Final posting from Goma

Sunday 27th February 2012

Greetings from Goma.

A fabulous day yesterday being able to meet the first of the 50 children and mothers/ grandmothers selected for the “Educate 100” Programme.

We were met with hugs and a welcome song “Karibu” and then, as it was raining, the one hundred “plus” of us were ushered into a room in the house for a prayer time, and MPC’s gift and the responsibilities of the parent were discussed. Heather spoke about our Church family and showed the group the video clip from MPC’ Christmas “Educate 100” on the computer (see photo – 100 people gathered around the small computer screen). There was a time of thanksgiving.

Viewing Christmas "Educate 100"

Each child introduced themselves and told of their aspirations. HEAL Africa should not be short of Doctors in the future!  Several children had commenced school, but teachers had “chased them away” because the parent could not pay the fees.  There was a thirteen year old girl entering Grade 3 (with seven year olds) because she had to care for her mother for years before she died. NOW, she has the opportunity to go to school.

Another girl’s parents died of AIDS and the grandmother could not afford to continue to send her to school.

The Programme Managers at HEAL Africa are responsible for the distribution of the money to the families and/or schools and we can assure you that the money has been very wisely distributed so that many families will benefit. You have NO IDEA what a difference this gift will make to so many lives and we can’t wait to share video footage with you.

David continues with meetings, reports and “future” planning. Today, he is doing an interview and video footage for the upcoming HEAL Africa Book launch in Brisbane, now planned for June.   David was on the interview panel for a Senior Hospital position. You must ask him about the experience. He says Australian applicants would have been so intimidated and not coped with the process.

We had a great time with Patrice and family and met their new little girl. There is only 12 months difference between the children. Patrice is so grateful and humbled that folk in Australia remember him and pray for him.

Patrice, Hospital Administrator,  with his wife and children

A wedding at the week end was another of our social engagements.   Another experience was dinner at an Indian/Chinese/Congolese Restaurant – and it was really good.  Dr Bienvenue is one of Heather’s English students and his wife, Fabienne, is acting in a HEAL Africa executive co-ordinating role.

Teaching continues well, and perhaps the day is fast approaching, when one may be able to do themselves out of a job, as so many are now speaking better English (but I’m not saying we won’t be coming to Goma!!)   This time, Heather has also been spending time helping other English teachers in town in the Principles of Teaching.  It’s a new concept here that “learning is fun”.

No doubt you have been wondering about the “pig on the spit”. It was not one pig, but TWO, and there was HEAPS to spare. Cooked to perfection and many extra invited guests, as well as the Maji folk, including those from Germany, France, Britain, United States, Kenya, Canada and  of course, Australia.  Lyn says she doesn’t need to travel to meet people – they just keep coming to her !

Thank you for your prayers, and encouragement and those welcome emails.

Blessings,  David and Heather