Compassion and celebrations

July in Bunia, DR Congo

I arrived at Bunia, Congo on Weds, June 22, to be greeted by the driver and Jamie Calloway, now the Secretary General of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion.  Some of us know him from Trinity Wall Street.  What a surprise!  He was here for the laying of the cornerstone of the Anglican University of Congo!   the Archbishop of Canterbury arrived on Friday, 24th; it was the first visit of an ABC to the Congo ever.  There was a reception at which the governor of le Province Orientale spoke, as well as the UK ambassador, the Archbishops of Canterbury and DR Congo.  During his visit, the Archbishop met with women who have been the victims of violence.   He also met with young people who had been recruited into the militias and are now being integrated into public service in the Army or  Police force, to protect the people.  It was very powerful. 

The hospitality has been amazing!  Archbishop Isingoma and his family invited me to stay with them until we all move to Kinshasa, the capitol, on July 27th.  In the meantime, I have been blessed to hear stories about Congolese culture from many people.  I am so impressed by everyone's willingness to exchange greetings,  'Bonjour' elicits a 'bonjour', an 'Habari' (how are you) elicits a 'Nzuri' (fine).  Ca va, in French is responded to with a 'Oui, ca va.  Comment ca va?   ALL greetings come with a smile from both parties.  My French is coming along; I speak only in the present tense, but people have been very forgiving.  

We saw fields upon fields of cassava, a spinach-like vegetable which cooks up nicely with garlic, onion, red pepper, but then, doesn't everything?  The fish is fresh, from Kasenyi, on Lake Albert (Google!) and mangos, avocados, bananas, oh, my!   

My time at the computer lab at Shalom University is up.  I will post again from Kinshasa.  A bientot. 

love and peace,

PaminCongo

OH, MY! I got into my blog!!!!

Greetings, from Bunia, Congo, Africa.

I arrived on a Wednesday and the Archbishop of Canterbury and his companions arrived on the Friday!
There was a great and wonderful reception at the airport.  We then went to the Stadium where the Governor of Ituri province, the British Ambassador to Congo, representatives of other churches gathered to welcome his grace.  

The following day we flew (single engine Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)) to Boga, the home of Anglicanism in Congo.  Apolo Kivebulaya came from Uganda in 1896 to bring the gospel to the Pygmies.

Will post pictures and continue the story next time!
a bientot.
Pam
ok pics will wait... ttfn

Getting ready part deux

Back in Greenwich.   Packing boxes. more boxes.  more and more boxes.  This time tomorrow on the flight to Africa, 1st leg 15 hours.  Can you say "snoozin'"?  It will get done.

Thanks for the good wishes and prayers.  You (and you know who you are) have held me up and I can feel it!

ttfn.   More from ... South Africa?
peace and blessings.
Moi

New Beginnings

I'm at the Mission Orientation in Toronto, Ontario.  I've learned a great deal and the people have been terrific.  Now if I can only figure out how to get back to this blog to post some more... :-)  Katie!  I did it! I think.
peace...
Pam