Nshima, Dramamine, & Squatty Potties

Mulishani friends!

These have been some of the most eventful days of my life, and half of them have been spent in the air or on the road. I feel like the title sums up the beginning of this journey well. I experienced nshima for the first time on Thursday. Despite the horror stories, I found it quite delightful if eaten in moderation. It’s like mashed potatoes meets sticky rice with the flavor of grits and the consistency of play dough. Yum ;) Really though, nshima and beans was pretty good for my first meal here in Africa.

Dramamine was my best friend for the 16-hour bus ride to Lake Tanganyika. The bus ride really made me feel like I was in Africa. Us Musungus (white people) were quite the buzz when we arrived. It is most likely due to the fact that we were the only Musungus on the bus. The things that set the scene were the venders. No amount of literature can prepare you for that! They had anything from socks to wigs to steering wheels. (Why you need a steering wheel or a wig on a bus? Who knows?). The experience was one for the record books.

All this is of course leading up to the squatty potty, because I’m sure you’re wondering about that by now. After about five hours of traveling, our first stop was a much-needed one. We join the crowd off the bus and get in line for the bathroom (keep in mind its dark outside by now). The line is pretty long for the 10-minute stop, so we see the other bathroom open across the road. For the sake of time, we walk over to them only to find that these bathrooms are a stall with a toilet. Except the toilet is flat….against the ground. Well, there was no turning back. No explanation needed. All of us made it back to the bus in one piece with a good laugh and that’s really what matters :)

We arrived here at the base on Friday morning (yes we left on Tuesday). The jet lag, bus lag, and other lags were all worth it when I got my first look at Lake Tanganyika. I can even see it from my room (how cool is that?). Since arriving I have had some pretty awesome experiences. Kayaking on the lake (yes mom, I really did it), going to market, and church have just been a few. I’m amazed at how much God has done already in my heart through the people here. Cultural walls have been broken down, and a love for God’s global kingdom has been built deep in my heart.

Thanks to Whitney, I’ve been picking up some Bemba. It’s only a few words and phrases, but it’s a start! I can’t begin to thank all the people who made it possible for me to come here. Know that your support and prayer are not in vain; rather they are a huge part of my adventure with Jesus. A glorious adventure with Jesus (badum-tiss….I couldn’t resist). 

Talk to y’all soon

Bri