Thursday, March 19, 2009

Today Brad went to visit Samson, a blind man that he met several weeks ago. He tried to visit him before because he was sure he remembered where he lived. He started out and about an hour later he returned. I asked him how his visit was and he said he got lost.

Getting lost here is not the same as is it in the States. Here there are no street signs, no houses, no roads, just a path that may have a fork, and another fork, trees, grass (very tall grass) which often times prevents you from seeing too far ahead. Brad has always had a good sense of direction, so he did make it home.

He said he would try again, of course without asking directions. He said he knew the path to take he just must have taken the wrong fork in the road. Next time he would take the left fork and he was sure he would make it. One day I said show me the path. He said, “That one there.” I asked him if he was sure it was that one or 15 yards away there was another path. Then he was confused, so he had someone take him yesterday.

Samson’s wife met him on the road and said she knew a shortcut. Brad said he tried to remember the way but it was impossible. There are no land marks and shortcuts usually mean a six inch wide path or sometimes no path at all. On the way home he decided to follow the larger path, 18’ wide and he made it.

He had a great visit and is planning to go back two times next week. Samson was a teacher for many years, so they had a lot in common. The only time Samson gets out of his house is on Sunday when his wife takes him to church. Brad is trying to think of something he could buy to help Samson pass the time. Samson has a radio, so if any of you have any ideas let us know.

Only a two more weeks and we will be on our way home.