Flexibility
As we were reminded, "Blessed are the flexible for they will not break". I guess you could say that we're not broken...at least not yet.
Surprisingly we find ourselves in an internet cafe again rather than the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. We did actually make it to Kigoma.....only our bags didn't! Which means no bathing suits, shorts, food.....basically we have nothing with us but the clothes on our bodies and our cameras which we had on the plane with us. The 'best' part is that they intentionally left them behind and didn't tell us until we got here. They didn't have enough fuel to get us to our destination so they offset that by getting rid of weight which included our luggage. Some of the locals found out about this before we took off and brought their bags with them on the plane (which kinda defeats the purpose). We have been promised they will come today, but I have little hope in promises. We've been praying that they'll come soon.
The whole situation just seems so ironic. We thought we were eliminating the risks of not getting here in time and traveling with a bit more "certainty". Whether God is just displaying his sense of humor, or whether this is just "the African way" we're not sure, but we're trying to stay positive about it all. We didn't know if we should laugh, cry or scream yesterday when we found out. And, for a person who doesn't like change, I've been stretched a lot. Change and unexpected circumstances are a very common occurance here.
Today we are trying to get some things straightened out in town and as long as our bags come we should have some good relaxing times ahead of us yet. We're doing our own cooking here so we stocked up on fruit and vegetables in the market yesterday. On our way to the beach house with all of our groceries, our taxi driver got a flat tire (not surprising considering the road conditions here, and the condition of his tires), so we quickly had a group of 20 kids around us watching as the flat tire was being fixed. They would all come up and touch my arms, and run away laughing. Then they would come and touch my hair. When I held out my hand to shake theirs they were really excited and I had about 20 kids hanging on my arm.
Well, we'll survive, bags or not, we just really hope they come today!
Surprisingly we find ourselves in an internet cafe again rather than the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. We did actually make it to Kigoma.....only our bags didn't! Which means no bathing suits, shorts, food.....basically we have nothing with us but the clothes on our bodies and our cameras which we had on the plane with us. The 'best' part is that they intentionally left them behind and didn't tell us until we got here. They didn't have enough fuel to get us to our destination so they offset that by getting rid of weight which included our luggage. Some of the locals found out about this before we took off and brought their bags with them on the plane (which kinda defeats the purpose). We have been promised they will come today, but I have little hope in promises. We've been praying that they'll come soon.
The whole situation just seems so ironic. We thought we were eliminating the risks of not getting here in time and traveling with a bit more "certainty". Whether God is just displaying his sense of humor, or whether this is just "the African way" we're not sure, but we're trying to stay positive about it all. We didn't know if we should laugh, cry or scream yesterday when we found out. And, for a person who doesn't like change, I've been stretched a lot. Change and unexpected circumstances are a very common occurance here.
Today we are trying to get some things straightened out in town and as long as our bags come we should have some good relaxing times ahead of us yet. We're doing our own cooking here so we stocked up on fruit and vegetables in the market yesterday. On our way to the beach house with all of our groceries, our taxi driver got a flat tire (not surprising considering the road conditions here, and the condition of his tires), so we quickly had a group of 20 kids around us watching as the flat tire was being fixed. They would all come up and touch my arms, and run away laughing. Then they would come and touch my hair. When I held out my hand to shake theirs they were really excited and I had about 20 kids hanging on my arm.
Well, we'll survive, bags or not, we just really hope they come today!
posted by Brian and Erin at 2:55 AM
5 Comments:
Brian and Erin, we're sorry to hear about your crisis with the luggage. Hope to hear a good report of your getting everything back in good order. When you spoke of having nothing more than what you're wearing, I had to think of how that's the life-long experience of so many millions Africans, without the resources (credit cards!) to remedy their lives.
Good Morning to you both. It is great to hear the stories that you send us. I hope by now that you have your luggage. Looking forward to hearing more and that March is getting closer because we miss you both. Keeping you in our prayers. love MOM and the rest of the family.
Hey Brian & Erin- Just wanted to say hello- just returned this week from being in Florida as a family- had a great time together even on the 24hr+ drives with 3 little ones (ok maybe not as enjoyable as the rest but we made it!) So good to catch up on what you guys have been up to! We continue to pray for you, your health & safety and that you continue to enjoy and take in all that God has for you on this adventure! We love you both! Love, Wes & Briar, Kaityn, Berlin & Rowan
Hi Erin and Brian:
I hope you have luggage and clean undies!!! Your patience level must be right up there by now. If it was me, my blood pressure would be thru the roof. Hope you can enjoy this stop-over.
Love Terri & Cynthia
Hey Brian & Erin,
We just found out about your blog! It is crazy to hear what is happening and we are praying for you both! We are sure you know that God is certainly looking out for you two and has many excellent things in store for your trip. We hope to hear lots more!
Love Matt, Elise, Tristan (and Baby Boy #2)
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