Our Triumphant Arrival in Bulape (Day 48, September 8, Monday)

Hallelujah! We are arrived in Bulape at 9:30pm. The day went as planned within reasonable expectations. I was picked from my guest house and taken to Jim's house to pick up Justin's items. Next we went to the Protestant Center for loading of the vehicle. The hospital's newest vehicle is Toyota Hilux. It is 4-wheel drive pickup truck with seating for 5 persons and four doors. The cargo bed is shorter due the extended cab. The vehicle was donated by the Presbyterian Church USA' s Disaster Relief Program in response to last year's Ebola Virus outbreak The epicenter was located just 70 miles south of Bulape. After loading, then it was time for the drama. Who gets to go? One young man laid down in front of the vehicle to state his case. The doctor and driver finally agreed. He was one of three young man allowed to ride in back with the cargo. It is an unsafe position and extremely uncomfortable ride because of the heat, dust, and bumps. Transportation is a big problem! We departed the city of Kananga at 10:45am. At our stop in Demba after two hours later, the young man laid prostrated face down in grass next to the vehicle. He rested motionless. But he climbed back in the vehicle for the next leg. Similar acts was repeated along the way. We made it to Mweka before 6:30pm. Upon arriving in the town, I spotted the a large crowd of people standing next to the BUV. It is a crowd-magnet. Dr Joseph, the head doctor was driving it around town. That was a big relief for me. I had dreaded dealing with the train station and town authorities. Thanks to God, I was spared that drama that lasted hours and costed the hospital about 50 dollars. Doctor Joseph sent the BUV ahead to Bulape. We went for cold drinks to celebrate. Then we headed out shortly after 7pm. It is 20 miles or so to Bulape We caught up with the BUV gracefully climbing and navigating the bad hilly road up Bulape. It was performing impressively. The driver only got hang in rut about three times. Our driver slipped off in the dig while watching the BUV. Then the BUV waited 15-20 minutes on us while dug and lifted our vehicle. Cheering and curious crowds of people lined the roads of the villages near Bulape. We drove into Bulape escorted by motorbike. All three vehicles had their lights flashing and horn blowing to greet the people lining the roads