Road Less Traveled
We are so grateful that God has made it possible for us to build a house in Gasala. This extremely remote part of Tanzania is home to the Datooga people group.
Some consider this area to be nearly inaccessible. The ‘roads’ to this remote bush area are not much more than dirt paths in places, and the unwelcoming terrain is unpredictable as it changes frequently depending on the weather. There are reasons that the Datooga people in Gasala have not heard the gospel. It is difficult to get here, much less live here.
Despite the rough conditions and the challenges of this area, we have been able to purchase everything required to extend the roof of the house. We have also been able to add a rainwater collection system, with multiple water storage tanks. This is so important in order for us to stay here permanently.
For now, until the rains come we have hired a water tanker to come into the bush and fill up our water tank. They made four separate trips (8 hrs drive each trip). The tanker held 2000 gallons, but by the time it arrived only 1200 gallons remained. That was no surprise to us. We knew much of the water would spill out because of the rough terrain. This is why we scheduled multiple trips. On the last trip, the tanker got stuck, and stuck hard, making it impossible for him to leave the area for 5 days. That is one of the many reasons that building in this area is so difficult.
Bringing building materials into that area had to be timed just perfectly, and even if it is dry, it doesn’t mean that the vehicle will get through. Many of the truck drivers refuse to drive to our area. They tell us that we are crazy for building a house in Gasala. But this is where the Datooga people live, and this is where we need to be. Of course, that is how it was when we first started building in Gidamilanda, and some of the other places.
The reality is, somebody has to start the road, so why not us.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing… I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Gil and Dolfi serve with GlobalGrace in Tanzania