AusHEAL Congo Project: Postcard from HEATHER & DAVID KELLY

MONDAY 6th February,

Greetings from Goma, where it’s the driest, dustiest, hottest and the worst road conditions we have ever seen – and it’s so good to be back. Just arrived and already we can fill a book of experiences !

It was a great trip. Heather was grateful for an upgrade to First Class, allowing her to arrive more rested. When we booked in for flight from Johannesburg to Kigali, Rwanda with overweight luggage for that flight (gifts for folk), we learnt the plane only had 8 passengers, so no weight restrictions. The Hostess said “Choose a row each!” – another chance to sleep well on the 5 hour flight. We stopped at Burundi to drop a couple of passengers off and a crew of 10 came aboard to clean the plane - they were promptly told to go away, as the few passengers were very tidy!!!

Airport procedures were "interesting" – typically African style - slow, and unhurried, You can now pay Visa entry by "VISA" card, but seemingly not today - don't ask why! Then we queue up after paying- we were first in the queue - and had to wait for 20 minutes because.... um ... well, just because.

The lift in our hotel in Kigali was out of action- we were on the 5th floor. It was bad enough walking up with just our back packs in the extreme heat. Behind us were 2 porters carrying all our overweight luggage on their heads !! Wow!

The car trip from Kigali to Goma is always full of interesting sights. The usual
3 ½ hour trip has now been drastically reduced because of the new road – fully completed by the Chinese. We “flew” past sights at 100 km/ph of folk walking to and from markets – sometimes walking up to 10 kms. We saw a wedding procession walking along the Highway – very windy. From a distance, the bride’s veil looked like a boat’s sail. Then, a whole pig being carried on the back of a bicycle! Just everyday stuff in Rwanda.

This time, DRCongo border formalities proved difficult as authorities have again changed the rules for Australians entering (since last week!). After a 2 hour wait for Visa clearance, we were permitted entry. What a joy to meet our HEAL Africa friends. I write to say we are through safely and thanks for your prayers.

For those who have not heard the final tally, our Church appeal to “Educate 100” raised a total of $16,900 – enough money to fund 169 children at school. What a blessing to so many. Thank you for your prayers – the money has arrived safely. An appointment is being made so Heather can visit Moses, the young boy who started in the Programme last year. Will keep you posted.

What a surprise – our accommodation at Maji in Goma now has wireless internet, so hopefully, we’ll be able to keep in touch more regularly. There is a full time manager/hostess at Maji now. In honour of the arrival of Aussie guests, she laid the breakfast table in Aussie style – Koala, Vegemite, frangipani and Aussie flag. Little homely touches are appreciated so far away. Last night the table was set as in a 5 star restaurant – but served with the usual rice, potatoes and goat !!

There is some instability in the country – post elections and last week in Goma, there was shooting in town. Parties not supporting the elected president are targeted. But it’s not causing concern.

David has a full week of meetings with staff members, also with representatives from HEAL Africa Boards around the globe who are here for a week. The purpose is to familiarize them with the work of the various Programmes and gain International understanding of each other’s support plans.

The Container, supplied by Sonic Healthcare, Australia arrived yesterday, so Monday will be a busy day for staff.