Africa #7

Friday, October 24th.
I had a mini meltdown tonight. I was completely overwhelmed by everything. We arrive at the camp at about 1 pm. As the family and people began to arrive, it was so emotional for everyone.

Msoshi's daughter A Nephew

A son

All of the people in the background of these pictures are relatives.

Two of their younger grandchildren. Stan and I were asked to adopt the little boy, but the Congolese government would not release him to us. Reason? We may not treat him well and they had no assurance we would not treat him as a slave. Pretty lame, huh? We were attempting the adoption when he was a year old.

To watch my dear friends cling to family they have not seen for ten years, meet grandchildren they have never met and grieve family who did not survive, was so hard. After about one hour with the family, we were once again fed.

Msoshi sharing his lunch with a grandson.

This custom of feeding guests while the children stand hungry is too much. Aside from the fact that they have no money to buy anything and what they do have, they spend to feed us. After we ate, we had a beautiful church service. The church was about 3/4 full. There were at least 5 different choirs who performed, congregation singing, and then Msoshi gave a beautiful message about Moses ant the time spent in the desert. After the service we spent some time in the courtyard visiting. As we got into the car to leave, everyone encircled us and began singing.

Mini melt down mentioned above, was because I was suddenly frightened to stay at the Guest house. I mean scared!!! Barb took me down the road to the Catholic Mission to stay. In retrospect, it was no better than the original guest house. Neither were Holiday Inn Express.

I was a little worried about lying on the bed, but Barb brought some clean sheets with her. She has made this trip before. I wrapped up in one so I could sleep.

The smells, oh the smells, Unwashed bodies everywhere. Barb says the Congolese have a distinctive smell because of their diet. They grind up a Casaba into a paste that they call Mhogo. I would probably compare it to Poi and I did not like Poi either. It si a good thing I like rice as that is generally served and I recognize it to eat. Coca Cola is served at every meal. I think they know we Americans like our pop.

I had my first experience with a squat toilet. Do not know if I hit the hole or not. Was to busy trying to miss my panties, skirt and foot!!! Whew, the smell. GAG GAG GAG.

We were able to take pictures today as long as we only photoed within the church compound. Mostly, I have pictures of children and the family reunion.