A couple weekends ago, I (Nate) was able to go golfing for the second time in Africa. There is one course in Brazzaville, and I liked it so much the first time that I had to go back. Sure, the fairways and greens leave something to be desired; but what the course lacks in upkeep, it makes up for it with customer service. It is mandatory at this course to use a caddy. I was hesitant at first, but it was awesome. The guys were super nice and eager to give advice. Granted, I couldn't understand half of what they said, but it was still appreciated. We also had another guy that carried the flag for each hole. He was also in charge of finding any errantly hit golf balls. As my partners and I are far from professionals, he had his work cut out for him. It is amazing how much more enjoyable golf is when you don't have to go searching for your own ball. The best part about having these caddies is that you will NEVER have a bad lie. Hit your ball right next to a tree, and it miraculously moves 4 feet to the left. If your ball lands in a divot, there is no need to worry. Your trusty caddy will pick it up, fluff up some near by grass, and place the ball neatly on top. It was wonderful. It is definitely not cheating when your caddy does with without even being asked. The scores were not great, but it was a great time with friends!
Last Sunday was my first fantasy football draft while in Africa. It was a live online draft, so a good internet connection was key. The week leading up to the draft, I tested the draft application every day to make sure it would work. I had no problems until the day before the draft. I was hoping it would turn out to be just a one day thing, but on the day of the draft it still would not work. Luckily, I tested it a few hours before the actual draft. Allie and I walked to nearby restaurant to see if the internet there would support it...the restaurant turns out to be closed on Sundays. With precious time ticking away, we decided to split up. I drove the both of us to another restaurant to drop Allie off before proceeding to the HOPE office to try the internet there. Right before we got to the restaurant I got pulled over by a cop!! He literally told me he had no reason to pull me over other than it seemed suspicious for someone to be driving around on a Sunday...hmmm sounds a little fishy. I showed him my international driver's permit and the registration for the truck, and he said everything looked good. Before I left though, he asked me if I could by him some "juice." I had been informed by others that this was there clever way of asking for a bribe without actually coming out and asking for cash. I explained to him that I did not have any money to give him, and to my surprise he actually let me go. I told him, "next time" which seemed to satisfy him, so I was on my way. Once at the office I realized I had left my office key at the apartment. I got back in the truck to go home, but then the truck wouldn't start. The engine was overheated, so I had to wait for it to cool down. During this time Allie realized that the internet was also too slow at this other restaurant. I was quickly running out of options. By the time I could get the truck started it was nearly time for our Sunday night devotional time, which I was leading this week. There was no more time to find internet. Luckily, I was able to convince Brandon Puckett to draft for me. Every five minutes or so I would call him on the telephone and ask for an update. He would give me the list of available players, and I would tell him who I wanted to pick. It proceeded like that for the next hour or so until the draft was over. The things I will do to play fantasy football!! I have another draft in a couple of days, so be praying for good internet. Otherwise, one of you might have to draft for me!
Things are going well for Allie and I. Yesterday, was a little rough for me, seeing all the posts about college football. Not being able to watch sports has been really tough. Believe it or not, we actually got to experience a little bit of football culture yesterday. A marching band was playing (very loudly) not too far from us. What was the occasion? A funeral of course. Some minister recently passed away, so this was the 4th night of loud partying to celebrate his life. We have been fortunate that they call it quits around midnight. One of the missionaries said this might go on for weeks, and sometimes they have the parties well into the AM. We are hoping they keep it to midnight for now.
We are both looking forward to being back in the US in October. I have already warned Allie that every Saturday and Sunday will be strictly a football watching day. Go Gators!
