4-wheeling for Jesus

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

In Mwanza for a week.

To get to Mwanza from Kigoma you head north for about 6 hours and then north-east for the following 4 hours. At the end of your long and hot drive you get to Lake Victoria, hopefully in time for the ferry and not after 6 pm when the ferries no longer operate. This was our first time going on this particular crossing so we were pleasantly surprised at how big and "nice" the ferries were.

Ferry crossing on Lake Victoria.

We arrived in Mwanza just before 7 pm (Monday, March 5) and our friend Jonny Jeremia took us to his house for a hot meal. We climbed up the side of a mountain, walking past homes in single file: up, up, up. His front porch is used for the meetings, so tarps were set up all around to provide shade and protection from the wind.

Luke teaching the small group of believers.

Luke taught for 4 days. The first two days was an overview of the Bible, the third day was the teaching on love, and the fourth day was God's plan for the church. The believers were eagerly taking notes and asking questions at the end of each session. They were all so grateful that Luke had come to visit and made time for teaching them. Luke was tired at the end of the sessions which lasted until 3 pm every day. Being in the big city had us doing other things like shopping and getting our car tuned up, so our days were full.

Jonny's house is on the left.

The girls did a great job of entertaining themselves and climbing rocks and finding "treasure" in the midst of the trash. Esther had a fun time playing with all the other kids once she got used to them.

City of Mwanza

Mwanza is the second biggest city in Tanzania, after Dar Es Salaam. It lies on the shores of the big Lake Victoria, which also borders the countries of Kenya and Uganda.
On Saturday we drove to another neighborhood in Mwanza to visit a second "church" that's just getting started. It would have been faster to walk, the roads for vehicles do a long round-about due to so many boulders.

Large rocks are distinctive of Mwanza. People build around them or on them.

During the week, there was an Evangelistic Conference taking place very close to where we were staying. We could hear the pentecostal preacher (from America) and watch the famous Rose Muhando sing. Thousands came every afternoon and stood in the open field to watch the show.

Storks on tree tops are also listening.

Daddy with little blondie.

Tilapia fish from Lake Victoria.

Finding time to relax and enjoy our two girls.

Enjoying an evening at the fancy hotel. Fishermen are heading out at dusk.

Emily is 18 months old!

Esther on a ferry, crossing Lake Victoria.