The steady downpours everyday for the last several weeks have left the roads in a disastrous state. Mudslides are frequent and the pot-holes are like craters on the moon. We were travelling to a place called Nyabigina- the middle of the middle of nowhere. After bouncing, shaking, and rattling for several hours it was decided that we should spend the night in Nyanza Lac. Nyanza is the closest major urban center- a thriving metropolis of some 15,000 people on the shores of the lake.
Pastor Laurent found us a brand new hotel with 6 rooms. Three of them were already taken by some engineers working on the road- as to what they have actually accomplished in the last 3 months I can't even guess. But that is another story for another day. However, there were three rooms left- the exact number that we needed.
Upon entering my room, I was greeted by a friendly flock of Burundi's finest mosquitoes. They seemed excited to see me. I promptly emptied half of a can of bug-spray. I couldn't go back in the room for 3 hours due to the smell--but the flock was no more. Once the cloud of poison finally disapaited, I fell asleep. About 5 AM, I awoke due to the heat and decided to use the little restroom.
As I walked across the floor my foot landed 2 inches from the stinger of a scorpion who was not at all amused by my nocturnal visit. The spray had clearly taken effect as it violently trembled trying to get close enough for a sting For some reason, I decided against Mark 16's admonition to tread upon scorpions-- when barefoot and quickly found my way back to bed praying to God that it wouldn't follow me.
The next morning as I setteled the bill for all three rooms I was astonished. Room #1 10,000 FBU, Room #2 10,000 FBU, Room #3 7,000 FBU. Yet, all three rooms were identical . The thought flashed in my mind: "It's a special rate they are offering." Regular rooms are 10,000. However, if you make it through the night in the scorpion room then you get a 3,000 FBU discount. Ha! As I laughed I suddenly realized how serious the whole situation really had been. Two inches isn't much.
I have been studying Zecheriah. In chapter two the promise for the city of Jerusalem is that God will be a wall a fire around it and the glory within it. This promise is reiterated by David in Psalm 3- thou oh Lord are a shield for me. You are the glory and the lifter of my head. During the past few days I have sensed God's incredible protection over my life. There's nothing like knowing that God has your back. His presence surrounds us protecting us from the enemy. To all of those who faithfully pray for me and this little country- thank you!
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