Big days around Goma

Yesterday we got some good shots around Africa New Day (Camille and Ester's organization). We shot and edited a promotional video that they will air on TV.  We also got some footage of the training for the youth conference. Multiple times we had to dance for the UN during the day.  They requested us to go to the base to meet with this major or that coronel who are in charge of troop that we will interface with. We had to sign documents that had to go to the UN headquaters in New York for approval, and then wait for them to be signed and returned.  In between the UN trips we managed to get some great shots of one of the students at his house and at a library.  We also were able to interview his mom. Such a sweet lady.  His bedroom is about 5x8 ft. He often has to share it with his 2 cousins. The walls that divide the rooms are tarps hanging down. The floor is dirt and rock, yet they sweep up to make it look tidy. His street is all built on the lava flow that occurred a few years ago.

Today, we got to the Goma airport at 6:30am for our helicopter flight. It was surprising, after entering the gates that there are people living in airplane hangers, much like they do in the village.  There is laundry hanging to dry, small fires set up for cooking, and kids running around. Our Fixer says they are there in case they can get on a flight somewhere. They have been there for at least 6 months. 

There are many people waiting for the helicopter and word is that they might take three.  So we sit and wait.

There were tons of people waiting for the helicopter, so it looks like we got bumped. That is actually fine because the helicopter was switched out to a larger one that we couldn't really shoot out of. We want one that we can fly with the doors open.

Still waiting. It appears there are some issues around the area we are flying to, so the ground time once we land has been reduced from 2 hours to 45 minutes.  There is a meeting right now in the situation room at the UN base.  There was some sort of fighting where we are going so we are awaiting word on the possibility of riding with four troops that are needed out there. So we wait, some more. 

Looks like no flights are going now and they say it is now due to weather. We are leaving and will see what might happen later

Came back to Maji Matulivu and had a wonderful interview with Nadine, Dr Joe and Lyn's daughter. It is pretty easy to see that she is the product of two fantastic people. So well spoken, so humble, and very passionate.

Looking forward to dinner.  Ready to just chill for the night.