On our drive out to Bashnet, we stopped the car when we saw
this grand, gnarly tree.
“You shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of
waters" (Psalm 1) came to mind, as we examined the knobby roots that
spanned the stream and clung tenaciously to the rich Tanzanian soil. The very size of the tree made it
“photo-worthy”, and Susan found the shade cool and refreshing on a hot, dusty
drive. She took a few moments to
contemplate the difficult conditions under which this tree lives, with water
only a few months of the year; the rest of the time, dry and parched conditions
remain here by the side of the dirt road.
It was tempting to pull out the journal and sit on those massive roots
and get into the contemplative writing mode, while listening to the quiet
babble of a seasonal stream rolling over the stones in the creek-bed; but,
alas, we were on our way to Bashnet to meet with a whole new group of potential
Disciples of Jesus for 3 days of training.
And what a time that proved to be!
