Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday - Dec 16
We have successfully made our way to the airport in Kigali tonight, awaiting our departure. Yes, I do have a seat on the plane! We had been told yesterday that during my efforts to leave early due to the loss of Jon's sister, my original ticket had been "cancelled". I thought for a day that I might be spending Christmas in the Congo.
We visited the Genocide museum in Kigali today. This represents the loss of over a million lives in Rwanda in the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi people. It is so difficult to imagine that just 14 years ago the very city we were in was covered in bloodshed. People fled to churches as a safe haven, only to be slaughtered while inside. Women, men and children known to be of the Tutsi clan were killed by Hutu militia, neighbors and government troops. It is felt that the rest of the world did nothing to stop this from happening even though UN peacekeeping troops had predicted a large scale tragedy would occur without intervention. The room dedicated to the lives of children lost during the genocide is of course, especially heart wrenching. The children were killed to stop the "next generation" of Tutsis. There were over 300,000 orphans due to the killing of their Tutsi parents.
Rwanda seems to have made great strides in physically recovering from the devastation of the genocide. Kigali is a beautiful city, schools, roads and other infrastructure have been rebuilt. The lives shattered are still recovering. The purpose of the genocide museum is to create awareness of genocide, honor the lives lost, and prevent genocide from happening anywhere in the future. As I think about the conflict in Congo, I fear that the DRC could be heading in a similar direction. The conflict is supposedly related to land disputes and tribal differences between the Tutsis, and the Hutus that fled into the DRC after the killing in Rwanda. The rebel leader, Laurent Nkunda, is a Tutsi.
In the museum, this was written:
There will be no humanity without forgiveness,
There will be no forgiveness without justice,
But justice will be impossible without humanity.
Yolande Mulcagasana
The plane is now boarding, safe journey.
Mungu akubariki-
Lisa
We have successfully made our way to the airport in Kigali tonight, awaiting our departure. Yes, I do have a seat on the plane! We had been told yesterday that during my efforts to leave early due to the loss of Jon's sister, my original ticket had been "cancelled". I thought for a day that I might be spending Christmas in the Congo.
We visited the Genocide museum in Kigali today. This represents the loss of over a million lives in Rwanda in the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi people. It is so difficult to imagine that just 14 years ago the very city we were in was covered in bloodshed. People fled to churches as a safe haven, only to be slaughtered while inside. Women, men and children known to be of the Tutsi clan were killed by Hutu militia, neighbors and government troops. It is felt that the rest of the world did nothing to stop this from happening even though UN peacekeeping troops had predicted a large scale tragedy would occur without intervention. The room dedicated to the lives of children lost during the genocide is of course, especially heart wrenching. The children were killed to stop the "next generation" of Tutsis. There were over 300,000 orphans due to the killing of their Tutsi parents.
Rwanda seems to have made great strides in physically recovering from the devastation of the genocide. Kigali is a beautiful city, schools, roads and other infrastructure have been rebuilt. The lives shattered are still recovering. The purpose of the genocide museum is to create awareness of genocide, honor the lives lost, and prevent genocide from happening anywhere in the future. As I think about the conflict in Congo, I fear that the DRC could be heading in a similar direction. The conflict is supposedly related to land disputes and tribal differences between the Tutsis, and the Hutus that fled into the DRC after the killing in Rwanda. The rebel leader, Laurent Nkunda, is a Tutsi.
In the museum, this was written:
There will be no humanity without forgiveness,
There will be no forgiveness without justice,
But justice will be impossible without humanity.
Yolande Mulcagasana
The plane is now boarding, safe journey.
Mungu akubariki-
Lisa
Monday - Dec 15th
We worked at the prison in Goma today, our last official work day here. This prison seems like such a "hopeless" place. Over and over again, we hear stories of injustice. A young man has been there for 10 months because he owed someone $50. Of course, he was put in prison without a trial or any representation. We have a list of at least 10 people who are in need of hospitalization, and this is only scratching the surface. (We have provided the names and conditions to a legal advocacy group) The conditions are unimaginable. Very little food, unclean water, extreme overcrowding, sickness and corruption. Yet before we left today, we went into the center of the prison with Pastor Bhita, the Congolese minister with Prison Fellowship Ministry. An enormous crowd of men gathered around us, (a little unnerving) with Pastor Bhita in the center, shouting words of encouragement and support to them. He led us all in prayer and his words seemed to bring them such comfort. Please pray for all the prisoners and Pastor Bhita. He brings them the much needed hope found in Christ alone.
We worked at the prison in Goma today, our last official work day here. This prison seems like such a "hopeless" place. Over and over again, we hear stories of injustice. A young man has been there for 10 months because he owed someone $50. Of course, he was put in prison without a trial or any representation. We have a list of at least 10 people who are in need of hospitalization, and this is only scratching the surface. (We have provided the names and conditions to a legal advocacy group) The conditions are unimaginable. Very little food, unclean water, extreme overcrowding, sickness and corruption. Yet before we left today, we went into the center of the prison with Pastor Bhita, the Congolese minister with Prison Fellowship Ministry. An enormous crowd of men gathered around us, (a little unnerving) with Pastor Bhita in the center, shouting words of encouragement and support to them. He led us all in prayer and his words seemed to bring them such comfort. Please pray for all the prisoners and Pastor Bhita. He brings them the much needed hope found in Christ alone.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sat. Dec 13th
This is our last day at the clinic, leaving is bittersweet. Of course, I look forward to seeing my family and friends, yet I have made new ones here. Also, it feels as if we have not done enough, that there are things unfinished. Samy, the 8 year old boy who we referred to HEAL Africa for surgery on his bilateral club feet, will he get his surgery and recover well? Chobole, the 7 year old girl that I accompanied to HEAL Africa yesterday with an intestinal perforation from Typhoid fever, will she live? Will the fighting, raping, and looting end?
(8hours later)
We have just finished our time at the clinic. Today I accompanied a man to HEAL Africa hospital from the clinic. Upon arriving, as we pulled through the gates, I saw the mother of Chobole, she died this morning at about 1 am. Ten hours had past but still the family was there. They had no money to transport the body or for a funeral. This family had fled from Masisi to Goma ecuasde of the war, and now they have lost their 7 year old daughter. Thankfully, we were able to provide them with funds. I pray chobole's sweet soul is at peace, no more suffering for that precious girl and that her mohter's broken heart will someday mend.
Mungu akubariki-
Lisa
This is our last day at the clinic, leaving is bittersweet. Of course, I look forward to seeing my family and friends, yet I have made new ones here. Also, it feels as if we have not done enough, that there are things unfinished. Samy, the 8 year old boy who we referred to HEAL Africa for surgery on his bilateral club feet, will he get his surgery and recover well? Chobole, the 7 year old girl that I accompanied to HEAL Africa yesterday with an intestinal perforation from Typhoid fever, will she live? Will the fighting, raping, and looting end?
(8hours later)
We have just finished our time at the clinic. Today I accompanied a man to HEAL Africa hospital from the clinic. Upon arriving, as we pulled through the gates, I saw the mother of Chobole, she died this morning at about 1 am. Ten hours had past but still the family was there. They had no money to transport the body or for a funeral. This family had fled from Masisi to Goma ecuasde of the war, and now they have lost their 7 year old daughter. Thankfully, we were able to provide them with funds. I pray chobole's sweet soul is at peace, no more suffering for that precious girl and that her mohter's broken heart will someday mend.
Mungu akubariki-
Lisa
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday Dec 10
The last 2 days have been a harsh reminder, that while I am away, life at home goes on. Diana, Jon's sister died suddenly at her home, near Independence, MO. She was loved and will be missed as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. And an incredible genealogist. I am so sorry I am unable to be there with you, Jon. I have tried, but as Christmas is quickly approaching, all the aide workers must be going home for a holiday, as all the flights are full. I can't help but think of a line from a song about Africa...."Do they know it's Christmas time at all?"
We continue our work in the clinic, this Saturday will e our last day, and we will finish in the prison Monday. I have so much respect and admiration for the nurses and Dr. Albert. They work with so few resources. No gloves, except for surgery. Not electricity, so no lights even for surgery because their generator is beyond repair, no latest technology or even "old technology". Just compassion, skill and love for their neighbors. Before we came, the doctor had not been paid for 2 months, and his salary is only a tiny fraction of what you might expect, yet they persevere. It is the Congolese way.
Each day, as we bounce down the road towards the clinic, (Goma is under the shadow of an active volcano which last erupted in 2002) the roads are rough due to the "lava rock". I try to take in the scene before me. Women with dark skin offset by beautiful brightly colored wraps, sitting along the side of the road. babies snuggly wrapped on their mama's backs, while she tried to sell bananas, peanuts, or mangoes. Children walking, playing with a hoop and stick, cheerfully shouting "Muzungu!". Shelters made of old wood, tin metal and plastic sheeting, dot the roadside, nut cannot keep our the daily evening storms of the rainy season. We drive through the gates of the clinic to a sea of dark, beautiful faces, with soulful eyes. "Jambo!" we say, and always there are smiles. For hours they will wait to see the muzungus. Some will be told to come back tomorrow. The babies and small children take priority. We try our best to triage so the sickest have their needs met.
Each day we work through lunch, and we are hungry by the time we eat dinner at 7pm, but we have a wonderful, carb-filled meal waiting for us. The women I see each day are hungry. They ask for food for their children. They are diagnosed with illnesses and prescribed medications, and instructed to "take with food and drink plenty of water", yet most have very little of both. It is my hope that I never forget what it feels like to be hungry for a day, or thirsty because there was no water. As I try to prepare myself for "re-entry" next week, I pray for the people who have too little, and for those of us that have too much.
Mungu adubariki!!
Lisa
We continue our work in the clinic, this Saturday will e our last day, and we will finish in the prison Monday. I have so much respect and admiration for the nurses and Dr. Albert. They work with so few resources. No gloves, except for surgery. Not electricity, so no lights even for surgery because their generator is beyond repair, no latest technology or even "old technology". Just compassion, skill and love for their neighbors. Before we came, the doctor had not been paid for 2 months, and his salary is only a tiny fraction of what you might expect, yet they persevere. It is the Congolese way.
Each day, as we bounce down the road towards the clinic, (Goma is under the shadow of an active volcano which last erupted in 2002) the roads are rough due to the "lava rock". I try to take in the scene before me. Women with dark skin offset by beautiful brightly colored wraps, sitting along the side of the road. babies snuggly wrapped on their mama's backs, while she tried to sell bananas, peanuts, or mangoes. Children walking, playing with a hoop and stick, cheerfully shouting "Muzungu!". Shelters made of old wood, tin metal and plastic sheeting, dot the roadside, nut cannot keep our the daily evening storms of the rainy season. We drive through the gates of the clinic to a sea of dark, beautiful faces, with soulful eyes. "Jambo!" we say, and always there are smiles. For hours they will wait to see the muzungus. Some will be told to come back tomorrow. The babies and small children take priority. We try our best to triage so the sickest have their needs met.
Each day we work through lunch, and we are hungry by the time we eat dinner at 7pm, but we have a wonderful, carb-filled meal waiting for us. The women I see each day are hungry. They ask for food for their children. They are diagnosed with illnesses and prescribed medications, and instructed to "take with food and drink plenty of water", yet most have very little of both. It is my hope that I never forget what it feels like to be hungry for a day, or thirsty because there was no water. As I try to prepare myself for "re-entry" next week, I pray for the people who have too little, and for those of us that have too much.
Mungu adubariki!!
Lisa
Sunday Dec 7th
Last Thursday, Dr. Bob and I held our clinic at the central Prison of Goma. This "famility" was built to house 150 men and now approximately 700 people are living there. The youngest prisoner is 10 years old! We have not met him yet. Our first obstacel, (after hours of Congolese red tape) was persuading the "nurse" of the prison that we were prescribing medicines to the prisoners, rather than leaving our entire duffel bag of drugs with him. This whole discussion was taking place in front of our first patient. He quietly and patiently waited, holding a small jar with a lid. It looked like a jar that face cream had once came i. He carried this with him everywhere, to spit the blood in that he continually produced when he coughed. (TB) And the argument went on. As I sat there, I could not help but think what an example this ws of the injustice in the world. A person with power only thinking of the advantage he could have (with our drugs to sell) while completely ifnoring the human suffering right before him. We won the "fight" but the real battle continues.
Throughout the day, we treated men with gunshot wounds, burns, pneumonia, and a variety of other illnesses. We met another child soldier. he was abducted at the age of 14 and is now 18 years old, the age of my son, Ross. What a different life they lead. "There but by the grace of God goes I"
We treated several women prisoners and their babies as well. To keep the women from the men, they are in tiny quarters, about the size of a "living room" in the U.S. Fifteen women and their babies share this space. There are no meals served by prison. Several are provided by charities, and the rest are left up to family. Most prisoners are not fortunate enough to have the means or support of family.
The news that Dr. Bob and I were working at the prison traveled to the United Nations "people" quickly. A reporter for the UN radio came to do an interview during the middle of an exam. A representative from the UN came to "thank" us, we think. We are still wondering the real reason for all the hoopla.
Friday and Saturday were clinic days. We have been seeing more displaced people from fleeing the war in the north. There are so many women and children. Ltos of really sick babies, pneumonia is quite common. I had a 3 year old boy brought to see me by his 9 years old sister. He was very geverish and lethargic, he could hardly hold his little head up. Upon consulting Dr. Albert, he informed the brave big sister that we must admit her baby brother for IV therapy. She began to cry, and so did I. While most 9 year old girls I know are making Christmas lists, this precious girl was trying her best to care for this sick boy. Her mother was too sick herself to come with them. The girl stayed with her brother for the next 2 nights, we have no idea if their mother knew where they were. The little boy is getting better!
While Dr. Bob and I worked in Goma, Kris and Dr. Steve spent time conducting a needs assessment north of Goma, near Kanyabayanga. They visited several "clinics". All have been previously looted by soldiers so they have no supplies. The staff have not been paid for months, but they stay, hoping it will get better. Along the road, Steve & Kris had to pay "taxes" to get past the checkpoints. A loaf of bread, a box of juice, a dollar, and a can of sardines, do you think our IRS would be satisfied come April 15th?
Seriously, boys wielding guns stopped the HEAL Africa car at checkpoints, and thanfully with a small tax gift and prayer, let them pass. Needless to say we were happy to see them return!
Today's sermon topic was "unity". Dr. Jo translated the Swahili for me. The message to the Congolese people was they are one country, one people, one language, with one God. All created in His image. Tomorrow I believe there are to be peace talks for Congo in Nairobi, Kenya. Please pray for the unity and peace the people so desperately need. We are truly one world, one people, created in the image of our God.
Mungu adubariki!!
Lisa
Throughout the day, we treated men with gunshot wounds, burns, pneumonia, and a variety of other illnesses. We met another child soldier. he was abducted at the age of 14 and is now 18 years old, the age of my son, Ross. What a different life they lead. "There but by the grace of God goes I"
We treated several women prisoners and their babies as well. To keep the women from the men, they are in tiny quarters, about the size of a "living room" in the U.S. Fifteen women and their babies share this space. There are no meals served by prison. Several are provided by charities, and the rest are left up to family. Most prisoners are not fortunate enough to have the means or support of family.
The news that Dr. Bob and I were working at the prison traveled to the United Nations "people" quickly. A reporter for the UN radio came to do an interview during the middle of an exam. A representative from the UN came to "thank" us, we think. We are still wondering the real reason for all the hoopla.
Friday and Saturday were clinic days. We have been seeing more displaced people from fleeing the war in the north. There are so many women and children. Ltos of really sick babies, pneumonia is quite common. I had a 3 year old boy brought to see me by his 9 years old sister. He was very geverish and lethargic, he could hardly hold his little head up. Upon consulting Dr. Albert, he informed the brave big sister that we must admit her baby brother for IV therapy. She began to cry, and so did I. While most 9 year old girls I know are making Christmas lists, this precious girl was trying her best to care for this sick boy. Her mother was too sick herself to come with them. The girl stayed with her brother for the next 2 nights, we have no idea if their mother knew where they were. The little boy is getting better!
While Dr. Bob and I worked in Goma, Kris and Dr. Steve spent time conducting a needs assessment north of Goma, near Kanyabayanga. They visited several "clinics". All have been previously looted by soldiers so they have no supplies. The staff have not been paid for months, but they stay, hoping it will get better. Along the road, Steve & Kris had to pay "taxes" to get past the checkpoints. A loaf of bread, a box of juice, a dollar, and a can of sardines, do you think our IRS would be satisfied come April 15th?
Seriously, boys wielding guns stopped the HEAL Africa car at checkpoints, and thanfully with a small tax gift and prayer, let them pass. Needless to say we were happy to see them return!
Today's sermon topic was "unity". Dr. Jo translated the Swahili for me. The message to the Congolese people was they are one country, one people, one language, with one God. All created in His image. Tomorrow I believe there are to be peace talks for Congo in Nairobi, Kenya. Please pray for the unity and peace the people so desperately need. We are truly one world, one people, created in the image of our God.
Mungu adubariki!!
Lisa
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Light in the Dark
While I continue to observe and hear of the unbelievable evil that man is capable of, I also see amazing people demonstrating the love of Christ everyday. Yesterday, I met Father Bhita, with the Brotherhood of Prison fellowship ministries. Dr. Bob and I went to one of the prisons in Goma, where we had heard there was no real medical care. The most intense fighting here in Goma was Oct 29th. Stray bullets injured prisoners and they have yet to receive care, also suffering from tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria and variety of infections. Father Bhita has such a sweet spirit about him. He provides food, clothing and love to those who have been forgotten. One young man, Jimi, is a 15 year old child soldier, abducted by one of the rebel groups when he was only 12 years old. He has been in the prison for almost 1 year. His family most likely has no idea that he is still alive since he has been gone for 3 years. He is just a boy. We hope to learn more about him and try to find a way to help him. ( I believe it is illegal to imprison child soldiers) We will be returning to the prison to hold a full day of clinic to provide wound care and medications for those illnesses we can treat, on Thursday. Maybe a partner GAP ministry in the making for my friends at The Bridge?
Dr. Steve and Kris have been conducting assessments in the area north of Goma the past few days. In most of the communities, the clinics are still standing and have adequate staff but all of their supplies have been used or taken during the looting. One clinic reported that in the most recent attack, over 70 women were raped. Rape is the 3rd most common diagnosis in the clinic. Some say that the DRC is the worst place in the world to be a woman. However, the work on behalf of women that is taking place at HEAL Africa is so inspiring. It offers physical healing, spiritual growth, and a means to learn a skill to generate income once the women move back to their villages. I cannot sing their praises enough. God is truly doing amazing work here.
Two days ago, I met a woman, a patient in the clinic where we are working. She would not really make eye contact, was feverish, had intense pain and was informed one month ago that she has AIDS. She had no medications since her diagnosis and no support. HEAL Africa offers assistance to people with HIV/AIDS with medications, home support and spiritual support. We prayed with her then took her to HEAL Africa. Yesterday, our translator, Zico, saw the woman while at HEAL Africa. He said she was talking and smiling! Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares is good medicine.
As always, continue to pray for the people of the DRC, all the workers here facing incredible obstacles, our team, and for Peace. Mungu akubariki!
Dr. Steve and Kris have been conducting assessments in the area north of Goma the past few days. In most of the communities, the clinics are still standing and have adequate staff but all of their supplies have been used or taken during the looting. One clinic reported that in the most recent attack, over 70 women were raped. Rape is the 3rd most common diagnosis in the clinic. Some say that the DRC is the worst place in the world to be a woman. However, the work on behalf of women that is taking place at HEAL Africa is so inspiring. It offers physical healing, spiritual growth, and a means to learn a skill to generate income once the women move back to their villages. I cannot sing their praises enough. God is truly doing amazing work here.
Two days ago, I met a woman, a patient in the clinic where we are working. She would not really make eye contact, was feverish, had intense pain and was informed one month ago that she has AIDS. She had no medications since her diagnosis and no support. HEAL Africa offers assistance to people with HIV/AIDS with medications, home support and spiritual support. We prayed with her then took her to HEAL Africa. Yesterday, our translator, Zico, saw the woman while at HEAL Africa. He said she was talking and smiling! Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares is good medicine.
As always, continue to pray for the people of the DRC, all the workers here facing incredible obstacles, our team, and for Peace. Mungu akubariki!
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