African Adventures
An adventure is the only word that will describe today! It started out like any other Sunday, well not exactly. This Sunday we had power!! We were headed to the village of Igekemaja for services when Bill noticed a light was on. He checked the emergency brake, but it was down. Then the steering and clutch were stiff. He pulled the car off the road so we could turn around and go back home. As he did so I quickly called our co-worker, Lisa Newland. She was almost to Igekemaja but graciously turned around so she could give us a ride to church. Bill was preaching, so it wasn't like we could just cancel.
Our plan was to drive to our mechanic's shop and leave the car there while Lisa took us to church. However, by this time, Bill had discovered it was the fan belt and the car was overheating. The car was acting worse so we pulled into a gas station to call our mechanic. The mechanic told us we shouldn't drive the car, but should find someone nearby who could replace the belt. About that time we see another co-worker, Ray Weekly, passing us. We flagged him down and he, along with assistant pastor, Pelegrino, helped us find a mechanic who could replace the broken belt. Pelegrino was also able to call a church deacon to preach for Bill. With our bases covered, we waited while two men replaced the broken belt.
As we waited I told Bill that Mlango Moja (flea market type place) was across the street and I needed shoes for Abby. She and I walked over, and within 15 minutes not only bought a pair for Abby, but for myself as well! This was a task I needed to get done later in the week, so I was thrilled to be able to use my time wisely while we waited.
We had to pay a whopping big bill of $13.00 (and John and Romans booklets) for a new belt and labor charges!! Can't beat those prices; and especially considering it was roadside service on a Sunday!
We still had time to make it to the service in Igoma so we headed that way. Pastor Gervasi preached out of Revelation 2:1-7. It was a great message on losing your first love. This service was a great blessing to us after the months of struggles it had just last year. When we returned from furlough they were running around 10. Today there were about 50. Many of whom are new converts!
After church we went to the New Mwanza Hotel for lunch. As we were leaving, Jon gave the guard a naan (Indian bread with butter and garlic) as well as a John and Romans booklet. As we drove off he sat there reading it. So unlike America where they throw them down.
Now for a laugh... As we were heading home I saw this man walking toward us. I did a double-take and confirmed that yes, he was wearing a pair of underwear on his head! You just gotta laugh!!
We pulled onto our street and stopped to buy some phone cards. A man was there with his bike loaded down with water. He couldn't get up the hill so he asked Jon if he would help. After buying the phone cards Jon helped him push his bike up the hill. What a blessing to see our now grown son helping this man!
As you can see, today was full of adventures! Life never gets boring in Tanzania!!