tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53812652273549716942024-03-19T03:27:26.017-07:00All This Time...AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-4966458553293023732013-06-10T09:13:00.004-07:002013-06-10T09:13:38.383-07:00The Day's ReflectionsThe days of summer drift in on rain clouds.<br />
The year has taken me thus far from Edmonton to China, China to Thailand, Thailand back to Edmonton,<br />
then to Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and finally onto the home soil of Ontario.<br />
Too seldom have I taken moments to pause and breathe and reflect on time gone by.<br />
Too few times have I walked across the field to one of my favorite place of reflection,<br />
seated on the rock that sits before the forest.<br />
A small bush grows beside it and vines clamber their way along it.<br />
The rock is big enough that I can sit with feet dangling in the tall grass where bugs take the liberty of making a jungle out of my leg hair before I swat them aware for their itchy intrusion.<br />
There, on that rock, I will just sit with paper and pen on my lap and, without fail, I will write with the inspiration that always travels on the breeze moving across the fields<br />
and through the small trees growing just outside the forest.<br />
The small trees whose leaves always shimmer when they shake<br />
and whose song that they sing is always in tune, pitch perfect.<br />
More than a few birds cannot resist to join in the melody and each,<br />
with distinctive voices and even different songs,<br />
join together lifting one lyric together that moves me.<br />
It always moves me upward from where I was when I came to that rock.<br />
Upward beyond the present pomp and prejudice of stimulants designed to distract us from anything of real substance. Fleeting, momentarily satisfactory and pleasurable voids.<br />
So unlike the song lifted up by the divinely created.<br />
To one in love with the Creator, the songs of Creation, if allowed to percolate through you, is an amazing way to be lifted upward into His gaze; how sweet the sight.<br />
I think that a good sign that you were truly present in a moment is if you can dissect it, even weeks later, and relive the phenomenons of perception that you experienced while in the moment.<br />
The green shimmer of the leaves in the wind and sunlight is the most clear phenomenon I recall,<br />
and how vivid it is.<br />
How strangely easy it is to bring myself back to that spot with the use of this one memory.<br />
The power of an intimate moment.<br />
Power to draw yourself, almost as if out of body, into another place of a time gone by,<br />
perhaps longs gone or perhaps merely only a moment ago.<br />
If I were not careful though, I would be thankful for these moments and their power<br />
but I would do little to replicate more by actually allowing the stillness of the heart to set in on a more common occasion.<br />
And thus on that note, I must bid adieu.AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-81965097008212455212013-02-18T17:03:00.000-08:002013-02-18T17:03:01.918-08:00She Sweeps the Breath of Another Year AwayHere's looking at you lady <a href="http://abbybarwick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Abby.</a><br />
Happy Birthday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUFKTwdagg6a0DrqutlLyh-z6uoEUIUN9RiBuja7DMLMEioJ5osTWX6a6Z1q8asEdQhhT5JmirpEiSA8WSdVwTFMvCuZ_kjnBpR4EShuUigIyeTdbEtM9ndlZNIk3EQEjWjij_-na6X-y/s1600/col2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUFKTwdagg6a0DrqutlLyh-z6uoEUIUN9RiBuja7DMLMEioJ5osTWX6a6Z1q8asEdQhhT5JmirpEiSA8WSdVwTFMvCuZ_kjnBpR4EShuUigIyeTdbEtM9ndlZNIk3EQEjWjij_-na6X-y/s640/col2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
(Sorry about the pixelies, the perils of facebook photos) </div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-54240239832333820542013-02-17T14:13:00.000-08:002013-06-10T09:14:50.718-07:00Thinking BackThere was a time I, alone, climbed trees to dream,<br />
Laying in the arms of something I can't ever really understand.
<br />
<br />
Just reminiscing on some old days, and lessons learned and unlearned, with the words of Mr. Frost. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<pre>"When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy's been swinging them.
But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay
As ice-storms do. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.
Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust--
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,
And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed
So low for long, they never right themselves:
You may see their trunks arching in the woods
Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground
Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair
Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.
But I was going to say when Truth broke in
With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm
I should prefer to have some boy bend them
As he went out and in to fetch the cows--
Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.
One by one he subdued his father's trees
By riding them down over and over again
Until he took the stiffness out of them,
And not one but hung limp, not one was left
For him to conquer. He learned all there was
To learn about not launching out too soon
And so not carrying the tree away
Clear to the ground. He always kept his poise
To the top branches, climbing carefully
With the same pains you use to fill a cup
Up to the brim, and even above the brim.
Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,
Kicking his way down through the air to the ground.
So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It's when I'm weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood
Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs
Broken across it, and one eye is weeping
From a twig's having lashed across it open.
I'd like to get away from earth awhile
And then come back to it and begin over.
May no fate willfully misunderstand me
And half grant what I wish and snatch me away
Not to return. Earth's the right place for love:
I don't know where it's likely to go better.
I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree,
And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk
Toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more,
But dipped its top and set me down again.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches."</pre>
<pre> -Robert Frost, <i>Birches</i></pre>
<pre><i> </i></pre>
<pre><i> </i></pre>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre></pre>
</div>
</div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-27245114095657700662013-02-15T23:11:00.000-08:002013-02-15T23:54:45.130-08:00To Shake the WorldI was surprised, after having not posted for a solid three months, that there are still new page views happening on this ol' blog. Particularly yesterday with a solid 12 views. Perhaps others, alone on Valentine's Day as I was, with extra time to kill, were perusing the old haunts of inspiration like what I hope this place to be. Or perhaps they were merely random wanderers who have never seen this side of web before. My mystery page viewers, whoever you are, I thank thee for thy views, and for this I shall post once again.<br />
<br />
With a newfound phone comes newfound possibilities, such as downloading classic literature to peruse and feel more in touch with a deeper sense of soul than I have for a while. On the go recently has been some Tennyson and Blake. The piece that has struck the deepest chord so far is <i>The Poet's Mind</i> by Tennyson. Allow me to quote the final stanza's of this work.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"And in her raiment's hem was traced in flam</i>e</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>WISDOM, a name to shake</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>All evil dreams of power--a sacred name.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And when she spoke,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Her words did gather thunder as they ran,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and as the lightning to the thunder</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>which follows it, riving the spirit of man,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>making earth wonder,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So was their meaning to her words. No sword</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Of wrath her right arm whirl'd,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But one poor poet's scroll, and with his word</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She shook the world." </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wisdom, it is a name to shake. And with a word wisdom can shake the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel lately quite lacking in wisdom. Acting poorly towards those I care about the most. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But may I not forget the power a little wisdom in thought, word and action can offer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
May it grow as a seed in my mind in heart taking root,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
growing amidst and entangling my words in a radical way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS18d_NbqcT1iwzSyBlzc_6J6eTAR-II-e_nfmysrt1xDsbLU59WCrClNnEZS1i3Jx6jMlYz8_OU1-OenjSXnBgKLae8zjBEcxoqw1XcDT5q3n8ayir8A9OBohtEPpjiRtERWAZdtlFh-/s1600/DSCN3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS18d_NbqcT1iwzSyBlzc_6J6eTAR-II-e_nfmysrt1xDsbLU59WCrClNnEZS1i3Jx6jMlYz8_OU1-OenjSXnBgKLae8zjBEcxoqw1XcDT5q3n8ayir8A9OBohtEPpjiRtERWAZdtlFh-/s400/DSCN3107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-43450629042088899782012-10-27T12:01:00.001-07:002012-10-27T12:01:39.262-07:00The North.Well I guess it has been beyond that point where it has been too long since the last post. Time has carried us into two full months of school now as October soon draws to an end.<br />
In the past month I had the privilege of joining the missions department on the bi-yearly trip up North. I led a team to Fort Resolution where we simply tried to love people and the town, and where all our eyes were open to the need there.<br />
Small, isolated towns lead people into various and, often, unproductive and unsatisfactory way of filling time. We definitely did sense that the youth desired a different life than the alcoholism and apathy of manner of their parents. People yearn for change, purpose, meaning and something more.<br />
I hope our lives while there demonstrated the value we saw in their lives even if our interaction may have been mostly through games and just having fun.<br />
God can use all sorts of things to do all sorts of things.<br />
May the old become new again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_POL9JUlBGbP3NQuge1SdC8JeJgztOi0wqTqEseTmmj7QrAfPADZNshkDldi4WAmtivy2wl07FUl1ILeuFI5ORhAilzusfzHe1HwC0cDd6PG-0P_Bhsyzv5rVnDny2t5A7XLLtdcxwC8U/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_POL9JUlBGbP3NQuge1SdC8JeJgztOi0wqTqEseTmmj7QrAfPADZNshkDldi4WAmtivy2wl07FUl1ILeuFI5ORhAilzusfzHe1HwC0cDd6PG-0P_Bhsyzv5rVnDny2t5A7XLLtdcxwC8U/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDgP_fbI-dOfkPF-OGYESEEhPrRf9dBs2Poa2vkMSe4jBo-_gMDOiaYe0TH6COd6FeoV61Jhp7spbiIgXY50KBFeGMKj_AhBrUxJ3V9kWIFZ-V9UtmHfjnjp1xkKKISAMfgYP-U87ayU2/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDgP_fbI-dOfkPF-OGYESEEhPrRf9dBs2Poa2vkMSe4jBo-_gMDOiaYe0TH6COd6FeoV61Jhp7spbiIgXY50KBFeGMKj_AhBrUxJ3V9kWIFZ-V9UtmHfjnjp1xkKKISAMfgYP-U87ayU2/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrDO1qd8Z855I3ZvWl9OHPy2yFu__7-rGcqURme8lL4kvUP12egnqui7WXOduweBwBFZeypbkLZvcI3hSAhRSOv7bDjJavW6QmOdWemaahX0pp5HzZRzkAL_tzSSZ8WTXQOWLaXjg1eJW/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrDO1qd8Z855I3ZvWl9OHPy2yFu__7-rGcqURme8lL4kvUP12egnqui7WXOduweBwBFZeypbkLZvcI3hSAhRSOv7bDjJavW6QmOdWemaahX0pp5HzZRzkAL_tzSSZ8WTXQOWLaXjg1eJW/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-86484740197060263022012-09-30T12:47:00.002-07:002012-09-30T12:47:51.697-07:00A Most Beautiful Sight A new school year, a retreat in the mountains, new faces, new ministries, new stresses. The same God over and through it all.<br />
Hard to believe that a month of school has already come and past, a little hard to believe how quick time is now passing and a little hard to catch a mental grip on everything as well. Such is the importance of slowing down sometimes I suppose. Catching your breath.<br />
Here's some thoughts from the SWD retreat a couple weeks ago, a moment where I was able to catch my breath during one of our evening services.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The ground was cold and hard. Scattered all around were pine needles, small stones and old coals of fires from days gone by. The ground sits by the shore of a lake that is beautiful but not unlike any other lake in the area. The air is quiet and it is cool. Before long footsteps lightly shake the the ground, their sound like a soft drumbeat breaks the silence of evening solitude. They stop near the fire. A pair of eyes surveys the land, the small fire pit, the firewood nearby. Soon the sound of an axe splitting wood, and, when enough has been cut, two hands gather dried grass and small twigs from the earth. A small teepee is formed on the ground with the grass, twigs and a few choice pieces of cut wood.<br />
<br />
A match is struck and brought near the twigs, but a light breeze extinguishes the flame. A second match, this time it is sheltered by a spare hand. Held near the kindling it soon sends it alight, and with a controlled breath the small flame soon engulfs the teepee and the fire has begun.<br />
<br />
The sound of crackling wood and needs catches the attention of several more people, and as the time comes, soon a large group is gathered around that fire. They sit with a quiet expectation for what is to come. And what is to come? The sound of guitar strings reverberating in the night. Two hands carving a rhythmic beat into the air with a single drum. The voices of many ascending up and up and up into the sky quickly growing dim as the sun wanders further out of sight.<br />
Those voices, that music, they are an offering of praise. Its not a lot given; no light show, no moving, rotating, extravagant stage, no pedal board for the guitar. Just people gathered on the ordinary, cold ground, surrounding the fire, lifting their voices and catching the moment.<br />
<br />
I suppose that if that ground could have spoke, it may have often complained of how ordinary it was. Just dirt. Often trampled over, dug into and burned. Nothing really set it apart from other ground. I suppose that if that ground could see it may have often looked up into the sky where the clouds moved and the stars shone out. I suppose that it often must have gazed into night skies and, with the eyes of the people who sang around that fire, watched in wonder at the great expanse of lights, stretching from North to South and East to West, and thought "What a beautiful sight that is". <br />
<br />
What the ground doesn't realize, though, is that the stars also, if they had a voice and if they had eyes, may also be looking down upon that ground. And as those stars gaze to the earth and to that place of fire and voices lifted up in worship to the creator, I suppose that, perhaps, they may themselves be looking and saying:<br />
<br />
"Oh, what a most beautiful sight that is. Those children of God acknowledging the creator we know so well and yet so little. Those people, so diverse and ordinary united together to worship the extraordinary fulfiller and creator of dreams and holy desire. If only the ground could fully know what sort of wonder it is tonight. A greater wonder than we shall ever be. Yes, what a most beautiful sight that is." <br />
<br />
<br />
Some photos from the weekend. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9dWrPwxmJAmHxFqZ0NGBGSbYCunEk9g2gIWOpB1vlDqolTfQDNcdm5UzslVgPLwoPzkJLAqUAe4SeYCKRbmHfduDHYNpCCN-8jVAOLfUMyfcC_W9CfwgfaRlsMYv1Y3DfWQIF7_0EtBM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9dWrPwxmJAmHxFqZ0NGBGSbYCunEk9g2gIWOpB1vlDqolTfQDNcdm5UzslVgPLwoPzkJLAqUAe4SeYCKRbmHfduDHYNpCCN-8jVAOLfUMyfcC_W9CfwgfaRlsMYv1Y3DfWQIF7_0EtBM/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNadNz-8Al29D8_AwJMfC2K-T233QHWjifUNr2-U3F3J-eg5ke2UNQlFW8qI7R6Q_2FVVrHDPMQww2LKEBfrb-cd7NZrR3lq9LaAmGOKEc0E50vDl-ADMoSsNrGz2d14DrZFrg0BIf4fJ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNadNz-8Al29D8_AwJMfC2K-T233QHWjifUNr2-U3F3J-eg5ke2UNQlFW8qI7R6Q_2FVVrHDPMQww2LKEBfrb-cd7NZrR3lq9LaAmGOKEc0E50vDl-ADMoSsNrGz2d14DrZFrg0BIf4fJ/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu47djChlifl8gxyuVSilDdAWYolGxO-An-3I_Q_vhIooUX9fPf-0Fw0t0SGjZ6zIko3W7xn_yhyphenhyphenJk8hbFiKxOmqNe0V_rzDpwu5Ffa4bz_VTiqhTli9NtEaYqVyhHnGO7ge7yjWok_IQr/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu47djChlifl8gxyuVSilDdAWYolGxO-An-3I_Q_vhIooUX9fPf-0Fw0t0SGjZ6zIko3W7xn_yhyphenhyphenJk8hbFiKxOmqNe0V_rzDpwu5Ffa4bz_VTiqhTli9NtEaYqVyhHnGO7ge7yjWok_IQr/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l0oGWnXZzY5wr5s0RPYxzQJvqw9ehIYAdrdcYZFVvE2-YenokEiu1fj0SqT1NJ1JDSPVcdIsl7hptAjeWndnHy6OhN2_cSKBh3cIJdYn6cKsXP6TZ4-b6Upa78Df4R9AtOePJ4vn3cTK/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l0oGWnXZzY5wr5s0RPYxzQJvqw9ehIYAdrdcYZFVvE2-YenokEiu1fj0SqT1NJ1JDSPVcdIsl7hptAjeWndnHy6OhN2_cSKBh3cIJdYn6cKsXP6TZ4-b6Upa78Df4R9AtOePJ4vn3cTK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-53418724854896156252012-09-03T13:18:00.003-07:002012-09-03T13:23:11.987-07:00To Be Back. What does it feel like to be back?<br />
That's the question I really don't know how to answer.<br />
It feels the same in some ways, but I don't want it to at all. I don't want to be left unchanged. I want to discover what things I see differently. There are areas of my life that I want to be drastically altered.<br />
What does it feel like to be back? It feels unsatisfying until I can figure out what has really been refined and processed, sharpened and shaped in me. Until I can figure out why and how I'm ready to move onto the next things God has for me. Until I can say the things which deeply affected me have grown into branches bearing fruit.<br />
I don't want to be unchanged. I don't want to file the person I was in the Congo away into memories and binary code transformed into stories on some blog.<br />
Patience.<br />
Perhaps processing through some of my lessons will help. I want to post something on here, it was a school assignment, but I think it will help you to understand my processing and some of my experiences overseas. The assignment was to develop a list of questions to ask a missionary on field and then to interview them and report on the interview in a paper. Here is that assignment:<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The questions which I asked were as follows: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Name: Christina</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. When did you first come to the Congo?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Did you see any changes in the city since the time you
came? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. How has your perspective of the country/city changed
since you first came? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. What are some of the greatest difficulties you have felt?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. What are the greatest joys that you have experienced
while serving overseas?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. What has most helped you overcome the difficulties? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. How often do you go home? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 234.0pt;">
9. What are your main
responsibilities now?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 234.0pt;">
10. How do you balance
personal time and ministry time?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 234.0pt;">
11. How do you decide who
to help (physically/materially) and who to say no to? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. What would you change if you were to stay it all from
the beginning again? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. How do you stay focused and connected on God? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14 . What has changed in your vision since you came? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. What advice would you give to new missionaries coming
onto the field?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christina
first came to the city of Bukavu in 2002 as a teacher and school supervisor and
since then has seen the city grow in population, technology and resources.
Automatic withdrawal machines have been added, many fancy houses built or in
the process of being built, an increase of military activity, increased access
to the internet and increased political awareness are all changes that she has
noted since she first arrived. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since
her arrival she has also been able to see the country a bit more "from the
inside out". Knowing individual people and circumstances rather than the
general situation of the country. I too, though my time has been short, have
felt this change. Reports on the news become personal stories among friends while
walking down a dusty road or driving in a beat up car. You see the individual
nits and grits of life and remember that even in a country ravaged by war someone
still needs to change the baby, peel the cassava, change the oil in the car and
to dance to music blaring from the radio. I have seen a more intimate part of
life here. Less extravagant or sensational than some may imagine, but more
elegantly simply and beautiful than most know how to imagine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However
when getting to know people here on a more personal level the stereotypical
image of a 'mzungu', a foreigner, is not one that is easy to overcome.
Christina felt that " We are not a woman or a man – we are a mzungu. We
are not supposed to work hard physically; we should have the best places, get
first in the queue, not to get wet...." I myself have often felt as though
I broke the stereotypical image of a mzungu by choosing to walk to work each
day rather than take a car. For this I have received more than my fair share of
stares from people who just did not know what to make of a mzungu getting his
pants dusty and his feet dirty on the Bukavu streets. Christina said that she
knew many people see us differently out of "love, thankfulness or
honor...but I still have problems with it...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes you just want to be a normal, real person and to be a normal,
real friend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
has been my one of my greatest difficulties. There are a few individuals that I
have greatly desired to demonstrate true friendship and care towards. However
it has been a struggle because it seems that they cannot see me as a person but
rather merely as a mzungu with 'unlimited resources' who is expected to help them
as the people struggling to live. Prior to my internship my supervisor from
STMNetwork asked me this question: "What do you need from the poor?"
I did not know how to answer him <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then,
but now I would say that I need them to see me as a person and not just a
resource. Only then will we be able to exchange genuine care, support and love
that will result in lasting empowerment and change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a constant struggle to know who to help.
To know who genuinely needs it and to know who is lying to you. Christina said
that "Everyone who asks <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maybe</i>
needs my help. Some are cheating and some who are really in need are not even
asking..." It is hard to know who is going to spend the money to buy food
and medicine for their family, and who is going to buy a Primus beer with it
the next day. It is hard to know who's voices are genuinely touched by grief
and who's are merely a facade put on to invoke your pity. As I have chosen to
do, Christina said that she also rarely gives to people herself. It is just too
difficult to know and to give only feeds into the stereotype of a mzungu
probably more than it actually helps anyone. So even though it can be
heartbreaking to so "no" to someone, sometimes this is the choice
that has to be made and another way must be found to connect with them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
leads into what one of Christina's greatest joys while on the field were - to
be accepted as a person. There have been a few amazing times where God working
through my actions has allowed people to see me in a different way. Where they
stopped asking for money or stuff and instead just wanted to spend time with
me. It makes being relational much easier and rewarding as well when you know that the other person does not
have some sort of ulterior motives behind their willingness to talk with you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To
overcome difficulties and to connect with God <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christina mentioned how she enjoyed both
spending time in preparation and delivering a sermon, as well as in prayer with
other missionaries on the compound. There is an undeniable link between the
most difficult days and the days where prayer and connecting with God were not
a priority. I cannot deny that my greatest frustrations were on the days when I
did not take care of myself physically (allowing enough sleep or hydration),
and spiritually (spending the needed time in prayer and in the Word). When I had
taken the time to pray, I always experienced a greater love for the city and
thankfulness for the opportunity to be here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
taking care of yourself spiritually and physically, however, there keeps
arising a tension between personal time and ministry time. Should you feel
guilty about taking time to yourself? What is a good balance? I asked Christina
about this as well and what she did to relax/recharge and deal with the tension
of ministry and personal life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
recharging time Christina travels home for a month each year and then for a
full year after every 6 years. While on field, with so much need and so many
people requesting the 'endless resources' of a mzungu, it can be easy for
ministry to consume your entire life. However more hours does not mean better
ministry. So when she was not away Christina would also still try to have her
own time to read, take walks outside the mission and connect with friends back
home via the internet. It did not seem as though she felt like every waking
hour should be 'ministry'. Of course as Christians we should live and breathe
an intentional life for God always being "ready in and out of season"
to do what He sees is good. However this does not mean that every hour is spent
with others. Jesus himself <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">often</i> took
time alone to pray and recharge. This is what Christina recommended when I
asked what advice she would </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
give those new to the field - that
they take a break and go away regularly. To keep the spirit refreshed, the mind
focused and the heart thankful for where God has brought it and is doing in and
through it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her
other piece of advice for those new to the field was to not be too eager to
change or criticize things until you have a deep understanding of how things
really are and why they are that way. To understand things with a lens beyond
the one you grew up with in your own country. Your time should be first spent
learning and walking through life with open eyes and ears. This is something I
have been thankful for during this internship. There have been a number of time
where I have felt like I was doing so little for the people here. However in
reality my purpose in these three months is not to change the Congo. Though I
am to selflessly love while here, it is alright to see myself as a guest in a
learning position. That this time be an opportunity to soak up experience
without having the pressure of career or outside expectations controlling my
every move. Now is a time to see, hear, touch, taste life in a context so
unlike the one I have known and to test my heart to see where and how this
experience will fit into my future. The biggest change that will result from
this time will no doubt be in my own heart and life. I am not seeking merely to
satisfy or gratify myself after all, so I do not think it is wrong to think
this way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now,
in conclusion, I had also asked Christina what she would have changed if she
was to being her time again. To this she responded that she would have been
more quick to be involved in preaching and the spiritual activities of the
church. There is something to be said about not forgetting the spiritual
aspects of a land so saturated in social and physical struggles. I hope that no
matter where I find my life leading in the future, that the spiritual condition
of my friends and family and strangers as well, would always be on my heart and
mind. I cannot forget that miserable people live both abundant and impoverished
lives, but the spiritual rich have joy and strange peace in all circumstances.
When I find myself unable to share physical
wealth, may spiritual wealth be pouring out from my hands, my words, my
thoughts, my prayers and into the hands, ears, minds and hearts of others. </div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-30020151817690373532012-08-29T20:12:00.001-07:002012-08-29T20:12:53.566-07:00Jambo. Canada.50 hours of travel and transit. Nearly 30 hours of airtime. New people while traveling. 3 delayed flights. Familiar faces. All a part of the journey back to Edmonton. I'm feeling quite drained even after a good night sleep last night, so my posting may lack a little luster but just wanted to send a quick update and hopefully something a little shinier to come!AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-685152747806130522012-08-24T10:08:00.001-07:002012-08-24T10:17:59.452-07:00Last Days of Class Days.Here I sit before my computer once again.<br />
My classes and the tests for the students have all finished now,<br />
yesterday I went through the exams, marking them and trying to figure out which students<br />
had really learned well. For each of the tests I had a reading/writing portion as well as an oral part. I enjoyed individually 'interviewing' the first and second level students, however there were too many to test individually in the third level so the audio component was as a group. Below are the written portions for the each level. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb7cwNYFWSmB4qizN6i2GoBdKUNs8pRhKxqq1b0P5vPh-VtRp1yARXlJXLH-qMsi9hYYfiT0Cyfx1WiuH5iuUzE2J43JQRUTAQ1J0jLBTNSeJiJgkuynp-lv3TxTB0Mpk_JZ9FJhzf67k/s1600/testb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb7cwNYFWSmB4qizN6i2GoBdKUNs8pRhKxqq1b0P5vPh-VtRp1yARXlJXLH-qMsi9hYYfiT0Cyfx1WiuH5iuUzE2J43JQRUTAQ1J0jLBTNSeJiJgkuynp-lv3TxTB0Mpk_JZ9FJhzf67k/s400/testb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First Level </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3uCy8pRzCnP7D6bD0F52s2lIj2k4_TiIorwQr7GYEoY1aeFrc5n5G3fvrl7rQtT_R8FsVKX20zJuimYYWoGzjyzRqQDYhXBl7tMAP13t3hoC6heg6mgh7QFbOWcA9fQhamNS61IafbrN/s1600/testi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3uCy8pRzCnP7D6bD0F52s2lIj2k4_TiIorwQr7GYEoY1aeFrc5n5G3fvrl7rQtT_R8FsVKX20zJuimYYWoGzjyzRqQDYhXBl7tMAP13t3hoC6heg6mgh7QFbOWcA9fQhamNS61IafbrN/s400/testi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Second Level</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ2asNI9gkHUULsh6s1QgA72OsbKktowNyEbK_0pzL1yEiAAcTonJilj3X56p4SVmF7A74vKBwrdqwR2tFlSNi0CX_SZlKLdC22NpsfKTtscLDFQB5k6ze3cx7BfppBif51TeP39mDGbG/s1600/testa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ2asNI9gkHUULsh6s1QgA72OsbKktowNyEbK_0pzL1yEiAAcTonJilj3X56p4SVmF7A74vKBwrdqwR2tFlSNi0CX_SZlKLdC22NpsfKTtscLDFQB5k6ze3cx7BfppBif51TeP39mDGbG/s400/testa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Third Level</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I would just like to take an opportunity now to share some of my favorite exams answers with you from the different levels of classes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Question 1: Can you give my directions to get to Nyawera Marker from Bethsaida Church?</b><br />
<br />
1 student writes - Directions from Bethsaida Church to Nyawera Market is localised on right direction if your coming from Major Vayou to Nywarea Market at Mahungu Street behind at Mahungu La Voix. <br />
--- I never got to Nyawera Market...<br />
<br />
different student writes- Yes I can give you directions from Bethsaida Church to Nywarea Market.<br />
---Classic<br />
<br />
<b>Question 2: Write 5 complete sentences of your own. </b><br />
<br />
Student's sentences: I'm a Christian boy. I still be young. I don't need a wife right now. I need to go far with my studies. I just put my hope in God. <br />
---I think he was preaching to me. <br />
<br />
<b>Question 3: If you had the opportunity to speak to a crowd of 10,000 people in Canada, what would you tell them? </b><br />
<br />
Student 1: I could tell them not to forget our country, in sending us missionaries, and the good missionary like our teacher Andrew. And why not tell them about good things which were done by my teacher Andrew?<br />
---Needless to say, I gave this student an A+<br />
<br />
<b>Question 4: a. If you were given 25,000 dollars, how would you spend it? b. How would you use the money if you had to spend it in one day? </b><br />
<br />
Student 1: If I was given $25,000 dollars I can spend it in some projects. For example an agriculture project.<br />
If I had to use the money in one day, I mustn't spend it, because the project can't happen in one day. <br />
---Point taken.<br />
<br />
Student 2: If I were given $25,000 dollars, I can be happy and I can give the glory to the Lord<br />
<br />
--his English was a little limited, and on the other end of the spectrum was student 3 <br />
<br />
Student 3: If I had to use that money in one day, I can notice that it is very impossible to use it in one day, so one has to think profoundly and deeply how that money will be used/spent. However, this requires somebody to think so much and planify, after planifying then you can spend it in a good way and think about the necessary things or needs for which you wish to spend that money on. But if you do not think before using that money and if you use it the same day, really make sure that you will do nothing unnecessary - the reason why one must think more and more in order to deepen his/her process. <br />
<br />
--his English was not limited enough.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll definitely be missing my students with all their quirks and different personalities. I enjoyed seeing just glimpses of each of their hearts and passions while here and I really hope that they will keep seeking after God and find themselves in a life full of joy, peace and harnessed potential. <br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1899761715"></span><span id="goog_1899761716"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1899761715"></span><span id="goog_1899761716"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbJ6p6oPAsbLQ8tUDHU9zx3BKjlqoifzBZR8TLie6OrpB6h39VQmeDGsNgMaPAeNjHwxSnId09uEYlST0smav_VJvcu7s3ua2qfRfqszHa_8IM7EmO2YvChB9Eh_59GWSpDrB5O8iDr28/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbJ6p6oPAsbLQ8tUDHU9zx3BKjlqoifzBZR8TLie6OrpB6h39VQmeDGsNgMaPAeNjHwxSnId09uEYlST0smav_VJvcu7s3ua2qfRfqszHa_8IM7EmO2YvChB9Eh_59GWSpDrB5O8iDr28/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFpGv6TrSmT48QIPFiwJ6SEdhlmjhhP1aZpPTpwchhNdys66BeX8TyAcVbmMZtgXcoGgzuoDcu-4YJpXFL56RMXWmNZ3fOiCum3CKpLYzTm8jhH4Eq3_8W1nl8D-7IheEmeTHACgoULhe/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFpGv6TrSmT48QIPFiwJ6SEdhlmjhhP1aZpPTpwchhNdys66BeX8TyAcVbmMZtgXcoGgzuoDcu-4YJpXFL56RMXWmNZ3fOiCum3CKpLYzTm8jhH4Eq3_8W1nl8D-7IheEmeTHACgoULhe/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42Y36vhyW78EJDUh9_yqL-w3dibesWusy8Km7Tm55fh6x5FOW0RElYXn-QcS4so4PFCohibg-2HLkdApT7_1SqkcotqTSQcpYsl27YZFTCYpY7bVTYA7DghScRaIC94xq3TmZR1S3E3_B/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42Y36vhyW78EJDUh9_yqL-w3dibesWusy8Km7Tm55fh6x5FOW0RElYXn-QcS4so4PFCohibg-2HLkdApT7_1SqkcotqTSQcpYsl27YZFTCYpY7bVTYA7DghScRaIC94xq3TmZR1S3E3_B/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTEFK01ZMylim443Oe5JP-5GmdCdgeBxsY4jcXZ7I5PWA4LWpVWqzZ5MCzsP4MESIVTBUGImRCDCuy-qYtUl21y42d5p12lSfuq-dx5fnvzCe0yyPFnd4eKmKW9D997_M2lz3Z9Pl-c6a/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTEFK01ZMylim443Oe5JP-5GmdCdgeBxsY4jcXZ7I5PWA4LWpVWqzZ5MCzsP4MESIVTBUGImRCDCuy-qYtUl21y42d5p12lSfuq-dx5fnvzCe0yyPFnd4eKmKW9D997_M2lz3Z9Pl-c6a/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUrnLheoW9S1zpOBE2s77HJ6zhCzsCSfg9ggbu1TcMKrm8vR31zdsVsRJkbjgNWZ9SWUL2ZmimtWuk_40XCKmTlR0tSugDgp6NcyzjwWqQnR63PeGc08q8fZ8EmAPNrfsrx177iX_pgEZ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUrnLheoW9S1zpOBE2s77HJ6zhCzsCSfg9ggbu1TcMKrm8vR31zdsVsRJkbjgNWZ9SWUL2ZmimtWuk_40XCKmTlR0tSugDgp6NcyzjwWqQnR63PeGc08q8fZ8EmAPNrfsrx177iX_pgEZ/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJd1XfteO-CMvbtGwLvAvgUB31bjHObPl1-Go7P65GEuwS-OEld7zwqkOnjBfc-nj5GMqF0Wil41ieX7-ksoJIQbmtuzuALFepODkfJQcB6OOthHM0zzABXkIt36pSE7m1n3e8BN5xu_z/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJd1XfteO-CMvbtGwLvAvgUB31bjHObPl1-Go7P65GEuwS-OEld7zwqkOnjBfc-nj5GMqF0Wil41ieX7-ksoJIQbmtuzuALFepODkfJQcB6OOthHM0zzABXkIt36pSE7m1n3e8BN5xu_z/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA9jc7a1CW-w4py_bdQwhP6DsuktzGoZndArSHCJBBKgynH32CCCt5nRIjt82GNO3sjby87rBeSCQ54IIIdaWPQFKaTWbewTHenJmats6ipA8_eqNki5fJ37fLzr_iTdma3Sw2C3t4OqA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWA9jc7a1CW-w4py_bdQwhP6DsuktzGoZndArSHCJBBKgynH32CCCt5nRIjt82GNO3sjby87rBeSCQ54IIIdaWPQFKaTWbewTHenJmats6ipA8_eqNki5fJ37fLzr_iTdma3Sw2C3t4OqA/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sDvC6IDvqBMAgs0Y_VRudJMa_axDdKTq5pgwZGVRiwtj8UTUGjetU1zA83uonSBFzLD3KYvWAB9c5CIB2NicBxaaEpAq5cKtEftrFFgrAOj4I-_6O5ncQCDpBy5jcudeELLyg-4WO6OD/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sDvC6IDvqBMAgs0Y_VRudJMa_axDdKTq5pgwZGVRiwtj8UTUGjetU1zA83uonSBFzLD3KYvWAB9c5CIB2NicBxaaEpAq5cKtEftrFFgrAOj4I-_6O5ncQCDpBy5jcudeELLyg-4WO6OD/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXu8wwmvHy0NtzKYt6XR1zF50HB-YN0k3YftQhdrlmmH1-euSU6rWIehE1X_ntkO_qYdNc2zfnZf8WathCd1iKUipbSPJQTFJIGR49eDap5rrWCT2ln0O-L8n_y4LbH0CO_WWIOo8UY8O/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXu8wwmvHy0NtzKYt6XR1zF50HB-YN0k3YftQhdrlmmH1-euSU6rWIehE1X_ntkO_qYdNc2zfnZf8WathCd1iKUipbSPJQTFJIGR49eDap5rrWCT2ln0O-L8n_y4LbH0CO_WWIOo8UY8O/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_1899761715"></span><span id="goog_1899761716"></span><br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-48072093009572425012012-08-22T04:12:00.000-07:002012-08-23T03:03:31.882-07:00Letters to the Congo (Goma & Bukavu) IIIDear Congo, <br />
<br />
I feel like our time together is slipping away now and, as I think of where I will go next,<br />
I'm now having more difficulty writing the words of experience with you into my heart<br />
as I had been in able to do in months past.<br />
So lately I've been searching for a concrete moment to hold onto in mind and heart. <br />
<br />
I've had thoughts of my trip to Goma; <br />
of the roads paved by volcanic eruption,<br />
of UN tanks, cruisers and reminders of war that rumbled by<br />
the pink, barbie mansion hotel I stayed in. <br />
<br />
I've had thoughts of the boys riding their wooden bicycles like ghosts down the street<br />
as the flour they transported in holey bags colored their bodies white. <br />
<br />
I've had thoughts of my visit to Green Lake just outside the city.<br />
A beautiful body fed by underground springs.<br />
A small haven in the midst of tree-filled hills,<br />
yet with its own touch of dishonesty.<br />
For as I arrived in the taxi I had taken,<br />
I first saw the lake which rested at the bottom of a steep path.<br />
Second, I saw all the trash. Its so easily hidden in a photo.<br />
No one could be the wiser that as you stand before this pocket of majesty,<br />
behind the camera sits heaps of garbage, rubbish, waste.<br />
I've been unsure what to make of that moment, Congo.<br />
I've been unsure what to feel about your people who treat the land this way.<br />
Are culture and circumstance an excuse?<br />
I'm not sure. <br />
But I try to hold my patience. I'm merely an observer in this time. <br />
<br />
I've had thoughts of the pickpocket at the port,<br />
and the nun on the boat who shared her meal with me.<br />
I've had thoughts of the corruption of military men requesting money for 'infractions' I had made,<br />
and of the vendor who searched for me to return 50 missing franks of change after a purchase.<br />
I saw so many faces of humanity,<br />
I have been so frustrated and yet so refreshed.<br />
<br />
Amidst all these thoughts Congo, I think there is something I have been holding onto. <br />
It's not a moment, or a picture in mind, but a thought that I feel I must tell you.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I think, in pity, about all your people endure.<br />
How the world of your children is full of dirty clothes,<br />
smoke of garbage burning, <br />
and water spilling from the yellow buckets on their backs.<br />
So many of your people are so poor.<br />
And I let myself think that they thus have some sort of excuse<br />
for taking desperate measures at times. <br />
But poverty is not an excuse to sin, Congo.<br />
If we allow ourselves to pity people in such a way that sins become excusable because of lack,<br />
the cycle of brokenness will never end.<br />
If we allow ourselves to see poverty as an excuse to treat the earth in the most convenient way available, all we end up with is soil stripped of its nutrients and of its usefulness. <br />
The cracks cannot be stopped with material taken by breaking pieces out of the same wall.<br />
No, that cannot be the way.<br />
Poverty is not an excuse for anyone to treat another person and even the earth<br />
with anything less than utmost respect and dignity, <br />
<br />
Poverty is an opportunity though,<br />
an opportunity to demonstrate satisfaction in God<br />
despite a severe lack of material wealth.<br />
To glorify God in the midst of suffering<br />
in ways that I have much more difficulty to do in the midst of comfort. <br />
What an opportunity.<br />
<br />
But I do not want your people to have a shallow walk with God.<br />
I don't know them well enough, but in honesty Congo, this is what I think sometimes:<br />
sometimes I think your people see God the way they see me - as a muzungu.<br />
I think that many of your people see hope when they see me, <br />
they see the possibility that their situation can be changed.<br />
And of course this can feel pretty good, to be hope to someone.<br />
But they cannot set their hope in me, I am too limited.<br />
My only brightness is from the light of God, and that is where there hope must be set. <br />
Even yet though, I see 'God-fearing people' all over the place,<br />
I see it painted on car windows,<br />
I see crosses around necks, <br />
I see storefronts with the name of Jesus in their logo,<br />
and amidst all these things I see,<br />
I cannot help but fear that sometimes God is just a muzungu here.<br />
Not to all people, no, but to many. <br />
I feel the hope of many is headed in the right direction,<br />
but often it ends up resting in God the resource rather than in God our provider.<br />
That is what I mean in my wondering if God is a muzungu to many of your people Congo.<br />
Many people tell me that when they see someone like me, they see money.<br />
I hope that when they think of God, they do not think merely of the possibility of possessions,<br />
but rather that their hope lies in their eternal inheritance to come, <br />
and their rest is in the present peace and joy that is available in midst of pain.<br />
That their circumstances are recognizable as an opportunity to give glory to God<br />
demonstrated by their utmost satisfaction in Him today. <br />
<br />
Congo, I'll admit that I can get so distracted in being proud over what I own, what I've done,<br />
or about bragging that I know someone who owns this, knows those people, or runs that business.<br />
I get so bogged down with petty wealth on earth, <br />
and all the while I am sitting on an eternal inheritance of riches<br />
beyond any earthly comprehension which awaits for me when this life passes.<br />
Maybe I don't believe in my inheritance as much as I say that I do.<br />
I hope my disbelief can be helped though. <br />
Your people Congo, though they suffer now,<br />
if they truly, genuinely set their hope in God, also sit on such an inheritance.<br />
<br />
Congo, I do not know the hearts of your people,<br />
and I won't pretend that I understand you. <br />
I am only an observer and these are only my thoughts,<br />
but I feel like I needed to share this with you.<br />
Thank you for all that you've shown me about you and about myself.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sincerely, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Sojourner soon to drift</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from your midst</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
--------------------------------------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgSNoSojF0Fa8msYJeyz24Fha2cOugcLzrF6Q4sbd6BOkp1vmLBackBmzniuam8fTUG1SxCzl2tFjGCmcFvgoPyvXC5xnyV0jEQKlVGwkqI4SaRS5QFd71ez618RxUut9I_8Qib4p1Cm1/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgSNoSojF0Fa8msYJeyz24Fha2cOugcLzrF6Q4sbd6BOkp1vmLBackBmzniuam8fTUG1SxCzl2tFjGCmcFvgoPyvXC5xnyV0jEQKlVGwkqI4SaRS5QFd71ez618RxUut9I_8Qib4p1Cm1/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxW3EsJJEcnKCNvJr9amslqz35PgtdedHA0Ch1DVDBD6Ml9RvQAN5yW2AlMs4IRnVVBe8wSek5lwBel9j83iu_TsmNY1LYr5yeXpfbH5IsCdt6nJZ0Fjwil2yAq-GwOvrHInJCy6YsHQJ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxW3EsJJEcnKCNvJr9amslqz35PgtdedHA0Ch1DVDBD6Ml9RvQAN5yW2AlMs4IRnVVBe8wSek5lwBel9j83iu_TsmNY1LYr5yeXpfbH5IsCdt6nJZ0Fjwil2yAq-GwOvrHInJCy6YsHQJ/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-42466092893888982422012-08-21T23:48:00.003-07:002012-08-22T02:42:57.114-07:00A Few Thoughts for Oncoming DaysAugust 22. The five day marker of the oncoming completion of this journey.<br />
I'll have to admit that as my time winds down I am having a lot of difficulty staying checked in and fully present here. Some days I honestly feel like I'm just drifting through a dream. But I know that when I do leave and I come to realization that I really was living in Bukavu of the DRC I will wish that I had been fully present at every moment. So that is my current battle, how to keep my mind engaged in the here and now.<br />
<br />
By the end of today I'll have finished testing all my students. Tomorrow I will mark their
tests and begin to create certificates. Also over the final few days
I'll be trying to visit friends throughout the city to say some final
goodbyes. As well visiting some familiar spots to take a few final
breaths there and be sure to properly etch memories of this place into
my mind. So that when I look back and remember this place I will not
remember the city as a place of desolation, poverty or corruption, but
rather as a place where God was needed and where God was at work.<br />
<br />
Now as I try and stay engaged in these tasks, I do still want to be preparing myself for the next step. If there is something I have while here it is not an intentional life is no more important overseas than it is at home. I don't see why I should feel such a thrust to live with purpose here but at home it is alright to be a bit more comfortable. No no. The people at home are no less deserving and no less in need of someone to encourage, uplift, invest in and have the love of God made known to them, than the people here are. God doesn't love the people of Africa more than the people of Canada.<br />
<br />
<br />
So perhaps I shall move forward in these final days with a semi-detached mindset. Being both present here, but at the same time preparing myself for the mission to come. As I had prayed and prepped before heading to the Congo, so may I pray and prep before returning so that I will enter with the same mindset. The mindset that acknowledges I am heading into a land full of people needing love, full of earth and adventures and opportunities, full of forces obvious and discrete that would distract and pull people away from who they are really called to be.<br />
<br />
I've had the thought many times that perhaps the need for me to try and be intentional in Canada is actually more important than while I am on the "mission field". Its easier to be intentional here, and much harder when you're seated on a comfortable couch with cable TV. Not that comfort's a crime, but it can be a prison cell. I'm too guilty of too often locking myself in my house and just floating through time without any real direction or purpose. 'Just passing the time' I'd say. When all along its really time that's passing me by. While I sit at my computer or TV opportunities flow by me like river waters over a stubborn rock that refuses to move. It will never know all that the river could show it. I'm curious to see how rich life can be in Canada should I choose to
live with the intentionality and spirit of adventure that I have lived
with here. Will I see life in so many colors as I have seen it here? I
now that my perspectives, attitudes and choices affect what colors I am
able to see. They change my world so much, even if their effect on the
world entire is small. This is not about carpe diem. I often fool myself into think that living intentionally is about getting the most out of life, seeing the most beautiful sights, climbing the most beautiful heights, but that is not the best way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Living intentionally is not about getting the most out of life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's about giving the most away in this life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-22523062529045045182012-08-17T09:55:00.004-07:002012-08-19T03:36:27.946-07:00The City (II)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbCWuwbeGbQq0sMkklNSnb31ljiufffMELUymuaBWcTo4DGScJv25L2jizZ89_7zV7lvgY85gwOtWEwpSvEUAKjmPve9TG2U1uxiFW3DJlmCCbWosl5JwpyG4D4Wig-kk2032xeGA97kV/s1600/INDpleace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbCWuwbeGbQq0sMkklNSnb31ljiufffMELUymuaBWcTo4DGScJv25L2jizZ89_7zV7lvgY85gwOtWEwpSvEUAKjmPve9TG2U1uxiFW3DJlmCCbWosl5JwpyG4D4Wig-kk2032xeGA97kV/s400/INDpleace.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The 10...to...1 countdown begins. Though I'm trying not to count down the days. <br />
Recent Events: I'm finished teaching classes now and will give my students a final test this coming week. I've seen off several friends from America and Norway now; greatly enjoyed getting to know people from around the world here.<br />
<br />
Today I headed for a short visit to Goma where the adventures continue. I can't do a whole lot as far as seeing the volcano goes due to insecurity in the area, back in July it was under threat of invasion by the rebel M23 group.The threat has decreased now though and I'm thankful to be able to see it before I go. Though I've been here only 5 hours now, I can already see that it is a
stark contrast to Bukavu. <br />
<br />
I'll update more in the coming week. But for now here is the second lot of pics from around Bukavu.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTm0zLY8C7YltU196vYBBVYNPkN50Fq4Lu6e0Xe08ep6U1gyOpGlEytM3H5SsooKYrZnCKHepdDZ5n6pIf9vE3gUjfHRezVXqiNDuS09iPP8W7_xZ3XyUTTUtYIOCO6e1d7NMkvY0vCKn/s1600/boy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTm0zLY8C7YltU196vYBBVYNPkN50Fq4Lu6e0Xe08ep6U1gyOpGlEytM3H5SsooKYrZnCKHepdDZ5n6pIf9vE3gUjfHRezVXqiNDuS09iPP8W7_xZ3XyUTTUtYIOCO6e1d7NMkvY0vCKn/s400/boy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSdwH1BsG_Qy98tNIHAWgnGhC3WrPMLPEQ0ZLEEQ83omTS4gvav9TA6rGTeJVvwyEnqwB0dl4_KaVYcD6JadBGTEP_GlfBYh8BpIC9KA7KcZVJv7pt8ka56lLKC4mOajpSVWzs2EdYelo/s1600/boy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSdwH1BsG_Qy98tNIHAWgnGhC3WrPMLPEQ0ZLEEQ83omTS4gvav9TA6rGTeJVvwyEnqwB0dl4_KaVYcD6JadBGTEP_GlfBYh8BpIC9KA7KcZVJv7pt8ka56lLKC4mOajpSVWzs2EdYelo/s400/boy4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu82Osym085IUfeR1d3AKYHxfR3d8kMNqt1FneB-BfeOrD0CAY44dFWD01Fdd2FefRd0I3GxBlE9tLUD97P2tBc1ld4W_TX_jflGqyOZ7nWtJJlUZ6AYdNBzytYjhbsTWDG5zyJ9bKJ2a/s1600/rails3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu82Osym085IUfeR1d3AKYHxfR3d8kMNqt1FneB-BfeOrD0CAY44dFWD01Fdd2FefRd0I3GxBlE9tLUD97P2tBc1ld4W_TX_jflGqyOZ7nWtJJlUZ6AYdNBzytYjhbsTWDG5zyJ9bKJ2a/s400/rails3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFT5ojZPryVtsR63H0t2XcieBajGW6MmC2yhhWtnfoBWxkX2RATr3G84IVNqjAj4djN5jgirHZLT1lmAZnVDUu8VhMn_TfkAE30mvQuIyaoPwpv1J_f6zMsjdirjog7vgsNQT9wFtX-Ia/s1600/rails2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFT5ojZPryVtsR63H0t2XcieBajGW6MmC2yhhWtnfoBWxkX2RATr3G84IVNqjAj4djN5jgirHZLT1lmAZnVDUu8VhMn_TfkAE30mvQuIyaoPwpv1J_f6zMsjdirjog7vgsNQT9wFtX-Ia/s400/rails2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZNl4HtPAZ4pR2pmeWWSseJLSBWJgrT4wfDbhR1gH7bBIrYIt9CretjBThIWMB-QnzbU7YbK5vLvYet1Fzm1cHVfzFBrkE798acFNjaLK7XAHtiOhJALIj-7Dke5lFgmufACmsS2YdkKU/s1600/zz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZNl4HtPAZ4pR2pmeWWSseJLSBWJgrT4wfDbhR1gH7bBIrYIt9CretjBThIWMB-QnzbU7YbK5vLvYet1Fzm1cHVfzFBrkE798acFNjaLK7XAHtiOhJALIj-7Dke5lFgmufACmsS2YdkKU/s400/zz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_5fWjedpsEjekaHxD9f1UTXjf9kVtTL0ApdjwhNNfFYcEzFdoMHi89m0q7DCIQ7q0poc7zJRPhEOvHw5OEJXHXedA82VQQ944GZ6ikycGAJV5I2DpBkp6Oyu3dqhIloG1JYXPi-FrXBS/s1600/church3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_5fWjedpsEjekaHxD9f1UTXjf9kVtTL0ApdjwhNNfFYcEzFdoMHi89m0q7DCIQ7q0poc7zJRPhEOvHw5OEJXHXedA82VQQ944GZ6ikycGAJV5I2DpBkp6Oyu3dqhIloG1JYXPi-FrXBS/s400/church3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadEpqriZa4c89ddt75ey5o9gQjpoCxfAT0FGJheAZqdZSIUnD3OqP8eZoy4DXyoDTJ0wUi0vGN4HrxpjCe5JP7_4PrLwUvEpHLbsbmqyFJWiDTSwHyHR3Um_D2qCQo-PiXEustPUS2IE_/s1600/citylife3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadEpqriZa4c89ddt75ey5o9gQjpoCxfAT0FGJheAZqdZSIUnD3OqP8eZoy4DXyoDTJ0wUi0vGN4HrxpjCe5JP7_4PrLwUvEpHLbsbmqyFJWiDTSwHyHR3Um_D2qCQo-PiXEustPUS2IE_/s400/citylife3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnrfh_avDb2dBPkJODajnIbdkJ0QyjQSljhu8dEn1O35ghnBAjtfmTmvpD3hyMN2haxWtM27K13wCEsRnMxNmIuTrHnu2dtr9zjrpj_0Esa4B9Tj-vGxFvOIhsuikcXgm40VlGteoM2Wh/s1600/citylife4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnrfh_avDb2dBPkJODajnIbdkJ0QyjQSljhu8dEn1O35ghnBAjtfmTmvpD3hyMN2haxWtM27K13wCEsRnMxNmIuTrHnu2dtr9zjrpj_0Esa4B9Tj-vGxFvOIhsuikcXgm40VlGteoM2Wh/s400/citylife4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4WwvLPCai7qR8RIKHYV9FrKWqEduzX14UHCfVKVX3FRMMrnGX4WbjBTGRjq6l9q5JDMDhmZOMeX_IMFVsKJ7Aj6kQhG4ngavwsUCyE0jFG2YTtpUswdZkdyNZz-hZ73kp7dxLLCc1UoB/s1600/cityscape2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4WwvLPCai7qR8RIKHYV9FrKWqEduzX14UHCfVKVX3FRMMrnGX4WbjBTGRjq6l9q5JDMDhmZOMeX_IMFVsKJ7Aj6kQhG4ngavwsUCyE0jFG2YTtpUswdZkdyNZz-hZ73kp7dxLLCc1UoB/s400/cityscape2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8h1e2TTJwiGxeLYm22tamJBwU2TEnjFosZqzNWCAy5d94Q3dbKDGRjfreHl1FX-2INMlUZV6JnwgdPh5qTcxdzmSs9LU0dutZp3TojR-acKDHsQlx6gHZmz5gWgaMMaP0gmvc_1jTHokh/s1600/citylife2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8h1e2TTJwiGxeLYm22tamJBwU2TEnjFosZqzNWCAy5d94Q3dbKDGRjfreHl1FX-2INMlUZV6JnwgdPh5qTcxdzmSs9LU0dutZp3TojR-acKDHsQlx6gHZmz5gWgaMMaP0gmvc_1jTHokh/s400/citylife2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4R6FolJ5n8jAqmW36UCo-AWCtpYRGxSgxsFem2QBMevDkY3wgpaMDYbiIk4OXBw2hHdqaYvkoL-qojNtTq6nJwuJeZAP2jQvD2VlKT1nhcddTNCsth_YKFdIFIZSClE2aTHhtIxwFNxb/s1600/citylife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4R6FolJ5n8jAqmW36UCo-AWCtpYRGxSgxsFem2QBMevDkY3wgpaMDYbiIk4OXBw2hHdqaYvkoL-qojNtTq6nJwuJeZAP2jQvD2VlKT1nhcddTNCsth_YKFdIFIZSClE2aTHhtIxwFNxb/s400/citylife.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0cVnN1rBXMRRpSKdWqW4UWrWRsRp3g3EeEXgFnCzSsdYGIltQfz4sy6Lb0Vqqqshfpxr_hRVLBtw-f8kWKUtv4G6W9yIEyLhyphenhyphenKTb3TDLVo6TNLNTIgDnUWVANNoExK9RjDLE2rConhwj/s1600/city1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0cVnN1rBXMRRpSKdWqW4UWrWRsRp3g3EeEXgFnCzSsdYGIltQfz4sy6Lb0Vqqqshfpxr_hRVLBtw-f8kWKUtv4G6W9yIEyLhyphenhyphenKTb3TDLVo6TNLNTIgDnUWVANNoExK9RjDLE2rConhwj/s400/city1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WQ-dsSJR6GTJnjkdH24697AFZ2FWvrnwNb5750z6H5AFXmZzKaJXJDYyZvug3vRJf3j6J0oCVvZizbvNSKtPHi6B0vFGU9i8Dk0l5wITtLLAstLPWms51jB-eQy7vMOt5NlEHjZ7i7IN/s1600/church2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WQ-dsSJR6GTJnjkdH24697AFZ2FWvrnwNb5750z6H5AFXmZzKaJXJDYyZvug3vRJf3j6J0oCVvZizbvNSKtPHi6B0vFGU9i8Dk0l5wITtLLAstLPWms51jB-eQy7vMOt5NlEHjZ7i7IN/s400/church2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFW35FZyVm9k52e9uJU908FczGE_e6E1fqgx_hEdaVcS0K16sQd2i6pors4SzIUUiEoXiTP41LsPvMa569o2yjBss2-l_gE7u_NMZeVXJSC3j-HCET0xBxpL8prlwkTlIFeCE9KAZXLV/s1600/chickenhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFW35FZyVm9k52e9uJU908FczGE_e6E1fqgx_hEdaVcS0K16sQd2i6pors4SzIUUiEoXiTP41LsPvMa569o2yjBss2-l_gE7u_NMZeVXJSC3j-HCET0xBxpL8prlwkTlIFeCE9KAZXLV/s400/chickenhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3M8SdW8XgFU8Ueel-p30r8V6eUYJqe2zcdb02XYI9tGd-OUKFovON3o_NMZfRn8uFfyn2VoDDhgDfC_uqGZ8rPMsr1EnsNpe5f48eEjKTnrPPFPPZIm1sJ-R21DXQA-nsE7EOFC2OngK/s1600/canoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3M8SdW8XgFU8Ueel-p30r8V6eUYJqe2zcdb02XYI9tGd-OUKFovON3o_NMZfRn8uFfyn2VoDDhgDfC_uqGZ8rPMsr1EnsNpe5f48eEjKTnrPPFPPZIm1sJ-R21DXQA-nsE7EOFC2OngK/s400/canoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_1QMUcNZylUqCGoDRPugUrWyUasB6w0Q-oFMwEgPdpurqKxuentWE-zLdikH5ngelMMKGLifNchiXgMDGuvCwL7nmAE_gV4ePewPdlr9lgC-h5AcdExuOPIgdrfEssgS0lEpce76T3WO/s1600/building1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_1QMUcNZylUqCGoDRPugUrWyUasB6w0Q-oFMwEgPdpurqKxuentWE-zLdikH5ngelMMKGLifNchiXgMDGuvCwL7nmAE_gV4ePewPdlr9lgC-h5AcdExuOPIgdrfEssgS0lEpce76T3WO/s400/building1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NPWSH0_qfhtrj8PShLbkDd_eiesy7zziiSdXe7lQYHregY1-GSot1dnrbb3yn8b3EaM_UEOXKtRAOkb_Y3UC9EyCbrbfBG1Q_lV5y5f5GTVxq0U3l8PqGRQCVw3M4OPoepZw8BmiC-e3/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NPWSH0_qfhtrj8PShLbkDd_eiesy7zziiSdXe7lQYHregY1-GSot1dnrbb3yn8b3EaM_UEOXKtRAOkb_Y3UC9EyCbrbfBG1Q_lV5y5f5GTVxq0U3l8PqGRQCVw3M4OPoepZw8BmiC-e3/s400/bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacu6nD_OwLrkWVS7523bFfVWr46zhcbzaAUV0RHQVdBW0BvC5W7LsGa_wjHXVWNFt_nRD2TKQCmWttyf-4ThOepkN-ehOIm7U9psoeG9MHEttT5mbcLoKm-0Zmof20y1O0stXhxr2wqm/s1600/atrucktree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacu6nD_OwLrkWVS7523bFfVWr46zhcbzaAUV0RHQVdBW0BvC5W7LsGa_wjHXVWNFt_nRD2TKQCmWttyf-4ThOepkN-ehOIm7U9psoeG9MHEttT5mbcLoKm-0Zmof20y1O0stXhxr2wqm/s400/atrucktree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-41372684162258059012012-08-13T10:29:00.003-07:002012-08-13T10:41:21.776-07:00The City (I)Alright so my previous post was initially meant to be merely a short thought aimed at introducing some photos of the city. But I get a little carried away in my metaphorical musings I suppose.<br />
So here now I had better stick to my original intentions and finally provide some<br />
visual confirmation that I have been living in the city of Bukavu. <br />
This will be one of two or so posts with photos of people, daily life, the nature, cityscape...etc which has made up the place where I chosen to call home for these summer months of 2012. <br />
Here be the first. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7NKTrgaVuHgHSP99YZPABl2y7fMNZCUK2wdWa213yeKwciU9rua_SAtCq1QMA4qJbJBaHHYomX19YfB1FKNmtniJTT7RS1V6TjPScSdykNRKhDie2aPotxKZcxN-svMxo9aJp7dy-eio/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7NKTrgaVuHgHSP99YZPABl2y7fMNZCUK2wdWa213yeKwciU9rua_SAtCq1QMA4qJbJBaHHYomX19YfB1FKNmtniJTT7RS1V6TjPScSdykNRKhDie2aPotxKZcxN-svMxo9aJp7dy-eio/s400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new hotel being built up near the lake. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPvL0Z3qExMhvN0Zq0ljm2qe4-nM9m-pwJ6sCESYJvFfyAKipBoY0k4US064H_5-CI1jyenQzZXxdM6rLvfETiLCYZzV8kS7C9smBMRL0b48JDzIqse6JXB4J_6gD34KbK7B2c1hKvW0s/s1600/HopperI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPvL0Z3qExMhvN0Zq0ljm2qe4-nM9m-pwJ6sCESYJvFfyAKipBoY0k4US064H_5-CI1jyenQzZXxdM6rLvfETiLCYZzV8kS7C9smBMRL0b48JDzIqse6JXB4J_6gD34KbK7B2c1hKvW0s/s400/HopperI.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mantis. Took this photo while waiting for the gorilla crew that fateful Sunday morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to take ten or more photos before one actually focused on the mantis </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thus the fella was getting quite agitated with me being in his face,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hence his butt is sticking in the air. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ba5cmLAZAnJkhkLMz7eFsE1kWSrbZzlGoFg7IDTpbxcxodOf_yxOWszrkHomE6jwi73gaax4OJgWkO_LEIDDgl0jUWJg0Q0Vh9jlOw-3ZosdgFd0yitee60V8NoFoWGGooTH_R5kouJI/s1600/L3I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ba5cmLAZAnJkhkLMz7eFsE1kWSrbZzlGoFg7IDTpbxcxodOf_yxOWszrkHomE6jwi73gaax4OJgWkO_LEIDDgl0jUWJg0Q0Vh9jlOw-3ZosdgFd0yitee60V8NoFoWGGooTH_R5kouJI/s400/L3I.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every time I walk the path to or from Orchid Hotel this is my view. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzcYBbHnXM-V21krSOWjVepNXZjj2REoa-rSeh7fr88XKFELJ6Bh_fDy_sF6rCOy_s_mxInka2Zn9TLyDY39zX1PAsPpl7dyAIaE_nTtz7dGbIMXE6_MO9kBwD_DMD-IdRB4xU8u9HNlQ/s1600/aIDPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzcYBbHnXM-V21krSOWjVepNXZjj2REoa-rSeh7fr88XKFELJ6Bh_fDy_sF6rCOy_s_mxInka2Zn9TLyDY39zX1PAsPpl7dyAIaE_nTtz7dGbIMXE6_MO9kBwD_DMD-IdRB4xU8u9HNlQ/s400/aIDPS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The outskirts of Bukavu. Communities of IDPs (Internally Displaced Peoples).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgpGLPjgvJ3QrdF_MBeqSct6nv-KJebddK7TDtxb6ITkeWtU7wLkbufxF_K9ZG6k_96cqM_C8Dr1vxIxDFDxALmNUTGudKGJCU0QWq1SE_0wrCyV8jv5Jtw-3KcV1nCZhxbGGtQbPFsNt/s1600/afisherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgpGLPjgvJ3QrdF_MBeqSct6nv-KJebddK7TDtxb6ITkeWtU7wLkbufxF_K9ZG6k_96cqM_C8Dr1vxIxDFDxALmNUTGudKGJCU0QWq1SE_0wrCyV8jv5Jtw-3KcV1nCZhxbGGtQbPFsNt/s400/afisherman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fisherman...obviously. From the day of my canoe ride. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjjBFlyndD7BK8SJTZsol56xOyuQbnUR57uwnunuvpLTwbz1E90YJnB_Y6AdIKn2qGkJ6pavtj-k0-S5eKAfFcguT5WXNCqSL5hde6to4vxdvwgs-pVYcXaVOD_RcaFm299FCHfMINB_t/s1600/ajeepview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjjBFlyndD7BK8SJTZsol56xOyuQbnUR57uwnunuvpLTwbz1E90YJnB_Y6AdIKn2qGkJ6pavtj-k0-S5eKAfFcguT5WXNCqSL5hde6to4vxdvwgs-pVYcXaVOD_RcaFm299FCHfMINB_t/s400/ajeepview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s_W_p48O6axNnYofLvY4lDeP1HOqF3lZhU_KHwAKf4u43tNUILhV2Oz5U3arWgdERKHDlICRcYSQVL6hhlfLF9-S_iMqBH_I9V3fDpm2Pfc3UqnTB59z3gdj9p7cJSyCd41oIfq2CBny/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s_W_p48O6axNnYofLvY4lDeP1HOqF3lZhU_KHwAKf4u43tNUILhV2Oz5U3arWgdERKHDlICRcYSQVL6hhlfLF9-S_iMqBH_I9V3fDpm2Pfc3UqnTB59z3gdj9p7cJSyCd41oIfq2CBny/s400/art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Artist starting a mural for a daycare or school I believe. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9LK3J7eQEems5vQl3lxhOny3ljcuCqIB3OWNvmOYcNTW9pRwiGciD1pD14EtTnu_woPwrslPwzY1cRFLyUQ0Xxjw-lPC088-_hmAMy-SexlwtgA705VQOs9Nt1mzoxMm26UA-VknWW0l/s1600/alleyway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9LK3J7eQEems5vQl3lxhOny3ljcuCqIB3OWNvmOYcNTW9pRwiGciD1pD14EtTnu_woPwrslPwzY1cRFLyUQ0Xxjw-lPC088-_hmAMy-SexlwtgA705VQOs9Nt1mzoxMm26UA-VknWW0l/s400/alleyway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back alley. I'm told these dirt hills are deadly in the rainy season. Slip'n'slide.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kEw6Mgf-FWSNU9qTmGhkXKvc47qYhhlp5AK_1-qD3ZkRku6bi-RY1XVhSIHSVm9maXMlZJw9X4zXhdNctU0Q05onFbPfGh3dReYslF17Jeu_Ja1YRinaj3HLKWs79mXrXXy-VCZeQM-d/s1600/arails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kEw6Mgf-FWSNU9qTmGhkXKvc47qYhhlp5AK_1-qD3ZkRku6bi-RY1XVhSIHSVm9maXMlZJw9X4zXhdNctU0Q05onFbPfGh3dReYslF17Jeu_Ja1YRinaj3HLKWs79mXrXXy-VCZeQM-d/s400/arails.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From La Rosche Hotel. One of my favorite places to plan lessons, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't meet many people here though hence my increased time at Orchid Hotel. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJed4HMqTmwh_0UAv5bTgmP29fxtLK-FXkyGS1PDMMX3MxiEFH5env5nhMmp-w_iUbFLLAgBlvziDUXs3mbNYd3-_UB355LdOI729Xm0fehFoIHdXPFSBTU0wEedB9FCIiNB4oXa_RwetD/s1600/asunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJed4HMqTmwh_0UAv5bTgmP29fxtLK-FXkyGS1PDMMX3MxiEFH5env5nhMmp-w_iUbFLLAgBlvziDUXs3mbNYd3-_UB355LdOI729Xm0fehFoIHdXPFSBTU0wEedB9FCIiNB4oXa_RwetD/s400/asunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunrise over Bukavu and the Rusizi River.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way to visiting a family mourning the loss of their baby.<br />
The beauty and the pain. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BX3bGHIk6Ocs6CyqFMxZEeGr28YbKMXXT-sWmfzuuX7TdNCtJ6zEv6AN1Cszd_ofzOhgPi1P8uPouZ8e-1EkVrfi2Rjgp8FdirdDTHmdwdy_KT5vOl8ALI8aJfYBNsn3qHjZo2YZmjMV/s1600/atheap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BX3bGHIk6Ocs6CyqFMxZEeGr28YbKMXXT-sWmfzuuX7TdNCtJ6zEv6AN1Cszd_ofzOhgPi1P8uPouZ8e-1EkVrfi2Rjgp8FdirdDTHmdwdy_KT5vOl8ALI8aJfYBNsn3qHjZo2YZmjMV/s400/atheap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soccer field and trash heap near my church. The heap serves as a reminder of the poverty in this city as I see people - adults, teens, children carrying babies - pulling scraps out of the trash.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though the man you see on the heap was actually just reading a book, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a strange place for such an activity I thought,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but to each his own. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64JDNXtjnWmWdcT_q-Mcql2uMAEtLQQEPFyBmlJgdnGoF0uLKU0Dwqjs8xUgqmof1hAlnnxIoNCZGEKR6-UfanxfE4S_G2TYTg-idF_Y-6vREkZ3g8YJ-qYOB4wCtjDFeEbrAm50_fCtN/s1600/atruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64JDNXtjnWmWdcT_q-Mcql2uMAEtLQQEPFyBmlJgdnGoF0uLKU0Dwqjs8xUgqmof1hAlnnxIoNCZGEKR6-UfanxfE4S_G2TYTg-idF_Y-6vREkZ3g8YJ-qYOB4wCtjDFeEbrAm50_fCtN/s400/atruck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small kids, huge truck. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the morning, after visiting one of my best students who was hospitalized by malaria. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is well again now and back to attending classes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32e0DgzaikQSwgu76tje2ETwtZH-_jvr3V6i5SdNl3QBrtQYZuuFXXfYYGXi53BDQ1pVtGUDMi124P5TW8sGovWY71lPZgx3ElSYWJkN3vCmLUyDVTpWzClfeX629pr-Xqn59PbRPq4ln/s1600/church1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32e0DgzaikQSwgu76tje2ETwtZH-_jvr3V6i5SdNl3QBrtQYZuuFXXfYYGXi53BDQ1pVtGUDMi124P5TW8sGovWY71lPZgx3ElSYWJkN3vCmLUyDVTpWzClfeX629pr-Xqn59PbRPq4ln/s400/church1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Catholic church that I discovered only about a week ago despite walking quite nearby it almost every day. I guess I haven't walked with quite enough awareness of whats all around. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fbnfERzKX5LNoiBLREm1mR7h5bcycmNfVzxREfPEk0kM9tfV0AGqCCLAKhSigXf67xdU6K_t4fctr6e9xTmxalqK4SDjjAiP_VJcwjrHfuA0x9wSXmEAb7OxGOj1FkwClhjK5gi9KbBs/s1600/construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fbnfERzKX5LNoiBLREm1mR7h5bcycmNfVzxREfPEk0kM9tfV0AGqCCLAKhSigXf67xdU6K_t4fctr6e9xTmxalqK4SDjjAiP_VJcwjrHfuA0x9wSXmEAb7OxGOj1FkwClhjK5gi9KbBs/s400/construction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Houses being constructed. Everywhere. Anywhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Some may take 20 years to build as people just buy materials whenever they have the money.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A different life. </div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-15379205508500055152012-08-13T00:40:00.000-07:002012-08-19T04:18:31.694-07:00Live the Past.Some recent thoughts of my recent days.<br />
----- <br />
<br />
Today marks two weeks until my departure from the Congo.<br />
I suppose that this is the post I now make stating how I can't believe how fast time<br />
has flown by and that I don't know where the days went.<br />
But, that wouldn't be true to say, because I can absolutely believe I've spent nearly 3 months here.<br />
This experience has been so rich and so full.<br />
My life has been deeply affected in a way that takes time,<br />
a careful process where a different way of life has only begun to percolate into my own.<br />
A process of living alongside people for even a little while,<br />
of tasting of the daily bread of their lives,<br />
of catching a glimpse of the types of sunrises and sunsets that begin and end their days. <br />
<br />
Soon now though all this shall become just a story,<br />
not one that gathers dust on a bookshelf, <br />
nor one that is picked up to be read again and again, <br />
but one that becomes part of an ongoing, forward turning of the pages.<br />
<br />
I've been affected by so many things and have had the opportunity to enter, even if only for brief moments, into the lives of so many new people here<br />
I hope that I have adequately recognized what a privilege it is to write a line, paragraph or page<br />
into another person's story. <br />
As the pen of my thoughts, words and deeds has touched the paper that is another life,<br />
I hope that my writing has not been sloppy or unintentional.<br />
Did I think about what I would write or did I just let the ink bleed all over the page?<br />
Oh the many pages this time has filled,<br />
and I hope that I have been able to fill those of others with love, hope and faith. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
The days already almost begin to feel like times passed.<br />
When I walk familiar roads outside the mission gates<br />
sometime I feel like I'm already walking through my own memories.<br />
I find myself wondering if this shall be a moment, if he shall be a person,<br />
if that shall be a sound that I will think back on, as I walk Canadian streets,<br />
and that I will dearly miss.<br />
When I lie in my own bed, will I think of the night and early morning hours here
<br />
where I laid listening to the sounds of the city while trying to keep my<br />
feet from scraping against the mosquito net? <br />
When I sit in my Canadian church, will my thoughts return to the church and choirs here<br />
with the beating of the drums, the movement of the dancers and the intensity of people's prayers? <br />
<br />
I'm glad that I am thinking of these things already.<br />
There is the risk of checking out, of course, or leaving this place before I go. <br />
But there is also the possibility of using these thoughts to recognize<br />
that I am still in control of my final days here that will, one day, become old memories.<br />
That the sort of baggage, good or bad, that I'll be carrying around with me later on<br />
I'm packing it today.<br />
<br />
People say that you can't change the past,<br />
but I don't fully agree. <br />
Right now I'm choosing and changing the moments that will become my past.<br />
Right now I'm changing my past.<br />
<br />
Maybe I actually have more control over my past than my future. <br />
I can now ask myself: 'If I had that moment again, what would I change about it?',<br />
while I still actually have the ability to make that change. <br />
While I have the ability to live the memory before losing the moment.<br />
<br />
People say not to live in the past.<br />
I agree,<br />
but maybe - if I can say it without sounding like I've spent too much time in the clouds - <br />
maybe we should live the past.<br />
Live the past while we still have it now.<br />
So that we can say we had spent our time under the sun <br />
soaking in life rather than letting its waters just run us by. <br />
Etching the details of a moment into our minds<br />
by really seeing each color that has been painted into our surroundings,<br />
by noting each texture that has been woven into the fabric of life,<br />
by hearing the inflections of emotion in another person's voice<br />
as we intently <i>listen </i>to their words.<br />
<br />
By nurturing the moments so that they may grow into memories deeply rooted in experiences<br />
rich in risks taken, mistakes made, integrity upheld, people loved, faith proudly held firm<br />
and of still, quiet moments where we breathed deep, quiet breaths. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-28950242843315372632012-08-11T00:38:00.001-07:002012-08-13T03:06:48.290-07:00It's All Real.Yesterday I drove with Raha and a few others up to the village of Katana and the surrounding regions. Here they will be doing a needs assessment for a food security program. Once again I feel overwhelmed by the rich diversity of experience that I have been offered while in the Congo, and I'm thankful for all those working hard to try and provide food and security of life for the people here.<br />
---<br />
I was able to drive again on the country-side roads of the Congo and I must say I enjoyed it immensely. Did you ever sit in an old vehicle as a kid and imagine yourself as an adventurer driving a land cruiser through mountains, beside lakes and dodging craters in the road? Well I felt like I was that kid again in some old vehicle dreaming those old dreams. Except I wasn't imagining it anymore, its real life now; filled with sounds, smells, more beautiful scenery than I had imagined and with kids yelling to me from the side of the road one of my many names here such as 'Mzungu', 'MONUC', or 'Biscuite'. <br />
---<br />
One of the regions we visited was a peninsula 5km wide and 10km long and hosted more than 7000 people. The main crops of the area are casava, beans, groundnuts and bananas. However both the bananas and casava are currently affected by disease, and this has taken an especially hard toll especially on the banana production.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIEnJFKCSzLaZA1E78quSJoeTHx6TPXWz56lQ4UuoyHjHkDSEb_jgsBT9bpMvm15QwaE7YdxFeQyjKtBRRDaTtrHQaciOpCPOYzCeLIiyPLz7tvZNQSRrWfjQ1T4P6qQushmAc76fuuJk/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIEnJFKCSzLaZA1E78quSJoeTHx6TPXWz56lQ4UuoyHjHkDSEb_jgsBT9bpMvm15QwaE7YdxFeQyjKtBRRDaTtrHQaciOpCPOYzCeLIiyPLz7tvZNQSRrWfjQ1T4P6qQushmAc76fuuJk/s400/IMG_2406.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A diseased banana.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4dlBGJd04NoHHSYGmCGU5FIG2ddDSVJ-9umahu6zDZqQykhjdCVaAm8ZJBzMsj7JmSZytR9mbaBwUk5jMlXIxxtSzbayR-B2CMCDUgG3LF2xueSCQImELeAV0FtEoLw6CE4ZhZ9rVwmK/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4dlBGJd04NoHHSYGmCGU5FIG2ddDSVJ-9umahu6zDZqQykhjdCVaAm8ZJBzMsj7JmSZytR9mbaBwUk5jMlXIxxtSzbayR-B2CMCDUgG3LF2xueSCQImELeAV0FtEoLw6CE4ZhZ9rVwmK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Casava drying in the sun. These took about 10 months to grow, I was told.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few photos from the day. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7fE_7QFaVTAVXG1nggrk1XYmdh_uawrWp3DWJSAekNyRvSlAEUPZTOT-CUqVUNLhG-xkTx8nEi9OU7gHMU3ryX7BiK3baS0zvcCrmVDcIOoHVKyCjEoHb_A11spNfOyX4T8T3NPiVUe3/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7fE_7QFaVTAVXG1nggrk1XYmdh_uawrWp3DWJSAekNyRvSlAEUPZTOT-CUqVUNLhG-xkTx8nEi9OU7gHMU3ryX7BiK3baS0zvcCrmVDcIOoHVKyCjEoHb_A11spNfOyX4T8T3NPiVUe3/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRjLnwTFPiM-XOXfQgHOw8c6plWQjKSbMq1EThNBE2abIzAJN0JYjBJa_esHKKJ4rpo9G6KtfZZrZJNTH2QyTcTohnRkRjyxTkCoe7KZ4XTbiGfSzpb9aK6NQSRR5-wFTyTw6KBMbLk7h/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRjLnwTFPiM-XOXfQgHOw8c6plWQjKSbMq1EThNBE2abIzAJN0JYjBJa_esHKKJ4rpo9G6KtfZZrZJNTH2QyTcTohnRkRjyxTkCoe7KZ4XTbiGfSzpb9aK6NQSRR5-wFTyTw6KBMbLk7h/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A schoolyard. Sometimes when I'm standing in these places and my eyes are wandering through my surroundings I feel like I'm looking at a picture or painting; but then someone walks out of a door and I remind myself that its all real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgileYMyqY8DSowZwxlY5o49dvMQHFf9olEobW_S-BcFY28u00ThGGNGTYTQVZ2sRsTy6FQdVfKrugsMhXhdsNFCvvZNPd1c5K7w0qRCXHY18b9Zl60ENKK-Q_WcDMRW9dp_zcVq3Oj7ODK/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgileYMyqY8DSowZwxlY5o49dvMQHFf9olEobW_S-BcFY28u00ThGGNGTYTQVZ2sRsTy6FQdVfKrugsMhXhdsNFCvvZNPd1c5K7w0qRCXHY18b9Zl60ENKK-Q_WcDMRW9dp_zcVq3Oj7ODK/s400/11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_f6N1o0TK2WCGB_VljSSVp7avRXdDqShGhDMtXIAuEmgPvFi1FGtlWqqN6vbuS0OZtzBVvEZ2xzg25JqBHEuNt7Epz-Omx_Be5l4X9gAxCqRWnCtDcGrIQoVg5WZCWBY2hRu7BfkEQ4/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2U_f6N1o0TK2WCGB_VljSSVp7avRXdDqShGhDMtXIAuEmgPvFi1FGtlWqqN6vbuS0OZtzBVvEZ2xzg25JqBHEuNt7Epz-Omx_Be5l4X9gAxCqRWnCtDcGrIQoVg5WZCWBY2hRu7BfkEQ4/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVMYqZMUfvb_VvrrxJCPs_gWmVTDBHF3sQi_n9wMU7diOBOs_pT_A39TeAyUVcCuACn3Y25e-5foruiFTS1K25hnHgqRkVDs2zyBmXk-k8mdv7DVp69ROX56QKmuq0lgZ7yjy-zXajYfb/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVMYqZMUfvb_VvrrxJCPs_gWmVTDBHF3sQi_n9wMU7diOBOs_pT_A39TeAyUVcCuACn3Y25e-5foruiFTS1K25hnHgqRkVDs2zyBmXk-k8mdv7DVp69ROX56QKmuq0lgZ7yjy-zXajYfb/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPL7n5wNK2XjTy7_AS-gaznoF194yfOPVHsywzJa63xlOS-4CMf00yICSdrS2qUjgmPBvXid45SujAvcSWAA13BNxHn0C-i5CuOv4XdSHqRRkVgCBtAU0R73TNuMCJwaKH6pHyfO_jkuuU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPL7n5wNK2XjTy7_AS-gaznoF194yfOPVHsywzJa63xlOS-4CMf00yICSdrS2qUjgmPBvXid45SujAvcSWAA13BNxHn0C-i5CuOv4XdSHqRRkVgCBtAU0R73TNuMCJwaKH6pHyfO_jkuuU/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDf_XzodzI7ukBMyJ73E9u9LalFQy7nz6UgR8mxlBCQpOCJYdlqDq56zZeykJADU2xccz3E4RgNPpqIceElfyzODZ7X3efXLf-urx4n9drK1DMTh93CYxSBP2vlEUMYLa1etdx9SvU8R7/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDf_XzodzI7ukBMyJ73E9u9LalFQy7nz6UgR8mxlBCQpOCJYdlqDq56zZeykJADU2xccz3E4RgNPpqIceElfyzODZ7X3efXLf-urx4n9drK1DMTh93CYxSBP2vlEUMYLa1etdx9SvU8R7/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tried to make friends with this young one, but he just started crying. Alas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8L4H_8aKob0sxAGfebcrGnllqVInJj-0NF1jJYH1WG2KtnWJVr3sWgCOfEZW6IRZp2iZUbtgx7Draeu8V5utMz_EWHhpuTECL6gZGO883GzBWD8lDMgvz3Iu3x6b1o2yJCxirY6d8OI/s1600/5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu8L4H_8aKob0sxAGfebcrGnllqVInJj-0NF1jJYH1WG2KtnWJVr3sWgCOfEZW6IRZp2iZUbtgx7Draeu8V5utMz_EWHhpuTECL6gZGO883GzBWD8lDMgvz3Iu3x6b1o2yJCxirY6d8OI/s400/5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The chicken was a gift from our host from the village. I chuckle every time I see this stare-down.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgQXfYOkZEtHQYJDMaSHiFmtHR_FZzygzADe502IFa4Y7qA6WYz9iXmSIdGLMj5cPHdw_4P7DFi7L78NLqIACAEdJAizKng6qSjXZPkP6f0S_Au0Gk74f6SHDpna_Lq6QjI7N5VIQ9Bx_/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgQXfYOkZEtHQYJDMaSHiFmtHR_FZzygzADe502IFa4Y7qA6WYz9iXmSIdGLMj5cPHdw_4P7DFi7L78NLqIACAEdJAizKng6qSjXZPkP6f0S_Au0Gk74f6SHDpna_Lq6QjI7N5VIQ9Bx_/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdhtpA-n6d6Ui7AxS_SJUgSSEmywyqC-PcRsQr_DHdZHdjRhbJf_tC3p7NKcKCOHsHTQyy7VxcX9YLeQUHb9pHdYHiSR-uFPLd3q5S51lkdeiSLOtlRFlliOSNyDMtKXyWRjg1pKWoPMO/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdhtpA-n6d6Ui7AxS_SJUgSSEmywyqC-PcRsQr_DHdZHdjRhbJf_tC3p7NKcKCOHsHTQyy7VxcX9YLeQUHb9pHdYHiSR-uFPLd3q5S51lkdeiSLOtlRFlliOSNyDMtKXyWRjg1pKWoPMO/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The team.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQlFzpFT6ZLbZxhQgP3XpCzEnfhP-OhgIhkBzoEqUp64WevWXdHjN0WWnSwXYs-xyHA0SwSAtHFHh9EYJU61p9EdmKeBEr0_P5VW2lwkAg0NexoSVcbRsPNW4Z9xWjiWxKxVjrcpOOlaU/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQlFzpFT6ZLbZxhQgP3XpCzEnfhP-OhgIhkBzoEqUp64WevWXdHjN0WWnSwXYs-xyHA0SwSAtHFHh9EYJU61p9EdmKeBEr0_P5VW2lwkAg0NexoSVcbRsPNW4Z9xWjiWxKxVjrcpOOlaU/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lake Kivu.<br />
<br />
I doubt I shall ever see again a land so rich with a people so poor. Keep this place in your prayers. </div>
AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-83770306933378086402012-08-09T11:50:00.000-07:002012-08-19T04:26:49.846-07:00David.Sometimes its the little things,<br />
like the clicking of a pink, metal cane against the stony ground.<br />
<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
The past weekend I had a bit more time to myself as my English classes were cancelled due to a special weekend of prayer at the my church. Wanting to do something intentional with my time I decided that instead of working on my computer at home I would take it to Hotel Orchid as it has been a place that I have been able to meet several new people and strike up conversation with them. So with this decision in mind I packed my computer and several other items into my backpack. I brought along only a small amount of franks as people often ask for money on that road and I would rather not lie to them when I say I'm not able to give money. Perhaps that seems a bit cold-hearted, but sometimes the most loving thing you can do for someone is <i>not </i>to give them what they want right away, and to state the obvious, there is just no way that I could ever give to everyone that asks me here. But I digress.<br />
With my bag packed I locked my front door, headed out of the mission and made my way to the hotel. I often think that maybe I'll catch a moto to where I'm going but I never do and I'm always glad that I walked. Down the busy street of Lumumba, past the money-changers and the round-a-bout and up the dirt road which will eventually curve down to the path leading directly to the hotel.<br />
It was on the dirt road that I encountered David. He was by a big gate on the right of the road and when he saw me, the color of my skin, he made his way across the road to where I was walking. He didn't run as a lot of boys do though, rather, he quickly limped, grasping one of his legs with one hand and a pink, metal cane with the other. Then, with the most helpless sounding voice he could muster, he began to ask me for help. For money. I told him that I did not have money to give, that I could not help him. He continued to follow me though, working hard to keep up with my quick steps. Behind me I could hear his voice, and I could hear his footsteps intermingled with the click, click, click of his cane on the stony ground. I didn't look back at first, but it began to affect me as I thought about this young boy struggling to keep up with my steps just so I could give him a few franks. I could hear him following me, following me, and as I walked on that path beside a brick wall lined with wires and dusty flowers, there came within me a swelling anger; I felt like picking up the stones from the ground and throwing them against the wall. I felt like turning towards this boy and yelling at him "I CANNOT HELP YOU!" Not because I was mad at him, but because I was angry with how little I felt I could do for him and the people of this place. Because I felt like I just actually had nothing I could give this boy that would change his life. But I just kept on walking. In a few moments that clicking stopped. I turned around and saw him sit down by the wall and rest as I continued on towards the hotel.<br />
While at the hotel I didn't strike up conversation with anyone, but that visit where I sat in the presence of bankers and miners meeting with other business partners, would play a part in my opportunity to visit the gorillas three days later. However that's another story entirely. <br />
I left after an hour or two and then made my way back up the hill from Orchid which overlooks Lake Kivu. Now at a certain point this path from the hotel twists around to climb the hill in the opposite direction leading to that road with the brick wall, the dusty flowers and thorns and with David. He was there again, as was the quick click, click, click of his cane as he made his way across the road again towards me. I felt like that clicking was a hammer driving a nail into my heart, it hurt to hear it every time. Yet I prepared again to tell him that I could not help him, and that I had no money to give. This time he did not persist for so long, after I said that I was not able to give he went back to the big gate where a few other boys were sitting.<br />
I still felt somewhat angry and frustrated with myself that I could not help him, that I felt like I had nothing to give. Then as I was walking I felt that conviction within me and some sort of voice whispering to my heart "Andrew, maybe you do have something else to give." I knew what it meant - why couldn't I at least pray for this boy? At the very least, why couldn't I greet him in a deeper way and ask to pray for him that day. I felt this strong on my heart, but by this time he was a fair ways back and chatting with his friends again. I rationalized reasons to keep walking, but I couldn't rid myself of the feeling. Nor could I rid myself of the thoughts of how many great things never happen simply because a good person refuses to act. How wonders will never be seen if people do not attempt wonderful things. How a sure way to have an ordinary life is to never do anything out of the ordinary. These thoughts kept coming and coming, until finally I said "Alright, I'll go back." <br />
So, the first thing I did was stop walking. Then I pulled out my phone and pretended to call someone until several people passed me by. Then I wondered why the heck I cared about whether or not people see me change directions. Then I started to walk back to the boy. <br />
I arrived there where the boys were sitting and muddled my way through some small talk. Asking one boy behind the big gate about the whistle he was blowing. Asking them their names, which is when I learned David's. Then finally asking David what had happened to his leg and he told me that he had been hit by a car. I guess it never healed properly and I could see how it was still deformed from the accident. Then I asked if I could pray for him, and he said yes. So I knelt down in front of him and put my hand on his leg. Almost as soon as I had began to speak I could feel tears welling in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and I could feel my heart opening to truly love this boy. I thanked God for David's life, I prayed for God's presence in his life and I prayed that his leg would heal quickly and that he would be able to run with the other boys again.<br />
As I prayed I could sense a few other people gathering and watching. I tried not to be distracted, though I was feeling very self-conscious, and I tried to end with the most focus I could. <br />
I finished the prayer, which I had said in English, hoping that God would speak to David through my actions as much as my words. And I think God did. Because when I finished I looked at David and he was looking back at me differently than he did before. I felt like he saw the love I was trying to show him rather than letting him see me merely as a source of money or free handouts. This was confirmed to me as well when one of David's friends began to speak. For soon after I had said amen, one of the other boys began to ask for money, but before he could even finish asking David stopped him and then just looked at me with that knowing look.<br />
<br />
----<br />
I don't know if David's leg will heal, I sure hope so though. What I do know is that at the end of the day I don't really need to see the signs and the miracles. If I can rest my head at the end of the day knowing that I did my best to selflessly love and to relentlessly obey, then that is enough. I believe that I obeyed God with my actions, and now He can do what He desires with them and if He wants me to see the results, I give Him praise. And if He wants to hide from me the results of my obedience, I give Him praise. <br />
<br />
----<br />
Since then I have seen David again. Sunday morning as I made another walk down Lumumba I heard a quick click, click, click of a cane on the paved road and saw David making his way towards me. This time though he had a beaming smile on his face as he came towards me. His leg was still the same, but his eyes clearly were seeing me in a different way. He didn't ask for a thing, but rather just wanted to greet me. I talked with him and few other boys (who did want something) for a few moments, however I had to meet some people very shortly so the meeting was quick and I made my way off again.<br />
I wished that I had taken a moment to pray for him again though and hoped for another opportunity. This would also come later that day as I met David by the big gate again. I asked him more questions about his family and tried to get to know him a bit more, then asked if I could pray again and he said yes.<br />
I've tried to walk the dirt road that passes the big gate each day in the hope of seeing him at least once more before I go and to have the chance to give him a small deck of Canada cards with a note saying something that I really want him to remember. I hope to see his beaming smile again. I hope to hear his footsteps without the clicking of that cane, but in all things I will give praise. I pray for that opportunity, and I thank God for that little thing. That little moment where He provided the opportunity for this heart to open up and to learn to love a little more. To believe a little more. To increase in faith. To be deeply affected by the clicking of pink, metal cane on the stony ground. <br />
<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-59880200244480692612012-08-09T10:00:00.003-07:002012-08-09T12:36:25.907-07:00I Went Down to the River.Alright, I realize that I have intended to post photos of Bukavu city for some time now but other amazing things just keep coming up instead. So I am going to delay the photos of the city once again, well twice again, at least. I have a few posts I want to make before making that post.<br />
<br />
The first post is of the small journey I was on today with a friend by the Rusizi River as I finally made my way to Panzi hospital where a large amount of women who have been victims of sexual violence are treated. More on that in a time to come. <br />
For now I want to share the walk with you along this river which stretches from Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganika and which divides the Congo and Rwanda. <br />
I'm not sure how many poetic words I can muster this time around to describe my experience,<br />
I've had a lot on my mind the past week and its been a full day in itself. <br />
I will say this though, I never would have guessed that less than an hours walk outside of the chaos of the city was a place like the one I visited today. I've thought this so many times during my stay here, and today only convinced me more that even on small geographically canvases life is painted with every color here in the Congo. <br />
Each day, if you allow it to be, is so rich, is so full of experience and beauty and pain and breath-taking moments. I'm so thankful to have been able to have known this place for the time I have.<br />
<br />
Also, I will say this. There is something about the river that draws such a deep part of me towards it. If I ever disappear, don't worry, you can find me by the water's edge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qD6zMWlDlEknpH9pur__FxMSjQLslupex6my5tuQRQbppc5L5Nhky_m6sLLtlAvY_dQGmXbJJ0v-8ITzDu212uyW8OML0BaI0G1tDeXH7mTTHxAUeWTxql7ukoiKdfWLRe6Ro49f9356/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qD6zMWlDlEknpH9pur__FxMSjQLslupex6my5tuQRQbppc5L5Nhky_m6sLLtlAvY_dQGmXbJJ0v-8ITzDu212uyW8OML0BaI0G1tDeXH7mTTHxAUeWTxql7ukoiKdfWLRe6Ro49f9356/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the left is Rwanda, Congo to the right. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF015OaTkvZb9KPEdrGYhV3IQ1gxRlOVAzl2brUtsP_ze4yONhmE-UeR_ia7nWdhw0L84W15PKCQXVUZkCERCAxsrRiRTzG6Tzm1Dugt-PCgECNwv4J7PMoYt1tnNHDz-KiFHRnzuz-kBb/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF015OaTkvZb9KPEdrGYhV3IQ1gxRlOVAzl2brUtsP_ze4yONhmE-UeR_ia7nWdhw0L84W15PKCQXVUZkCERCAxsrRiRTzG6Tzm1Dugt-PCgECNwv4J7PMoYt1tnNHDz-KiFHRnzuz-kBb/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iqo2MsNTxQnMUGUtms7xW_kDQxgYIAma7HB2mmyWxjmfXGueqpk1_m21uj8zNK3YcTFR8g8yr8XWZDcCbpLOEh4Y3cUG8CVb7zP4cAO1lxX3YtJ1St3rXntrTibnbmJDd_P0Qf-ym-ha/s1600/_8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iqo2MsNTxQnMUGUtms7xW_kDQxgYIAma7HB2mmyWxjmfXGueqpk1_m21uj8zNK3YcTFR8g8yr8XWZDcCbpLOEh4Y3cUG8CVb7zP4cAO1lxX3YtJ1St3rXntrTibnbmJDd_P0Qf-ym-ha/s400/_8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUdNRoc9XX7jm6qV9eNreRkB6ajrHo4yx5nbDQajiDdpOJmJQiF2rucBZechZY3jCrgLVBEmHprbZbDKNfDY4ElXMYR-D_au_OPjBXqvQpRM75MjC6TFhImFiy8AtzFncdpI1FOyP08JY/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUdNRoc9XX7jm6qV9eNreRkB6ajrHo4yx5nbDQajiDdpOJmJQiF2rucBZechZY3jCrgLVBEmHprbZbDKNfDY4ElXMYR-D_au_OPjBXqvQpRM75MjC6TFhImFiy8AtzFncdpI1FOyP08JY/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3IUJtFG0UlDYLuzblHjIMv1G3hPfxrOHX57GE4gAzJLOcg-WlpQgZ2BbVMDInWyDlm0QHqZcShPnD7AlnKk_F0D3-OJasZl2PNl3wB3rfsWGKjzadLXCYChD3uTD3Ak-QHmROCqHYoZ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3IUJtFG0UlDYLuzblHjIMv1G3hPfxrOHX57GE4gAzJLOcg-WlpQgZ2BbVMDInWyDlm0QHqZcShPnD7AlnKk_F0D3-OJasZl2PNl3wB3rfsWGKjzadLXCYChD3uTD3Ak-QHmROCqHYoZ/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFzvcvOmW2ARNLMXq6kkIAg3FGNnkYjJCaRfw6dywN2872A1Ua3FjhM1Rw8Hrx381fZhhRH5defIt_S375IkzxRQTyIUeNrm4U96ayW_4Jk1jRcpIeFvPm3NmJB_pcBx9P3btqq4jyrF2/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFzvcvOmW2ARNLMXq6kkIAg3FGNnkYjJCaRfw6dywN2872A1Ua3FjhM1Rw8Hrx381fZhhRH5defIt_S375IkzxRQTyIUeNrm4U96ayW_4Jk1jRcpIeFvPm3NmJB_pcBx9P3btqq4jyrF2/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwedGFgJkS4YXA_E5mVzCsXuUlpBV9mhw-98Iny-nqY72XESw0aPgzEqFsT_P2a-WIniwQ43VHtoP_Tkqh6ayNP-hSnlmsdpqPu7k3Dc9Gzeqj2p0VtdARIOOd3zR99EERe_7bOI-24xkg/s1600/Chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwedGFgJkS4YXA_E5mVzCsXuUlpBV9mhw-98Iny-nqY72XESw0aPgzEqFsT_P2a-WIniwQ43VHtoP_Tkqh6ayNP-hSnlmsdpqPu7k3Dc9Gzeqj2p0VtdARIOOd3zR99EERe_7bOI-24xkg/s400/Chris.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq7rdcNuCpkJuxx8lQFlTE9szN01SfqvH13sMVymbQHwcwddvTuKQAEJdcoH3AalKTpud6sNO-owqobmQBXo7x4czYcvwY0hs-Ze6BLeJLqIEHz8OpfUfgIU3pT06FOF_JtqSgMUvAzw-/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq7rdcNuCpkJuxx8lQFlTE9szN01SfqvH13sMVymbQHwcwddvTuKQAEJdcoH3AalKTpud6sNO-owqobmQBXo7x4czYcvwY0hs-Ze6BLeJLqIEHz8OpfUfgIU3pT06FOF_JtqSgMUvAzw-/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQX7uVy8m_IG3adgFr0S9JFemySUqaUiDGREsKJmbWo85NX4-kgfkIdm0WGZ4XBMujILIztWKAgdOelXoTyK8B395eOC6gH_xkXIyqNiI6d1viHkICC3ehxWQTH5Pw-JwKL31zodiPm-v/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQX7uVy8m_IG3adgFr0S9JFemySUqaUiDGREsKJmbWo85NX4-kgfkIdm0WGZ4XBMujILIztWKAgdOelXoTyK8B395eOC6gH_xkXIyqNiI6d1viHkICC3ehxWQTH5Pw-JwKL31zodiPm-v/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIwryP8DCrGICkzxo5sZezqgYi34e5fS1KECe5YA4ZeO9J-bzxTwi8wdp6UCY1mYuMFy1vaLc55V80wiMhuPGmEWcqbE2zXsP1OId2W12s8nUWV7UquoP-XOgeZtK1RVYGnOmy0zS_FRo/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIwryP8DCrGICkzxo5sZezqgYi34e5fS1KECe5YA4ZeO9J-bzxTwi8wdp6UCY1mYuMFy1vaLc55V80wiMhuPGmEWcqbE2zXsP1OId2W12s8nUWV7UquoP-XOgeZtK1RVYGnOmy0zS_FRo/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy6sRY90_12qdhSUIFjQpPFnkC-YLyPqrNu9ZSuMkiK63qqMLv6kX58uiH1SCjCEp5C35XZkCDBB6tyBT1_a8ywhFkgnO5Iq2PODGvg7PaiTneYzlhAnCG70dt3S5Xr9TuA8gaE1wznin/s1600/115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy6sRY90_12qdhSUIFjQpPFnkC-YLyPqrNu9ZSuMkiK63qqMLv6kX58uiH1SCjCEp5C35XZkCDBB6tyBT1_a8ywhFkgnO5Iq2PODGvg7PaiTneYzlhAnCG70dt3S5Xr9TuA8gaE1wznin/s400/115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEatwPikMlw78tyPXyXueh-dF9vg4Vnkkqb-8LdG7yEgsT1YsAhe2z83MwI0q3xxYUWrunUi4TcREw4jrDcOR8bDvq6MXJMALvaFe01XxDZHkgMIJYV87xdyWH8Qb8_206VTMJMWBmHBJ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEatwPikMlw78tyPXyXueh-dF9vg4Vnkkqb-8LdG7yEgsT1YsAhe2z83MwI0q3xxYUWrunUi4TcREw4jrDcOR8bDvq6MXJMALvaFe01XxDZHkgMIJYV87xdyWH8Qb8_206VTMJMWBmHBJ/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-44565312185477466772012-08-07T12:19:00.000-07:002012-08-11T12:03:34.289-07:00A Strange Marriage.Another part of my amazing weekend.<br />
Saturday morning I attended the wedding of an American girl and a Congolese man.<br />
The ceremony was held in a huge catholic cathedral planted on a hill overlooking the city and tucked amidst small groves of bamboo, pine and palm. <br />
Despite many frustrations leading up to the wedding, it was a beautiful event.<br />
I'm thankful to have seen both the marriage of a man and woman of two cultures,<br />
as well as the mysterious beauty of the almost strange marriage of Catholic tradition<br />
and Congolese culture. <br />
<br />
As the church choir sand, you could hear the African voices and they were not able to hide the distinctive free rhythm and patterns of song that seems to flow through every person here. But within the songs they sang you could also hear the tradition of hymns over the ages sung by monks in monasteries and by medieval choirs. It was like you could hear the ringing of church bells across the European countryside as their voices rose and descended with a strangely conservative freedom. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWy6W7LEpcFT_LXxuuluv9wJHDLlk44rJzwS7ADsYP8Sbvr6_cibJvW4-VO9Wbe38_QgaQhHzLgmZZo8G9KuKFn2ghGtAgLt8xWWjapiAMZsKamMQFBogGLdYzRaRqslRwe76FGq4VtWQ/s1600/asmallcath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWy6W7LEpcFT_LXxuuluv9wJHDLlk44rJzwS7ADsYP8Sbvr6_cibJvW4-VO9Wbe38_QgaQhHzLgmZZo8G9KuKFn2ghGtAgLt8xWWjapiAMZsKamMQFBogGLdYzRaRqslRwe76FGq4VtWQ/s400/asmallcath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissZr3iJRqPhEC_Tcx0mgO8daeprgVFzhnvpGQXTGJkyNFhD7ktDafxwMHA8vVDs8YVyKnjT9AO4LZwmowHq1enypsKmcrICr-u4Nilaql4cYSzhcXpITyX_ylXzWggoRWnHqrx8wxIjp4/s1600/Cath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissZr3iJRqPhEC_Tcx0mgO8daeprgVFzhnvpGQXTGJkyNFhD7ktDafxwMHA8vVDs8YVyKnjT9AO4LZwmowHq1enypsKmcrICr-u4Nilaql4cYSzhcXpITyX_ylXzWggoRWnHqrx8wxIjp4/s400/Cath1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J43aCCHtsW_hyw56HaXrx6HRDnJfHd7VEgJVZjY1JMucZ7KpmH4gMK0X3qZ6nGfjmCVZAB_DNMCb0AaS6pr3vO9pB904R0fZamYH4KOvrBGyZ04DeW7EMMmwAlSgHoY05JCVeYjrfeBt/s1600/Cath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J43aCCHtsW_hyw56HaXrx6HRDnJfHd7VEgJVZjY1JMucZ7KpmH4gMK0X3qZ6nGfjmCVZAB_DNMCb0AaS6pr3vO9pB904R0fZamYH4KOvrBGyZ04DeW7EMMmwAlSgHoY05JCVeYjrfeBt/s400/Cath2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5KKRO29OlUt2fQB0bflBekkepZ1_pHCodaOep2J-OCdL3aNUbu29MZ-Fu9_LBCNVVPa9FyZN2SI-ZDwcnyjFkcPdsljYUXyrsXtkis_0HkfA4dYEQyrnXgIuUi70wyEIZ0TlndGPV187/s1600/W2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5KKRO29OlUt2fQB0bflBekkepZ1_pHCodaOep2J-OCdL3aNUbu29MZ-Fu9_LBCNVVPa9FyZN2SI-ZDwcnyjFkcPdsljYUXyrsXtkis_0HkfA4dYEQyrnXgIuUi70wyEIZ0TlndGPV187/s400/W2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F9F50OaxF_odEydNKHQGssZuBSoBVBwAwiB8VHE4RUtsMyLNtObyd1ZTBCD5_6W8dTLOl3udO1givBc3Z0ku5v5Ga568aChupgZP73DGrIqBwZe-NOjsw4Ll1k5SNemYXINroS6xx7sp/s1600/Cath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F9F50OaxF_odEydNKHQGssZuBSoBVBwAwiB8VHE4RUtsMyLNtObyd1ZTBCD5_6W8dTLOl3udO1givBc3Z0ku5v5Ga568aChupgZP73DGrIqBwZe-NOjsw4Ll1k5SNemYXINroS6xx7sp/s400/Cath3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
While at the wedding I also made a point to get to know a few Europeans that were also there.<br />
I had a good time getting to know them and enjoyed the reception with them as well that night, enjoying hours of dancing with the people there, learning a few Congo moves and laughing at a few awkward situations that came up. <br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-77592861834363342572012-08-06T06:28:00.000-07:002012-08-06T10:36:55.905-07:00A Bit of a Dream Come True.Some things you just can't plan.<br />
Sometimes God orchestrates life in such a strange but beautiful way,<br />
like a melody where you never would have guessed the next note coming<br />
but as soon as you hear it you realize how beautifully and perfectly it fits into the whole song.<br />
<br />
This past week I never would have even imagined that one moment of being intentional with a stranger would lead to a series of events that resulted pretty much straight into a childhood dream coming true.<br />
I never would have thought that listening to an American mother share of her frustrations about a cross-cultural wedding would lead to talking about my faith with a Pakistani clothing designer while hiking through the jungle looking for the Eastern Lowland Gorilla.<br />
Ask me about it sometime. <br />
<br />
Somethings you just can't plan.<br />
But you can take pictures! <br />
Here are the smelly beasts that I have been a dreaming to see since reading Jane Goodall books as an animal-loving kid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaREbvJ5fUaUppOio8WowYzscHzPx9ucNw2sNzdaYQBmvCFPwQ-LCpobXyKRElUaRalyVfcYiawyGu3tEwGNxyshrlaf93uGAdA0BVdp14nWtiMeTJUmvCxhCsHeQKJankmIIBDMU8_Dp8/s1600/Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaREbvJ5fUaUppOio8WowYzscHzPx9ucNw2sNzdaYQBmvCFPwQ-LCpobXyKRElUaRalyVfcYiawyGu3tEwGNxyshrlaf93uGAdA0BVdp14nWtiMeTJUmvCxhCsHeQKJankmIIBDMU8_Dp8/s400/Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arriving at Kahuzi-Biega Park </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyQ2UIne-x7pdeZ1iN7aHdkSHBY4rbDDQOajsUSNoSR_bhQzOycLQ5ZkcsxtDf8w5QUKJXUcAhN2eg6fNL5VYqcqOGkD6FhNvzrtHOvUEhiw25__ChlivqP1hFFNxKoFurWtIxpvhmU2v/s1600/Statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyQ2UIne-x7pdeZ1iN7aHdkSHBY4rbDDQOajsUSNoSR_bhQzOycLQ5ZkcsxtDf8w5QUKJXUcAhN2eg6fNL5VYqcqOGkD6FhNvzrtHOvUEhiw25__ChlivqP1hFFNxKoFurWtIxpvhmU2v/s400/Statue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk6Gp4BdqBe-xpaKsP-v1vjh2fvP5xC-sCZ1wudRWKaecfbmXbK5i6HurfLjq-LU10M9IIz6-30l1k7bs66bf9LjfnLQZHdld0ynhLoGj41tZPStSRMS6l16gv2HT5F4MPVlfL_-B4QzJ/s1600/G17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk6Gp4BdqBe-xpaKsP-v1vjh2fvP5xC-sCZ1wudRWKaecfbmXbK5i6HurfLjq-LU10M9IIz6-30l1k7bs66bf9LjfnLQZHdld0ynhLoGj41tZPStSRMS6l16gv2HT5F4MPVlfL_-B4QzJ/s400/G17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hike into the jungle<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6dcXI2_V_2DCcRey4QvWbeWawOlm1NxDh2i0Dcswjx23tctMnDaD6ZnqnRBigGMUlL2cz_LMqAFDSC1m2xFGzPQpPu009E94b7X2dy6ZjQfy3OwBhHUKVI-1tETZf0LXGs4acS3AcvJu/s1600/GG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6dcXI2_V_2DCcRey4QvWbeWawOlm1NxDh2i0Dcswjx23tctMnDaD6ZnqnRBigGMUlL2cz_LMqAFDSC1m2xFGzPQpPu009E94b7X2dy6ZjQfy3OwBhHUKVI-1tETZf0LXGs4acS3AcvJu/s400/GG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK4AMFGLmmfBxW4Rz_Cpm1zSxJfESaLsKmwcxBGOWehCzpGXAG-PDGK-Q2jg-RpgMU7ob4NiJsb4Uc9JkMXmHtbhmsMvYOhxzLvvBe9HUQFVoYhyphenhyphenSWX6jKmx0g63IE05qAe-nBHqvIKLq/s1600/GG%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK4AMFGLmmfBxW4Rz_Cpm1zSxJfESaLsKmwcxBGOWehCzpGXAG-PDGK-Q2jg-RpgMU7ob4NiJsb4Uc9JkMXmHtbhmsMvYOhxzLvvBe9HUQFVoYhyphenhyphenSWX6jKmx0g63IE05qAe-nBHqvIKLq/s400/GG%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2udscsMFrga8Iat2taNNdkFxA7OmQIIrm2yu0fTPzvMEsSiJOZLCrK2ltr33jMYt2-_gSdjwiJRpeIM0OtW2HK2OC5vKMeywA3VfvVOl6pm7FL3-R9JyILGQ4h2TgGJ96FTpgBcg5YWh/s1600/Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2udscsMFrga8Iat2taNNdkFxA7OmQIIrm2yu0fTPzvMEsSiJOZLCrK2ltr33jMYt2-_gSdjwiJRpeIM0OtW2HK2OC5vKMeywA3VfvVOl6pm7FL3-R9JyILGQ4h2TgGJ96FTpgBcg5YWh/s400/Trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf06WJ3mNvwYGqorVFEI0YAXoRyWSjGV7hA8L00qoqFtTl9I574TNWoHV85ydo7bTIGJJFA4EntS8TUkaBz7ixug2bCCOM3HSc1olTiCSwixNMoDO4bHTTe0SzwxSGRPgAJnwRdsCv5FfP/s1600/GG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf06WJ3mNvwYGqorVFEI0YAXoRyWSjGV7hA8L00qoqFtTl9I574TNWoHV85ydo7bTIGJJFA4EntS8TUkaBz7ixug2bCCOM3HSc1olTiCSwixNMoDO4bHTTe0SzwxSGRPgAJnwRdsCv5FfP/s400/GG3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVD_ga4l-NIhzKZIf4UmY-V-BqJsku_21H0ptlqQcIJjdB4gzwQKqzZfXirkHDT2B8z2w2SlKpEsyjWnzAQtu9loMB6vZ7H2QYM7gND2A_9nXzdTghO511o8kXnbIVEeqXIbUOsO5qn2l/s1600/G%2521a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVD_ga4l-NIhzKZIf4UmY-V-BqJsku_21H0ptlqQcIJjdB4gzwQKqzZfXirkHDT2B8z2w2SlKpEsyjWnzAQtu9loMB6vZ7H2QYM7gND2A_9nXzdTghO511o8kXnbIVEeqXIbUOsO5qn2l/s400/G%2521a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chilling with the gorillas! </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHI-1GmyRBAXSGnECSRLLMDK-ojY4E7dMQX_xHWdFgRzliNkzWENhcr3mattXzOuPKNsqBwo0GNd8P51OCbcQtLvAuQFj_KK6CJRGY87ix7JUGr6V0j8lbnC0nu6Sk-CgD0WFqVARARhU/s1600/G%2524a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHI-1GmyRBAXSGnECSRLLMDK-ojY4E7dMQX_xHWdFgRzliNkzWENhcr3mattXzOuPKNsqBwo0GNd8P51OCbcQtLvAuQFj_KK6CJRGY87ix7JUGr6V0j8lbnC0nu6Sk-CgD0WFqVARARhU/s400/G%2524a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8cs5vL4WWOdFjAoPbgW0WP5wgWaCAargtyyU5pPOmucxkm4-9KOq3kaoRG7AljY7ef6_s7LeAtEmah5VqN9uICOEWWgOP4lw00lTAP-w8oCyNJvKPP5QPvAgJuOuKzBDP4PU_pyWHd38/s1600/G3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8cs5vL4WWOdFjAoPbgW0WP5wgWaCAargtyyU5pPOmucxkm4-9KOq3kaoRG7AljY7ef6_s7LeAtEmah5VqN9uICOEWWgOP4lw00lTAP-w8oCyNJvKPP5QPvAgJuOuKzBDP4PU_pyWHd38/s400/G3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silverback. Dreams of this.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrknEOnErKGN9PUhNjUKkJFoZpMHLjbYlExz7dMnDjN4IlTLazk64QMwAT3DgaNiAakJXq0qH-21ZImsd7weN0cGFskm5b2KdOx_htuwAe1SHtpsQq12v92f8vLA8oy2C6wPkDOEfiNTn/s1600/G11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrknEOnErKGN9PUhNjUKkJFoZpMHLjbYlExz7dMnDjN4IlTLazk64QMwAT3DgaNiAakJXq0qH-21ZImsd7weN0cGFskm5b2KdOx_htuwAe1SHtpsQq12v92f8vLA8oy2C6wPkDOEfiNTn/s400/G11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFi3dA-D-xVEQ7ex9kUTTpCwRiESUXvX6ksApFYZJpLw9IcLnhPFijS1F4IFyHzTQWQJHZpOz0Ma9d0aBM0uXTjroJUPY-522SCylDirbWyywx90PjdWj9r7cy_rNlCxQD_1uv82KXnhm/s1600/G13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFi3dA-D-xVEQ7ex9kUTTpCwRiESUXvX6ksApFYZJpLw9IcLnhPFijS1F4IFyHzTQWQJHZpOz0Ma9d0aBM0uXTjroJUPY-522SCylDirbWyywx90PjdWj9r7cy_rNlCxQD_1uv82KXnhm/s400/G13a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRLs0VQ7BzIdPUKpAElV-Ln1xFNvj5sNkGCufcRvs7SS0o3HjThSqlri8DFQzQvMhwQGnC83swVI_FMvfSJQWukCldwMJQP2XF3vaWq60Ml03CX6SBjNiK77aKWl1ljWYbVcRJ6Wl5PZr/s1600/G15a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRLs0VQ7BzIdPUKpAElV-Ln1xFNvj5sNkGCufcRvs7SS0o3HjThSqlri8DFQzQvMhwQGnC83swVI_FMvfSJQWukCldwMJQP2XF3vaWq60Ml03CX6SBjNiK77aKWl1ljWYbVcRJ6Wl5PZr/s400/G15a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6PrsKA65jTLQHic3W25kxxwC9lAT2LKUg6h6kLpj4Ri4-NuQdK6-kdkz933ic_F4hBD03kRPgSQoPHIDuRf5c5wcSUx7_R_fHwgmbYFXgAXQF_97v4HjGJ3p8qw_bTHF4XTsNS_2gm4D/s1600/G5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6PrsKA65jTLQHic3W25kxxwC9lAT2LKUg6h6kLpj4Ri4-NuQdK6-kdkz933ic_F4hBD03kRPgSQoPHIDuRf5c5wcSUx7_R_fHwgmbYFXgAXQF_97v4HjGJ3p8qw_bTHF4XTsNS_2gm4D/s400/G5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxK1m9f3d6jbHmY8t6ps2kxO7MPO8o4U2AlNCAT6qv7Ns7y_Db5DyE8Epnu9B5ohoI2xZX-VfMtH_esIO5UYA4Z2n6idR8C_3VT0YRnwblk7kuo-la6rBK0Jd-qAkUgJTXSV6fGSEUyxt/s1600/G6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxK1m9f3d6jbHmY8t6ps2kxO7MPO8o4U2AlNCAT6qv7Ns7y_Db5DyE8Epnu9B5ohoI2xZX-VfMtH_esIO5UYA4Z2n6idR8C_3VT0YRnwblk7kuo-la6rBK0Jd-qAkUgJTXSV6fGSEUyxt/s400/G6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBnO3ymI5vyXl655ImyzTVPFAAPb-bPnhL757OcRCQHYLYk1ZrPBHn5hzfTrnWy-yT8z4jLdn5neXY1FxFGFgR6Mz9nyUOOPNeLnqJlMwjoSUHC-96G6WeZTMeduGym3CoBQSc9kio44y/s1600/G9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBnO3ymI5vyXl655ImyzTVPFAAPb-bPnhL757OcRCQHYLYk1ZrPBHn5hzfTrnWy-yT8z4jLdn5neXY1FxFGFgR6Mz9nyUOOPNeLnqJlMwjoSUHC-96G6WeZTMeduGym3CoBQSc9kio44y/s400/G9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RIKW_3RMyIwBW4m8TU7yAqRmzRdFg61axsAdi8XPTZpbO0AvkEgwICnd7Uep_C-UZObRiN3juPDOhjnWw3yBImwGNGKNZFrkzax8eAg6DBmfv95lJxkgtNtcod5U4htlyP0ae_DPbSsD/s1600/G8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RIKW_3RMyIwBW4m8TU7yAqRmzRdFg61axsAdi8XPTZpbO0AvkEgwICnd7Uep_C-UZObRiN3juPDOhjnWw3yBImwGNGKNZFrkzax8eAg6DBmfv95lJxkgtNtcod5U4htlyP0ae_DPbSsD/s400/G8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqm_LpFkQVNA43KjIWZQ2BmFeNEqOKZODDNuLMql-Ek-AiYpaQ5as7YtydEwSdEne6QfyEqAPyJVfxrwzSAxVuiSe-jVXMvZFryeBJ0jnLuLVOYcx_NY4UKiRZBPf0gHuVxJTbgzG2nSm/s1600/go1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqm_LpFkQVNA43KjIWZQ2BmFeNEqOKZODDNuLMql-Ek-AiYpaQ5as7YtydEwSdEne6QfyEqAPyJVfxrwzSAxVuiSe-jVXMvZFryeBJ0jnLuLVOYcx_NY4UKiRZBPf0gHuVxJTbgzG2nSm/s400/go1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua7MXSqwkWVw2TrIQuU6FHaWW42Jbj9RvI8jSleQdqQf8lQxiHFqi12xWgbJy1TP23wVOlc3eNMwAWpJAA4eNezQFuVrbmafFPslzQ0NUP3f-pfUFJ6Db7_VH6ZKQMYGSO6TF0MaEkqav/s1600/Gu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiua7MXSqwkWVw2TrIQuU6FHaWW42Jbj9RvI8jSleQdqQf8lQxiHFqi12xWgbJy1TP23wVOlc3eNMwAWpJAA4eNezQFuVrbmafFPslzQ0NUP3f-pfUFJ6Db7_VH6ZKQMYGSO6TF0MaEkqav/s400/Gu2.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Riding in the back of a pickup with the park rangers. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRXHDMBaqJi_QXwSc177y9_kDnl2uQ30QquS68Lz9TVNayFpbJbkXQCM21qwESagwIrlaie-hczx8T6eEZJ8obVm_d05DIxKYicfym3OkxQBjbEnHYzn8vYy7fIqwJExuSa99qZM6gNeQ/s1600/G14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRXHDMBaqJi_QXwSc177y9_kDnl2uQ30QquS68Lz9TVNayFpbJbkXQCM21qwESagwIrlaie-hczx8T6eEZJ8obVm_d05DIxKYicfym3OkxQBjbEnHYzn8vYy7fIqwJExuSa99qZM6gNeQ/s400/G14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting and having a broken-swahili conversation with a bit of a local legend,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i.e. the old pygmy who long ago first stumbled across the gorillas and reported them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More to come on this crazy week later! Yes there is more :) </div>
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-69042325263882599242012-08-02T12:02:00.000-07:002012-08-06T12:33:57.673-07:00A Step Through TimeThere are some moments that make you feel like you've stepped<br />
through some sort of temporal rift, a gateway through time.<br />
Last month I had the opportunity to visit the Lwiro Science Center,<br />
about an hour and a half or so drive outside of Bukavu.<br />
I hadn't high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw when I arrived there.<br />
A complex, several decades old, built by the Belgians as a research center<br />
and planted in the midst of vast fields on one side and jungle on the other.<br />
<br />
There is something captivating about walking through old halls and archways like these. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQtHeAh__PIhrpytPcklbFzx9B5jzY1sikVN_bEqmKhFy9GgTr6_IFdRPnnG8f5mii5Kz5H3n0Tk-iTkvlXozToMj2fCauy4JkPVnGfYiIzxKrssDVBN690Vfkt7_EpEA2nQw1CUAU_co/s1600/ahall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQtHeAh__PIhrpytPcklbFzx9B5jzY1sikVN_bEqmKhFy9GgTr6_IFdRPnnG8f5mii5Kz5H3n0Tk-iTkvlXozToMj2fCauy4JkPVnGfYiIzxKrssDVBN690Vfkt7_EpEA2nQw1CUAU_co/s400/ahall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygxOAatYaH7rn6iiiQasrTLN7rcYn5Fn0AkrHKuDJOrX6sC1e1FmebW_pqT0aayWyKw95AhsbRso93kkS6XDZARvJ6psxpm8YHcxsqAptqaJHW8tfMzM65Q62RnzOnqxszTMAGMd6BS3H/s1600/ahall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygxOAatYaH7rn6iiiQasrTLN7rcYn5Fn0AkrHKuDJOrX6sC1e1FmebW_pqT0aayWyKw95AhsbRso93kkS6XDZARvJ6psxpm8YHcxsqAptqaJHW8tfMzM65Q62RnzOnqxszTMAGMd6BS3H/s400/ahall2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWLaBEBGI0YgcYDPMTQbuWecHkQyzcNtWHIaey0paFe3Sj7AgU2tKACLleFNd4mlttW7bm7yPFuN2A1XgtDkABAX4UuFB142wclwowUPZKBLLzuLGI_HYyclVuXWdQ8oV2m8tu6xqbssm/s1600/entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWLaBEBGI0YgcYDPMTQbuWecHkQyzcNtWHIaey0paFe3Sj7AgU2tKACLleFNd4mlttW7bm7yPFuN2A1XgtDkABAX4UuFB142wclwowUPZKBLLzuLGI_HYyclVuXWdQ8oV2m8tu6xqbssm/s400/entrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY9t_8xFkmNxXXLSfXOyL3TogaLsNEFbvK1A481gChDUkkjEeWa1f1w5CYAbAH4hogHLG8QJvMjtf1jSbITlyH_pJhKlgj243f3eWed1eZUkibUB4DJD2XiBrNAZOQWTx0ixWj6cMpAmk/s1600/Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY9t_8xFkmNxXXLSfXOyL3TogaLsNEFbvK1A481gChDUkkjEeWa1f1w5CYAbAH4hogHLG8QJvMjtf1jSbITlyH_pJhKlgj243f3eWed1eZUkibUB4DJD2XiBrNAZOQWTx0ixWj6cMpAmk/s400/Fountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOidU3MN8-xDg0rM1rsgzKkMsr1f89loimLDuWH47O1Zy0M_JcpF3lKjqk1zYEk3PeZwxiJqLTQO9U1zmhYjTX5fjQrNVSTQRDD8gr6J3wKQLoKKdY5th1bnRVLZ762DBnyuxzk664zGjk/s1600/awindowsb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOidU3MN8-xDg0rM1rsgzKkMsr1f89loimLDuWH47O1Zy0M_JcpF3lKjqk1zYEk3PeZwxiJqLTQO9U1zmhYjTX5fjQrNVSTQRDD8gr6J3wKQLoKKdY5th1bnRVLZ762DBnyuxzk664zGjk/s400/awindowsb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now the science center hosts a wide range of research including geology, tectonic studies and zoology. I'll be the first to admit that I would not have minded living there for a time just studying some of the wildlife of the area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAEqz5grEZru2tK6UO7UrxMmmk09WH5btJGUbVE6uarO-QUrZKVJKssOC3qK3WqDIWStYS0_T5SIVoRSHgK4e7_kXMOaxjzz45W9NA9rPYHIWLQEa2TSA7AgQjbopHNu4qxOCqV7nezED/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAEqz5grEZru2tK6UO7UrxMmmk09WH5btJGUbVE6uarO-QUrZKVJKssOC3qK3WqDIWStYS0_T5SIVoRSHgK4e7_kXMOaxjzz45W9NA9rPYHIWLQEa2TSA7AgQjbopHNu4qxOCqV7nezED/s400/map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukyHGm0wvIyFHOtd-7sRmy_xD0X8bXYTDW4mrJRdC2u1BIz8Tz_CEWgD0SHVC-sAyZxhyphenhyphen1gqK8UUyz-x8wljhMgUZX415D4NGvS0vlw2IoeXsdGqZyiNjent_clJFm9doacqwu442Ad12/s1600/askull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukyHGm0wvIyFHOtd-7sRmy_xD0X8bXYTDW4mrJRdC2u1BIz8Tz_CEWgD0SHVC-sAyZxhyphenhyphen1gqK8UUyz-x8wljhMgUZX415D4NGvS0vlw2IoeXsdGqZyiNjent_clJFm9doacqwu442Ad12/s400/askull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6gr6V94tpYflBvKY5AxZovbWwql2oc4HMybNNTD8kU7EGjsf_ekYpkTK0iX5sdTUQUz3t1nlYupAnOhskUsOmO8VD2rwBZTIl-f2FluKGQW1e1LenPx5Z57tBRssBxo7iR6A2Es40DNY/s1600/amonkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6gr6V94tpYflBvKY5AxZovbWwql2oc4HMybNNTD8kU7EGjsf_ekYpkTK0iX5sdTUQUz3t1nlYupAnOhskUsOmO8VD2rwBZTIl-f2FluKGQW1e1LenPx5Z57tBRssBxo7iR6A2Es40DNY/s400/amonkeys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjmCKLM78s1pMebUntcz5gSDArv6GaJ6Y2T3bxA_pG8_DFZcn9RKnDxXyM0gw1DwsSk5XRa6RvYVlvWtKvZlPOAkPgPE5yL3JTNQAX93V7AeO7cjw_C-4u-yvUEvLJtAER4o1qaTN0Wma/s1600/aquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjmCKLM78s1pMebUntcz5gSDArv6GaJ6Y2T3bxA_pG8_DFZcn9RKnDxXyM0gw1DwsSk5XRa6RvYVlvWtKvZlPOAkPgPE5yL3JTNQAX93V7AeO7cjw_C-4u-yvUEvLJtAER4o1qaTN0Wma/s400/aquote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Something that I perhaps enjoyed the most however was one of the last parts of the tour. The group and I entered another section of the complex after checking out a few of the animals (most were hiding in the bush, save for a few chimps).<br />
Now as the group was reading a plaque under a pair of ivory tusks on the wall my curiosity was peaked and my attention drawn away by a glimpse of this dark wooden spiral staircase just barely visible behind a large set of doors.<br />
I had a feeling that I would like what was in the next room, and I was right. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVR6gmZ2CWRRUSd0frwwZu_he4lgDRz2zlETQ2CiZcrcWhOHGYpct7hiq9bL2FIjeZvh5PCMI2DZMrbjyM5MJsTdvH4q_OiM8Nt2CehsOo_1QzlHpkEzW0z-Ux_kmOgY4nlOZeSOchmw1/s1600/ateam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVR6gmZ2CWRRUSd0frwwZu_he4lgDRz2zlETQ2CiZcrcWhOHGYpct7hiq9bL2FIjeZvh5PCMI2DZMrbjyM5MJsTdvH4q_OiM8Nt2CehsOo_1QzlHpkEzW0z-Ux_kmOgY4nlOZeSOchmw1/s400/ateam.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQWnPrisL_BJYK5GtXQenab4aBULy4KeHv2nMyDLtP0dY7YbDhWNZkTr7HkQ4DEWLRafN-Xm2T0BbpR-Tu6XqqbY3d0W31wAvkjzQr_smtQ70qwTv6ZCMTdj6sZ4zNDCPa2NRJ6tJONeo/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQWnPrisL_BJYK5GtXQenab4aBULy4KeHv2nMyDLtP0dY7YbDhWNZkTr7HkQ4DEWLRafN-Xm2T0BbpR-Tu6XqqbY3d0W31wAvkjzQr_smtQ70qwTv6ZCMTdj6sZ4zNDCPa2NRJ6tJONeo/s400/door.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkfyp45XfXO3dqzIjhrK5zbWApms5K95C-R7OoNWU4ADIIlLv_RPBOxFAg8Ms9x9-s0IFM67Gspdrh3FTBa6iXIXZ8zC8fOowF0Q30b5EuGqQDUS7TLkxVHI2RNI9yEAYqxgnngAjhHu_/s1600/door2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkfyp45XfXO3dqzIjhrK5zbWApms5K95C-R7OoNWU4ADIIlLv_RPBOxFAg8Ms9x9-s0IFM67Gspdrh3FTBa6iXIXZ8zC8fOowF0Q30b5EuGqQDUS7TLkxVHI2RNI9yEAYqxgnngAjhHu_/s400/door2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Behind those large doors was this beautiful library with two levels of
books and dark wood. I felt like I could read and even write a world of
books sitting in that room, and that I would have been sitting next to
the famous authors from over the centuries. At the very least, I wished
that my school had a library like this to study in, everyone would be a
grade A student simply because just standing in the room makes you smarter and have more profound thoughts...its true. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjponjqRB6iO4iJxks716x3Nt_Bi8Whia1QnTQXWQIFNKAfxeLU_Rc1iaTfPkBI31SXgHMu4xyd60nCA3Yfl6g7fWlJUzke9xZ2o5-ZOQVWmmpcII9jrcwvFb3tfntRcBTKfq5zW7P58wG3/s1600/Alib6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjponjqRB6iO4iJxks716x3Nt_Bi8Whia1QnTQXWQIFNKAfxeLU_Rc1iaTfPkBI31SXgHMu4xyd60nCA3Yfl6g7fWlJUzke9xZ2o5-ZOQVWmmpcII9jrcwvFb3tfntRcBTKfq5zW7P58wG3/s400/Alib6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1F01ri0vW8RFrVwqESqLV24-YMoGahfH2exCEvEh0OSpXeg2DUhIrnyhXQc1wUUwfxwD_13W1V-RINtETCE4td1hmOeQ1s5-CnHhLETv37uNNtNGQ9He1V714z_F6WqzsRzhvZJnPq8z/s1600/alibrary2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1F01ri0vW8RFrVwqESqLV24-YMoGahfH2exCEvEh0OSpXeg2DUhIrnyhXQc1wUUwfxwD_13W1V-RINtETCE4td1hmOeQ1s5-CnHhLETv37uNNtNGQ9He1V714z_F6WqzsRzhvZJnPq8z/s400/alibrary2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj23ET2BE_p52majLRyANwGuAUbi31UDChT6tP6ZxObpVV_K2PPEr10So6G6BsDoseZlQUASWChxrQ3XgkXtO2Xzz9NHBGwd3qBBsui7ELv_So0G4fD9yDP5R9X0bothypwrdRjPGKvUWZ/s1600/alibrary1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj23ET2BE_p52majLRyANwGuAUbi31UDChT6tP6ZxObpVV_K2PPEr10So6G6BsDoseZlQUASWChxrQ3XgkXtO2Xzz9NHBGwd3qBBsui7ELv_So0G4fD9yDP5R9X0bothypwrdRjPGKvUWZ/s400/alibrary1b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrFjcwaXJigA-9TiMTSO6-I3OXgYSAYVA7W_yjGy3yfsZ_m2agmHPyqHHHhBeBJoR2ch0Y4HZwb6nxSQIOU9q2RvBIE3GwRHH3VZpVETMeOKalL9bH20ie6lo4j3AboNeylAb0G_7BvxM/s1600/astairb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrFjcwaXJigA-9TiMTSO6-I3OXgYSAYVA7W_yjGy3yfsZ_m2agmHPyqHHHhBeBJoR2ch0Y4HZwb6nxSQIOU9q2RvBIE3GwRHH3VZpVETMeOKalL9bH20ie6lo4j3AboNeylAb0G_7BvxM/s400/astairb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN5BAl5O3MiyEo714LUM5eWL_GRRM9C21HU63qWYS75xAogjYge6u_plfYNxvC1_SdT1qH-9v6cxNfnWqbTh_iw3E0cVm622zPNrFN6ybN3THtFuRXQ0fYvOrVTYZ8yoC4HpEzxwZv0qO/s1600/awindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN5BAl5O3MiyEo714LUM5eWL_GRRM9C21HU63qWYS75xAogjYge6u_plfYNxvC1_SdT1qH-9v6cxNfnWqbTh_iw3E0cVm622zPNrFN6ybN3THtFuRXQ0fYvOrVTYZ8yoC4HpEzxwZv0qO/s400/awindow.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was also an old overhead photo of the whole compound in the library. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CfRcZvHA6FouAUynNIHP1H8y73L6gFliBtB7JrosaYtyVOrqNTMy6hnnpE1_4619xZvj1mKLyu2hqsBdIsChujhNZD-5CEGw0coLnYrCBkSYX5RdFnqqoxc1LQ2xPGXVsBkWLAwbfxKW/s1600/apicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CfRcZvHA6FouAUynNIHP1H8y73L6gFliBtB7JrosaYtyVOrqNTMy6hnnpE1_4619xZvj1mKLyu2hqsBdIsChujhNZD-5CEGw0coLnYrCBkSYX5RdFnqqoxc1LQ2xPGXVsBkWLAwbfxKW/s400/apicture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After we spent some time visiting the library we headed through the door above, up a level of stairs and into a binding room. This too was like stepping through time. Though some of the Congolese I was with complained about how outdated the equipment was, I secretly loved it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t_gXVambnwt_yLG8f0fC1MlNXsOvL2rRlBXrFJzBReg9BuQrKNof2SvOEqEXA8N3gmsRS44yxZXMni1JHmFysZ2Zomv3QJBzKfJEHEGNp6EUXcWrlu6C9seUPhJ8w9aUL-UWHaG83K4m/s1600/equipment2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3t_gXVambnwt_yLG8f0fC1MlNXsOvL2rRlBXrFJzBReg9BuQrKNof2SvOEqEXA8N3gmsRS44yxZXMni1JHmFysZ2Zomv3QJBzKfJEHEGNp6EUXcWrlu6C9seUPhJ8w9aUL-UWHaG83K4m/s400/equipment2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EjX4aJTPzPVc5G293gJSak9W4xbtE-KcPbg9tCZiKO8qn9-8qen9WvrkHLrH3MA3FbRmLp6xAmHdvkGvVTtLWasum5OyMILWgZJ5wE9qOyUsj_oCyRpOncJxooX-54MqwBRko0h3XY8_/s1600/equipment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EjX4aJTPzPVc5G293gJSak9W4xbtE-KcPbg9tCZiKO8qn9-8qen9WvrkHLrH3MA3FbRmLp6xAmHdvkGvVTtLWasum5OyMILWgZJ5wE9qOyUsj_oCyRpOncJxooX-54MqwBRko0h3XY8_/s400/equipment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4u91aSYd75dA3e0dtIdAIXLQkJnQq1TT3wJcUxC182W7lEaTr4u_Nq5-LBila9mW6Zx9HXdMEw8Rkhyphenhyphen614EPDwTqtE_TStBBwO3O3ZYvkyYIdkR1kII8YfVho7Ir8c_nDxGq7Fl9_wv/s1600/atables2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4u91aSYd75dA3e0dtIdAIXLQkJnQq1TT3wJcUxC182W7lEaTr4u_Nq5-LBila9mW6Zx9HXdMEw8Rkhyphenhyphen614EPDwTqtE_TStBBwO3O3ZYvkyYIdkR1kII8YfVho7Ir8c_nDxGq7Fl9_wv/s400/atables2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEX6RYHR0jtVjEvuSxIHwfp7iXfYDd1-TbhhkRIoMXWLc-3qJfKKWOjJm9EadIzrhtqAVnt4BjAsv_BGMPPiHIk2oqV-biDcNa6q23_KJpiEbH3CCbFp9yRfAqbGeU6R95nPEI6ShE54r/s1600/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEX6RYHR0jtVjEvuSxIHwfp7iXfYDd1-TbhhkRIoMXWLc-3qJfKKWOjJm9EadIzrhtqAVnt4BjAsv_BGMPPiHIk2oqV-biDcNa6q23_KJpiEbH3CCbFp9yRfAqbGeU6R95nPEI6ShE54r/s400/books.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The final stop was for lunch in an old house that now serves as a bit of a restaurant and hotel for workers. It was no exception to the beauty of the visit as it held its own simple charm from where it overlooked the countryside of Eastern Congo. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuDfMyddEyKTtbEUg_N1QhqApE3gNRoqSiRItlhEJ7Z_rYx4IcVI3IBh8edECXV8MXtLqOPq_X5IdijhYfshTQHwy4R-X15NnhCwryrZMP7qDyfZaSoVA5jvmNFKsb0nB9n8JUlJPXINo/s1600/house1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuDfMyddEyKTtbEUg_N1QhqApE3gNRoqSiRItlhEJ7Z_rYx4IcVI3IBh8edECXV8MXtLqOPq_X5IdijhYfshTQHwy4R-X15NnhCwryrZMP7qDyfZaSoVA5jvmNFKsb0nB9n8JUlJPXINo/s400/house1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZcLpJEOmnPIRNpmgQ8svUQgDLyID1p99N5ARgoQ1H4zcivK1vefnCTzdqOY30lO8sHH4K6Nt6Jpcul23QFxOniqNXs6g-ea8bmYjBDLFH9eDNM6678_bt7nvMbgZ_F8_Hv_c2mVzoU1i/s1600/chairs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZcLpJEOmnPIRNpmgQ8svUQgDLyID1p99N5ARgoQ1H4zcivK1vefnCTzdqOY30lO8sHH4K6Nt6Jpcul23QFxOniqNXs6g-ea8bmYjBDLFH9eDNM6678_bt7nvMbgZ_F8_Hv_c2mVzoU1i/s400/chairs2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQtpkc04jRZzdU-q0JMnamS0Gv5FBXLccoYiNzJtjaVt9Hq9kXWf2yRBTnld7bfAi_nf7LGqJ72d12LuKu9GVLqH1Klg1Um5JFJGVNqWqQcZmzrfpKma0ETuuuVTIcQ6diLo9_fml0DLm/s1600/ahills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQtpkc04jRZzdU-q0JMnamS0Gv5FBXLccoYiNzJtjaVt9Hq9kXWf2yRBTnld7bfAi_nf7LGqJ72d12LuKu9GVLqH1Klg1Um5JFJGVNqWqQcZmzrfpKma0ETuuuVTIcQ6diLo9_fml0DLm/s400/ahills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Visiting places like these you can easily forget that you're in a country in the midst of war and what seems like government apathy. I think, no matter where you are though, its okay to be on the search for beautiful things to hold onto.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
General Update</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am loving my time here, though it is winding down with only 24 days to go!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sunday I say goodbye to my amazing cook Momma Dorcas as she heads to Kenya </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
for three weeks on an evangelistic trip, and will not return until after I leave.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm sad to say goodbye to her, but excited that she has this opportunity.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pray for her safety and the safety of her companion as they travel and go to share the Gospel. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Please pray that I don't kill myself with my own cooking.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow I'll preach again at the 'Morning Glory' youth service, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
a 6 a.m. time of prayer and worship that, I'll admit,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was not particularly excited to attend the first time. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But there is definitely something beautiful about prayer and praise rising alongside the new day sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Saturday I'll be attending a cross-cultural wedding between a Congolese and an American.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today I talked with the very frustrated mother of the American girl as she is dealing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
not only with the stresses of a marriage but of the many cultural expectations as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope that I can be an encouragement to them and that both sides, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the Congolese and Americans can learn to best respect each others cultures and hopes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next blog post I suppose I may finally post some photos of the city I have called home </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
for the last two months with all its beauty and chaos. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God is good!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have no doubt that I would be a bitter intern if not for the wonderful work and refining </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
that He has been doing on me and in my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Prayer is powerful. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-13542767573613572312012-08-02T06:08:00.001-07:002012-08-02T06:22:13.648-07:00The Sun Rising<br />
I pity the moon sometimes.<br />
I think that it sees the worst of the world<br />
in the hours when the darkness of the human heart<br />
comes out to meet the darkness of the night.<br />
It seems that the moon must watch some of the worst of the world's atrocities<br />
when fears and selfishness run high and logic fades like stars suffocated by city lights. <br />
When gunshots ring out. <br />
When drunkenness runs high and good sense is tossed aside with all the empty bottles.<br />
When people are afraid to walk their own streets.<br />
When women scream out with every breath in their lungs as the noble listen on from their beds.<br />
When children disappear. <br />
When innocence becomes something to be bought or stolen like powdered milk or pirated DVDs. <br />
What stories of pain the moon must have to tell. <br />
<br />
Even yet, I hope the moon knows that the darkness does is not an all-encompassing presence.<br />
It does not span the whole world at once, it cannot, and it will not last forever.<br />
The darkness may abide for some time, but it must pass.<br />
Those who have spent the dark hours only waiting for them to end<br />
know that on the morning light rides a strange peace and relief.<br />
The first sight of morning light like that first breath<br />
after breaking the surface of the water coming up from a dive.<br />
Dawn breaks the darkness with a bright army,<br />
chasing away all the ghosts and phantoms<br />
living in all the unseen corners, nooks and crannies of sleepless nights.<br />
<br />
With the sun rising the world becomes a little less frightened. <br />
Now, the sun will have its share of stories to tell as well,<br />
some of beautiful things and others of pain.<br />
For as the mists, fogs, and morning dust rise<br />
the moon and sun will greet each other with tales of what they've seen from where they've been,<br />
like two old friends swapping stories by the smoke of a campfire.<br />
And as this time goes on and the moon departs, the sun rising will remain to keep watch. <br />
The sun rising will be left to watch over <br />
the young girl carrying a baby on her back<br />
making her way through the rubbage heap<br />
pulling out old strips of cloth to bring home for later use.<br />
<br />
I wonder if we, from where we are, see or know of the sun rising over that little girl.<br />
I wonder if we see the sun rising over the Rusizi river.<br />
I wonder if we see the sun rising over the steep and narrow alley ways,<br />
the stick bridges and the dirt paths that wind between Bukavu houses<br />
which seem to have shot up from the ground<br />
as if from seeds haphazardly scattered in every direction.<br />
I wonder if we see the sun rising over the <br />
mourning women gathered on the floor of a dark room<br />
in a house where a babies last breath was carried away with the night cricket songs.<br />
I wonder if we see the sun rising over the guinea fowl<br />
running through the small room of young people whose worship songs and prayers<br />
are filling in the holes and cracks of the tin roof and brick and barn-board walls.<br />
I wonder if we see the sun rising of the young men,<br />
ladies and children walking the dusty roads with yellow buckets,<br />
going out or already returning from one of their dry-season searches for water. <br />
<br />
I wonder if we see these things,<br />
or if we think that the sun rising belongs to only to us,<br />
that the sun rising only watches over our own lives.<br />
No, the sun has risen over and seen much of the world by the time we see its light. <br />
I wonder how aware we are that our dear world<br />
will have done much laughing and crying<br />
by the time we finish prying<br />
our heads from our pillows.<br />
<br />
Now when we ourselves begin our rising<br />
I hope that in our minds we find ourselves comprising<br />
ways that we may fully seize the day,<br />
but really only so that we may give it away.<br />
Not necessarily to the little girl in the trash heap,<br />
but to whoever nearby that may be in need of that strange peace riding on the morning light. <br />
Imagining, moment by moment, that our lives are not our own,<br />
but rather that, perhaps,<br />
our hearts are beating with a rhythm that is meant to give others a reason to dance. <br />
Maybe, there is hope in the thought, that if we can learn to live a bit more of the heart flipped inside-out, upside-down sort of way in the day hours,<br />
that maybe then the moon will not have watch so much darkness in the hours of the night.<br />
Maybe then the sun and moon may swap more stories of light and peace and joy and dancing<br />
with a few less heavenly tears being shed.<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-76422053429009054302012-07-29T04:12:00.001-07:002012-07-30T02:16:06.999-07:00"It Looks Like Heaven, but..."Life goes on in the Congo,<br />
though not without many disruptions, fears and struggles amidst the people.<br />
There has been an increase in fighting in North Kivu lately involving the UN, Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Over 200,000 people have been internally displaced from this recent conflict.<br />
Also, many international political decisions have been made lately regarding the war in the Congo and the surrounding nation-states, including aid cuts from Rwanda by the U.S., Netherlands and England due to Rwanda's alleged involvement in supporting the rebel groups within the DRCongo. If you are unaware of what is happening in this area of Africa I encourage you to read up on it. I think that few people realize the scale of deaths and horrors that have 'silently' been occurring for over a decade.<br />
<br />
Even though Bukavu is relatively safe right now. There are still definite signs within the city that the country is not at rest. The amount of internally displaced peoples is huge here from both the regions around Bukavu, and we are also seeing more people coming over on the boat from the city of Goma on the north end of Lake Kivu, which is under threat of invasion by the rebel groups. <br />
<br />
Here are a few sites that can offer some information on the past and present occurrences within and around the Congo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://congosiasa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Congo Siasa</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13283212" target="_blank">BBC DR Congo</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14093238" target="_blank">BBC Rwanda</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a recent article from the BBC News Website: <br />
<br />
<h4>
<u>
DR Congo: Where Logic Ends? </u></h4>
<br />
<img alt="A Congolese soldier in eastern DR Congo" height="232" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60713000/jpg/_60713195_014827159-2.jpg" width="624" /><br />
<br />
<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">
"A mutiny by soldiers in
the eastern DR Congo has turned into an international dispute,</div>
<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">
with
allegations that Rwanda is supporting the rebels. </div>
<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">
The BBC's Gabriel
Gatehouse reports from a lawless region where politics,</div>
<div class="introduction" id="story_continues_1">
history and
nature create a dangerous mix.</div>
There is a saying in these parts:<i> "Where logic ends, Congo begins."</i><br />
It certainly feels like that as you wind your way through the picture-postcard lush green hills of Rwanda towards the border. <br />
Here the roads are smooth and well maintained;<br />
you drive past
tidy little villages made up of immaculate red-brick houses,<br />
with
scrupulously tended front gardens.<br />
The roadside is patrolled by armed officers, clad in high-visibility jackets.<br />
Rwanda might be the Switzerland of Africa. <br />
On the last Saturday of every month, the whole country gets
together for something called Umuganda: a communal tidying-up exercise,
complete with inspections of people's homes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="story_continues_2">
Nearly two decades after it was
consumed in a spasm of genocidal hatred, </div>
<div id="story_continues_2">
Rwanda projects itself as a
country of logic, a country of control. </div>
Then you hit the shores of Lake Kivu and the town of Goma<br />
just inside the Democratic Republic of Congo. <br />
It is beautiful, stunning countryside,<br />
with the waters of the
lake lapping against the shore<br />
and hills receding into the bluish haze
of the distance. <br />
But the town is pervaded by a sense of nihilistic
pointlessness.<br />
Endless white UN four-by-fours bump their way over the
pot-holed roads ferrying well-intentioned "internationals" between their
bases and the headquarters of NGOs. <br />
Swarms of motorbike-taxis also ply the crumbling streets;<br />
perched precariously on the back are people scurrying about<br />
trying
desperately to make a buck or two in the frenetic atmosphere of the
border town.<br />
<br />
<div class="caption body-narrow-width">
<img alt="A view over the city of Goma in the eastern province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a man fishes on the edge of Lake Kivu on May 28, 2012." height="171" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60708000/jpg/_60708534_lakekivu.jpg" width="304" />
<span style="width: 304px;"> </span></div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width">
</div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width">
</div>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width">
<span style="width: 304px;">If the gasses at the bottom of Lake Kivu were to rise to the surface, Goma would suffocate.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="width: 304px;"> Aftershocks</span>
</h4>
</div>
<span class="cross-head"></span>
Looming over all of this activity is Mount Nyiragongo.<br />
The
majestic volcano, which rises out of the jungle into the clouds,<br />
last
erupted a decade ago - it sent two rivers of molten rock running
straight into town,<br />
consuming whole neighbourhoods in flames. <br />
From time to time, Nyiragongo belches and splutters,<br />
as if to remind the people below of the futility of their endeavours. <br />
Underneath the water too, there lurks a deadly threat.<br />
Lake
Kivu sits atop a vast reserve of methane and carbon dioxide.<br />
These are
valuable resources, and efforts are under way to try to tap into this
energy source potentially worth as much as $20bn. <br />
But seismic shifts or volcanic activity could cause what is known as a limnic eruption.<br />
The gasses at the bottom of the lake would rise to the
surface.<br />
This invisible force would push all the oxygen out of the
surrounding area. Goma would suffocate. <br />
<div class="story-feature wide ">
<br /></div>
<div class="story-feature wide ">
<br /></div>
<div id="story_continues_3">
But the real threat here is not
the unstoppable destructive forces of nature.<br />
Rather, it is man's
insatiable appetite for conflict. </div>
The last big war in DR Congo started in 1998. <br />
Also known as the Great African War, it sucked in at least six African nations and involved a couple of dozen armed groups. <br />
More than five million people lost their lives. It officially
ended in 2003… then again in 2008. This last rebellion is a small
aftershock of that war. <br />
Rwanda is accused of supporting the mutiny, a charge the government hotly denies. <br />
But some of the Rwandan Hutus who orchestrated the genocide fled across the border into Congo in 1994. They are still active.<br />
And so Kigali's logic has always been to exercise at least some control over the chaos on its border.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span class="cross-head">Fertile ground</span> </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
We spent a night in Virunga National Park, the centre of the latest fighting.<br />
<br />
<div class="caption body-width">
<img alt="A mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park - April 2011" height="200" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60713000/jpg/_60713198_014745148-1.jpg" width="464" />
<span style="width: 464px;"> </span></div>
<div class="caption body-width">
</div>
<div class="caption body-width">
<span style="width: 464px;"> Mountain gorillas live in the Virunga National Park - a World Heritage Site</span>
</div>
The head warden is a Belgian by the name of Emmanuel de Merode. <br />
His struggle to protect the park and its population of
mountain gorillas provides a small snapshot of the multitude of
conflicts that plague the region. <br />
On our way we had driven along a dirt track in search of a Congolese army colonel.<br />
We never found him.<br />
<br />
<div id="story_continues_4">
Instead we saw deserted villages, empty houses, </div>
<div id="story_continues_4">
and the occasional group of soldiers roaming the countryside.</div>
Mr de Merode took us up in his small aeroplane and flew us over the vastness of the park.<br />
Here - he pointed - a plume of smoke rising into the air, was
evidence of those Hutu rebels<br />
- the former "genocidaires" - cutting
down the forest for charcoal. <br />
Other groups inhabit the slopes of the volcano, others still,<br />
the plains where the elephants roam,<br />
and yet others run a racket
extorting money from illegal fishermen on the lake. <br />
As we lay in our tents that night, the sounds of mortars<br />
and
heavy machine-gun fire mingled with the alarm calls of birds and
primates. <br />
The ground here is as fertile for flora and fauna as it is for armed groups.<br />
They break up and reform, merge and split, sprouting an endless series of shifting alliances. <br />
They are motivated by a mixture of economic interest and historical grievance.<br />
Some are simply gangs of poachers or bandits.<br />
Neither Mr de Merode, nor the UN peacekeepers,<br />
nor even the Congolese army seems able to control them. <br />
There is another saying about this part of the eastern DR Congo:<br />
<br />
"It looks like heaven, but it feels like hell".<br />
<div class="story-feature wide ">
<a class="hidden" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18330018#story_continues_4"></a> <br />
<h2>
Troublesome neighbours</h2>
<div class="caption body-narrow-width">
<img alt="Map" height="171" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60713000/gif/_60713202_drcongo_rwanda_lakekivu304.gif" width="304" />
</div>
<ul>
<li> April-June 1994: Genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda</li>
<li> June 1994: Paul Kagame's Tutsi rebels take power in Rwanda, Hutus flee into Zaire (DR Congo)</li>
<li> Rwanda's army enters eastern Zaire to pursue Hutu fighters </li>
<li> 1997: Laurent Kabila's AFDL, backed by Rwanda, takes power in Kinshasa</li>
<li> 1998: Rwanda accuses Kabila of not acting against Hutu rebels and tries to topple him, sparking five years of conflict</li>
<li> 2003: War officially ends but Hutu and Tutsi militias continue to clash in eastern DR Congo</li>
<li> 2008: Tutsi-led CNDP rebels march on North Kivu capital, Goma - 250,000 people flee</li>
<li> 2009: Rwanda and DR Congo agree peace deal and CNDP integrated into Congolese army</li>
<li> 2012: Mutiny led by former CNDP leader Bosco "Terminator" Ntaganda</li>
</ul>
<ul class="links-list">
<li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11108589">Q&A: DR Congo conflict</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17689131">Profile: Congo's 'Terminator'</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Source <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18330018" target="_blank">DRCongo: Where Logic Ends?</a> </div>
</div>
<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-91961169959553161832012-07-27T11:47:00.000-07:002012-07-30T01:59:08.486-07:0027.7.2012I had a blast today with my second level English class teaching them about the news<br />
and different sections of the newspaper.<br />
I'm excited to receive back an assignment I gave to them, in which they would each<br />
write a story fitting into a certain news category.<br />
I hoping that with them all we can make a little newspaper<br />
and maybe I'll even post what they choose to write about on here, if they allow it.<br />
I'm so thankful for the moments of laughter and learning<br />
that really make me feel a part of their lives<br />
and my presence here brings something to the table.<br />
<br />
Following either church or English lessons, I always enjoy goofing around a bit<br />
with the youngsters that gather outside.<br />
They always seem to ask if I'm going to drive the car parked in the lot.<br />
I enjoy hearing them yell "lets run!" as I get ready to leave with the pastor. <br />
Playing with them makes me want my own kids,<br />
but that can wait at least a little while longer I suppose. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcmNUvyp7igzjitQcrzxNMOUgYqVoGVZPNNMhMLgQRIBB_FMRDz7IhFyWZy7ZXDIJmJcr_xHsvvsHnzyZLc-n4_b9c3kWAXKnAkdrXsBCRRLwCwFznMPzN0Y860Nys4GIznwEzKdRdGIN/s1600/boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcmNUvyp7igzjitQcrzxNMOUgYqVoGVZPNNMhMLgQRIBB_FMRDz7IhFyWZy7ZXDIJmJcr_xHsvvsHnzyZLc-n4_b9c3kWAXKnAkdrXsBCRRLwCwFznMPzN0Y860Nys4GIznwEzKdRdGIN/s400/boy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghemQ7D8V6EOzZ0_QQFIGlO0DVBaaZUz1NgYfMncuOQahBxy7Vpet5oZZVoWnzVgBGIH4EZkHRhWNEdeSLgKzixzJOZ2w6Dpe98EgogTgnDzBPX9EBRsA9Iwqx9FKryRSY9LMjqsXdmZmw/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghemQ7D8V6EOzZ0_QQFIGlO0DVBaaZUz1NgYfMncuOQahBxy7Vpet5oZZVoWnzVgBGIH4EZkHRhWNEdeSLgKzixzJOZ2w6Dpe98EgogTgnDzBPX9EBRsA9Iwqx9FKryRSY9LMjqsXdmZmw/s400/boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHsZOxkMrI8FKV-YZTWv062elPoY92kgKFgmwM4DV5xNH4zB0otsnCuPUlp_DjMu3V-ZWpajkhw09dYq5KaB9R_kz-g_dV5YdA79MPKCOzCcycd72uBBQc63OgJzsKHWgKmOCM_VGqmcS/s1600/amarble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHsZOxkMrI8FKV-YZTWv062elPoY92kgKFgmwM4DV5xNH4zB0otsnCuPUlp_DjMu3V-ZWpajkhw09dYq5KaB9R_kz-g_dV5YdA79MPKCOzCcycd72uBBQc63OgJzsKHWgKmOCM_VGqmcS/s400/amarble.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9iKt__TcA4YOKLhMmgYp0cJvfbvKzy5omPlbcbvfP4-NklzXmdaAkLy_mIHVROnoxMkj3m0IG6zY7IOPFW79_DRwTiiNAgL_360By8EZZf7255GEJi2Hx5xObvjjDi-ykop1QIxcwTuA/s1600/amarble4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9iKt__TcA4YOKLhMmgYp0cJvfbvKzy5omPlbcbvfP4-NklzXmdaAkLy_mIHVROnoxMkj3m0IG6zY7IOPFW79_DRwTiiNAgL_360By8EZZf7255GEJi2Hx5xObvjjDi-ykop1QIxcwTuA/s400/amarble4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TSfPYmQ0QXioahyphenhyphenN0-7z6v4IVZBqjncgyTMa-D8VkYBL_aJRr5KYgAM5M6u5CG91vE4f2Ero2kSV7K1cd5LIpt0Dv6R74VydtTyxtAObmv44bqtffWzkCU7jsNf0mJ-gJflTFXGu_ona/s1600/amarble3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TSfPYmQ0QXioahyphenhyphenN0-7z6v4IVZBqjncgyTMa-D8VkYBL_aJRr5KYgAM5M6u5CG91vE4f2Ero2kSV7K1cd5LIpt0Dv6R74VydtTyxtAObmv44bqtffWzkCU7jsNf0mJ-gJflTFXGu_ona/s400/amarble3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYxMZ96_rtzp96OvIoTQoJ0PDBqnBXsHH-7gI8BP1AuO8jBh1xuoKa7ir3ZUCMbGXY_dqhU-soRC3EaHuVzAl6ZNNHb1fxtDaeUmXBK70eZLvyXp2XIW-26KGPkMAb8n2Rvprp-vATphB/s1600/boy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYxMZ96_rtzp96OvIoTQoJ0PDBqnBXsHH-7gI8BP1AuO8jBh1xuoKa7ir3ZUCMbGXY_dqhU-soRC3EaHuVzAl6ZNNHb1fxtDaeUmXBK70eZLvyXp2XIW-26KGPkMAb8n2Rvprp-vATphB/s400/boy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-38153557912972938532012-07-27T10:27:00.002-07:002012-08-06T12:27:34.203-07:00That Place of Breath.There is a place,<br />
It's not far from my home here<br />
and I would like to share it with you.<br />
It's found between my house and my church where I teach. <br />
Now let me tell you how to get there.<br />
<br />
To begin, you must of course leave your house at the Mission and the comforts therein.<br />
Before you exit you must find a watchman who wil close and lock the gate behind you.<br />
Then, walk down the dirt path,<br />
past the man with the carpet of shoes for sale laid out on the dirt, <br />
and around the piles of bricks and sand destined<br />
for the construction of houses. People's high hopes cemented into the walls.<br />
<br />
At the bottom of the hill you make your way past various shops,<br />
food and goods, salons, electronic sales. <br />
Peering inside some to see walls of powdered milk and Nyanga drink.<br />
Keep walking past the women sitting on the side of the road<br />
selling clothing and wiping the dust off of used backpacks.<br />
Then, cautiously, makes your through the intersection,<br />
dodging motorcycles and running from Landcruisers<br />
as you remember that the pedestrian never has the right of way.<br />
<br />
Then you reach Nyawera market,<br />
this may be the most interesting and frustrating part of the walk.<br />
Weaving your way in and out of people,<br />
bumping into some, patiently waiting behind the slow ones.<br />
Your attention may be caught by the snap of a finger<br />
as some vendors try and lure you into buying, among many other things,<br />
eggs, oranges, sausages, mangos, avocados, bananas, toothpaste, chocolate cookies<br />
and some of those small, silver dried out fish<br />
that you tried for the first time yesterday and they actually weren't too bad<br />
(even though you only ate the bodies and secretly threw away the heads). <br />
All the while now as vendors have been vying for your attention on the left,<br />
the motorcycle taxis having all been hoping for your business on the right.<br />
Every look or greeting you give them they see as asking for a ride,<br />
but you assure them that you are able to walk on your own two feet,<br />
and then you try and avoid catching the eye of any more drivers. <br />
<br />
Surviving the market, though you will receive no t-shirt for this act of valiance, you continue on.<br />
The road, still paved at this point, a rare thing, hosts scores of vehicles<br />
and a few police officers who direct and guide with their whistle blows<br />
in a hopeful attempt at creating some sort of order in the chaos that is Bukavu roads. <br />
The road, whether paved or dirt, will now be your constant companion on one side. <br />
while the stores and vendors will host all sight on the other. <br />
<br />
As you make your way onwards you see the Media store<br />
with the fat sumo wrestler painted on the wall outside,<br />
and where you had entered and were somewhat disappointed by their selection of DVDs.<br />
But what did you really expect?<br />
Then there is the sister store of Victoire Bakery<br />
with their truck often parked in front delivering breads and buns to be sold. <br />
<br />
You begin to climb again. In a city built on mountains<br />
no matter where you go, you cannot avoid ascending and descending the hills<br />
in order to get to your destination.<br />
You pass by the immense crater in the road which very effectively acts as a speed bump<br />
for the huge trucks barreling down the road.<br />
Unfortunately it also entices the motor bikes to use the sidewalk as a smoother lane. <br />
With some of the recklessness you think how a hundred miracles must happen a week<br />
just in the fact that not <i>more </i>people are hit and killed. <br />
<br />
Then there is the outdoor bookstore.<br />
Two very large, slightly slanted wooden platforms<br />
which sit beside a broken-down Mitsubishi SUV and huge mat full of women's purses. <br />
The two platforms are full of books, mostly written in French,<br />
a sparse selection of material readable to one limited to the English language.<br />
Every time you pass by these stands, though, you think of taking a picture.<br />
For they are built overlooking a great expanse of the city,<br />
so while in the foreground you see the books resting, waiting for a hungry reader,<br />
in the background you see all the hills and the houses thereon.<br />
However, not wanting to be one of those shutter-happy tourists,<br />
you resist from snapping a photo, and think that perhaps in your last one or two weeks here,<br />
then you will capture this image to bring back with you.<br />
<br />
Onwards and upwards. More hill, more dust. <br />
A man in a green flannel hat smoking outside of his shop.<br />
The U.S. President smiles at you from a bag of Obama pops<br />
in a child's woven basket amidst other candies, biscuits and rolls of mints. <br />
You debate buying some of the pops just for the novelty of it,<br />
but not now, perhaps in your last one or two weeks here.<br />
After having passed this way many times,<br />
a few of the children now greet you as you walk by,<br />
you smile back and offer a greeting of your own. <br />
<br />
The dirt road roundabout, the giant Primus Beer banner.<br />
The small Catholic Church with its table of religious merchandise on sale.<br />
More women selling pineapples, casava, oranges and tomato soup.<br />
The carpenter's shop and the hillside bed-frames. <br />
The roadside thrift store, a value village worth of kitchen utensils, toys and clothing.<br />
The college and its students, finally a few other people wearing a backpack<br />
so you don't feel <i>quite</i> so odd.<br />
<br />
We're almost there now, to that place.<br />
Just have to avoid being impaled<br />
by the three men each carrying a twenty foot long pole on the heads;<br />
a reminder never look down always keep looking forward, up and around. <br />
There is the small corn garden, the barbed wire fence,<br />
the huge unguarded hole dug to reach a pipe and that has not yet been filled.<br />
The hole that you always picture a motorcycle falling into and sending its driver flying forward.<br />
Perhaps a morbid fear, but a real one that is maybe not altogether irrational.<br />
<br />
Up just a little further and around a slight curve.<br />
There you will cross the road and climb a small, steep bank.<br />
Atop the bank is a field, of sorts, filled with garbage, several trees<br />
and about 20 young boys playing soccer.<br />
Once in a while you joke with them, pretending to interrupt their game<br />
or greeting them with a series of claps in a rhythm that they will copy.<br />
<br />
This is so near to the place now.<br />
For you will walk only about 10 or so more steps,<br />
and then you will reach a place where you stop ascending the hills <br />
and there, where you can either look back and see the boys in the field,<br />
or look forward and see below you a makeshift gas station<br />
standing before another huge expanse of the city,<br />
it is there that the wind begins to blow.<br />
<br />
That is the place.<br />
That place, where the wind begins to blow,<br />
is a place I find myself connected to more of the world.<br />
A place I find myself both in Congo and in Canada.<br />
In both a dirty soccer field and the fields behind my house.<br />
I have found, that even here, thousands of miles from home,<br />
that when the wind blows it carries with it things I already know.<br />
I have been surprised with how familiar some of the scents in the wind have been,<br />
scents such as those of soil, and of trees and plants growing there from,<br />
even, somehow, of familiar perfumes and of visits to relative's houses. <br />
In that place, <br />
I feel the air wrapping around me in an embrace not too unlike that<br />
which I have felt from my farmhouse porch.<br />
I am taken away, but really I am brought right to the place stand.<br />
For when that wind blows, no matter the kind of day I was having,<br />
whether my walk to this point was one of cultural frustration<br />
or of joyful thankfulness to be experiencing life as I have been,<br />
when that wind blows I rest a little.<br />
<br />
Frustration and distraction subside there for even just a moment. <br />
Making you a little more ready to see the world with eyes a bit less perverted<br />
by your own single perspective.<br />
You can recognize how the girl running through the trash in her dirty dress<br />
is somehow far more beautiful than all the prom queens walking their red carpets.<br />
You can feel more compassion for the boy standing in the ditch<br />
as he pulls something out of his pocket.<br />
A toothbrush.<br />
Which he then uses to scrub the dirt off of a glass bathroom scale<br />
in the hopes of attracting a buyer.<br />
<br />
There in that place where the heart is softened,<br />
I feel the comfort of home in a place so far.<br />
I feel a little of the breath of God,<br />
and am thankful for the memories of home given life through that breath<br />
and giving me rest enough to continue on with a thankful and more malleable heart. <br />
This is the place where, for me, Congo meets Perth County,<br />
or wherever your heart may be rooted.<br />
Where home travels abroad<br />
through the breath of God,<br />
and you are reminded that that is where your home truly is. <br />
In that breath, wherever it may take you or find you,<br />
whether it is made manifest in the wind or in whatever form,<br />
That breath is your rest, your comfort, your home,<br />
Where ever you are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381265227354971694.post-27155343801018066252012-07-23T02:28:00.001-07:002012-08-06T12:36:09.502-07:00To Be Really ThereWell God is good.<br />
<br />
Since returning from Uganda and a small second bound of sickness, I have been having a bit of a hard time getting connected again here. As a result of this I have found myself missing back home a bit more and longing for those people and places. However, as a reality check I have had to ask myself this question:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I were to, for some reason or another,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have to depart from here tomorrow, would it be difficult to leave?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If the answer is no, then perhaps, as it has often been said, I was never really here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If its not difficult to say goodbye, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe you were never really there in the first place." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I have found myself praying to be able to connect with life here again, to increase in love for the people, to find myself satiated in God's purpose which rises up within me in the form of that peace which surpasses understanding. The peace of knowing that, for some reason or another, this is where I am supposed to be. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Dowry Exchange </h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm thankful that already opportunities have come up to do this. Yesterday (Sunday) I attended the first celebration for another wedding for some Congo friends here. This celebration centered around the giving of dowries from the groom's family to bride's. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWxlsPRqqFjXUPVt72KmeNlyQnUMVnuonuwYLMe1JLMf_3o5qbBcISXccFjhc_oKbr_wccx53kJXlaaINALu2B_QiIj-atOHWzRibDgFpW4EQvPt4w3HlE0ihNguwHPy31DZ2JSAnF-p2/s1600/dowry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWxlsPRqqFjXUPVt72KmeNlyQnUMVnuonuwYLMe1JLMf_3o5qbBcISXccFjhc_oKbr_wccx53kJXlaaINALu2B_QiIj-atOHWzRibDgFpW4EQvPt4w3HlE0ihNguwHPy31DZ2JSAnF-p2/s400/dowry1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The basket you see on the table holds ten strands of rope. Each strand represents a cow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, these days it is not necessarily always a literal giving of animals, rather, each cow may represent a certain amount of money such as $1000 or so depending on the wealth of the family. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Obviously there was a physical goat present as well, but I'm pretty sure that he was just slaughtered for the celebration about 20 minutes later </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by the twobig women who picked him and carried him away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, and there was a chicken in the green bag which the young boy is holding.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn't realized this until perhaps 30 minutes in when the chicken started to get a bit lively. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxzfYjPmkCk2saGozhHEWVzfKKaYHgie5WVQvFLwLhBTrDScz89j-cPymF_9pwocxg2ylcKmbBtUiRXVCEYUzaguKHNIgYUpZnrL9E6AZie_yVgGze9UcJCnFpgtUlEQqYCFuaruR8vTx/s1600/dowry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxzfYjPmkCk2saGozhHEWVzfKKaYHgie5WVQvFLwLhBTrDScz89j-cPymF_9pwocxg2ylcKmbBtUiRXVCEYUzaguKHNIgYUpZnrL9E6AZie_yVgGze9UcJCnFpgtUlEQqYCFuaruR8vTx/s400/dowry2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the left is the groom, to the right is the bride. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the center is the bride's younger brother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the chicken. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was the moment where the bride's brother </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was also agreeing to give his sister away to the groom and his family. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The glasses of orange Fanta that you see on the table are also symbolic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just prior, the bride's father, mother and her aunt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all gave a blessing to the bride. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then each would take a sip of Fanta and spit it into the bride's hands,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
symbolizing the passing of the blessing to the bride.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Later this week I will also attend their civil marriage before the government, and then on Saturday will be the church ceremony and following reception. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Family Visits</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also, today I began to visit the families and homes of some of my students. I will be doing this to or three times a week until my departure. I feel blessed to be able to have the time to get to know their lives a little better. To hear about their struggles, their dreams and to be able to pray for them and hopefully encourage them in their walks of life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As we are in the middle of the dry season, a struggle that both families I visited today (though I only got pictures of one) mentioned was the search for water. I have definitely noticed recently the increase in people walking the streets with the yellow containers. In the morning, afternoon, evening. Heading to the lower areas of the city where there may be good water still. There is the lake as well, unfortunately however it hardly provides a clean source without a fair bit of treatment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUw2s50gd-97Xkbir_D68AlI9C-dHL-uHoFTgrMwawTfCFXY24MhLvjS-2VV8SG-fmQeJY9NELipyF4g6XaQ8CqQhBDeZxrsvnnyckirH-xvNZcdkMyKYGm8Ir1qIB2aCEGsG1_UxivxQ/s1600/k2e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUw2s50gd-97Xkbir_D68AlI9C-dHL-uHoFTgrMwawTfCFXY24MhLvjS-2VV8SG-fmQeJY9NELipyF4g6XaQ8CqQhBDeZxrsvnnyckirH-xvNZcdkMyKYGm8Ir1qIB2aCEGsG1_UxivxQ/s400/k2e4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To the far right is one of my students, Koko.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the middle is her brother who has also just recently started to attend classes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mdVmhAU7j5g23nx-MTi2NUvm1LyE7rLJQLH2S4aLiKTOp9SSjcsyxW3zepwdHDl0j2LBwU00zb9U2jp5ljtM_7OggM-pW-uggj82V-J1m91fCJGMsWt7SqDCyg9IDXZOrk2_AalulEBd/s1600/k3e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mdVmhAU7j5g23nx-MTi2NUvm1LyE7rLJQLH2S4aLiKTOp9SSjcsyxW3zepwdHDl0j2LBwU00zb9U2jp5ljtM_7OggM-pW-uggj82V-J1m91fCJGMsWt7SqDCyg9IDXZOrk2_AalulEBd/s400/k3e2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Koko and one of their goats. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you can believe it they also live right in the city of Bukavu,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just a few minutes walk from my chuch. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Koko's brother is currently studying in post-secondary here in Bukavu. While she, after high school, hopes to study information technology. Another dream she says she has is to be a celebrity in theater/acting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm definitely looking forward to more visitations and hearing about more of my student's lives. I'm continuing to trust God to draw my heart out a bit more. That a part of it may be planted in the soil here so that what I do and say may have a lasting impact in encouraging, edifying and empowering people. Above all I really do hope that people can see God in me. I don't really mind if people forget my name, my face, my words; as long as something in them, after meeting me, longs, a little more, for something more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To be able to be such a vessel though I know that I need to make the most of the moments given to me. I know that I need to be intentional with my time and to be here, really be here, in heart, spirit and mind rather than merely physical.</div>AndrewKlumphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09465488883426683132noreply@blogger.com0