Written on 09/21/2011
We just returned from our outreach to Nebaj. Nebaj is a town about 4-5 hours from Chimaltenango where we live. Because of the distance and the road conditions, we have been using the public bus to get there. On the way there it is about a 2.5 hour trip to Quiché where we then get on a passenger van for the remaining 2.5 hour trip. The first time we went there, about a month ago, on the first leg of the journey the bus was so crowded the whole way there that there was not even room to stand in the aisles. But there is ALWAYS room for more on a Guatemala bus! When we arrived in Quiché and got in the van it was a drastic improvement in comfort. This time, I started out the journey with some stomach problems which only got worse as time went on. There are curves and hills, and more curves and hairpin curves and "tumulos" (speed bumps) every few feet in various places. All the while the bus driver is keeping it at top speed. I happened to be sitting in the very last seat in the back so every bump was magnified in intensity at least 10 times. We were about 45 minutes outside of Quiché when I couldn't stand it any longer. My friend Elvido was in the seat in front of me. I had informed him earlier that my stomach was not feeling so well. Suddenly, I rose from my seat and quickly moved to a seat in front of Elvido where I hoped the intensity of the bumps wouldn't be so great. I lowered the window which only lowered halfway. I started quickly processing what I might do if I really needed to let loose. Would my head fit through that small gap? Could I just push my face into the gap and let 'er go? What would the other passengers think? Would there be puke all over the side of the bus? "Oh Lord, pleeeeease help me," I prayed silently. The fresh air seemed to help along with the lessened intensity of the bumps. I was able to hold back for the remainder of the trip. Upon reaching Quiché, we went to buy some pills for nausea. We then went to get some coffee and walk around a bit until my stomach calmed down. On the second leg of the trip we rode in a van which was much more comfortable than a bus. But they decided to pack it full; so full that the helper rode outside of the van for at least an hour on the ladder attached to the back of the van. I was thankful it wasn't me that had to stand out there! On the return trip, we took the "midnight express" instead of paying for another night at a hotel. Of course, it is virtually impossible to sleep during a ride like that. This trip lasts 4 hours and there are NO stops. It is bad enough being on a bus for 2.5 hours that won't stop for anything when "mother nature calls." But 4 hours, I was definitely NOT looking forward to. I purposely deprived myself of liquids from the afternoon on so as to minimize any problems in that area. However, the trip itself was no different and it seemed that my stomach was only a little bit better. I tried to sleep but the rocking and reeling of the bus makes it impossible. The best you can do is try to rest your head somewhere; on the window, on the back of the seat, on the back of the seat in front of you, or on your knees. I tried not to look at my watch too often for fear of being disappointed in the length of time remaining. When I got home my only thought was, "Riding in a Guatemalan bus for 4 hours is like taking a 4 hour ride on a roller coaster. And I HATE roller coasters!!!!" I kept praying during the trip, "Lord, let this trip be a sacrifice to You." I don't know what makes me want to keep going back. The food is horrendous (that is another story) and the ride is terrible. It is the people that makes it worth it. The people there are wonderful and God has put a love for them in my heart. I truly believe that God is going to do something great in the hearts of the people in that little town of Nebaj.
We just returned from our outreach to Nebaj. Nebaj is a town about 4-5 hours from Chimaltenango where we live. Because of the distance and the road conditions, we have been using the public bus to get there. On the way there it is about a 2.5 hour trip to Quiché where we then get on a passenger van for the remaining 2.5 hour trip. The first time we went there, about a month ago, on the first leg of the journey the bus was so crowded the whole way there that there was not even room to stand in the aisles. But there is ALWAYS room for more on a Guatemala bus! When we arrived in Quiché and got in the van it was a drastic improvement in comfort. This time, I started out the journey with some stomach problems which only got worse as time went on. There are curves and hills, and more curves and hairpin curves and "tumulos" (speed bumps) every few feet in various places. All the while the bus driver is keeping it at top speed. I happened to be sitting in the very last seat in the back so every bump was magnified in intensity at least 10 times. We were about 45 minutes outside of Quiché when I couldn't stand it any longer. My friend Elvido was in the seat in front of me. I had informed him earlier that my stomach was not feeling so well. Suddenly, I rose from my seat and quickly moved to a seat in front of Elvido where I hoped the intensity of the bumps wouldn't be so great. I lowered the window which only lowered halfway. I started quickly processing what I might do if I really needed to let loose. Would my head fit through that small gap? Could I just push my face into the gap and let 'er go? What would the other passengers think? Would there be puke all over the side of the bus? "Oh Lord, pleeeeease help me," I prayed silently. The fresh air seemed to help along with the lessened intensity of the bumps. I was able to hold back for the remainder of the trip. Upon reaching Quiché, we went to buy some pills for nausea. We then went to get some coffee and walk around a bit until my stomach calmed down. On the second leg of the trip we rode in a van which was much more comfortable than a bus. But they decided to pack it full; so full that the helper rode outside of the van for at least an hour on the ladder attached to the back of the van. I was thankful it wasn't me that had to stand out there! On the return trip, we took the "midnight express" instead of paying for another night at a hotel. Of course, it is virtually impossible to sleep during a ride like that. This trip lasts 4 hours and there are NO stops. It is bad enough being on a bus for 2.5 hours that won't stop for anything when "mother nature calls." But 4 hours, I was definitely NOT looking forward to. I purposely deprived myself of liquids from the afternoon on so as to minimize any problems in that area. However, the trip itself was no different and it seemed that my stomach was only a little bit better. I tried to sleep but the rocking and reeling of the bus makes it impossible. The best you can do is try to rest your head somewhere; on the window, on the back of the seat, on the back of the seat in front of you, or on your knees. I tried not to look at my watch too often for fear of being disappointed in the length of time remaining. When I got home my only thought was, "Riding in a Guatemalan bus for 4 hours is like taking a 4 hour ride on a roller coaster. And I HATE roller coasters!!!!" I kept praying during the trip, "Lord, let this trip be a sacrifice to You." I don't know what makes me want to keep going back. The food is horrendous (that is another story) and the ride is terrible. It is the people that makes it worth it. The people there are wonderful and God has put a love for them in my heart. I truly believe that God is going to do something great in the hearts of the people in that little town of Nebaj.
No comments:
Post a Comment