Friday 1st February 2013

Thursday 31st January 2013

Clear skies and bright sunshine this morning, so a better drive to ISTM for Mele and John. John was working with Moseka, the librarian again

As Mele and Rose were both out at work, and daughter Ruth was busy doing mountains of washing in the garden [prior to cooking exciting foods for at least 11 of us!!] I was appointed Congolese Mama and Baby Minder!! I think 3 month old Nehemiah is now learning English, because I get lots of smiles and ‘talking’ back to me!! I was also testing a solar powered hearing aid which is one of several donated for Proreso School by a Deaf Church in Canada, hoping there may be some deaf children who might be able to hear a little. Tests are being carried out .The amplifier holds a small solar panel which is left in the sun for 1 hour, and gives several hours usage. The photo explains it.




Janice testing a solar powered hearing aid.

When I mention cooking, this is done in the kitchen which is 20 yards from the house door in what would be like a garage attached to the house, and very basic, with a charcoal ring outside and another small calor gas ring in the corner of the dining room! Amazing lunch and evening meals of 4 to 6 dishes are served, and always on time! The children help to carry covered dishes into the house. At the moment there are 14 in the house with another family visitor. The children eat separately.




Ruth preparing food in the dining room



CLIMATE CHANGE in DR Congo?....it is supposed to be the dry season, but we suddenly had another rainstorm this afternoon lasting about 3 hours!! Driving back from the College at 6pm meant terrible roads again. Many students have to walk miles to get back home, and were waiting for it to ease! The families in little homes all around, put out every bowl, bucket and large utensil available to catch the rain. And many have to attend to leaks in the corrugated roof. We have only had rain here once in our 2 previous visits!

The "road" outside our Congo home!!