Dear friends and family,

Matriculation was yesterday here at Africa University. I will confess that until recently, I was not sure of the meaning of the word- in fact, the term sounded very similar to activities that are either forbidden, discussed by doctors or not used in polite company. Until last month I thought the term was a southern African word for going to college. Then last week I was surprised to see the word used in a form from our Mission Board in New York.

Here at AU, Matriculation refers to the ceremony where all students are formally inducted in to Africa University and reminded of their responsibilities. Prof Murapa, the Vice Chancellor (similar to the President in American colleges) gave an excellent short message emphasizing the need for honesty, hard work and avoiding behavior that could cause HIV/AIDS.

Joe from DR of Congo, Faculty of Theology, Class of 2010

To highlight the solemnity of the occasion, faculty members were dressed in the traditional caps and gowns, and students in gowns. Jane was sitting in the front row with other faculty and was obviously pleased as punch to see her Intensive English students now marching as full members of their respective programs. To think that a year ago some had barely a word of English, and now they will be using only English in their university classes.

We were reminded of graduation in June. Tendai, a pleasant, hard-working cleaner in the Agriculture block, saw Jane in her cap and gown and said, ‘You were lucky to go to university!’ We often meet people who would have done well in college, but were unable to attend because of poverty or family circumstances. Yes, we were lucky- or blessed! This year, Africa University will give 1200 students that opportunity.

Tendai

Zimbabwe News

A familiar Old Testament story seems relevant to life in Zimbabwe today. Elijah was sent to a poor widow who was gathering sticks to prepare her last loaf of bread to eat- and then die. However, she fed Elijah and because of her faithfulness the widow’s flour and oil never did get used up.

We haven’t seen some basic commodities like soap, flour, sugar, and cooking oil in stores for several weeks now, so we all stretch what we have to make it last as long as possible.

Last Tuesday night, our campus neighbors were gathered for weekly prayers in our candle-lit house (no electricity due to power cuts).

Tsitsi, the university nurse who lives next door, brought the Elijah story alive when she described how she had run out of flour, run out of money and said to God, ’We have always given our tithes and been faithful in giving to you. Now please give us what we need.’

She described her wonder when the next day someone brought her 5 lbs of flour. Moreover, at the end of the week, she received a bag of groceries from South Africa with many basic foods…and…yes…. flour!

Nor is this an uncommon experience. Many times these days we hear people testify that when they have come to the end of their resources, God has provided for a particular need.

Who is to blame for the severe economic turmoil? Many people blame the Zimbabwe government, who in turn says it’s ‘the West, especially Britain and the US’. Elections are scheduled for next year March, and emotions are already starting to run high. Robert Mugabe, President since independence in 1980, will seek re-election. In talking with people who live in the rural areas, we see that he still has a lot of support- and will until he dies. For many, he is the one who led the liberation struggle, and he is their leader, no matter what happens to the economy.

Farm News

When the Farm Manager was on leave, Larry was tasked with coordinating the farm activities. With all the shortages, finding feed for all the hungry livestock took a huge chunk of his time. He was very glad to give the responsibility back at the end of the month! The 82 hp Massey Ferguson tractor that we bought with gifts last year continues to work without complaint. What a difference it continues to make.

We were delighted to have a number of work teams come who believed us when we told them that Zimbabwe is still a safe travel destination despite the economic woes.

Family News

Ben, 19, was home from Harvard for a couple of weeks- so great to have him back. Both month-long summer jobs he had in Massachusetts involved cleaning. Now when we ask Pule and Carly whose turn it is to do dishes, we ask, ‘Whose turn for on-the-job-training?’ We got to hear him use his newly-learned Chinese when a carload of Chinese men parked next to us in Harare.

Pule, 17, will write his final high school exams, plus SATs, in November. He expects to start college in the US in the Fall of 2008, but is busy studying (Math, Physics, Chemistry and Art) and has a lot of decision-making before then.

Carly, 12, has started her growth spurt. She has really blossomed in her final year of grade school, but is a bit frightened at the thought of high school.

Michael, 8, gave away his guinea pigs and now has two bantam chickens instead. His misses his best friend on campus, Napthali, who moved with his Zimbabwean/Cuban parents to Dubai.

2008 will be here soon! We will leave here in late May/early June, and will be available to speak most of June-September. We are still working on the itinerary- we have a lot of juggling of commitments. Thanks to all who let us know what your preferences are!

Thanks as always for your support, cards, letters, emails, thoughts and prayers!

Yours and His,

Larry and Jane Kies

Advance Special numbers:

Project support: 10115A (ATTN: Larry Kies)

Larry’s salary support: 09572Z

Jane’s salary support: 10739Z