The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), not to be confused with Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), is a country of contradictions. The city we are in, Pointe-Noire, has aspects that are very Western and other aspects that are very African. There are working traffic lights (absolutely none in Guinea), neon signage, a western style grocery store, etc. . . yet there is the Grande Marche (market) which is comprised of hundreds of small stalls built into a couple blocks with paths about 3 feet wide between them. But even the Grande Marche is different. In Guinea the markets were almost always open and the paths were paved with refuse. Here, every vendor must empty his/her stall every Monday and Friday and the entire market is swept and all trash removed. The country has banned disposable plastic in many forms. You will be fined for using a plastic supermarket bag!!!!
The country is about 80% urban, primarily between Pointe-Noire which is the major port and Brazzaville which is the capital. As we understand the rural areas are very consistent with the rest of western Africa. I will soon find out as we are taking a trip "up-country" for evaluation of sites for our screenings in December. This could be interesting as we will be travelling 1400 kilometers each way on roads that would be very rural in the US.
Denise is doing well in the Academy. She is enjoying her class.
Please pray for our upcoming general screening. This is August 28 and can involve up to about 5,000 potential patients. I am responsible for the safety and security of the event. . . needless to say, I'm quite busy right now!
Today's picture comes from the arrival ceremony of the ship to Pointe-Noire. There was a big celebration on the dock and we had to make sure the gangway was secure. On my right is Lincoln Folkers, the purser on the ship, and on my left is Gabe Chase, the Ship Security Officer. It felt good to put on the uniform and represent Mercy Ships here in Congo!
It was good to catch up with you...I have been out of commission for a while....glad that everything is still going well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping me connect the dots. I'm on the last few pages of Barbara Kingsolver's "Poisonwood Bible". Have you read it? I'm struck by how I paid zero attention to that part of Africa my whole life and now I have two distant experiences to draw upon to expand my horizons. God bless you all!
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