Madagascar - Thoughts on the Country (Day 6)

Today was a travel day.  We are heading to the south of the island.  After breakfast, we ran some errands to gather things like bottled water and toilet paper.  Apparently where we are headed is remote and basics are limited.  I’d put those two items on the “important” list. 

Not much to report on activities.  Our big thing today was sitting and watching the landscape go by.  The hours of staring out of the windows got me thinking.  I was asking God in prayer what he wanted from us.  It was a variation on the question, “Why are we here?”  I know we are here to teach, learn, see, meet, and bring encouragement.   I was asking God for particulars.  I sat with that prayer for a little while, but the answer that kept coming back was, “I will reveal it in time.”  It may mean to expand the vision of St. Andrews of what it means to be the church and nothing more.  No new ministries, no further journeys.  On the other hand, it may mean beginning some form of mutual ministry with the Christians here.  All to be revealed in God’s good and perfect time. 

The area of the country we passed through was much like the rolling hills of Texas only the soil was like the red clay of Georgia red clay.  They call Madagascar the Red Island because when you see it from space all of the red clay soil shows up.   As we passed through the countryside and villages, I commented that it reminds me of rural Honduras.   People work hard on basic living – eating, getting shelter, staying healthy.  People walk everywhere and for long distances without thinking twice about it.  One pastor spoke of walking miles to get to his next church.  Everyone does it to get to their workplaces.  People carry large bundles on their heads.  Children with bare feet push heavy carts filled with water or other supplies along the road.  The joke has become, "Why exercise?  Just live here."  No one is overweight here.  The well-off get to drive places. Driving on the roads is an experience as well.  Picture a New York taxi driver flying through developing world villages with streets lined with people walking, carts, and no road rules, and you get the idea.  It is harrowing at times. 

We arrived at a resort at 8:30 pm.  We are in some kind of lodge (photo above).  Tired, but safe and well.  After a nice meal, Kelly and I headed to our room.  Lights out soon and once again an early wakeup call.  Pastor Laurent is showing no mercy.  We are on a 15-hour trip south.  Part two of the trip begins in the morning. 

Thinking of you.