope to construct a classroom as well as a parsonage as funding allows. As of Joe's visit in 2001, The Reverend had to travel ten miles to the church by commuter van which was not always running on a planned schedule. The journey would typically require an hour or two.
	This is where the Sunday School children would meet for their lessons. They hope to have an indoor classroom someday.
	Picture taken inside the Church at Dangamvura after Sunday service. I estimate there were at least 100 members in attendance. Eventually the inside of the Church will be completed with a pulpit, permanent pews, and a concrete floor.
	Virtually everywhere we went Zimbabweans were selling their goods of fruits, vegetables, and crafts to earn a living. This scene is from the parking lot of the Post Office. The post office is about 2 miles from the Mount Selinda Hospital where we spent the first few days of our stay and attended the 2001 meeting of the Synod.
	This is the road from Mount Selinda to the Post Office. The walk is about 2 miles. We stopped occasionally to talk with the residents, take photos, and watch the antics of the native Monkeys swinging from the trees and scavenging for food. The walk took us about 2 hours to complete.
People would be walking this road at all hours of the day and night going about their business. At times it would seem as crowded as Time Square on New Years eave. Due to the gas shortage and economic state of the region, walking and biking were the main mode of transportation. An occasional vehicle would pass by. I learned quickly to yield to the automobile which apparently has the right of way and only seldom would slow down for pedestrians.
	The delegates had a couple days of downtime during their two week stay and took the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls on the west side of Zimbabwe bordering the country of Zambia. Victoria falls boasts the greatest quantity of water flowing over a water fall in the world.
If I look wet in this picture, I am. The spray at times seemed like a torrential downpour. This natural wonder is a must-see if you plan on being in the area. Don't forget to bring an umbrella. The walk around the falls is about a mile of some of the most luscious flora I've ever seen. Also, be aware that you may encounter a few monkeys (actually many) but they tend to keep a safe distance and are more curious than anything else.
Great Links - Learn more about Zimbabwe and Africa AfricaOnline - Zimbabwe An Introduction to Africa African Studies Center - UPenn United Church of Christ - Zimbabwe (UCCZ) U.S. Department of State - Zimbabwe