Photo by Henry Ker: 1999 Land Rover Defender Tdi
It’s noisy and ugly and uncomfortable but I am completely devoted to this breadbox on wheels. A friend told me once, “God makes missionaries drive Land Rovers to keep them on their knees.” But despite the squeaks and groans it has never left us stranded on the side of the road.
Want to guess what one of these would cost you today in Mozambique? Around $35,000. So I’m holding on to this vehicle until the bitter end.
The grunting and strange smells of a Land Rover are distinctly masculine. It’s a macho treat to wrestle one of these things down the road. Pity the poor fellow that has to drive a dainty car beginning with the letters T-O-Y.
You can check out some more of Henry’s photos at lingamini.
Henry, nice picture of the Defender. We too have covered many miles in your Land Rover with you and were never let down. I agree it isn’t comfortable, but dependability is more important than comfort in Mozambique. We still have the 1993 Suburban that you used last time you were home to make your trips all over the western states. It has been very dependable for us. Lately I have been riding my bike to work as it gets much better mileage!
We returned yesterday from our annual campout to Crooked River Ranch. Carson, Riley, and the girls and their parents were there and we had a great time. We climbed Smith Rock again With Andy and Pam Olson and Abby and her boy friend, Sean. We saw a snake that looked like a Rattle snake, but it was a King snake. It was very hot and we were glad to get back to camp. On the way home we stopped at Riverside Campground on the North Santiam River, and Chad and Riley caught a few trout. Chad’s family along with the Johnstons and Olsons camped there a few more nights.
We have three cows in the pasture now and the garden is growing many vegetables. Joni is leaving next week for a mission trip to Mexico with 36 high school kids.
Give our love to your parents and siblings.
Papa