To drive to Africa had been a long time ambition for Tsagazahab the lead singer of Connecting Routes. The dream had been to drive with all the band members performing gigs en route in the countries and cities we were to pass through. This dream did not manifest in the way we would have hoped for, but it was by the grace of God to become a reality.

It was about mid-April 99 and we were working hard making final preparations for the journey. Most of the work was centred on the vehicles, which needed to be ready for the road ahead. There were three jeeps

undertaking the journey. A Nissan Patrol, a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Toyota pickup. All were fitted with water cans, jerry cans and as many extra tyres as we could carry. Two of the jeeps pulled trailers so as to even out the load that each vehicle carried.

The number of people embarking on this epic adventure was six. Five members of the trod are pictured here; these are standing from left to right, Tsagazahab (Therlow Snape), Fikire Selassie (John Gordon), Habtewolde (Joseph Edwards), Haile Maskal (Benjamin Morton), and Errol (Starkey) Ruddock. The sixth member is myself Gebre Maskal (Carl Nugent).

In addition to material preparation there was also self-preparation to deal with, and since camping was the way we had decided to rest during the journey, it was important that we developed a feel for the kind of routine we would be facing. Habtewoldes back garden became the temporary campsite, so the tents were pitched and the Tilly lamps and camp stoves were brought into service for efficiency and durability testing. Not everyone was as efficient as some of the equipment, but that did not dampen our spirits.

I would like to give you a brief insight into the brethrens who are close to me in so many aspects of life. The greatest of these being our quest for the truth. To obey and propagate the truth, as shown to us by Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I feel this needs to be stated. There are many events and situations in life, which demand that we make sacrifices for the benefit of others in need, for our own well being! We all hold this philosophy, giving place to a more interactive relationship between us and the people we were to meet on the way.

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