step off the curb

A rainfall in Bukavu, Congo is like a snow day in Vancouver.  The roads, such as they are, become a quagmire of thick mud making the slightest incline virtually impossible to gain - especially for the bald tired, overcrowded mini-vans.  So, it was into one such day that we chose to drive out towards the edge of town to visit a hospital.  On our return we arrived at the junction of three roads, all on a slight uphill.  It was chaos.  Not only were the mini-vans stuck, but truck drivers, believing that foot to the floor would somehow - magically - cause traction - instead the rear of their vehicles would swing out into oncoming traffic.  However none of this dissuaded other drivers of all manner of cars to inch forward, or slip in beside others - basically filling in all the gaps and insure nobody was going anywhere.

Thus we sat, on the verge of completely abandoning the Toyota in favour of walking.  Then, from the side of the road came a guy, a bystander.  He took charge.  If space became available, he made sure it wasn't simply filled by another car, he looked for ways to decrease the gridlock.  He had a stern expression and shouted if need be.  But, not after too long, the cars began to move.  We had our turn and were soon leaving the hill behind us - with a last wave to our new best friend - but he was too busy with other cars to notice.

I've been thinking about that guy, and the metaphor of his actions.  For two weeks we visited villages, schools, hospitals. We went from Presidential Palaces to UN tarped refugee camps.  What sticks with me most though, are those people who are giving of themselves for others.  The 'ex-pats' who have left behind career and comfort to be there to provide hope.  The Rwandans, or Burundians, or Congolese that are selflessly giving of themselves for their countrymen.  Like our friend who stepped out into the middle of the road, in the mud, and took charge - with no gain for himself - and helped us get on our way - these people I met have stepped out into the middle of these villages, schools, hospitals.

If I resolve anything from this trip, its to not remain on the curb and watch the gridlock - but instead step off the curb, into traffic, and work with whatever I can to bring hope.

Thanks for reading.