Sunday at 5 pm, we were finally in the car and ready for the drive home. We had come to the village of Bukuba the night before and had stayed for the Sunday meetings and the recognition of a new elder for the assembly. After a filling lunch of rice, beans, spinach and Coke, we said our good-byes and packed in the car (6 adults and 3 kids). We waved good-bye as we drove off, and continued to wave at the people in the village as we drove by some shops. Then came the mud pit. Luke slowed down a bit, wondering which was the best way to cross, and seeing that it was bad everywhere he went straight ahead. We didn't even get half way thru before we were in too deep for the wheels to grip.
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| Our Toyota stuck in the mud. |
Everybody came running to the mud pit and clucked their tongues as they watched from a distance. The two men in the car with us were town folk and never budged. They just rolled down their windows and yelled out instructions to those who were near: "Go call so-and-so, go get planks..." Luke was the first with his shoes off, pants rolled up and shoveling some mud before other men reluctantly came to see what could be done. Once some planks of wood were set in front of the tires and a failed attempt at getting the tires to grip, more men plunged into the muck and gave a helping hand.
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| Successfully out of the mud. Now... to go back in another way. |
Going back was the only other option. Lots of shoveling and moving the mud away as planks were set as close to the tires as possible. The rest of us ladies and kids got out of the car. Men were pushing and others were pulling as Luke carefully backed up. This time the tires griped and the men managed to get our Toyota out of the mud. Thankfully no one was hurt!
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| Going around the mud pit but still needing a push. |
Everyone had their opinion as to what was the best way around the mud pit. After inspecting and deciding on a route, Luke was back in the car driving as far around as he could. The tires began to spin once again, but they weren't stuck too deep, so a quick push from the men who were close by, and the car was back in motion.
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| Safely home. Thank you Lord! |
We were sure happy to be on our way again. It was 6 pm when we all got back in the car. Luke left some Tz shillings with a fellow believer to "thank" some of the men who had helped. And I (Gina) made sure everyone hosed their feet down before going in the house!
Hello Gina, I have enjoyed so much looking at your pictures and reading about your ministry. It is easy to tell your love for the Tanzanian. some of your post remind me of those road trip we use to take in Bolivia.
ReplyDeleteOur years of serving over seas have come to an end but God is still using us in a stateside ministry with New Tribes. We now live in California and serving in five other states as the member care contact for New Tribes. We travel too but do not face anything like you guys do. Thank God for couples such as you and Luke who willingly give your lives to live not for yourselves but for the glory of God. It will be worth it all when you see Jesus. Blessings.