Life in the DRC.

DRCongo Video

2008-07-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

My time in the DRC cannot be summed up in words, or in a video, but I pray that you will be touched by the pictures and words you see.

Pain that is shared is no longer paralyzing but mobilizing, when understand as a way to liberation. When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope.
- Henri Nouwen

Coming home...

2008-06-10T02:29:00.001-07:00

I am currently in Kigali, Rwanda, and will leave Africa in 8 hours. I have a pretty long few days of travel, but it's all worth it. I have to admit, the first thing I am going to do when I get home is eat an In-N-Out Burger -- if you don't know it, you really should.

I will continue to update this blog over the next few weeks as I record some stories and elaborate on aspects of my trip here in the DRC. Coming up for sure: trip to see the gorillas and more on my close friends in the DRC.

Thank you again for blessing me with your friendship and your prayers throughout this time. I have another year left at Wheaton, but stay tuned as I continue to process and see where God takes me in the future.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Peace to you this day,

Lisa

South Africa!

2008-05-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

A quick health update: I have fully recovered from my sicknesses and am taking nightly runs to get ready for my senior volleyball season that starts in 3 months! Thanks to all of you for your prayers!

While my trip with my dad to South Africa was over a month ago, I believe it deserves a blog update! I am confident that every step of my trip to South Africa was truly in the hands of God.

After a night with good friends in Kigali, I set out to the airport for my Kigali-Johannesburg flight. However, upon arrival at the airport, I was informed (along with 2 other patient passengers) that we had bought tickets to a flight that no longer existed because of damage to the airplane, inconveniently inflicted two weeks earlier. Of course, I had bought my ticket 10 days before, making this the airline's problem. The point man for RwandAir informed the three of us that they would have to re-route us via Nairobi, Kenya, and then to Johannesburg, but that there was no space on the flight to Kenya.

All of a sudden, one of the women waiting for the same flight busted out pictures on her camera of her and Rwanda’s president, Kagame, the day before at an interview. It turns out that this woman was the wife of a former minister in the Nelson Mandela government of South Africa and had been personally invited by President Kagame for an interview. She was a great woman, and throughout our travels together, I learned about her work and South Africa and also got to meet the current Finance Minister of South Africa who happened to be on the same flight.

So right after she flashed these pictures to the RwandAir representative, he promptly told her he would do what he could and wrote down her name on a piece of paper. Then he asked her my name. I have to be honest, I had been flirting with him a little bit. You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes! It worked didn’t it? After waiting 4 hours, we then got on the flight to Nairobi. This short flight to Nairobi presented me with another great opportunity: to speak with the Africa Great Lakes Regional director for my organization, Food for the Hungry. He said, “I think this is God telling you this is your opportunity to tell me about what’s going on in the Congo.” Another touch of God’s sovereignty.

Another 5 or so hours in Nairobi, I finally took off on the flight to Johannesburg, arriving around midnight with no baggage! Somehow I had a feeling this was going to happen. After a good hour of baggage drama, the customs officers left for the night, and my dad nearly had a heart attack. I finally emerged from the airport, and drove with my dad through the night until 4am, both of us staying awake only because of the chocolate my mom had packed for me! Shoutout: Thanks mom!

Over the next few days, my dad and I had great times of fellowship. We played with baby lions (who surprisingly bite quite hard) and went on safari in Pilannesburg park with an excellent guide, who by his unassuming pastor exterior might have never be known as the best safari guide in Joburg! Tim is the regional director for the WCG in southern Africa and was incredible in facilitating our first trip to South Africa! On our safari, I was literally 10 feet from a wild elephant; no fences, nothing. I was scared out of my mind. Apparently not too scared to take pictures! It really was exhilarating!

We were able to stay with Candida, an old friend, and her family on Saturday, which was a huge blessing to us. And on Sunday, we were able to visit two church communities in Pretoria and Johannesburg. I was so blessed to see and worship with these believers, and my dad gave me the opportunity to share my heart on my experiences in the DRC.

My flight back was an overnight stay in Nairobi, and I met an incredible Rwandan woman who was a believer and shared with me a miraculous story of healing in her family. Her 21-year-old daughter suffered from brain cancer for 5 years, and as a single mother, she worked hard to send her to India for the best treatment. After medical treatment failed, she fell down before Jesus and committed her daughter to Him. Since that time two years ago, Jesus has been healing her and she can now function almost fully on her own. She has ambitions to go to school and become a nurse! I was so encouraged when I saw the pictures and heard the story of redemption.

Since coming back to the DRC, I have reflected back over my time in South Africa and in transit to and from. I was truly able to rest in the beauty of God’s creation while I was in South Africa. It was a time, however short, of renewal and growth. Thanks to all those who made it so memorable. I can’t wait to go back!

Recovery

2008-04-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delayed update. Many of my faithful fans have encouraged me to write another one (this is for you Mom!). I do have a pretty legitimate excuse for the delay. I am getting over malaria and amoebas, and the jury is still out on the typhoid fever. It has been quite a week for me. However, at the end of this week I am reminded of several things.

1) Jesus first loved us.
2) Despite suffering, malnutrition, rising food prices, the plight of the poor and forgotten, broken hearts and bodies, and each and every anxiety we have, the promises of God will not fail.
3) I impact those around me; what an opportunity I have to love.

Since I haven't yet updated you on my trip to South Africa to visit my father, I definitely owe it a post. Be patient with me as I begin normal life again. And continue to pray for the Congo and its government officials. Most recently there have been promises in salary raises for teachers, and so when they go on strike, its the students who suffer. Also, price increases in food have caused many to go hungry and sadly, the poorest of the poor are the most affected here in the Congo. Join me in prayer as we battle the issues that I truly believe break God's heart also.

"I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"La vie est compliquée..."

2008-03-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Life is complicated. But God is here. The conclusion to nearly every conversation I have with believers. So much of my personal growth here over the past two and a half months has come in accepting the complexity of so much in this life, yet at the same time reveling in the simplicity of Christ. I am learning to live in the mystery.

The hardest thing for me is to find the balance between despair and hopelessness. By despair I mean the incapacitating emotional response that can flood one's reaction to suffering, and with hopelessness, I am referring to a hardening of the heart which concedes to the sin and pain in the world. I know that responding appropriately to this complicated life will continue to be a challenge. However, I am confident that my strength and endurance will come from the greatest power of all.

I promised an update on my trip to the bush. So here it is. The remainder of my time in Katanga was spent visiting bridges we had rehabilitated, meeting with beneficiaries, and hanging around on Lake Tanganyika. Near the end of my trip, I received an opportunity to visit Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the most recent fighting. The surrounding areas (more or less the bush) are the center of the fighting between the five main rebel groups in the Congo. I honestly didn't think I would get to see Goma, so I jumped at the chance to visit.

The first day we, our country director, regional programs manager, and I (the intern) arrived in Goma, we visited potential sites for FHI. First we checked out a road (which you can hardly call a road) that needs to be rehabilitated in order to reach the IDPs (Internally Displaced People) that are currently unreachable by vehicle and unable to receive aid. I believe we received approval for this road rehabilitation (or road construction in this case) and already have a car on our way there! This will be our first time as FH Congo to work in North Kivu!

We also evaluated an IDP camp for a Water/Sanitation project. Upon finding the latrines overflowing, our WAT/SAN specialist, Augustin, proved the incredible need in the IDP camps. Before this trip I didn't fully comprehend the complexity found in the frustration and jealousy of the villages in which IDPs pour into. Despite the fact that the IDPs flee their homes in fear and with nothing, the village members see that they themselves are poor. Therefore, they cannot comprehend why food and benefits are pouring only into these camps, which crowd and pollute their villages. This envy leads to hatred and elitism and more unnecessary suffering. The picture above was taken after our country director asked who had lost a family member during the war. The effects of war are clearly far-reaching and without bias.

Our final day in Goma was spent meeting with UN and USAID figures as well as attending security seminars. Aya, a woman I definitely respect, is the Head of Office for the United Nations World Food Programme in North Kivu. She has been working in Eastern Congo for six years, and before that she was with the United Nations in other conflict zones such as Liberia and

Sierra Leone

. We were invited to her office to hear about her fifteen years of experience in the relief realm as well as learn what more could be done in relief and development in North Kivu. Aya shared with us a traumatic experience in which she was running for her life. One day as she accompanied a WFP truck to a feeding center outside of Goma, she turned a corner and saw rebels commit two murders, simply for shoes and bicycles. Entering unknowingly into these circumstances, Aya found herself running into the village to hide under a bed in a home and escape the death threats of the rebels following her, “Mzungu, we’re going to kill you, Mzungu, we’re going to burn you.” Despite the fact that the issues around Goma are huge and often impersonal, the problems in North Kivu became personal for me through her experience and even more so the voices of the displaced.

During our short visit at the IDP camp in Minova, I met a young boy names Fidèle, which means faithful. We didn't get to talk too long, but I was given insight into this little boy's thoughts. From his perspective, the white cars that kept showing up and doing nothing were a waste. He was referring to the white cars carrying the white people making evaluations and doing nothing. Yet in his innocence, he was able to capture my biggest question. How does relief and development work be tangible and practical, yet at the same moment bring a spiritual transformation that is only possible through the power of Christ? How do you quantify a spiritual change? How do I have a healthy balance in my contribution to Christ's work: being His hands and feet while at the same time delivering His truth with my mouth? Of course, both are needed. But in the field, it's easier said than done to combine the two.

There is power in the promises of God.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.' Isaiah 30:21

Back in action.

2008-03-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Back in Bukavu.

First things first. I apologize profusely for those of you who have labored to post comments on my blog, but the default settings did not permit. I finally got a clue and set it up. Comment away (anonymous users and everyone!). No pressure...

Secondly, I just wanted to say that. I have a million stories to share, but be patient. I need to sleep first. This picture of me and Becky (regional Food for the Hungry staff) at the volcano in Goma is a bit of a teaser!

Lastly, please continue to pray for Congo. My heart is heavy with grief and I am finding that sometimes my effectiveness is thwarted by discouragement. Yet in the midst of it all, I pray that I remain confident in Him and continue to place my hope in Him.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in GOD, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my GOD.
Psalms 42:11

The war...

2008-03-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

…with coffee addiction can find me even in the deepest part of the bush. I’m honestly so desperate that I will drink hot water, powdered milk, and sugar to quench my coffee thirst. At our field site, we had a little bottle of Nescafe instant coffee. Ok it’s no French press but it was delicious! However, it ran out yesterday, even after I tried to take the smallest scoops for my daily coffee.

Simple pleasures in the bush…
1) warm milk and sugar
2) cold bucket shower after a day of sweating
3) “paved” roads that don’t kill your back
4) bridges: seriously, there are 1 million rivers here, and canoes + motos are not a good combination.
5) plantains with lots and lots of vegetable oil
6) face wash…I give myself a nice refreshing wash of the face at least 4 times a day.
7) Being called “Muzungu” – I can’t help but smile when the k ids yell it as I’m driving by – and it’s probably the most predictable thing I have.
8) the Bible. I never realized how blessed I am to have a Bible, much less many different sizes and versions; the biggest request here is I just want a Bible, just one.

The beauty of the Congo...
How much do I love the meandering river!!!

If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. -Colossians 3:1-2

Loving the generator...

2008-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

I am writing this post grace à the generator from Kongolo, a city without electricity. Our field site here definitely has its own problems. And I'm not going to lie. Being here is hard. There is conflict, injustice, and frustration I have never known within our small FHI site. Yet I am called to love, and that is all I can try and do. I know that investing in our staff here and reminding them of the high calling we each have is my purpose here.

After having been here for 4 days, I can truly say I see so much hope. The natural beauty here is incredible; the women have associations to raise goats for a livelihood that also have the goals of sensitizing the population to the violence against women and ending poverty; visions of hydro-power and the advancement of their society are strong. I am impressed by the fervor and creativity I have seen here, and pray for the potential to be fully realized.

Today I had the opportunity to share the Word during devotions. I shared from Hebrews 11 about the encouragement I am receiving from the cloud of witnesses that has gone before us and that surrounds us even today. I felt led to encourage the staff to have faith, which is just as much a word for myself. I felt so unworthy to be given the power to share the Word...yet each staff member encouraged me, giving me the same undeserved grace Christ has given me.

The past two days I have visited roads we have rehabilitated, seen our water source (see picture), meandered around Congo on a moto, interviewed beneficiaries, talked to our own staff, and enjoyed every minute of it. For those of you who are suffering from cold weather or perhaps a snow storm, enjoy it. Honestly, I am sweating EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY.

Since I have been in Congo, a constant struggle for me is having faith. I don't have the answers to reconcile the pain and suffering here with the reality of Christ's promises. Yesterday during lunch, our site coordinator, (well the acting coordinator...it's complicated) was asking questions to James and I (James is the 21-yr old British guy who has taken on the responsibility of what should be two expat jobs: he's my hero). So why didn't President Bush come to Congo? Why does the U.S. do nothing for us? Why does no one care? Is death and suffering tolerated here but no where else in the world?

And here I am asking myself the exact same questions. I just broke down crying. Not having the answers or even anything to say is so hard. And with so much pain and truth flowing from the question! The history of oppression and ignorance from the West is traumatizing, especially when you are sitting face to face with the oppressed. Before I came to Congo, did I even have the slightest idea that 5.4 MILLION PEOPLE have died in this country over the past 10 years?

Truly, I don't have the answers. This does not determine my effectiveness; but I do know I have to make a choice each day to live by faith.

I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust.
-Mother Teresa

Going to the bush!

2008-02-25T02:16:00.000-08:00

My home.

(To see the photo up-close, right click and press open in new tab/window)

I thought I would give a better geographical understanding of where I am and where I will be going tomorrow morning when I head to the bush. To get to Bukavu, I flew into Kigali, Rwanda (beautiful yellow dot), which also recently welcomed the other Bush, my President. I know I was a little offended, along with the people of Bukavu, that he didn't visit the DRC. From what I heard, he took some slack for not visiting the hard places in Africa (DRC, Kenya, etc.). But to be fair, there isn't exactly a landing strip to house Air Force 1, and we are something of a security risk.
I live in Bukavu, the nice pink dot, right on Lake Kivu, which has seen so much pain in the past 15 years. It's the capital of the South Kivu province, and has seen its size nearly doubled in the past ten years to over a million inhabitants. The picture of Renee (a missionary working with FH) and I was taken from the Orchid, the best restaurant in town. They have incredible chocolate ice cream, and it's literally the only place you can find it. A little Bukavu history for you: It was known as the jewel of East Africa, with beautifully paved streets and Belgian homes all along the lake. The remnant is pitiful; streets that are nothing but potholes and large broken homes that were clearly once magnificent.

I'm working on getting pictures of Bukavu in the 60s, right after independence, under the strict Mobutu regime, and before war ravaged the city. If I haven't mentioned this already, Bukavu was taken over in 2004 by the CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of People), the rebel group which is currently wreaking havoc in North Kivu, led my General Laurent Nkunda. He is a Tutsi, the ethnic group targeted during the Rwandan genocide, and is now claiming to be protecting all Tutsis as his army ravages the countryside, raping countless women and enlisting child soldiers. Just four years ago, he and his army invaded the city, killing and raping whoever they pleased. Since this horrible event, still so fresh in the minds of the Congolese, people have fled to Bukavu because it is home to MONUC, the UN force.

I took this other picture of the lake at the inauguration of our very own deck! The ladies and I just lounging after a dip in the water. I am in love with the lake! As I am swimming, I try to avoid thinking about past trouble in the Great Lakes Region, yet I can't help but find myself being urged to pray on behalf of those who are sustained by Lake Kivu. Our new deck is my key to the lake, but from this picture you can see the ridiculous set of stairs that stands between my house and the lake. Each stair is at a different angle, threatening to remove your footing at any time. Just a little sketchy.

So back to the map. The huge green dot represents Kalemie, our other main office and also a field site. The infrastructure of Katanga, the southern province, is not prepared for the influx of Congolese returning from their refuge in Tanzania and Zambia. Despite our incredible limitations, FH is the only NGO providing assistance in many of the villages. I will be headed to Kongolo tomorrow, which isn't on the map but very close to the blue dot (Kabalo). After some time in the visiting and hearing stories, I will travel via motorcycle and a canoe (to cross the Congo river) to Kabalo. After a few days in Kabalo I will return to Kalemie until next Friday -- that date is assuming the flights go as planned, a novel idea here in the DRC.

I'm coming up on an adventure, and I am so excited! As I embark on this time away from Bukavu, I am confident that He will introduce me to the people I need to meet and give me strength to love. Pray that I will respond to the call.

La vie sans les tremblements des terres....

2008-02-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

Life without the earthquakes...Ok to say that is a little presumptuous. And there was an aftershock last night right before I went to bed, but for the most part I'm no longer thinking about planning escape routes wherever I am. So I guess thats progress.

Yesterday was a computer-less day, and I loved every minute of it. I went again to the feeding center in Buhoze, where 70 kids in the risk zone (under 5) are fed 6 days a week. This time we weighed and measured the kids to get a good idea of their progress. I measured each child's upper arm; the nurses who were with me might know the appropriate terminology. All I know is that it provides a good estimate of their malnutrition, or hopefully lack thereof. I love returning to the feeding center and recognizing many of the beautiful children. While this is not necessarily related to FHI (yet), it is such an honor to be able to be a part of the work.

After the trip in the morning, I was shipped out to a field site maybe 1 1/2 hours away with $6500 for a cash exchange. After a short conversation and the signing of a good receiving note, I was on my way back to Bukavu. Literally the bush is worlds apart from the city. I can honestly say I can't help but bust out a smile every time a child screams "Muzungu!" It's almost a comfort now.

Yesterday, I also had a long conversation with Israel, our chauffeur/token evangelist. I was expressing my constant struggle with reconciling the beauty of God's people and His creation with the suffering that is rampant everywhere I turn. He encouraged me once again to walk by faith and have confidence that Christ is at work, even when I don't see the fruit of my labor. God's promises will be fulfilled without me. A harsh blow to my ego, but its reality.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst

for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Perfect love casts out fear....

2008-02-14T02:10:00.000-08:00

A quick earthquake update: here in Bukavu, we have been dealing with a second series of earthquakes. Thursday morning there was a 5.4 magnitude wake-up call around 4am...good times. Since then, with every aftershock that comes, I barely flinch in my bed. What's that shaking my bed? Oh nothing just another aftershock. However, I do remember one time I woke up to my room shaking, and it was pouring rain outside. My thoughts immediately turned to all those who didn't have a warm bed to comfort them or were leaving their houses for safety reasons. My only weapon: prayer.

This past week, amidst the renewed fear, a wise man reminded me that perfect love casts out fear. I must continue to remember this promise, and trust in Him.

Today, I had the opportunity to visit the home of Chantal (Chantal and her four children in the photo). She works at my house on Sundays. Upon arriving at her house, I was bombarded by all the neighbor children. My Swahili doesn't take me too far with the kids so I spent most of my time talking with Chantal. She is originally from Uvira, a city down south on the border with Burundi. She grew up in the bush and dreams of going back. Not only is the city more expensive, but not many have their own land to cultivate. Her husband is currently in school, providing no income. So with the $20 she makes monthly from her job at my house, she has to pay the $10 for rent (the home is no bigger than a bathroom), and $3 for her eldest daughter to go to school (she has two children old enough to go to school but can only afford for one to attend). Then she somehow has to make enough money to feed the family of 6. As often as her energy will allow, she carries cargo around town on her back; the average income for that work is 50 cents a day. It's not uncommon to see at least one hundred women doing this work as you walk around the city.

During my visit, I think the neighbors pitched in to buy me a coke, a completely undeserved act of hospitality. I could not bare drinking a coke with 8 kids watching me...so I took a sip and had Chantal partage with all the cute kids. We also played cards -- if you know the game war (I know Mom it's my favorite!), here its called combat. You can see in the picture Chantal's 9-year-old Natalie dominating at combat!

There's something about trying to understand pain and poverty and the state of our world that just takes it out of me. I admit my questions are valid; if I don't propose the tough questions, I must not be acknowledging reality. Amidst all the questions, I am coming to accept that I don't have a choice: I have to live by faith. Just as Chantal prays over her children at night, assuring them that God is keeping them safe and that He will provide, I must believe.

We live by faith, not by sight.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness...

2008-02-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have successfully found the courage to sleep upstairs by myself for the past 4 nights. Before, I have to admit, I was afraid, seeking refuge in the room of a 2-year-old. There are however still aftershocks happening. This morning I was in the shower...and of course, an aftershock.

You can check out an article I wrote for Food for the Hungry here: Staff in DRC Shaken Up

This picture of me is on the top of the FHI building, with Bukavu and Lake Kivu in the background. I like to spend some of my lunch time up on the roof. As you can see, it's quite a view.

While I am so confident of being in this place and I have peace about serving here at this time, to be honest, the past week has been a bit of a struggle. Post-earthquake paranoia has taken some of my good sleep, and some realities have been hitting hard. Yet I am encouraged and reminded no matter where I am led, whether its Wheaton, IL or Bukavu, DRCongo, that my service is possible only because He is faithful. My call is to have a willing heart.

The picture here of the children and the fallen wall gives you an idea of just a little of the earthquake damage. The view of the school is right outside of my office window -- I am blessed each morning to hear the children sing. However serious this may be, this is just one of many examples of earthquake aftereffects.

Currently, I'm sleep-deprived. But I wanted to leave you with what has been encouraging me.

The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

The view outside my window.

Pre-earthquake.

2008-02-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

Since work was canceled today, I had the opportunity to get caught up on a few things: sleep, communication, and work. I have been wanting to share with you my time spent last Friday in a village. I took the morning off work and went with my boss' wife (Katie) to the feeding center she runs in Buhoze, a good 30 minute drive out of the city. I spent thirty minutes playing with the kids and practicing my Swahili (French isn't learned until school -- and most of the kids in Buhoze won't ever go to school because it costs about $3 a month per child) while Katie was checking up on the center.

After our time at the feeding center, we went to visit Regine, a woman living in the community. Here is her story. A year ago, with a two year old and 1-year-old twins, she became pregnant again with twins. When her husband found out about the second set of twins on the way, he left her. Now, Regine, with no support and five children under the age of three, is afraid her milk is dry and her new twins are not receiving any nutrition. Katie and I picked out some donated baby clothes for her and we brought her basic food. Here in the picture you can see Katie, Israel (our translator and chauffeur), Regine, and three of her children (the other two were sleeping). Of course in small communities, any visitors are a big deal, especially if those visitors are white and bringing gifts. Some might call it interest, others would label it nosy. We recognize that many people in this village have need; but unfortunately, it is impossible to help every family. We are praying that no one reacts with jealousy or anger towards Regine as a result of our visit.

As I remember Regine in the aftermath of the earthquake, I mourn for her. There is no telling the fear and destruction that she has endured. I look forward to visiting Buhoze once every two weeks while I'm here to love and help serve the children.

Let the little children come to me...

Enough with the aftershocks...

2008-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that I left California, I did not leave behind the earthquakes. This morning around 9:30am I found myself running for a doorway. And since then, there have been at least 20 aftershocks that I have felt. Good times.

I will point you to this article for all the correct facts: Great Lakes hit by deadly quakes

Bukavu, where I am, is right on the border with Rwanda, 12 miles from the epicenter of this earthquake. After the mainshock, I walked into town to meet up with a coworker for church. As I walked, I saw walls, houses, and the main market in town completely destroyed. According to my friends, Bukavu hasn't seen an earthquake like that in over 40 years. I sure didn't see it coming. There has already been 2 aftershocks since I began writing this. Ridiculous.

Please keep in your prayers those who have suffered and lost loved ones during this time.

But seriously...I'm so done with these aftershocks.

Just thought I would add to this post. Despite my earthquake experience, if you will, I was paranoid to be upstairs by myself last night. So we (my country director/boss, his wife, and two kids) had a slumber party in their living room! I slept a good five hours, then woke up twice within an hour to two short but strong aftershocks. I would nearly be on my feet to run for safety when the quake subsided. Now, a full 24 hours after the first big earthquake, I am feeling peace...and only a few weak aftershocks. Continue praying for the Congo/Rwanda. Our cook Vincent's home was basically split in half, leaving his family susceptible to the cold, rain, theft.

For as sure as the aftereffects of this earthquake will challenge Congo, the promises of God remain.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 41:10

An Embodiment of Hope

2008-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

If there weren't interruptions to my planned out weeks, I would find myself in a pretty boring routine! One such welcomed disturbance came on Monday, when I had the opportunity to visit Luhwindja, a field site where Food for the Hungry actively serves.

In this specific village, FH worked in cassava multiplication (see the picture of the beautiful old man), seed and tool distribution (which then leads to successful farming; see the picture of the women), as well as planting fish ponds.

As dictated to me by Emmanuel, who I worked on the proposal with last week, the wars (1st and 2nd Congo War 1996-2003 - google it) not only destroyed lives, but it also erased any evidence of livelihoods. Fields were completely infertile because all the owners had fled. All livestock were either eaten by rebels or relocated. As you might know, livestock and agriculture work together in the countryside; cows producing manure gives the soil a greater fertility. Farmers are finding that their seeds and techniques of farming are not sustaining the tough soil. The broken infrastructure following these wars still exists. Many skilled Congolese farmers returned from refuge with nothing. The need for FH in these areas is great, and today, hope is found in the beneficiaries, changing their communities with each seed planted.

While agriculture isn't exactly my area of interest, agricultural livelihoods make up 80% of the population in the Congo. Cassava multiplication (manioc) is crucial: one of the staple crops in the DRC is currently plagued by a disease which wipes out entire fields. The seeds distributed by FH are disease-resistant. FH is also working to diversify the diet in the field, providing seeds for a variety of vegetables. However, not only are vegetables produced, seeds are multiplied to further impact the village.

Needless to say, I feel to honored to be working with an organization like Food for the Hungry. I spent a few hours in the field, taking in the scenery, learning about agriculture, and seeing the grateful hearts of our beneficiaries.

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

A week in the life...

2008-01-27T06:13:00.000-08:00

Ok...so while I have only experienced 1 entire week here in the Congo, I can pretty much sum up the excitement of my future weeks.

SUNDAYS!
Let's begin with Sundays! I start my day early on Sundays to make it to church by 7:30am. I have been attending the Anglican Church (our congregation gathered in the picture), which has an English service -- I am enjoying it so much! I want to continue to attend; however, I would really like to take part in a French service also.
On Sundays, the family I live with (my country director, his wife, and two kids: Daniel age 2 and Jonathan 5 months) and I go the "Orchid" (a hotel/restaurant type with this amazing view: see picture below), which is basically the expatriate hang out. It has yummy peanuts and some stale chips to go along with coffee, hot cocoa, or coke. Let's just say, I'm a pro at this place. I have been 4 times already. To end my Sunday, I will rest the remainder of the day, rejoicing in Him. (And maybe write in my blog.)

Daily Rundown
Each week day will begin with a run downstairs for some coffee, a run back upstairs for quiet time and getting ready for the day. Then we leave at 7:30am for our 15min. morning wake-up drive (by that I mean it is ridiculously bumpy on the road to work - keep in mind only 300 km of paved road in Congo). At 8am every weekday we have devotional time as an organization. Such a blessing. First we sing some songs in Swahili (I'm learning...) and then someone generally shares a passage and a thought and we discuss it together. Following our daily corporate worship, we begin our days!

My tasks as assigned by my supervisor: create an entire Human Resources manual (which if you don't know is absolutely HUGE) and composing it in English and French; forming an orientation packet for all new national and international staff (also in English and French); updating our website (when it officially comes out I'll post the link); and anything else that comes up! Let's just say, that will easily fill the next 4 months!

Oh, have I mentioned I committed to teaching English 4 times a week after work? Yea...totally unqualified. But as the staff keeps telling me, "But you speak English!" I'm actually so excited to have this opportunity. It's just another time to engage with each of the staff - who are so amazing!

The Weekends!
Friday nights are filled with dinner and card games with the fellow expatriates in the area. If you know me, I am a sucker for card games, so I fit right in! It's just a nice relaxing evening.

Saturdays are sleep in, maybe walk to town, maybe go to the one coffee shop in town (pretty legit from what I hear!), or lounge around and plan English lessons.

Reality.
While I have a very busy schedule, with many tasks to accomplish, I anticipate there will still be a loneliness. I have four bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs...all to myself. In the times of solitude I remember God is not far away, but He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Keep praying for the Congo. Steps are being made towards peace, but there still needs to be transformation at the root of the problem: post-colonial syndrome, ethnic hatred, and a failed infrastructure. Pray that the peace accord that was signed a few days ago stops some of the incredible violence against women and the deaths of many innocent people dying from starvation and disease. So much pain is resulting from this seemingly endless war. Some days I even feel hopeless.

Yet I am reminded by the faithful staff at FHI who pray fervently for their country and who quietly hope, just as Lamentations 3:25-29 (the Message) says:

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God...
When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.

Here is a link to the NYTimes article regarding the situation here:
Congo's Death Rate Unchanged Since War Ended
And here you can find the most recent article on the Peace Agreement.
Is this peace for Eastern DR Congo?

Be informed.

After two days as an intern...

2008-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

I just have to start out by saying the past two days have been awesomely ridiculous. This picture shows my experience: 2 days in the office. I have to say I was forewarned of the proposal, but I had no idea to what extent I would be involved.

Preface to my story: generally, minute-by-minute accounts fail to meet my standard of good reading. But seriously, this was ridiculous.

Food for the Hungry (DRC) receives 90% of its funds from government organizations. Great. But what I didn't know was what it takes to finalize a proposal to USAID for 36 million dollars. Well, now I do!

Keep in mind this was a huge project that required much teamwork and commitment months in advance. But for me, a lowly intern, the madness began Monday morning as I was doing some budget narrative work and making templates. There wasn't a dull moment in the office.

By about 5pm local time, I was informed (by the hardworking D.C. office) that I needed to get in contact with a staff member in the office so I could fill out the DIP (Detailed Implementation Plan) for our agriculture programs.

So I found Emmanuel, and began to attempt to explain to him what I didn't even understand myself in French. 2 problems: 1) it was my first day in the office -- I had no clue how/when to implement programs that I had just learned existed. 2) the proposal was all in English, so I was translating into French, discussing the situation, and trying to translate the solution back into English. My partner on this project, Emmanuel, has the most amazing laugh and is a joy to be around...but he is a verbal processor; so what might have taken 1 hour took 3 hours.

Later that night around 10pm, I found the country director and logistics director downstairs working hard. I offered to help and got more than I bargained for. I was awake working alongside them until 2am, creating international travel budgets and revising other stuff -- really didn't have much of a clue what I was doing.

So anyways, today after two long revisions and hardly any sleep, we ran the proposal to a UPS-like service to have it post-marked just minutes before the 5pm deadline. To understand that rush, I guess you had to be there. Here is Lindsay and I with the finished narrative that we revised many many many times!

It would be accurate to say my orientation has not been tame, but instead a get your hands dirty type of experience.

And I loved it.

Safe in the Congo...talk about oxymoron!

2008-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I titled my first email update "Safe in the Congo" which in and of itself is a ridiculous oxymoron. While I do feel very safe here in Bukavu, this country finds itself plagued by war since the end of Mobutu's rule in 1997 (a brutal dictator in office from 65-97). Not to mention that Bukavu, the city I live in, has been captured twice by rebel groups since that time. But let's get real: I live behind barbed wire and the house I live at has two guards at all times. Any country will have its problems; even my own has its horrific ghosts. It's the beautiful Congolese people who I am yearning to serve and learn how to love.

So, when I arrived in Rwanda on Thursday night, I took a deep breath in and two things came to mind: Guatemala and marijuana. If you've ever been to a developing country, you will find burning trash (commonly found in Guatemala) smells like marijuana, but with a twist.

After some much needed sleep, I had the opportunity to see the Food for the Hungry office in Rwanda, the arts and crafts shops, and all the important parts of downtown Kigali, like the expensive Starbucks-wannabe coffee shop. I cannot tell a lie -- I reallllly wanted some. But I had no money and kept walking. The full day led to a full evening. I was forewarned that dinner takes three hours; however, I was not informed that a group of really fun young Rwandan men would come to join our group of four American girls. It was actually a good night, despite being a little tired; up until the part that I was teased for not being legal in Rwanda. You have to be 21 to get married.

Taking the tiny plane to the Congo the next day and flying over thousands of hills and villages was an experience that I will not forget. Being in the Congo for two days does not merit too much blog space. But I do have one story.

Probably the funniest experience thus far was at the local hotel restaurant (where all the expatriates, NGO workers, UN personnel go to dine). My housemate, Lindsay, and I were enjoying coffee in front of the amazing view of Lake Kivu and we decided to take a picture in front of the lake. Out of nowhere this crazy UN guy, who had an incredible accent and was clearly foreign, came over to us with his camera and insisted that he would take a picture of us. And then he asked me to take a picture of him with Lindsay, and he proclaimed, "I will never forget you both, and this time we spent together." Let's just say, I'm avoiding creepy UN people. But I wish we would have taken up his offer -- he could have paid for my five dollar chocolate ice cream.

Preparation

2008-01-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

I leave early in the morning -- and I find myself becoming part of the Food for the Hungry journey. This organization is actively pursuing a development strategy that integrates the physical and the spiritual. I confess that my own perspective on development, rooted strongly in the action aspect, neglects transformation and freedom found in the discovery of salvation. So is this goal just deficient words? How is physical/spiritual (as inseparable) development practically instated in people's lives? Perhaps some would prefer their development assistance free from spiritual pressure; but then am I called to suppress my identity and abandon any mention of motivation?

As I enter the field, I will return to this concept when it becomes tangible.

The past two days I spent at internship training in Phoenix (the headquarters of FH), learning from wise men and women about development, relief responses, and most importantly about personal journeys. Without a doubt, speaking to Bo and Julie, two of the staff who work with interns, gave me much to think about on my thirty hour travel day. I was challenged to assess my individual response to grace, to recognize the barriers to fully connecting with people and God the way He intended it, and to ponder perhaps the largest barrier of them all: self.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Beginning my blog.

2008-01-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
This is the beginning of my blog that will hopefully keep you updated on the happenings in the Congo. I will be there from January 13-May 17 as a holistic development intern with Food for the Hungry.

Currently, I am packing and preparing for my trip. I won't bore you with those details.

I look forward to updating soon from the Congo, sharing with you my adventure. Know that your prayers are so appreciated.

Blessings!
In Christ,
Lisa