today gila is...: 10/01/2007

29 Oct 2007

28 Oct 2007

morning hikes

this photo was taken on our first morning hike in Matopos. The following evening we climbed up here in the near dark, carrying our packs and picking up firewood, to sleep out under the African sky

27 Oct 2007

staff & volunteer retreat at Matopos

group photo :)

25 Oct 2007

baby baobab trees

This baby Baobab grows in my front yard, planted by a neighbor nearly 17 years ago.

on the way to matopos national park

yes, we actually saw giraffe on the side of the road, on the way to Matopos.
I took this shot from the car!

23 Oct 2007

this appeared outside my window...

...only for a few days, after the first rains

22 Oct 2007

21 Oct 2007

17 Oct 2007

Go-Gos* (Grandmother in Ndebele) Visit the Center

This past wednesday, the caregivers and grandmothers of our children came for a visit!

monthly update : september 2007

Laptop perched on the glass dining room table, second Nescafe in hand; I take this moment to sum up some four weeks in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Between time reflecting at the Bulawayo synagogue, dancing and working with inspirational staff and kids at the Center, and peeking over the rushing edge of Victoria Falls, a few descriptive phrases come to mind…this posting attempts a highlight and summary of this experience, thus far.

Radio Zimbabwe and Oliver “Tuku” Muthkudzi

Repetitive bouncing Afro-pop, mostly in languages I don’t understand, has permeated my experiences here. At the Center, Celine Dion and American hip-hop blare out on “repeat” alongside local music. A balance exists, with the song of church groups wafting through town on Sundays. Even better, numerous volunteers at the Center belong to Shalom Ad-nai, an acapella 7th Day Adventist choir, singing praise in effortless harmony. (I admit to joining in when possible)

No Bread, Just Circuses

Sadza porridge, made of corn (or “mealie”) meal, is the local staple. When available, sadza is accompanied by meat gravy, and eaten with the fingers. Lately, due to shortages, sadza and meat, and even bread can be difficult to get. Many people bake their own loaves at home, grow their own vegetable gardens, and carry on.

Tea – an event. Brewed, served in delicate china on saucers with tea spoons, often all wheeled in on a cart. "Tea" easily turns into pre-dinner drinks on the veranda. As the sun sets, the day cools, there is nothing like company and conversation and a cup of tea.

Survivor: Zimbabwe

Resilience is found across the board: Jewish, Christian, Black or White, Shona, Ndebele, Ex-pats (not too many) Young, Old. People here are friendly and open, and in survival mode. The South African Saying ‘ Make a Plan’ is ever relevant here – if the municipal water shuts off, bore halls are dug; when one runs out of petrol coupons, buy fuel across the border. It’s frustrating, fascinating, incredulous.

10 Oct 2007

home visits, Nketa, Bulawayo

Every week, volunteers from the Center check in with the children on home visits throughout the area. The younger children are being watched today by their older brother (12 years, center), who had to stay home from school today while their mother went out to buy mealie meal. Their father passed away from AIDS two years ago.

The volunteer on the left is also an accomplished vocalist with a local Christian Acapella group, Shalom Ad-nai.