TIA- This is Africa.

Those TIA moments have come around all too many times these past few weeks when I talk about the TIA moments I am meaning those This is Africa.

So as I sit here to write to you all, for the month before December,  I want to share with you some of the moments that I too have shared in.
Some are well funny and others I guess are those times where if you don't laugh maybe you will cry or scream.

One of my TIA moments was as I had to take a trip to get my licence renewed. In the west a short simple uncomplicated process, for most I'm sure, but here its never just a simple process. Though this time round it was much easier than 2 years ago.
I arrive to the TRA (roads and traffic place), and wander around looking for someone who could possibly help me. Finally I get instructed to go into the line. So I stand in the line and wait, maybe about 30 minutes I am unsure, as I gave up looking at my watch, knowing that the more you think about other things that can be done instead of standing in a line. So I waited, people quickly stood up as soon as the line moved, and eventually I made it fairly hassle free to booth 2, where I thought at first I had forgotten my licence. but no it was just in a well hidden place in my bag. Greetings were had and the lady became a little concerned and was very close to sending me away as I was searching my bag for the licence. RELEIF hit as I gave it to her and that part of the process was complete. WAIT as there is more, I then moved out and headed to the bank, praying that I had enough money and that I didn't need to go and get more. God is so good, thankfully all was ok, so then back into the next line where I waited and watched as we shuffled very closely together until I reached my turn. Again this was all very easy. In my mind I had thought this is going to be a nightmare. Prepare for the worst of what could happen. These thoughts crossed my mind prior to leaving for this little town trip. Will the TRA be closed for an extended lunch, will the power be out and ill have to come back another day. Is it even worth going. But I did it I went and did the paper work that was needed. Today was a good day.
I go back in 2 weeks to get the new licence, and until then I have to show the police my stamped paper so I don't get fined...

Another of the TIA more crazy types of moments also is about cars. The TRA bought in a 'safety' sticker that was required for each car to have. Safety week has come and long gone, and its only today that I was able to get a hold of the 5,000 TS sticker (worth about $3.00). But the crazy part about all of this is that the sticker has only just been released, not to mention that if you get pulled over and don't have one of these stickers then its a fine for you. (Even though the sticker has only just come out). ahhh the logic in all of this. This is for sure one of those moments where you just have to shake your head, laugh and then say ohh Africa....

Dont get me wrong I love this place, and all that I do here, but sometimes things are just not logical or you have these moments of wanting to scream and shout all at the same time, but instead you just stop and say this is just the way it is here and you can't actually change it at all.


One last TIA moment that I shall share with you all is one that isnt so much as funny but more just a small little thing that really in the scheme of life shouldn't affect one at all, its our hot water that has broken. So its now back to boiling the water and using a bucket to shower. (At least I'm clean and we have power. these 2 things I am thankful for.).

I'm sure this may seem trivial to some of you, or maybe even a little silly, but I just wanted to share a little bit of insight as to some of the daily things that go on here. Life is never dull here, and something or someone will always require your assistance, your time, energy and all that goes with living a life as a missionary in community.

In other news the sun has come out and I have been burnt, which here for me is so odd. but then the rains have come as well, and we don't know if they shall stay or go. But the one thing that I am thankful for is that when the rain comes it washes so much away. It really is like that fresh start again. Its a blessing to have rain, and rain brings refreshment into our daily lives both physically and spiritually.
So as the sunshine comes may you all be blessed by the warmth that comes along with it too.
Blessings

Carly