Next One Up

It's quite a climb out of Bukama, but the mountain top view is stunning. This is not technically rainforest, but I think that we can call this patch "jungle." We can hear the waterfalls, but can't see them through the vine covered canopy. Out in the distance are stands of palm trees that give variety to the forest below. We're on top of Africa.

Not denying the grace that has given us this pure gift, we earned it today. It rained through the night, so was a lot of water in the road, hub high in places. But, the rocks! Up hill and down, rocks. and the heat! Scorching African sun. I shredded a tire on the rocks. It was replaced by a new Kenda Small Block Eight from Bicycle Garage Indy. (shameless product placement, always looking for sponsors.) Elephant changed the tire, while I enjoyed a Coke. (shameless, again) Yes, I can change a bike tire, but as long as Elephant is here, this is his bicycle to maintain.

Speaking of Elephant, he'll be leaving us in Nyembo to head to Mulongo to ready the Indiana and bring it to Bukama, where we will board on our return from Kamina. Next One Up. Local Pastor Kasongo is Elephant's replacement. Younger by a bunch, but just as strong, and just as enthusiastic.

The Colts need to learn from us. We've lost our star quarterback to General Conference pre-conference meetings in Harare, but District Superintendent Mumba has stepped up, and we're still winning games. Now, Elephant is leaving us, and Kasango is stepping up. Joseph Mulongo and Elephant have defined our team, but the next generation is already getting off the bench and into the game. (Mulongo and Elephant will rejoin the team in Bukama.) BTW Who won the Super Bowl?

This year's team roster:
Daniel Mumba, District Superintendent, Tenke District, Team Leader, ZamBike Bicycle.
Junior Banz wa Nbuya, Pator, Tenke District, ZamBike Bicycle.
Bob Walters, Missionary, Cannondale Bicycle.
Jean Kipanga wa Ngoy, Lay Person, Mulongo District, ZamBike Bicycle.
Jean Kabiwe wa Kasongo, Local Pastor, Mulongo District, FPM Motorcycle.
Elephant Ngoy wa Kasongo, Lay Person, Mulongo District, Motorcycle.

The question our team has to deal with in every small village we pass is "Why does the Mzunga ride a bicycle?" The answer that seems to satisfy all curiosity is "We're United Methodists." That explains it.

Bob
Kabondo Dianda