Hello All

Hello Family,
Sorry it's been a week and a half with out writing. Not much has been going on. But tonight I have a few minutes. This Week is Zone Conference week. So I've had to prepare 3 dinners for the Harare Zones, and then we'll be taking food to Bindura on Friday for that Zone. then next week I've asked people to prepare and purchase food for three zones . I do have to say it's the busiest time, when Zone Conferences come around. They are very uplifting and spiritual to attend. The missionaries love to get together and visit with each other. On Monday night we were invited to the mission home, for a missionary farewell dinner and testimony. That was really special. The young sister was going back to South Africa. She had extended her Visa to the very day, then the country was going to kick her out. This sister is a little older, she told us about her family. They protested when she joined the church. Then she said that her father had put her through college, and he wanted her to start a career. She said that she talked with her Bishop and he asked if she had ever considered going on a mission. She said that she really hadn't, but she said that after that visit with her Bishop, the Holy Ghost was working on her. This sister loves to sing, so she said that on one Sunday, all the songs, were directed to her to serve on a mission." Because I have been given much, I'll go where you want me to go," and she said there was one other song. She said that she couldn't postpone a mission any longer. She said that her parents have not supported her at all while she has been on her mission. Infact she said she wasn't real sure where she would be staying after her mission, not at her parents home. Hopefully her parents have softened and will accept her with open arms. WE also sent off a Branch missionary today, he's going to the MTC in Manchester England. He was a little scared getting on to the airplane today, He's never done any thing like that before. Hope he makes it there. Here in Harare the grocery stores have security guards, they make sure that no one is breaking into your car, and they also direct traffic. Any way, this after noon I was going to our truck with a cart full of groceries, and one of the guards asked how the Church was doing. Out of the blue he starts talking about Jesus Christ. I asked if he wanted to know more about our church and he said that he's been given a few lessons. and he'd like to know more. But he works on Sunday's and won't be able to attend church. I gave him some Church phamplets and he's said that he has read the Book of Mormon. I also mentioned to him, that he just needs to pray about all he's read and make a decision. Ask Jesus for some help in going to Church. He said that he's so impressed with the missionaries, that he really wants to be one, so he can teach like they do and share the message of Jesus Christ. Wow, when you pray for opportunites, it's surprising what will happen. His name is Shepard, like " the Lord is my Shepard". That's what he told me. What a great young man. I told him I will talk with him the next time I come to the store, like tomorrow afternoon. Today for zone conference, one young elder talked about the people of Zimbabwe, how they are poor and meek and ready to teach. That is so accurate. Now we just have to teach the members to retain the newly baptized members.
 Last Friday we went out to dinner with the LDS Charities couple .that was fun.They were talking about their first experience out in the bush areas. They saw a green momba in the road and killed it. and talked about their wild experiences. Our experiences aren't that adventurous. I'm a little jealous. But we do have outlined responsibilities that help us stay busy. There is a big push to promote self reliance and the PEF here in Zimbabwe. That is what one of the other couples are doing.
I'm starting a healthy program, walking real early in the mornings, and trying to eat better. I have to say, I do feel a lot better.
We hope that you're all doing well. You're always in our prayers and thoughts. Today the internet went down, so we left early. Felt rather good. I convinced Alan to do another shopping run last Saturday. What a disaster for me. I just want to buy something new, and AFrican. Of course he found everything for him> Just a real down day. I know that Satan really works hard on me and I give in so many times. I just have to remember my purpose here and move forward and  distinguish my wants and needs> I know I'm rambling on, so I better end. If any one wants to come and visit we'd love to have you. Sister Cook has a bowl in her house that I'm trying to find here in Zimbabwe. It's really unique. So my quest is to find one and try to bring it home with out breaking it into a million pieces.
We will be having another couple in May, They are from South Odgen area. Now we have to find another apartment and  furnish it. That falls onto the office elders, but they have a hard time getting all the items that older couples need.
We've had a lot of break ins , into apartments. All the homes have bars on the windows and doors. This one house, the thief broke the windows and put a small child through the bars and the child stole money, camera, clothing, and everything of importance.  The missionaries were in shock. A week later, the same theif broke into the home again and this time, all their food was stolen. Today for zone conference, there was a lecture on missionary safety.
We are fine and doing well. People here say, "Complements to the New year", instead of Happy New Year. A lot of funny sayings.
 So to all "Complements to the New Year" to you all. WE love you and prayer for you always. Have a great winter and we'll be there next year.
Love ,
Elder A. and Sister H.