On the way to the airport I was almost arrested. In the bus I saw an old fashion coke truck, I decided to take a picture. A few minutes later our bus was pulled over by three men with rifles. They asked who took a picture while looking directly at me. Oh shoot! Even though they knew it was me, I nervously raised my hand. They told me to grab my camera and get out of the bus. At first I thought how in the world did they see me they must have eyes everywhere! Then I thought oh no there goes my camera. I quickly realized this was much more serious than having my camera taken from me. The head officer told me to grab my passport. He took my passport and began speaking into his walky-talky. As men talked back and forth on the walky-talkies I realized I may be going to jail in Ethiopia. Then it hit me, I am a Christian missionary in an Arabic country; this isn’t good. Although I was terrified and shaking with fear I was very polite and explained what I was taking a picture of and didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to take pictures. While I was outside with the officers I had 14 prayer warriors on the inside. His attitude changed from angry and scary to firm. He handed me back both my passport and my camera and said, “No pictures in Ethiopia!” Then he let me get back on the bus. Although I was relieved my adrenaline was pumping! I am so thankful I have God on my side.
