"The Day Before the BIG ONE!!!"

"The Day Before the BIG one does NOT refer to the giant earthquake everyone fears in California,......you know, the one where San Bernardino becomes 'beachfront' property!

Thursday, August 23, 2012, Bukavu, Congo

     Awoke to the building excitement for our trip tomorrow into Downcountry, and to the place, Katanti, where I grew up 52+ years ago!  Decisions, decisions:  packing, weighing, & deciding what to take & what to leave behind.  We were allowed one checked bag each,..the rest in a backpack.  Including all the supplies for the Bible Seminar, we were not to exceed 160 kilos.  Plans were coming together,....

     Pastor Kitoto & a doctor, (both from Berean churches), came to discuss our Seminar plans for downcountry, and to give us some needs of the churches, too. 

     I took plenty, (I thought), of batteries Downcountry for my Int'l Phone, music phone, and cameras.  Pictures in the rainforest will be easier than they are in the border towns.  Still need to be careful, & ask permission.  Sometimes I could get an African to take the picture,..that would help with that issue!  Crazy!!

     The view in Bukavu was the best yet that day.  Could see the mountains where the gorillas are,..Lake Kivu, & into Rwanda.  However, lots of haze & smoke were building over the city. 

     I have spent over $100US for Int'l. Phone calls & texts!  WOW,..sure adds up fast.  I added $200US to my SIM card global, so we'd be covered Thursday & Friday,.....& when we get back from Downcountry.

     The "Twin Crises" continued:  No water, & No power again today. 

     Noon:  Kathy & I walked to the Internet & Copy place down the street.  The walk was yet another 'eye opener' on the roads of Bukavu!  Hot, dirty, & people walking everywhere.   I needed to scan my Downcountry tickets to our church Treasurer in US, so he could re-imburse the amounts to my hosts, Tom/Kathy, who had fronted the money for tickets.  When we left the store,  we forgot our original tickets that were still in the copier!!!  UGH!   Sent Basodecki, (houseboy), back right away,....somewhat with fear & trembling.....PTL, the pages were still in the copier,-a HUGE blessing considering this is Congo!!,-and Basodecki was able to retrieve the original tickets & return them to me.  PTL.  Ain't growing old & forgetful just grand??!

     Lunch: today Kathy added a new twist,...coffee cake,...YUM.  We had that with our lasagna, coffee, & fresh tomatoes.

     Last minute details:  I tried to go online to USA, but the Internet had quit also.   It was the warmest day we had, since coming to Congo. Kathy & Basodecki went to an area called 'Pageco',..after a Belgium company of the same name.  The sign is still there, altho' the company is long gone.  I stayed with Tom at the apt.

     Emile,-Immigration friend,- came to say everything was ready for our trip next day.  He stayed, & stayed, as is his pattern......finally, we had dinner around 8pm this time.  Also, I was able to go online after dinner.....I sent texts, emails, & Facebooked prayer requests for our safety & ministry in the jungle.  Told everyone we'd be completely out of range of ANY type of communications for 'at least' 9 days! 

     Got to bed around 10:30pm,..and slept fitfully,....my excitement level is too high to sleep well,..

     TOMORROW'S the BIG DAY!......
Rogers