Greetings from Uxbridge!......Yes,we are safely home again. Our flights from Bunia DR Congo on Friday afternoon, and from Entebbe with B.A for a night flight arriving at Heathrow 6.30am Saturday were good.
The change in temperature was noticeable...!!....30 degrees when we left Bunia, and 8 degrees when we arrived in Uxbridge! Even lower temperatures followed!
Our last morning in Bunia was very busy...from 6.30am breakfast, and on to the Students' Church Service for 7.30am[where we were also thanked and cheered for our work and encouragements]; followed by a Student nurses exam held in the Church, which needed help with invigilating, before returning to the house at 11am....where we would finish off the packing, have a light lunch and then off to the Airport at midday.
Well, that was the plan!! But the Congolese often have different plans! We knew there would be one or two call in to say a final goodbye; and we knew the secretary, Lunze, from the Bunia deaf school was coming to see us at 11am.
A couple of weeks earlier, John had decided he would like to buy a new camera when we returned to UK; so when I received a letter giving me an up date on requests for prayer and possible practical help which included the need for a camera and laptop to further their work, John then decided to give them his camera before we left.
Lunze arrived on time, and I was just photographing John showing him how to use it etc.out on the veranda,when I caught sight of Guershom, the school's Director coming to the door.....no, not carrying another chicken!!! BUT, there were 5 other Deaf Shool teachers with him! Another male, and 4 young ladies.The girls were in matching patterned outfits and head scarves [the usual thing for special occasions]. They had come to say goodbye! The next hour was a frenzy of excitement, hugs and kisses, photos, getting our luggage together, saying goodbye to another caller, and a quick lunch...while the cook dished out cups of tea to everyone!
A few jokes about the chicken still caused great amusement and laughter!
Finally, soon after 12, Nancy was ready to take us to the Airport....everyone loaded our luggage [ you're rarely allowed to do it yourself!].....more goodbyes and hugs, then we all waved off...and left the teachers at the gate.
We relaxed, and prepared ourselves for the interviews and requests/arguements over the inevitable payments of money at the Airport! Thankfully,Nancy would be negotiating on our behalf!
We had just parked the car and were unloading our cases and bags,when there was a roar ( actually a Put-Put more than a roar John) of 4 taxi/motorbikes coming to a stop beside us!Yes, it was the 7 teachers coming to see us off...!!! They took our luggage, and all trundled into the small booking-in room! Congolese tradion at it's highest, to be with you until you actually leave! Imagine the scenes there, and in the Departure room[ difficult to call it a lounge!!]. The MAF plane was delayed and we didn't fly until 3pm instead of 1.30/2pm. The Airport staff were absolutely bemused as these hours were whiled away with much animated Deaf hand signing; and wondering quite who we were to have such a send off! An honour in the DR Congo; and there was no way the teachers were leaving until they saw us take off; and some of them had never been to an Airport before! What an amazing end to our month of Congolese friendship and fun!
We were able to spend the evening in the VIP lounge at Entebbe...a comfortable place to relax before the night flight with BA.
We attended our Waterloo Road Church Remembrance Service this morning, and I found it particularly moving to see our DR Congo flag still displayed, and to also poignantly remember the many who have lost their lives in that Country which has beome so close to our hearts.
Love to you all, and thank you for you prayers and support,..........Janice.
Nothing that I can add to that really except to say that there is a pile of letters to get off in the post - the only way to get mail out is to give it to someone who is flying out to post outside Congo.
Dear John & Janice,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Claud and I found the blog by chance, and would like to speak with you about your work in the DRC. It seems we are doing very similar work. Please email a way to get in touch with you at crosbyclaud@gmail.com at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Claud