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| THE MANDIWA FAMILY |
THE MANDIWA’S There’s a rhythm of life in Zimbabwe, rising just before light appears and bed by dark. The moon and brilliant stars embellish the skies providing light where there’s no electricity although the beauty easily overlooked by an insatiable quench for survival. When I’d be taking pictures of the sky and asked if anyone saw what I saw no one seemed to notice. They are busy and tired. Sadza (staple food (porridge) made from Maize) is prepared along with vegetables or if truly blessed some meat (nyama). Fire illuminates the heating pots filled with water for tea. Preparing the fields begin in September/October and harvest takes place by April/May. Soil will be toiled by hand with a hoe (badza) or oxen and basal fertilizer applied. Rain and fertilizer (applied twice) are essential for a productive crop. Consistent weeding is also required. Some farm using techniques learned through a program called “Farming God’s Way.” Its intention is based on both Word and deed. Rows are precisely measured out (along with other specifications)-every aspect of the program having a scriptural base. I found a great interest in the program as it is proven to increase yields. Normal consumption of corn is 10kg’s per person per month. Other foods include: millet and sorghum (if unable to grow corn), pumpkin, cassava, many green leafy vege’s, soya, popcorn and peanuts. Special additions are goat, chicken and a flavored drink (Mazoe). If all the elements are favorable feasting takes place. Celebrations are usually centered on church functions. It’s a joy to celebrate God’s blessings! How does one handle the AIDS crisis? How does a family cope? Fortunately this family has not been directly stricken by this disease but most families are. They care for the orphans of other family members who have died. There’s an economic impact… that affects everyone, a high dependency ratio it’s called. The very young and very old have no one to care for them. They become primary heads of the households. This crisis puts a negative effect on the development of the country. Understandably, the youth are concerned of their future!
Julie VanZevern • TEAM • PO Box MR-92 • 90 Harare Drive • Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe • jvanzev@teamzim.co.zw |
Little hope and great despair permeate most Zimbabweans lives although joy can be seen for the small things God has given them. Will they be able to plant this season or will they have to rely on reserves from last year? Family and church life are their two of their greatest treasures. Drawing from 
strong cultural ties Zimbabweans are extremely friendly. The Mandiwa’s come from Guruve, a rural community Northwest of Harare. Both knew the Lord but Mr. Mandiwa openly admits to a true following when he entered his 20’s, completed high school, and began full-time work. Mrs. Mandiwa was 14 when she accepted the Lord. She comes from a family of seven children. Actual physical work begins at a very early age. A child at five can be expected to work in the fields or fetch water. Their work ethic is like no other-maybe due to the high cost of survival. Zimbabweans are resilient built to withstand almost anything but with the infusion of AIDS, taking 3,000 lives weekly, death comes prematurely. 
As I cultivated relationships among hospital staff and subsistence farmers I found these people to be genuine. Meeting the Mandiwa family took place over time with a deep sense of predestination. I first met Mrs. Mandiwa in the hospital kitchen. I remember her glowing face (I felt we met before and may have in 2004), a healthy looking robust African woman. She made me feel welcomed without saying a word. I was soon to meet Mr. Mandiwa, a hospital driver, who would provide the transport to rural villages and schools for me and community nursing students. A family man his concerns for a better future for his children in an economically war torn country, was evident. His English was intelligible and he would answer even the most dumbest of my questions like “How does corn (maize) grow?” For several weeks he drove us to two rural schools where we taught “God’s Answer to AIDS”. His relaxed, mellow and easy to talk with personality made for enjoyable journeys. We talked about their culture, rural life, family struggles and my purpose for being there. Zimbabweans are extremely social so we were never without something to talk about. The Mandiwa’s have two daughter’s. Thandiwe, age 14, is their first born. We met in the classroom at one of the rural schools. She could radiate a room with her smile and her eyes were opulent. Standing out among all others, without knowing who she was, I soon found out she was a Mandiwa. Epiphania, age 8, is playful, happy and full of life. Her work and play are much the same and when she tires she falls right to sleep. In another few months a baby will join the family as Mrs. Mandiwa is expecting in May 2006.
Although economic hardships are like a dark cloud over Zimbabweans, they feel blessed. God will provide! Mwari ngaakudzwe-praise the Lord! Thandi began high school (January of 2006) which would take her a long way from home. Walking 7km’s to rural schools could take hours and limits time to study. Boarding schools house several hundred children whose families strive for a quality education. Schools fees remain outlandishly high and continue to be increased. At the time of writing fees went from 11 million to 30 million (per term-3 months). This did not include books, supplies or uniforms. The inflation rate currently is 1,200 to 1. If you do the math it’s around $300.00 per term. Most rural families may make this year. Sunday Church is an all day event and usually begins when everyone arrives. Mr. Mandiwa serves as an elder at the Karanda Evangelical Church. They dress in their best clothing, caring bibles under their arms and babies on their backs. Families will walk several km’s to attend. Four part harmony angel voices sing praises, accompanied with tambourine and drums, bellows out the broken windows. On the pulpit or table some sort of a flower arrangement is placed. Church can be held in an actual building, school or meeting place in ones village. Young and old come to the front to give thanks sing or recite a verse. Children may attend Sunday school. The message is delivered over time and then you tithe. How ever much or little is given is essential to the growth of the church. An announcement is sometimes made of what was actually given. If corn has been harvested families can offer this and then is sold to raise church funds. The last person into church is the first person out, standing in a circle; each and every person will shake each others hand at the closing. Some stay after for extra bible study or singing practice. Prayer meetings and additional worship 
are also offered during the week. Worship is for participating! “Mwari ngaakudzwe” (Praise the Lord!!) |
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