Last night I was up all night with some violent food poisoning. I will spare you the details, but it was the most violent episodes I have ever had. I do think it was only food poisoning and not malaria or dengue fever because of the lack of a fever and it seems to have been contained to about 8 hours. That said, the others have gone on without me this morning. I am recuperating at the compound. As a result I get a little more time to reflect. I noticed in the blog that I haven't stated the Hemingway quote I have always chosen to live by. "Weak is a man who can only spell a word one way." I think it is important to say that these posts are being created on my cell phone which often has little power and when we are able to connect to power, there at continual power outages. Please accept my apologies for the lack of proof reading.
Here are some facts I think are interesting to share.
DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) has a population of around 65 million. That means that roughly an equivalent of 10% have been killed due to the events that followed the Rwandan Genocide.
The life expectancy here is 45 years for men and 48 years for women.
During the cold war, the US was very supportive of the Dictator Motubu because he stood against soviet-backed Angola. Motubu renamed the country Zaire and himself Mobutu Sese Seko (The All Powerful Warrior). The US lost interest in Zaire when the Cold War ceased. One thing people might remember was Mobutu was the one who hosted the Rumble in the Jungle with Mahammad Ali and George Forman.
The largest deployment of UN troops worldwide is in DRC. Goma is a main hub. Many UN troops are Arab and African. The operation in DRC is run by a German man named Kobler. He seems to be very well respected and appreciated for his success in the region and ensuring that Congolese hired by the UN get paid fair wages. In the beginning of the deployment there was huge corruption that Kohler put an end to.
Thanks for reading, but I am getting a little tired so I think I will take a little nap.
Tutaonana - Swahili for "Goodbye, we will meet again.
The other day someone asked me if I wanted the Senior Discount, I laughed at them! "I'm not even close to being a Senior!" ... I am 48... In the Congo I should be in the grave.
ReplyDeleteIt still amazes me when I hear stories like this and I realize how different our cultures are. However, we are all the same and want the same things: love, family, hope.
Drink lots of good water, it helps.
Did you run your toothbrush under tap water? A common mistake done by force of habit. Rest up. It will pass (sorry). Stay hydrated (with rehydration salts if you can get them, taste like hell but they work). http://m.wikihow.com/Make-an-Oral-Rehydration-Salts-Drink-(ORS)
ReplyDeleteBummer, you almost made it. That's what you get for bumping up to that fancy hotel ;)
ReplyDeleteJock, it's so amazing that you are doing this. You are such an inspiration. Please take good care of yourself and come back safely to your family and friends. I know I will be one of many who will be looking forward to your posts not just to get an glimpse of what you see there but just to see that you are alright. I'll be praying for you (and everything associated). Safe travels and may you accomplish what you set out for (and much more).
ReplyDeleteThank you for reporting, even 'though sick. It's been hard waiting between blogs to find out how you are. Sorry about your food poisoning. Drink lots of bottled water. It's comforting knowing you have a safe place to recuperate and that your team can proceed without you in the interim.
ReplyDeleteWnated to let you know there are many who've told me they read your blog.
Rape as a weapon. If that isn't the lowest. I'm trying to grasp the need for multiple surgeries...and how it took three years until your interviewee could urinate like a normal woman. What a saint Dr. Joe is.
I'm excited to see the day the documentation of this trip (and future trips) incites a rippling change from within the Congo, and also resusitates a piqued global interest in the forgotten region.
Ten days in the Congo - will change your perspective forever. IIt was so hard to see you go, but I'm proud that you went. I know you're a hugger. Have you been spreading your hugs to all? Please give a big heartfelt one to Esther and Camille from me for their guidance, hospitality and support for my hubby. I was comforted by knowing you were in their presence. I wonder if the peculiar feeling that you felt was God's grace and appreciation for your service.
Love,
Missy
Thank you for taking the time each day to blog. It has been very insightful to read and even more so on how to pray. I can only imagine that these last 10 days have opened your mind and heart to "God's Heart" for the Congo. Praying for you all!
ReplyDeleteDebbie (Randy's sister)