Harare, Sweet Harare

    Arriving in Harare felt strangely like a homecoming.  It was the third time I'd arrived there, and the airport there really isn't much bigger than ours in Rhinelander.  I knew where to go, what to expect, and, knowing Zimbabwe even the little I do, I expected a friendly, non-threatening welcome.  It was even easier this time because my new friend Moses had advised me to get an "East African Tourist Visa" on line, because that would cover Zimbabwe and also Rwanda AND Uganda.  I had followed Moses's advice, and my visa was waiting for me, paid in full.
    Entry into the country went smoothly as always.  All three of my bags arrived safe and sound, and for the first time, a guy at Immigration showed some interest in my bags, probably because of their size.  His interest was no more than friendly curiosity, though--he spotted some of the solar-powered fans I'd brought over as gifts and was genuinely interested in them.  We chatted pleasantly about solar power and he waved me through.
    I suppose everybody has encountered some truly memorable smiles in their lifetimes.  In my lifetime, one of the most notable smiles belongs to my friend Dairai Manyati, who provides transportation for volunteers arriving in Harare for transfer to Imire (about 50 miles).  The first time I arrived in Harare two years ago, Dairai's smile was a beacon of reassurance when entering a country that certainly SEEMED dangerous.  And, though Zimbabwe doesn't feel particularly dangerous anymore,  Dairai's smile is still a welcoming sight!

 And I'm here to tell you that Dairai's character matches his
smile.  He is as kind, generous, and perceptive a friend as anybody could hope for.  We've stayed in touch over the years, and I really wanted to meet his wife and kids.  So Dairai had his wonderful wife--who is now on maternity leave, but is a teacher by profession-- and three of his kids with him when he picked me up. 
    They drove me to the little guesthouse I had reserved through AirBnb, and we sat and drank ice water and chatted together for a nice long visit before they had to leave to pick up their other children.
    I was particularly interested to meet McDonald, Dairai's oldest, who is nervously awaiting his examination results to see if they are good enough for him to study law.
    We made arrangements for Dairai to pick me up the next day so we could drive out to Imire, and I looked forward to the opportunity to do some further catching up.