Benin ‘Top Gear’ Adrenalin Rush!

‘A refreshing yet bumpy experience of diabolical roads and lush green landscape’

The condition of the roads did not seem to deny the taxi drivers their right to diligently fulfil their business duties. We drove in small taxis that could take up to 9 people, and luggage, and still race through the none-existent roads as if driving in a highly comfortable mean off road vehicle.  I think these taxis should feature on ‘Top Gear’.  

We had a very interesting and adventurous border crossing experience as we journeyed from Niger to Benin.  After being in the heat of Niger for five weeks, we left with a deep sense of appreciation for our experience in this ‘harsh’ country.  Niger was a true demonstration of the concept of Gold being refined in the fire.  The barrenness of the land and the scorching heat presented themselves as a literal and figurative representation of a fiery furnace.  Through God’s grace all 7 of us were not consumed by the flames as we were able to recognise God, the 8^th man, in the fire.  An encounter of His presence in the furnace did not leave us unchanged. I believe that we became more like Him, which is the ultimate purpose of trials and tribulations.  We victoriously departed this country on a series of long bus trips and overnight breaks beneath the open skies above our heads, soft and cool fine grains of sand beneath our exhausted yet toughened bodies.

As we courageously emerged out of the fiery furnace, on motorbikes, we literally walked into the contrasting and refreshing environment of Benin.  We were awestruck by the fertility and the fruitfulness of this country.  There were huge mangoes growing on the side of the road with street vendors selling them at ridiculously low competitive prices.  For those who have a taste bud for economics, this was the closest I have ever been confronted with the concept of ‘Perfect Competition’.  Despite the environmental contrast created by the transition from dessert to a land flowing with milk and honey, the familiar ‘Essence of Africa’ did not fail to be the omniscient companion that welcomed us without demanding great levels of adaptation. 

Benin was not only transitional in our goal to reach Ghana/Togo.  It turned out to be a place of spiritual transition as we moved from rewarding trials to the refreshing abundance of God’s favour.  We were truly blessed by the hospitality and liveliness of the locals. Two churches (one in Malanville and the other in Natitingou) generously allowed us to set up camp on their grounds and the only price we had to pay was that of expressing our gratitude.  The short experience was refreshing and proved to be an assurance of God’s love for us.