January 16, 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

“Mangwanani” (Good morning) You repeat: “Mangwanani,”I say: “Marara
Sei?” (How did you sleep)You say: “Tarara Mararawo” (We slept well if
you slept well), I say: “Tarara” (We slept). This is the typical
greeting that we would say every morning. I love how the beauty of a
communal culture shines through even in a greeting. First, we are
only well if who we are speaking to is well. Second, I am only well
if my family is well, thus I use we when I respond.

Grace has landed safely in Zimbabwe!!! I spoke with her on the phone
yesterday and she is sooooo excited to be here. All of her
connections went smoothly and her luggage arrived in tact. The only
minor bump is the customs agent would not let her medical supplies
through without paying $90. I praise God that she will be joining me
tomorrow after her orientation in town.Thank you for all of your
prayers! They were certainly answered.

Out at the mission hospital things have also been great. Last night I
sutured up a man who had been attacked by a crocadile!! 75ish
stitches later he is mosltly put back together. Please pray for his
right foot as at this time it seems likely that he will lose it. The
rest of the week was filled with many other exciting surgeries and
cases. From 7 VP shunts on babies with hydrocephalus (a tube is
tunneled under the skin from the brain to the belly so that
cerebrospinal fluid does not overaccumulate) to many orthopedic cases
in the elderly my time has been filled with much learning.

Now for my first installment of, you know your in Africa when:

1) Your alarm is a rooster and your clock is in your bag.
2) The acapella singing gives you goosebumps
3) The water is off more than it is on
4) Flowers are everywhere in January, yep its in the 80s here
5) Electricity is a cherished friend
6) Respect is granted based on age not earned by merit
7) You don't miss being so “connected”
8) You eat with your hands
9) Relationships are the most important
10) God is the same, uterly glorius.

Thank you so much for your prayers. They remind me of the double
rainbow which I saw extend acrosss the entire sky on my first day here
in Zimbabwe. It was magnificent. God is faithful and has used your
faithful prayers.

Grace and peace,
Jeff