Church

I went to church today. The building I went to is the stake center for the Harare Zimbabwe Stake. I think the ward was the Highfields Ward. It's about one-third white and two-thirds black, reflecting that the area within in the ward boundaries is somewhat of a richer area.
I was really impressed with the meetings; the talks (on the gathering of Israel, not an easy subject!)were well-researched with some good insights and the lessons (on the Atonement in Sunday School and on preparedness in EQ) were spiritual and elicited participation. Nobody brings their books to priesthood meeting here either, though. That is universal.
The temporal welfare programs of the Church are being heavily emphasized here because of the economic problems and shortages that a lot of people face. The bishop announced that there will be a lesson toward the end of the month on food storage. I wonder how that works in a Zimbabwean context.
It felt like sort of a Zion society in embryo, with people from different races and classes getting together to talk about the gospel and how to live better lives. Going to church always feels like going home, no matter what country you're in.