20/11/09

20/11/09

The bus journey to Mutare was as interesting as ever – I don’t think it matters what type of bus you travel on, new or old, what counts are the people you travel with on the bus! We had a brand new bus that sparkled. The people on the bus were so amusing. As usual at every stop we were harassed by vendors on the roadside selling their odd bits and bobs, including socks, biscuits and so on. One wonders how I would use a bike pump on a bus journey or a full blown swimming toy on my three hours journey – anyway! The usual couple of beggars boarded the bus along the way, travelling up and down the moving bus singing their heart out to earn a few USD$. The singing is always rather nice however, and often very moving, because it is a plea.

Arriving at Penhalonga is always a blessing after climbing the rather steep hill. We were greeted by the sisters who left everything to carry our baggage and goods. The children somehow hear we are walking up the hill and all run down to greet us, almost knocking me over as they jump on me! Each visit, the mission looks more and more battered and tired. The leak on the orphanage roof still is not fixed! The children look messier and messier with holes in their clothes and no shoes on.

The orphanage is still in the middle of the church’s row over who really is the rightful bishop. On Sunday we are going to the consecration of the “undoubted” and truthful bishop of the Church of the Province of Central Africa. My concern and prayer however is for the children across of the diocese affected by this row.

We are being looked after so well by the sisters and they are already excited about Sunday’s BIG service in Mutare. It will be good to see the priests I worked with in Chipinge and the Honde Valley also. I hope and pray that the service will go smoothly without interruptions or disturbances

Tonight, we finished reading George’s Marvellous Medicine to the children. It has taken us since January as we only read a chapter each time we come! Finally we are throw and George is now famous for the mess he caused!

Being on the Mission is so special. There is still a sense of history and prayerfulness here, despite the upsets of the church and country. You can feel the past and present time of prayer that the CR fathers, the OHP sister and now the CZR sisters revolve in. in some sense, its like a relay of prayer from one generation to another and has been here for over 100 years. The Angelus bell is rung every day at 6am, noon and 6pm and the sound spreads across the mission and into the valley. Everyone stops for those few seconds. You can hear the other bells around the mission ringing from the schools.

Today it rained for the first time in Penhalonga this year. You can see how the rain hit the ground and you can smell a freshness that has been locked up for a year or so, ready to burst. Praying for rain may sound a funny concept, but here it really is a matter of life or death. If the rains don’t come, then the people are not fed. Leading up the rainy season is a series of prayers in Churches led by the people. In England, I always moan when it rains, but never again! Rain is created by God, every drop and it is essential to our life here on earth.

Electricity is constantly off and on here, more off than on to be honest! It makes the days short because everyone retires after supper and church. People who live here are used to not having electricity and they cope perfectly well without it.

After supper tonight, with no electricity, we sang songs, as we usually do. We watched sister Elizabeth dance and we sang the African anthem.

Life here at Penhalonga is tough for everyone, especially the children and sadly the church makes things worse for everyone, not better (hoping this will change!). Your stereotypes of Zimbabwe are fulfilled here, but what shines through is how happy everyone is!

22/11/09

Today was an awfully long day, but one of the most liberating days since I have been in Zimbabwe! The consecration of the new bishop (Aslan!) took place with over 3,000 Anglicans in attendance from around the diocese and other part of Zimbabwe. Bishops from all over the world came and attended. There was a great procession of people singing and dancing on their way tot eh showground, telling everyone of the Gospel of Jesus and also the delights of His Church. People here now know that it is not about know sits in the office, but about who the church appoints. The political elections work the same – it’s not about who is in the office, but rather who the people appoint. We had great fund singing and dancing through the streets. I got to join in the huge procession for the service, as a ordinand.

I wrote this hymn today, for our church at Avondale:

Tune: Ascendit Deus 888 D

Lord of the Church, we ask you now

To fill your people here below;

Your people here at Avondale.

O bring your people to their knees

And fill us with that fire of peace,

O God of truth and love, come down.

We ask, O Lord, to bless and guide

All those who lead your Holy Bride,

To fill your church with pow’r and grace.

Bless as we stumble, trip and fall,

Come now, O Joy unspeakable,

O God of truth and love, come down.

We pray, O Lord, direct and teach

Your Holy Way amongst the weak,

our feeble, frail and orphaned lives.

We offer you our sacrifice,

Fall on our knees, please make a right,

O God of truth and love, come down.

O Lord of love, fill now our lives

Come quickly and restore your bride,

Make us as in the heavens above.

Fill us with love to do your will,

Protect and guard your children, still

O God of truth and love, come down.

All glory, praise and honour to

the Father, Maker, Love Divine;

the Son in whom our God is known;

the Spirit who now fills our lives

With passion for this world of strife –

O God of truth and love, come down!