We left the capital while it was still dark to hopefully avoid the stressful, unending congestion that begins at sunrise. By God’s grace we made no wrong turns and left the city without any complications. From there we had another 10 hours of driving, but I was excited to hear that the next 7 and half hours would be spent on a paved road! I should also mention that just because it was a paved road, didn’t mean there weren’t massive holes, pits, bumps, ruts, and sections missing altogether. Because of the road conditions and traffic our speed varied between 10mph and 50mph.
Although driving all day isn’t my idea of a great time, there were some definite highlights. First of all, the country side is beautiful! We passed over and through forest covered mountains, during which we occasionally had glimpses of the huge valleys and three or four overlapping mountains in the distance. Second, the weather could not have been more perfect. With windows rolled down half way the breeze kept us cool, despite our close proximity to each other. Although it was slightly hazy outside, the dust and smoke (from the burning of the underbrush) did not bother us one bit. Third, as we passed though villages and small road-side markets, I was continually reminded of just how many of God’s children are here and need to hear His good news. When we did stop to buy pineapples, eggplants, cabbage, carrots, bread, and charcoal, it was an amazing introduction to how the African woman and children would interact with me (as well as learn how “white person” was said in the many languages through the country). Lastly, when we did reach the dirt road we learned that half of it had been grated (much like cheese) until smooth, which allowed us to travel much more quickly. At this time we rolled up the windows and tried out our AC, which was worked on while we were in the capital, and we were thrilled to find that it worked!
As we passed through the last village standing between us and our destination, instead of a friendly wave or smile, I started to receive looks of confusion and shock when I waved to the bystanders along the road. We realized this was probably due to me not having my head covered. I’d planned for this and had packed my headscarf within easy reach; however, I had no idea how to put it on. So with no women in the car, I just made it up (in my opinion I looked more like something a pirate would wear instead of an African woman).
We arrived just as the other missionaries started church, which was gladly paused in order to come out and greet me. And wow was I greeted. Everyone was so excited that I was there! And as the Litsey kids introduced themselves, their personalities were also revealed (although slightly hyper). Once I receive a tour of the house I’ll be living in for the next 3 months, we had an American church service (with 6 adults and 9 kids), and then we headed to the Litseys’ home where we unloaded the car and had dinner. After our meal, which was full of questions and stories, the family opened the mail and care packages we picked up while we were in the capital. Then it was time for bucket showers (where in order to get clean you use a bucket of water, a cup, and a washcloth) and bed. The first night I in the village I stayed with the family in their home. The last thing I will say about my journey into the country is that the evenings and first few hours in the morning are cold (even though the afternoon and evening hours are warm/hot) so much so that I need my jacket until after lunch on Monday.
This week I get to observe the family, school, and general life in the village. Very soon though, I will begin teaching (or perhaps a more accurate description of what I’ll be doing is reading, learning and then teaching) the five younger children Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, Math and eventually French.
Your prayers are so very much appreciated and evident. Please continue to pray for patience- as I wait to begin teaching, as I learn the local language and culture, and as I interact with and find my role within this family. Also, please pray that I allow myself to miss and pray for my friends and family, but that God would also move me past the sadness and allow me to continually be reminded of my purpose for being here.
Thank you again and again. You made it possible for me to get here and are the reason I am able to stay.
Indebted to Christ and His Will,
Julie
