Fortescues live off the grid. Their power is solar, their water comes to them every few months in a large barrel and the bathroom is 800 meters down the road. Their home is simple, but serviceable for them, there are over one hundred goats and three dogs to keep us the fun. And there are two wonderful kids. Dave’s ministry is establishing small group bible studies. They have been in Chinhoyi for about a year and are doing well.
On Sunday we went to church with Dave and Cynthia, as one would expect. It was a medium-sized congregation with a mixture of ages. We saw people we had met the first few days were there. Sunday afternoon dinner was from Pizza Inn, and we loved it.
Monday, we started to Harare so the mechanic could check over the pickup. Shortly after starting, the battery light came on and the flashers came on randomly, and no speedometer. Because it is a diesel as long as we didn’t shut off the engine, it would still run. We made our way through Harare to the shop and left the vehicle with him. There was hope that he could be done by noon, but alas, it wasn’t to be and we spent the night in Harare. And the fix was a new regulator and cable.
When we got to the shop, we called the lady who owns the house where we currently are staying in Chiredzi, and she came to let us hang with her and her family. We ended up spending the night and had a very wonderful time and the family was very gracious.
On Tuesday, we fired up the Map.Me program and drove to Chiredzi via Mashinvo, and Ngunda (for those who know Zimbabwe). The drive was easy and only two missed turns which were quickly corrected. Harare was not as hard to navigate as I feared and the highway mostly smooth. The limit was 120 kmph (about 70) and a good drive. Because of the issues going to Chinhoyi, every little sound brought a moment of nerves, but all was good.
We arrived in Chiredzi before sunset, went to Mark and Meghan Burbidge’s. Mark took us to Mo’s house, where we are staying and we are setting in. We are at a very nice home. We have use of the living room, a bedroom with a very nice bed, dining and kitchen, as well as a pool. We enjoyed the pool last night and again this afternoon. There is a very nice maid who cleans regularly and did some laundry for me today. Her husband cares for the grounds (and clears the leaves from the pool). We are greeted every entry into the yard by three dogs. The rough life of a missionary.
The adventure continues in a day or two.
