Monday, May 21, 2007

Mud and Monkeys


We got stuck in the mud today. Sunk the back right wheel almost to the axle and had to use the winch to pull ourselves out. Ha ha! What a silly way to start the day. It looks so normal to me to see Byron working on getting out of a mud hole.

Trevor was totally chuffed about it. In the deepest part of his brain lie layers and layers of memories of mud holes we have been stuck in through the years. As we climbed back into the car he said "Well, it's been a great morning so far!"

If the winching from the mud made him happy, the monkeys in the trees above us made me smile. Too many times in Europe I would see a little movement in a tree and expect a monkey to be the movement-maker. So I was glad to see the little Vervet looking down at me.

Since we got here on Tuesday evening last we've looked at 19 houses, opened a bank account, filled out the paper work for driver's licenses, explored the tiny grocery store a few times, sent off official documents to Dar es Salaam so that our shipments can clear when they get into port, met about a-bazillion people, had two over-night guests and successfully imported one cheeky Jack Russell terrier into the country.

I think that's pretty good for the first week :-)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! This is all soooo exciting! I can't believe you have monkeys in your neighborhood! I can't even imagine! So cool!!!

Rachel said...

Wild monkeys? My imagination is reeling with the images. There were some of those in one city I went to in Japan, but they were kind of mean. How big are your monkeys? Are they nice? : )

lisa said...

The monkeys are very cute and Wikipedia says males range from 45-85cm in height and up to 7.5 kilos. Females are a bit smaller. Most monkeys are thieves and quite ill behaved (though very fun to watch) if they live in close contact with humans. They steal fruit off the tables and even the sugar packets off the cafe tables at hotels. Very cute to look at but we always told our kids not to try to go near them.

Carrie said...

Sounds like a wonderfully African week! I'm glad you've been able to accomplish so much!

On the monkey front, they can be quite cheeky! Once at the coast, one actually jumped on my lap in the dining area to steal my toast! Shocking, but entertaining for all those around me!

Blessings on you guys! We're still praying!

Anonymous said...

I have been waiting to hear news about Charlotte. That's just great! Going through all the hoops to transport your dog is no small feat.

I've been praying that you will find a house that feels like you've come home when you walk in.
Beautiful, safe, clean and maybe with a view. Talk to God about the specific details that you'd like in a house and let's see what He does!
XOXO

Jenelle said...

Holy Mother of Pearl! Look at you, stuck in the mud, playing with monkeys! You have done so so much this week...I'm not being sarcastic, I'm serious. Ok, I have to go back to working now...

Anonymous said...

Lisa

So glad that settling in is going so well; you finaly sound like you're in your element again!
Every blessing...

a

Anonymous said...

Wow Lisa - it is great to read that you are there and experiencing it all. We look forward to seeing how God meets you with homes and such. Hugs to all of your kids and hubby from Steigerwalds in Stumptown.

Anonymous said...

Wow, monkies and mud holes, it sounds ssuch a romantically long way from England (though I'm sure Byron may not feel that romantic is the right word :) Lots of love and prayers going out to you guys, xc

Juan José Zabala Calderón said...

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Unknown said...

Wow, great week so far...awesome! I'm a new reader here. My husband just read your article in the Discipleship Journal, and it was such an encouragement to him, and he was wondering how he might email you. Our email is baertfamily@yahoo.com if you have a minute to send us your email address.

Thanks so much and we'll keep you all in prayer.

In Christ,

Carrie