Into the Wilds of Tanzania

Wednesday – August 25, 2010

On the road again... We were up and going early again this morning. Our bus from Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha, Tanzania was scheduled to leave at 8:00am. Charles said he would be at the Southern Blue to pick us up at 7:30. But before we left we had some things to take care of. We had to get four bags of Mike’s put in storage. Since there will be five of us traveling together, we want to carry as little extra baggage as possible. So we stored the bags that contained items for Etago and Mois Bridge and took only the things that would be needed in Tanzania.

Charles was a little late this morning and we were a little concerned that we might not make our bus. When he finally arrived it was only 5 minutes to eight, and traffic was pretty thick. But we made it to the bus stop before they were ready to go. We unloaded our bags from the car and handed them up to the top of the bus to be tied down for the trip. Then we piled on to the bus and settled in at the back of the bus. Russ and I have taken this shuttle several times in the past few years and it is very comfortable compared to other means of transportation.

A view of a small town along the "Arusha Road" with chickens for sale. Chicken anyone?

After making a stop for fuel and to pick up a couple more passengers, we finally got on the road. We left at about 8:45am for the 7 hour trip to Arusha. The first year I came to East Africa, the roads here were very poor. In the years since they have been in the process of rebuilding most of the main roads in Kenya and Tanzania. The road from Nairobi to Arusha is one that has been under construction. It was much better this year, but still has a great deal that is not finished. In those areas where they are still working on the road, we have to take diversions over rough ground and it rattles the bones inside your body! It is slow going, but maybe by next year they will be finished with this road.

Our shuttle ride from Nairobi to Arusha. Stephen, Mike and Todd pictured.

We had no trouble crossing the border into Tanzania, although I was disappointed that the road on the Tanzania side was now under construction as well! Maybe next year is a bit optimistic....

We arrived in Arusha a little after 3:00pm and got off at our usual Arusha residence, the Eland Motel. We had made arrangements to stay at a different hotel this year which was cheaper and advertized better accommodations than what we have been getting at the Eland. Pastor Jeremiah was planning to pick us up, so we enjoyed a Coke at the Eland while we waited for him to arrive. We were all hot and dusty after the bus ride and enjoyed the cold drink.

As you can see, we were all eager to get off the bus at the Eland Hotel in Arusha. "Karibu" means "welcome" in Swahili.

Jeremiah finally arrived and took us in two shifts to our new residence, the Caanan Hotel. We checked in and settled in to our rooms, while we waited for Jeremiah to pick up Pastor Malyi. When they arrived we discussed our schedule for the week and the current seminary building situation in Himo, Tanzania. It seems that things are leaning in favor of our getting the building back, but we will see how things play out. We ask for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming week, that His name may be furthered through the proclamation of His salvation!

In Christ,

Nathanael

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2