*pictures to be added later
I'm writing this in the bus right now. Can you believe my first World Race travel experience is just like the renowned “bus night” during training camp? Thank God I'm sitting in a window seat. Right now we're at a gas station and they're fixing a flat tire, which is taking about 4 hours to do. On top of that the bus was supposed to come at 3 pm, but it didn't get there until 9 pm. We were sitting outside of the Johannesburg bus station for about 7-8 hours with ALL of our stuff. I found out later the Jo-berg bus station is one of the most, if not the most, dangerous places on the planet—especially for a white woman. God was definitely protecting us all during that because we ended up just posting up and listening to music.
14 hours later: we still haven't crossed the border. It's 4:30 am and I haven't been able to sleep. It's freezing and I didn't expect this in Africa. On top of that I forgot my North Face with the teams that stayed behind in Jo-berg. The window I'm sitting by doesn't close so I have freezing wind blowing in my ears and on my head constantly. My neck pillow has also popped so that's not working for me either.
All I have, my only hope, is my worship music on my iPod. I am realizing in this bus ride even more so that I can't do this without Jesus. I need him to not let the freezing wind get to me or past my immune system. I've been learning the past day or two that all I can do is praise him in all circumstances, that's what's getting me through this and allows me to stay sane. I'm clinging to Him because He's here on the bus and surrounds me and wants all of me. Why would I look to anything or anyone else?
So here are the things I'm thankful for right now:
- I'm sitting next to people I know so I can lean on them.
- I brought my sleeping bag liner so I have something to wrap my body.
- My iPod has an incredible battery life, and has a sweet worship music playlist on it.
- I can see the stars in South Africa and they're GORGEOUS.
- The bus is moving and I'm getting closer to my location each minute.
- I'm safe.
- I haven't caught any sickness yet.
- We were able to stop and get food and go to the bathroom during the flat tire, because there isn't a bathroom on the bus.
- My squadmate lent me her cardigan and scarf which are keeping me warm too.
- That it's almost sunrise time and I get to watch.
- That because I'm getting wind blown on me I have fresh air and don't have to smell the bus (which is rank).
5:45 AM: I swear Jesus just put me to sleep after writing that, because I just passed out for a little over an hour, and woke up to the chorus of “It is Well With My Soul” just as the sun started to rise.
10 AM: We got to the customs and border check, which is where we purchase our visas for Zimbabwe. As the team leader, this is my job, to get everyone through and paid for. I felt like I was faking having it all together…but we managed to get them and all of us through, thank the Lord. It also only took about 2 and a half hours. It normally takes from 4-6 hours to pass the border.
1:30 PM: One of my squadmates, Jochem, just convinced our bus driver to buy our entire bus food for free. The driver had promised it to us earlier, I think as a joke, but Jochem made him stay accountable to it! We just finished eating a meal of fries and fried chicken, "Zimbabwe style." It reminded me a lot of Chic-Fil-A, but it had a packet of neon red liquid "tomato sauce" that went with it. Yummy. We still have about 6-8 hours of driving left. We also just found out that our ministry site in Bulawayo is still about 5 and a half hours past Harare, so we could have more travel time after this too! What's five more hours of this though?
5 PM: Still on the road. Saw my first wild giraffe.
7:30 PM: African sunsets are SICK.
Midnight: We got into Harare and arrived at the sketchiest bus station ever, but our contact, Brian, was waiting for us and had a van for us. We strategically got our bags without getting them stolen, and then packed all 15 of us with gear into an 8-person van.
When we got to our host's house, we found that they had waited up for us and had prepared us a hot African meal with chocolate muffin tops for dessert. It was SO delicious and they are so wonderful. It made the entire trip worth it. They also let us know that we would be staying with them in Harare for the weekend so we could rest and recover (and play with the cutest kids in an African village where the host planted a church/school). I can't wait to share pictures with everyone, once my internet is up, because this has been such a wild adventure and I'm pumped to tell you all more about it!
Welcome to the World Race, P31 :).
