Mother's Instinct

Bananas. That was our goal as me, Traci and Kristin set out a few nights ago in order to save our fellow roommates from starving. Thankfully, braving the crazy drivers of the matatu’s (tiny vans packed full of people, the preferred mode of transportation in Africa) was not necessary as there are several stalls of vendors neatly lining the road selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables, so the trek was on. We had been walking for about 10 minutes when in the distance we noticed a group of shady looking guys. We knew the drill, keep walking and ignore them. Heads down, walking at a brisk pace, we walked past the group of men. As expected, the men proceeded to follow us at a distance too close for comfort. Now seeing as Traci is in a delicate state right now being about 7 months pregnant, this was a precarious situation. Much my surprise however, Traci whips around belly and all with her finger pointed high. My mind is racing, what is this?? A new approach? Are we introducing ourselves?? Should I follow suit? But as she stared them down with a vicious gleam in her eye, she utters in a voice that made my blood run cold- “I DO NOT WANT YOU TO FOLLOW US.” And as fast as she had whipped around, she whips back around and continues walking. Kristin’s eyes were as wide as mine. Deciding to make the safest decision, the men halted in their tracks and returned to their previous positions. It was quiet for a few seconds, then, “I don’t know where that came from,” Traci remarked, I think she surprised herself as much as she surprised us! The mother instinct is clearly no myth and Traci has definitely developed it. Me and Kristin are equally thankful that is has. We returned safe and sound with a bunch of bananas. As I am writing, the electricity is out, a frequent occurrence. I wrote a list earlier of things I need God to give me the strength to overcome here in Africa. I thought I might share a few:

1.     Toenails in my bed. (that were not mine.)
2.     Mosquitos inside my mosquito net
3.     A very leaky toilet
4.     Frogs in the shower

After reviewing my list, I don’t have much to complain about-I have far less problems than those around me. Africa is great, and Africa is tough, and Africa is my new home. Bring on the bugs.