8 hour rollercoaster

As I was driving on the road from Bangui to Berberati, the mental image that kept popping up in my head was rollercoaster. I felt like I was on one.

The trip is 10 hours long and two hours are spent on paved roads or on breaks. So, 8 hours of the trip are on dirt roads with good sizes pot holes everywhere. It was a constant bump, dodge, sway, and swerve adventure. Truly, I felt like I was on the longest rollercoaster ride.

I actually did not get sick. I sat in the front, had the air conditioning blowing, and was given lost of calm your stomach medicine from other people in Bangui. I was so grateful. Still, I have arrived exhausted and sore. That is one long trip.

I was reminded as I rode of the thoughts I had last time I was here. It is so amazing the drastic difference between my world and these people's world. Life here is not easy. These people have to work very hard to get food or housing. It is just amazing. I don't even know how to formulate the thoughts related to it. I find that I want to put a wall of protection around my heart as I view the hardships. Survival tactics. Yet, I also don't want to become detached. I have no idea how to handle all of the emotions. Hurt for these people, longing to be home, tired, overwhelmed, relaxed, enjoyment, adventure, frustration, and the list goes on. All while on an 8 hour rollercoaster ride.