My Life as an African Gypsy

I had some reservations about our journey to Mozamibque...

Last night Jon and I spent the night in Pretoria, South Africa. On our way into town, we stopped at a mall because we were needing to buy some cell phones, and South Africa tends to be cheaper than other southern African countries. Unfortunately, South Africa currently has some pretty strict rules on selling phone and SIM cards. You have to have a passport and proof of residency along with a couple of other things.

We weren't too worried, since Jon has his Botswana residency permit. The funny thing was, once we got to the store, a residency permit does not qualify as proof of residency.

A young man overheard our dilemma, and said, "What if I bought the phone?"

The sales woman wasn't a fan.

He then looked at her and said, "I would like to buy another phone."

Jon pointed and said, "YES!"

The sales woman asked, "What if they commit a crime? It will be linked to your passport!"

He shrugged, "I'll go to jail." (We loved his trust and nonchalant-ness)

The sales woman caved, and off she went to get the phones.

While waiting, we chatted with the young man and his mom. Turns out they had been missionaries in Lebanon in the past and are Christians. How awesome that the Lord would bring us together. We proceeded to ask if they had a suggestion for a guest house, since we didn't know of any in the area. Happens they had friends who owned a guesthouse, but after calling it was full.

We urged them not to worry about us, but he went ahead and called the manager. They made room for us. Our new friends even offered to let us follow them there!

In the car I was worried what kind of place this might be that "made room for us", but may I tell you that is was quite the opposite of the images that flashed in my head. It was luxury! The bed was huge, the pillows perfect, the shower was amazing, and there was breakfast!

Off our friends went, friends that we may never see again, friends who showed us the love of Jesus, who did unto to us as they would do to Jesus...

Then to top things off, while checking out, the woman said that she knew we were missionaries, so she would discount the room for us.

At one point, I looked at my husband and said, "I think the Lord is going to take care of us."

Of course He will. He always has.


(The picture is a double rainbow we had the other day in Lobatse, Botswana