Life is full of difficult decisions. Choosing a car for use in Africa is one of those difficult decisions. We considered several models, including some with four-wheel drive. But we settled on the Toyota Urban Cruiser (which is really a Suzuki with a Toyota grill). We are quite happy with the decision we made. Our nicely equipped Urban Cruiser cost about half what an entry level Rav4 would have cost, and it gets better fuel mileage.
But it is an Urban Cruiser. It was not designed for places like Timbutini, where the roads are mostly glorified cow paths. On the way to Bible study recently, we were bogged down in a mixture of mud and manure. The tyres, like the rest of the car, are designed for pavement, not muck like this. At a moment like that, one wishes for four-wheel drive. But why pay the extra $12,000 to $20,000 to avoid getting stuck once in four years?
Besides, getting stuck gave us a reason to phone one of our young men who has been forsaking the assembly lately. Sabelo was there in about 15 minutes (driving his uncle’s tractor). We reached the Xaba’s house safely, only a few minutes late, and had a very good study of First Timothy 5.
Permits
The immigration situation is still unclear. It has been six months since we applied for pensioner status. We have never been told yes or no.
The Church’s attempt to gain recognition from the government has been rejected by the Council of Churches. Since that has no direct bearing on our situation, I have not been told what the next attempt may involve. But I hope, for the sake of the people who benefit from Dr Whittaker’s clinic, that something is worked out.
We may move to Zambia if we are not granted permits here. There is plenty of good we could do there. But it is doubtful that such a move would be an option for the Whittakers.
Pray about this! A move would be very costly and time consuming for us. It might be impossible for the Whittakers.
African Textbook Ministry, %Church of Christ, 5130 Flanders Road, Toledo, OH 43623