Memories of camping in the Vumba.

Jesus told them a parable to teach them that they must always pray, and not faint. It is called the “Unjust Judge” and found in the Bible in Luke 18 : 2-8

There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged and fail to persevere. EGWhite. (Let us continue to pray no matter how we feel. Sandy❤)

I was 5 going on 6, Shelly was 2 going on 3 and Mum volunteered to be camp nurse for a teenage camp in the Vumba mountains. Most of us caught the steam train from Bulawayo with some children getting on in Salisbury and then all getting off in Umtali. We then got on a bus for the drive to our camp site in the Vumba mountains.

I only have one clear memory of this particular camp. Our tent was a green canvas A frame with two thick wooden poles one at each end supporting a pole threaded through the canvas across the top. Everything was heavy and smelt of damp bush and candle wax. This little room that reduced in size until there were no walls had three stretches inside, with a rectangular piece of canvas for your feet as you ‘fell’ six inches out of bed.

The night was heavy with shadows from the ancient trees while mum’s silhouette was lit up from behind by the stars. She was standing outside the tent. It was late into the night. Her voice in a loud whisper was determined and strong: ” She must go right now ! There is no time to lose and I am coming with her. ”

I know we were left on the tent but I have no memory until the bright sun of the next morning came into the tent with Mum. Her patient had, had her appendix out just in time and Mum’s joy and relief was memorable.

PS

When I told my parents that I was going out with Roy, Mum remembered the surname. My Mum had volunteered to be the nurse at the same camp as Roy’s Mum who had been the cook. Mum said she remebered that she had ruffled this little boy’s hair while he was standing next to his mum in the dining room and he had scowled back! My future husband had met his mother-in- law.