Banks and witchcraft

I think a lot of people are surprised that we came back to Zim. We always intended to (although many people tried to convince us to stay once we were home!) and we told people here, but I guess everyone who can get out of Zimbabwe is doing so. Everyone wants to hear about our holiday. So, I tell them, and then say, "and how was yours?" Silence. Then, "well, it was difficult." No cash, no food, no wonder! The bank governor announced to everyone that the $200,000 note would expire on December 31st, meaning that the highest value note at that time would be worthless if not deposited in the bank. So people lined up for days to deposit their money. Then the announcement came that the deadline was extended. Great ploy for getting cash into the banks. Bad consequence for people who surrendered all of their cash and now can't get it out of the banks!

Of course, we have been praying for Kenya. I read an interesting article today about the widespread looting that happened after President Mwai Kibaki was sworn in. The article was talking about a timber merchant in Mombasa who spread word that he had put a curse on all of those who had stolen from him. People started returning the items, because indeed they were having trouble urinating. Merchants turned to witchcraft when they saw the police were powerless to help them recover their stolen merchandise.