We have arrived and all is well!
After another night on the airplane we finally arrived in the CONGO! How great it is! We were met by the branch president and two of the elders. We had to go through immigration. The officer asked my address, and I must have looked stricken, because I don't have an address. Then he saw my nametag, and smiled and pointed to my badge and said "Missionary" and waived me through. We got our luggage and then stepped outside.
It feels like Hawaii... humid and warm, but it looks like an African city. It is different than Tijuana or Jamaica... it is just a very busy small city with thousands of blue and white taxis and blue and yellow minibuses and very narrow roads. A few of the roads are paved, but most are just dirt roads.
We have a small turquoise Toyota pickup.
I wondered why it had so many scratches on it. I now know why. Dad describes driving in the traffic as reminding him of driving the bumper cars at an amusement park. He is holding his own, but it is quite an experience.
We went out to eat for our first night with some of our elders. We are getting 3 more this week for a total of 12! They are darling and excited to have us here. Most of them speak some English, but one is totally just French.
My eyes teared up seeing those missionaries surrounding you. I am sure you are a great blessing to them. How exciting and I just love reading all the details you guys are experiencing.Be safe and Ed should be used to driving a truck with lots of scratches;)
ReplyDeleteLove Christel
I know it probably sounds dumb, but I just started bawling with this post. You are there... on your own AMAZING RACE. Those missionaries totally shine. I am so thrilled for you to have this experience.
ReplyDeleteCharise
Zing from Christel on Dad's driving! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe bumper cars mentality sounds good because sometimes I wouldn't mind bumping the guy who cuts me off.