I purposely didn’t schedule any meetings the first two days in South Africa. I knew my body clock would be out of sorts and my mind anything but sharp. I attended to issues such as getting a SIM card for my phone and firming up meetings for the upcoming week. I also found myself wonderfully deluged with a whole host of new relationships.

With the 24^th being a bank holiday, we were able to slow down some and catch up on life. After losing his family in the farm massacre, he spent his childhood being raised in the Durban area by his aunt (his father Dave’s sister) and uncle. After finishing school he relocated to Johannesburg and has been living with his Uncle Paul and Aunt Rusty.

A couple years ago he met a beautiful and highly intelligent young woman (Jennifer Russell) and they started dating. He was in love from day one but took it nice and slow. I had the privilege of spending the 24^th with her family and thoroughly enjoyed the time. It is ironic that Matt’s mother Katherine was also a “Russell,” we had a good laugh about that. Jen comes from a strong Christian family. Her father Dave had read “Saving Zimbabwe” and gave me some wonderful encouragement about the mission that I’m on. I’m looking forward to seeing them all again at Matt & Jen’s wedding.