The last time I posted was back in Texas as we were winding down our Gateway training, several thousand miles west of where I sit today and many incredible experiences since my departure.
We arrived in Brazzaville, Congo on the evening of March 5th. We stayed at the Hotel Bravo which is really a place where missionaries stay short term as they are traveling in and around Congo. We spent a couple of days here getting acclimated.
We ventured out for a long walk to see the rapids of the Congo River. Along the way we passed vast stretches of the market area. The photo copy "stores" are a series of machines that sit outside for about two blocks. We also came across some foosball tables so we paid our Cifas, played a few games and entertained the locals that were watching. As we neared the river the banks were lined with cars, trucks and motorcycles, this is the local car wash. The rapids were quite impressive and it was easy to see why travel up country is so difficult since there are no roads into the interior.
On Saturday we flew to Impfondo over vast stretches of jungle. From the air it looked like huge broccoli fields. We had lunch with Dr. Joe Harvey and his wife Rebecca. Dr. Harvey is the founder and director of the Pioneer Christian Hospital. The hospital facility was originally built as a communist training camp but was never used for that so the buildings were just left there. Through much prayer and the grace of God, Dr. Joe was given the facility by the government to open the hospital.
Our task as the Gateway team was to rebuild the playground. When we arrived the playground consisted of two swing sets without swings. A slide and two teeter totters had been removed for welding repairs. Over the course of the next ten days we sanded, primed and gave a double coat of paint to every piece of equipment. We built a cyclone fence around the perimeter, built and installed four benches, planted eight trees and put wooden boarders around each play area filled with gravel. We used shovels, post hole diggers, pick axes, hoes, pole drivers, wheelbarrows, paint brushes, sanding paper, wire brushes, grinders, a drill press, a saws all, channel locks, wire cutters, wrenches and a ditch digger. We also had several wonderful hospital employees from the mechanic and carpentry shops working with us.
Our Gateway team consisted of the project leader, Ryan from South Africa. He has been with Mercy Ships for three years. Stefan from Germany, who has been with Mercy Ships for many years and takes all the Gateway teams on their field service trips and Erin who joined Mercy Ships last fall. The participants were Jamie who will be on the ship for a year working in the IT department, Alice, a dental assistant here for two years, Cassie who will be returning to the IOC in Texas to work in staff development and myself. Near the completion of the work it occurred to me that the playground was built by African design, European engineering and North American blood, sweat and tears. It was difficult, hot, and tiring but very satisfying work. We ran into many snags along the way and there was no Lowe's to run to when we needed something. It was a great opportunity to think outside the box and learn to use what was available.
Jamie and I also had the privilege of observing a Caesarian Section. The baby was in distress as the pregnancy was past due. The baby girl was not breathing when she was delivered and required suctioning and eventually mouth to mouth resuscitation by Dr. Joe for her to begin to breathe. It was tense for several minutes but I believe a witnessed a miracle.
The people at the hospital and of Impfondo were very gracious to us. My French is very limited and I had never heard the Lingala language before. A smile and sign language can go a long way. We even went shopping in the market and were able to buy the food we needed to make dinner. Nearly every morning I woke up early and went to a small shop on the side of the road to purchase bread and bananas for breakfast. The food selection was very limited but we made due with what we had and I think we ate very well. The fresh pineapple and papaya were fantastic!
I found this shape of Michigan in the rocks along the Congo river in Brazzaville.
Crocodile for dinner in Impfondo!
Sanding the teeter totter.
Friends I met along the way.
I will sign off for now as my pictures are taking quite a while to download. I hope this gives you a feel for what I have been doing. I continue to keep you all in my prayers and ask that you pray for my transition into my job and ship life in general. I am overwhelmed by God's provision and grace to me.
Serving with Joy!
