Thursday afternoon I went to the other end of the city to visit colleagues for the evening. We had a committee meeting for the conference we're having later on this month. I spent the night.
Now about Friday morning. I ate breakfast, finished using the internet and then started my drive across town. My objective was to go to a new "American Store" in town and then to the main grocery store. I knew that there was a large hole in the road going into that part of town so I took the "express...NOT..." way to another cross road to get back to the road I wanted. As I was going into town all the traffic got diverted away from that road. I did not know what was ahead. Cars were bumper to bumper. It took at least a half hour to go several blocks. I wanted to get back down to the main road that goes along the waterfront but kept going parallel to it. Then I finally got a view of what looked like a marching band where I wanted to go, a parade! I decided to turn to the right and worm my way, eventually going north again, but the roads do NOT go north and south. They seem to go in circles.
I got royally LOST in winding roads, in a mixture of residential and business areas. It was noon so the sun was straight up and I didn't know if I was going North or South. I just knew if I made the choice to go on a road that led DOWN a hill, it would likely lead me back to where the parade was! Eventually I got to exactly where I did NOT want to be, near the busiest open market in town! I was lost though because I would get to an intersection and have NO idea which way to turn. I have never been so lost in the city before. Normally I AVOID this section of town but I had no choice today.
Finally, after sitting for awhile at one long line before an intersection I asked two men who were walking by to tell me which direction I should turn to get to Mbolo, the store I was aiming for. They said, "Left". When I got to the corner I found a policeman directing traffic. I asked him and he said "RIGHT". I went Right! I did get to a familiar intersection and I was able to make my way to Mbolo, arriving about 15 minutes later. I had been SAVED by the Policeman who directed me in the correct direction. He was an answer to my prayers!
I made it home to the guest house safely. With all that traffic, cars going in and out with very little semblance of lanes, there was much potential of having an accident but the Lord helped me through it all and kept me and my car SAFE. Thank you Lord!
In town they got to try some BBQ chicken wings from the vendor in front of the local Barak Obama Restaurant. We also ate at the Ditchi Restaurant to celebrate the Eric Hofman and my Birthdays. Eric grew up in OMAHA!
On Sunday August 15th we went to the Nzoundou Chapel where Dave shared some thoughts and then Larry preached. Four young people accepted Christ that day. Larry Prayed for them after they had done so. Larry and Dave also met one of the Village Chiefs, Inono.