Last Monday our language helper called in sick. With the morning free we decided to pick up the mission van and get some errands done. One thing I have learned is that you never know what to expect in Africa. Here is what we survived in 3 hours out on the town.
– An Attempted Pick Pocket: Our day started with a man attempting to get my wallet out of my purse as we climbed on to a crowded bus. Thankfully I noticed just at the right time (thanks to my ninja like reflexes).
– Clouds of Dust: As we drove around the dust in the air was so thick that it seemed like the sky was foggy. It was a very interesting experience, I never knew there could be so much sand and dust in the air at one time.
– Lost in the Maze – As we tried to find one of our stops we got lost in an area of town we are not familiar with. There are no street signs here and any road can end without warning. I felt as if we were in a life size maze, looking for the one road that actually left the neighborhood. We eventually found it after touring the whole area. We did all this only to find that the place we were headed to decided to close for the day.
– Stuck in the sand- Then to top the day off our car got stuck in the sand because of a speed bump in the road. The nice thing about where we live is that there are always people around to help and no one really gets mad at your for blocking the road because that is just normal here. With three men pushing and some wood under the tires, we got out of our little jam and finally made it home.
Just another normal day in Africa. I am learning to just expect the unexpected.
I love the ninja reflexes. I am in awe. (You should hear some stories from Mom about pick pockets in Haiti, it’s amazing what they are capable of pulling off. So good good for you!) I also love that you live in a “sandbox,” how fun for the boys! 🙂
Oh the “joy” of driving in dust and sand. Messy and frazzling, for me anyway. And then the great adventure of looking for a destination without streets marked, and with the added complication of your car getting stuck. Living in another culture, “in another language” is an experience all it’s own, that’s difficult to to understand unless you have lived it, I think. You seem to be in the beginning of that experience of that now. So many adjustments to make. Reminds me in reverse of our contacts with international students and their adjustments to living here in the U.S. May God in His great mercy use this time to draw you closer yet to him and to other believers there around you. May your marriage be strengthened, and your family unit be built up.
The pictures of your boys are delightful. Maybe you will be able to build some relationships with people through your boys – who knows? When we visited Japan when James was a baby lots of Japanese grandmas were entranced with the golden haired baby, and came up to us to talk. They loved to look at him. Love and prayers, Deena
It doesn’t just seem like you live in a giant sandbox, you DO! Thanks so much for your honesty, “real-ness” and how the LORD is growing you all. We pray for you often & know that HE is able to sustain you in all situations & circumstances. J & B
My sister is a ninja!!!! Yeah!!! =)
I would have been a bit frazzled after that day, especially getting turned around in an unknown area. Looks like the boys are enjoying the sand–most kids do and can be so creative. Mine lost most of their matchbox cars in the sandbox though. Found later but a bit rusty!! I’ll keep praying you see the top of the glass full and some real encouragement along the way..
Oh good thing for boys who love the sand. I admire your attitude to look for the treasures among the rocks (sand). Praying for you.