January 17, 2003

Hello once again from Zimland

Well, the Mugabe rumour seems to be just that. He made a statement that he would never resign, would serve his elected term (3 years), would not exile and would be buried in Zimbabwean soil. But the next day the headline said "Mugabe offered asylum in Malaysia" do who knows.

I have had my first major setback in my entire time of being in Zimbabwe that gave me cause for reflection on what I am doing here. Personally, I have always had a detest for people who steal other peoples things. Three nights ago Charles and I went out to dinner with friends. Left at 7:15pm and returned home at 9:15. Opened my front door and immediately knew something was amiss. Checked the hallway as I sensed someone was still there and discovered my bedroom door smashed in (I lock it when I leave the house) No one in the house but I think I scared them off. They stole my new CD/Cassette player, my Pentax camera and telephoto lens, my alarm clock, a cheap watch, some chocolates and a few small Zim bills. They took my kitchen knife and slashed open my briefcase looking for money and strew all the contents all over the bed and floor. It is an awful feeling and I was in quite a funk for a few hours. Did a police report but doubt much will happen. It is common here and as people have told me, "it's just part of life here - you have to come to terms and deal with it or it will eat you up".

So, I have come to terms with it and am now OK. The good news is that I had

$750,000Zim in the briefcase up to that afternoon and had just put it in my bank account here. Or the thieves would have got this too.

Got to run. Charles is in Kariba (up north) doing an orientation with his GSE team so I am in charge out at Umgusa and Saturday can be a big day.

Love to you all

Doug