Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Streets of Lubumbashi

There is no place on earth like the Congo.  Each city has millions of people.  So to help you picture this, I have tried to take photos and a video or two of the Lubumbashi roads, most of which are unpaved.  Keep in mind, there is 90 % unemployment and maybe 3% own cars.  The old VW bus-like vehicles are called transports and they are like the bus system.  They are vehicles made for 8 at the most but the Congolese pack in 20 at least.  The drivers are crazy.  There are no lines on the roads, so if traffic is heavy in one direction the two way roads all of the sudden have four very tight lanes with three going one way.  Drivers don't stay in the imaginary lanes anyway. They knock each others rear veiw mirrors off to go faster. The moneychanger inside of each one jumps in and out whenever someone needs to be let out.  There are no set stops.  You take your life into your own hands.  The Police officers are to be feared and only seem to cause alot of trouble.  They love to stop white people but thank goodness they respect the "missionaries". The majority of people walk everywhere. Bicycles are usually used to transport goods, a business vehicle much more than it is for transportation.
People are dressed in all types of attire from modern to traditional African clothing.
Each individual you see here is a beloved child of our Heavenly Father.  They are searching for the truth, just like each of us are.  They want to know who they are, why they are here and where they are going.  Never take for granted the love you have been given. Share it generously.

7 comments:

  1. Wow Mama! Be careful while you are driving. It sounds crazy. Once again, thank you for the great pictures and video. We love you both so much!

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  2. Arya: Grammy and Papa!
    Me: Yes, this is where they live right now, in Lubumbashi. In Africa!
    Arya: I REALLY want to go to Boombashi... Lubashi... Lubumbashi! To see Grammy and Paw Paw!
    She's been repeating "I really want to go to Lubumbashi." Over and over for the past 5 minutes!
    We love you!!!

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  3. looks like you are just the right person to carry on the work. Saints all around you!

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  4. Real eye opening pictures and video. Definitely a different culture. Be strong and press forward with a steadfastness in Christ.

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  5. Wow, thanks for sharing. It's more modern than I imagined it to be, and sometimes that doesn't make it any safer. We are thinking of you.
    Love you!

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  6. Unbelievable! You really are on the other side of the world!! It's such a mixture of modern and traditional in dress and architecture. Fascinating! So thankful the police respect the missionaries...I call that a tender mercy. Love you both! Susan

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  7. That is all so great to see. It is actually a bit more "normal" than I thought it would be- there is a fair amount of civilization and Coke is everywhere! Be safe! you are in every prayer!

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