I was serving in the rural, sandy roads of Africa. Travelers are most commonly seen on foot or in push-carts, so you can imagine the surprise of the locals when a pair of white guys, in collared shirts, came driving through their neighborhoods. The common reaction was groups of young children shouting "Amulungo!" (meaning white man) and they would come running out after the truck, playfully trying to keep up with us. On occasion, we would stop the truck, quickly jump out and start running back toward the kids. Usually, they would scatter in all directions, completely puzzled by our reaction. This became a well-known game–highly anticipated throughout the local neighborhoods.
On one particular drive, the kids came tearing out after us as usual; in full sprint, hooting and shouting. We hit the brakes as usual, however–at that particular moment–the kid in front of the pack was looking back at his friends, still running at full keel. All his friends stopped and watched. My companion and I could do nothing but cringe as we heard a loud crash and the truck rocked. We got out of the car to make sure he was okay, but he had scattered along with his friends. The next time we came through, we talked and laughed with the same group of kids, and noticed one with a prominent goose egg on his forehead. He was proud of the mark he left on our tailgate.
Elder Medley
Johannesburg South Africa
2002-2004
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