One of the perks of traveling the world on a
limited budget, is that you get very… let’s just say, “memorable”
travel days. We have made countless memories traveling between countries so
far, many of them blog- worthy, however until now, I just hadn’t gotten around
to documenting them in a blog. Discussing with a team member only hours prior
to our infamous Morogoro van ride today, I mentioned how Africa has held up to
its name for me. Little did I know, it had something yet to prove.
“It’s a one hour drive…only 50
kilometers,” said Pastor. “Sure” we all thought, knowing in
reality it would be at least three hours. And yes, it did take exactly 3 hours.
See, 50 kilometers is not that far, however when you travel by Dala- dala (18
passenger vans) life travels at a much slower pace. The more passengers you
pick up, the more money you make. I have come to believe there are no limits
when wondering how many people/ items can fit in an “eighteen passenger
van.”
The day started out with 11 of us and our bags.
We noticed our van made a very high pitched noise as it accelerated. So loud in
fact, that I had to cover my ears and any attempt at conversation was ruined.
Then, a man with a live chicken came and sat beside me ( I emphasize the live
part because 1) the poor guy ended up getting pooped on during the three
hour ride and 2) whenever the van coasted and the engine wasn’t making it awful
noise, I could hear it clucking beside me). Half an hour later we found
ourselves in a TIA situation (This Is Africa for those of you who don’t know).
Our van contained: 27 adults, one live chicken, 3 sacks of maize, 3 sacks of
potatoes, one bed frame, one mattress and one bicylce tied to the back of the
van, our 11 overnight bags, tents, sleeping pads, plus another 3 duffel bags
another passenger carried on. We were tight to say the least. We all had a good
attitude about it, yet another memory to share.
So although you couldn’t be there, I thought I
would share the memory with you and add a few pictures as well, even though
they truly do not give it justice.
This is just one of the daily life things we have
been able to experience this year in visiting new cultures. It’s crazy to think
what things we have already become accustomed to. In it all we remember that
God is good and these memories are yet another blessing (whether it’s the
memory that is a blessing, or just having survived the experience). With it
nearing the end of month ten, I am beginning to realize how precious these
memories will be in just a little time. 🙂
Then, we added 20 more adults!
The troopers in the back (prior to more bags and people.)
