Dear Readers

As is usual in Africa, things never happen as planned. We didn’t leave Pretoria, S.A. until Tuesday morning. We drove close to the border and spent the night. Our start the next morning was delayed because there was no electricity. We were afraid we would leave something behind where we were unable to look around with no lights. So we waited until day break so that we could see what we were doing. However, when we arrived at the border, we found few people crossing. Lines were short and we moved through with few problems. The only delay was the temporary car papers since we had purchased the vehicle so recently.

In two hours we had cleared customs and were on our way to Harare. It is a long drive and we didn’t arrive until 5:00 in the afternoon. Since this is the winter season south of the Equator, the days are short and it was already getting dark. We spent the night with Basil Green’s family and left early the next morning to return to school. Amanda had text messaged us saying we should buy eggs when we bought groceries. That was a strange message from Amanda since she won’t eat eggs.

During the day on Thursday, June 24th UNICEF made another delivery of medicines to the dispensary. Amanda was given the job of unpacking, taking inventory and storing the supplies. The shipment is a real blessing to the people here. Now that we are registered and since we are getting help from UNICEF, Beauty is required, by the government, to treat anyone who comes.

Sunday, June 27, we drove to Harare and attended church at City Church. It was good to see so many familiar faces and to renew friendships. Max and Judy Chigwida are doing fine. Max says that he is really retiring at the end of August. He had planned to retire last August and the church persuaded him to stay on as pulpit supply for another year. He is really going to be missed.

Ralph had some urgent emails to send and so we had to find a place with Wi-Fi service. We ended up at the Meikles Hotel since so many places are closed on Sunday. It cost us $5.00 for an hour. Speak of inflation!

The well driller was delayed and did not arrive until Tuesday. The first well drilled was at the HCOC site. The driller found water but it has left much to be desired. It certainly was not what we had hoped for. Ralph has to adjust our plans.
We had to go to Harare again on Wednesday June 30 to meet with Paul Neshangwe and a couple of pastors that are interested in our work here and our need for an Evangelist. A visit to this place is planned for Wednesday July 7. There will be a community gathering that day as well.

The well at Inyagui was drilled on Wednesday while we were in town. The outcome of that well was remarkable. We met the driller as we were returning from Harare. The driller said that when he hit water the teachers were dancing everywhere. Apparently the entire community turned out to watch the event. Everyone was celebrating. In the past, teachers have had to get up at 2:00 a.m., walk more than a mile and stand in line at the only well around in order to get water. This was a pleasant surprise since several attempts have been made in the past to get water and they have all failed. We rejoice with them.

With this new source of water and so close to the agricultural land for the school, they should be able to raise a good crop of maize. They are planning on starting a poultry project to raise money for school fees and provide for building maintenance. With a supply of water for irrigation, the school should be able to receive a good yield from their crop. They should be able to grow enough maize for the feeding program at their school as well as have enough maize to feed the chickens.

Yesterday, July 1, Joan, Ralph and I met with the HCOC staff. Some major points covered were their needs and concerns. This project has out grown our ability to fund. We are forced into making the project self-supporting. That in itself is going to take capital, training and monitoring. In the long run these communities need to take ownership and become independent.

Amanda decided that the committee members needed to experience a meal without Sadza. She made spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic toast, and mixed fresh fruit salad. She cooked with little or no salt. The people were crying for salt. They are used to using so much salt. She told them that so much salt is not good for them. There was a lot of friendly joking.

We have recently learned that a Charitable Organization is handing out 40 kg of maize to every family per month. The organization is also providing the money for grinding the grain. It seems to us that the money would be better spent if wells were drilled and large acreages of productive land fenced. This would enable families to grow their own gardens on an assigned plot. When water is available year round, crops can be raised year round. The excess produce could be sold to generate a bit of income for the families.

The transformer that we have been waiting on for the new site arrived last night. It was already dark and so the men spent the night in the school. This morning we drove to the new site and watched them install the new transformer. Monday they are suppose to come and connect power to the new well, Albert’s house, and the electric fence. Things are moving forward.

Joan is finally feeling better. The rest of us are doing fine. Amanda went to Dandera yesterday to watch the semi-final sports competitions. She wisely refused to ride home in the back of a truck and chose to walk with a large group of children that had taken part in the competitions. The children really like having her around.

We ask that you pray for our health. We also ask for prayers for our work here and that God will show the way.

In His Service,

Ralph and Roberta