Easter season has come and gone since I started this Blog, but I just want to share with all of you that as the Easter Season approached, I reflected on the significance of Good Friday and Christ's death on the Cross and was, once again, thankful that things did not end at the Cross but that we serve a risen Saviour.
Seven months have come and gone since I first arrived in Zimbabwe. The first semester of 2014 has drawn to a close and my brain is recognizing the need for a break. I think I'm suffering from 'brain drain'. So, now I am enjoying a much needed break. Classes will resume in May.
The last few weeks of school were hectic indeed. What with exam preparation, followed by marking those exams of course, and then supervising and helping a master's student from St. Stephen's College in Edmonton, Alberta, through the final stages of her thesis and involvement with our accreditation process at Pan African Christian College life was rather hectic. So, I am truly appreciating the opportunity to take a step back to catch my breath.
Glen and I flew on April 3rd, to Cape Town in South Africa where we met up with Bette and Brian Moen, Glen's sister and her husband. We spent 7 wonderful days exploring the beauties of that country, including Table Mountain (pictures inserted) which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The second picture is of our cable car ride up the mountain. We also visited the most southerly point of South Africa where the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans intersect. (picture inserted).
We are now back in Harare and will explore some of the countryside here, heading off to Bulawayo tomorrow and then points beyond.
It is good to find ways to stay in touch with friends and colleagues in the various parts of Canada. One of the ways we have done that was to participate in our CASC (Canadian Association for Spiritual Care) annual 5 K Fun Run/Walk. Our CASAC conference was being held in Winnipeg, and we decided that we would join and participate from here in Harare. We calculated the time difference and did the walk/run here in Harare at the same time as our colleagues in Winnipeg. It was kind of fun to do that and still feel a connection with my professional colleagues back in Canada.
Now on to college news. I have just recently prepared a power-point presentation which highlights the college and the challenges they face. It is my intention to visit as many of the local PAOZ churches as possible in efforts to have the churches take some ownership of their college. To date I have spoken to two of the larger congregations in Harare and with the assistance of Principal, Bruce Magavagava, we will visit as many of the churches as possible. That is one of the ways I can help the college in these economically challenging times.
As usual, I have been writing my blog on an ongoing basis. This one is no exception. I started before Easter which is well past now. We are still taking advantage of the school break, which runs for the entire month of April. We spent a few days in Bulawayo and visited the national Park where believe it or not, we went on a number of game drives where we saw plenty of game.
Please note that even though I am not an 'animal person', I did enjoy seeing some of the creatures God created. We saw many species of animals including, but not limited to, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebra, Water Buck, Impala and Wart Hogs. Sharing our time with Bette and Brian certainly highlighted our trip. Part of our trip included a visit to Victoria Falls. We first viewed the Falls from a helicopter and then did the hike around the falls. As we hiked around the falls we got drenched and it was such fun!!! In fact that was my favorite part of the trip. I have included (above) a couple of pictures of the falls. They are absolutely magnificent.
We have had a fabulous break, lots of fun, numerous laughs and have just enjoyed our time together with Bette and Brian.
Back in Harare the four of us, Bette and Brian and Glen and I have spent time exploring this great country...the city of Harare and the surrounding country side. We realize we are blessed to be able to golf and travel. The country is beautiful but one would be remiss if one only visited the 'touristy' spots. It is impossible to get a true picture of Zimbabwe without seeing the signs of a once prosperous nation now struggling through difficult and troubling times. There indeed is a sadness that can be felt amidst the smiling faces of the local people. The many corner markets, the local peddlers selling everything and anything, and the stone market displaying local creations of all kinds for sale cheap, give a more realistic picture of the struggles of Zimbabwe's people. Tourism is almost non-existent and the struggle to earn a living is evident everywhere.
May 2nd, 2014...Me again. Classes resume on Monday, May 5th, so I am busy preparing to keep ahead of my students. Monday is registration day and meeting with the other profs. Then classes resume in earnest on Tuesday. I am actually looking forward to seeing what's in store with the new semester. Will write more with updates on happenings at the college once we are back in class.
Please continue to pray for us. Our work permits have still not been approved.
That's all for now folks. More later.
Love and Blessings to all
Marj
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