Life in Africa continues with many unexpected twists and turns. The expected twists include things such as regular power outages and car trouble. The unexpected bring more excitement to the daily routine.
Yesterday morning I was able to go to the market with Rachel to buy food for the Loeschers. Thankfully Rachel was there to help me out—actually, she did the shopping, I just followed her. All African outdoor markets are probably fairly similar in most ways—crowds of people, unfamiliar scents, and food and wares at uncommonly low prices. On the plus side, most vendors at this market spoke French, so I could converse to a certain extent with them. I didn’t have to do any bartering because Rachel took me to her normal vendors. She knows the reasonable prices for each item, and they know her. The most disturbing sight of the morning lay on the ground in front of the butcher, bringing a new dimension to the concept of fresh meat. The meat we purchased was most definitely fresh, as evidenced by the cow skin we carefully stepped around.
Leaving the market, we passed by the palace of the local tribe’s sultan. As we approached the palace, several men motioned traffic to stop. Several vehicles exited the palace, including one carrying the sultan. The missionaries said it’s pretty rare to see the sultan, so I guess that was a big experience.
Later in the afternoon, as I sat on my bed reading, I heard Walter call to his son, “Eddie, come quick. Lady fell into a well.” I have to admit that at first I thought he said “a lady fell into the well.” He actually was referring to their dog. Carol, who had been walking with Lady, came back to the house for ropes and the car. Getting the car was not quite an easy task as the car had to be jump started. Carol angled the car to roll down the hill in order to start it, but the car couldn’t get over some rather large bumps. So Carolyn and I rocked the car until we got it past the bumps. The car was not light.
Eddie ended up being the hero of the day when he was rappelled into the well to help Lady out. He quite enjoyed the experience and all of the ensuing attention. This afternoon I heard him ask his dad if he could go back into the hole.
Our adventures continued into today, with us awaking to the power being out. The only real inconvenience to having no power during the day is having to use the restroom in the dark. Thankfully the solution to that inconvenience simply involves a flashlight.
This morning, I braved my first walk to church (which is also the school building). The walk involves downhill and uphill jaunts both going and coming. Much sweat (but thankfully no tears) was involved in the process. Needless to say, I was definitely out of breath when we arrived at church.
Unexpected challenges occur each and every day. I’m thankful for the great example all the families are of handling difficult inconveniences and challenges. But most of all, I’m thankful for a God who knows of this difficulties before they even happen. I’m privileged to be able to serve the sovereign God each and every day!
