(written September 4, 2011)
This afternoon we’re experiencing quite the rain storm. The kids brought me up to the balcony and we just stood and watched the storm. What a beautiful sight to watch! And to think that God controls those storms. What a great and powerful God we serve!
Yesterday I was able to go to the market once again. I definitely felt more comfortable this time. Carol had given me a list of the food she needed with the prices that she wanted to pay. It was nice to know what to expect to pay for each item. Some of the vendors remembered me from last week. Both ladies use many of the same vendors, so I can usually trust their prices to be fair. This week I had to get some items from a boutique. One of them pointed me to the “big indoor market” and said she would meet me there after she got her meat. I went toward the “big store” but stopped before I got inside. The inside was really no bigger than our kitchen at home. There was a counter directly in front of the door and then shelves filled with goods. I turned around, thinking that surely this wasn’t the “big store” she was referring to.
Well, come to find out, that was the right store. We were able to get nearly all of the canned items and dry goods that we needed. Generally any fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish are bought at the outdoor market. Everything else (flour, sugar, rice, oil, mayonnaise and such) would be purchased from the “big store” (or boutique).
The only downfall to my market experience this week was the mud that was everywhere. It has been rainy so much lately that there were puddles all over the street. My skirt and flip flops were both covered by the time I got back. I thought about taking a picture of my flip flops, but they didn’t look as incredibly dirty by the time they were dry.
On the way home from the market, I saw quite the sight. One lady stopped off at an MTN kiosk to add minutes to her phone. (MTN is one of the main cell phone suppliers in the area.) The kiosk was by the bus station, so I sat and enjoyed the commotion. All of a sudden I heard a bleating noise. Finally, I located the source of the sound … on top of a van. Apparently, someone wanted to bring his goats on a trip with him. Several goats were tied to the roof of a van. One by one they were tossed up to the roof where an attendant then tied them down. I can only imagine the ride they would then experience! It was one of those times that I just wished I had my camera with me.
Yesterday, I also began learning how to drive a stick shift. I can honestly say that I never imagine driving lessons on African dirt roads. Thankfully, my teacher is a very patient, understanding teacher. I stalled the vehicle more times than I can count. She had to keep reminding me to feather the pedals. I think I fell asleep thinking of the proper footwork to engage the clutch and the gas. Hopefully future lessons go much more smoothly!
