Babu

For three weeks we had the pleasure of having my father Bruce French visit us here in Zimbabwe.  He had been sent to a Rotary conference in Thailand and found that for a relatively small cost, he could fly onto Zimbabwe. 

It was wonderful for the children to see their grandfather and introduce him to many of their friends and favourite places.  While Dad was with us, he had the opportunity to visit many places in Zimbabwe thanks to Reverend Tadzaushe (our resident minister at MRCH), Dr Tsitsi Nyamupingidza and a fantastic local NGO called Cluster Agricultural Services.  We went on two adventures to the beautiful yet underfunded Botanical Gardens and Herbarium.  Dad’s impressive work with documenting the food plants of the world was enjoyed and celebrated by the local FAO community, the University of Zimbabwe Crop Science department and other NGO’s. 

Dad was able to share his love of studying the Word of God.  The opportunity for him to do bible teaching seemed to occur often.  With his busy schedule between bible teaching and investigating the agricultural situation in Zimbabwe, I think he was well and truly ready for a rest at home in Tasmania.

It provided real encouragement and insight to have Dad visit the place where we live and work.  The girls found it hard to say goodbye to him and they were very keen to hide in his luggage, but it may not be that long before we follow him.

Anthea