Tokomonana, Congo...

I keep putting this blog update on the back burner because I'm not quite sure how to write it...the past week has been overflowing with experiences that have solidified many things in my heart, and yet have now brought on new questions and thoughts.

I bid "tokomonana" to Isiro on Monday morning and realized as my heart broke and tears flowed down my face that I was leaving a place, a family, a community, an adventure that I had completely let my heart fall in love with. My heart wasn't ready to say "goodbye." But, just as I knew deep down that God brought this adventure into being, I also know that He will turn the page and begin writing the next chapter. I am overwhelmed with a thankful heart for the fact that God provided SUCH an incredible experience that it breaks my heart to be leaving. Jesus is my Best Friend, and although I have to leave these beautiful souls and only hope to see them again here on earth, I am filled with comfort and joy knowing that Christ is still by my side and our adventure together isn't "over"; it's still as alive as ever. As I have to say goodbye to people, places, and seasons of life, I know that I can stand firm on the Rock who never shifts or changes. God's love, His character, His presence is steadfast. And, because of that, I rejoice. I sing with joy inexpressible, with the truest of smiles on my face because my God is GREAT and He loves you and me more than words can ever express. All these goodbye's and chapter closures make my heart yearn for the day when Christ, our Great Warrior and Prince of Peace, our Healer and our Lover will return and we won't have to even have the word "goodbye" in our language! What a beautiful and long awaited day that will be. But, until then, I will continue to let God write on the pages of my every present moment. He is an exquisite author and I look forward to His creative masterpieces; not only in my own life, but in the lives of the people around me, too!

Let me tell you a bit of what God has written on my pages the past week...

My last weekend in Isiro (and in Congo...for now...) was truly beautiful and simply enjoyed to its fullest. On saturday, we had our "joyful noise" concert (the day we at the VDM's house had been anticipating for 5 weeks!). We had quite the little orchestra! Everyone worked so hard to learn their parts, and I was SO excited to hear the final product!! They all did so well :) Joanna played violin (and fiddle!), Maaike played violin and flute, Jonathan played trumpet, Michelle played recorder, Marian played the clarinet, and I played violin. We even got John VanderMeer and our friend Jonas to sing a couple songs with us! We sang a few songs, played many different kinds of melodies...hymns, folk/scottish music, classical... and I asked my Congolese friend, Sunaleed, to lead us all in a Lingala worship song at the end. There were about 70 people in total, and it was SO much fun!! It was incredible to see God put everything together. Every piece of the puzzle fit perfectly and we all marveled at God's glorious face as He created a masterpiece of an evening. We prayed that the evening would be a time where everyone who attended would feel the warmth of Christ's love through our music and that Jesus would be glorified. We prayed for "no rain" and God gave us a sky of pinks and purples on a backdrop of blues as the sun set. Everything about the evening was perfect and I keep praising God for such a sweet time of fellowship with HIM and with the community there in Isiro. Community is such a gift. It's something that we often don't take notice of or thanksgiving for until it's gone...

As I left Isiro on Monday morning, I was so thankful for the time God gave me and for the amazing family He placed me into. I learned so much about the love of Jesus through the VDM's as they continually seek and strive to know Him better each day.

I arrived in Bunia on Monday afternoon where I began a few days of relaxing and processing. I stayed with the Rasmussen's (Kent, Kim and their three kids: James, Joel, and Anna) until Friday when I flew from Congo to Nairobi, Kenya. I enjoyed spending time reading books to the kids, talking with many people who are involved with Bible translation and Scripture Use, playing music with Kim and Kent R...I especially enjoyed getting to talk with a man, Bagamba, who is involved with Trauma Healing and Scripture Use. I spent the afternoon with Bagamba talking to him about his work with children and widows in Congo. He helps send children to school who have been orphaned by the civil wars or strife between ethnic groups in Congo. It only costs 40.00 USD/year for a child to go to school and that schooling completely changes their lives. These kids who have experienced trauma, such as watching their parents or siblings be killed by a man who lives just over the hills in another village, causes them to build up anger. Bagamba told me of kids who say, "I can't wait until I'm big enough to go and do to them what they have done to me..." These children need forgiveness and hope. Bagamba's organization puts together sessions where these kids are taught that "whoever killed your parents, GOD will take care of them"; basically, they teach the children to forgive and let God bring justice. On Wednesday, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Congo's independence by holding a prayer gathering for Congo at the Rasmussen's home. It was sweet being able to flip through my journal and my mind to find all the prayer requests I had been gathering during various conversations over the past month. And, eating ice cream at this little get-together reminded me that I am slowly transitioning back into the "world" that I came from...It's funny how God is preparing me physically, spiritually, and emotionally for the transition back into Western culture and life. Going from Bellevue to Isiro isn't exactly the easiest of transitions, and going BACK again will be a challenge as well! I'm thankful for the stops in between the two worlds I have come to love. Now that I'm in Nairobi for a few days, I am once again transitioning and getting reacquainted with Western ways of life.

So, as I spend the next few days here in Kenya, I am reflecting, processing, debriefing, and simply enjoying my time with the beautiful community of missionaries here. It's great to see everyone again who I met on my way into Congo. I'm staying at BTL again, this time with a family instead of in the guest house! :) It's amazing to think that the last time I was here, Congo was only a DREAM. Now it's a deep reality that sometimes FEELS like a dream...My heart has been shaped a bit more, and my faith in Jesus has deepened. My understanding of the VAST love God has for us has once again been broadened. I began this trip with this verse on my heart...
"The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD."
-Psalm 27:1, 13-14

And God has truly shown this to be true. And now, I leave Africa with another song on my heart...
"Jesus, all for Jesus. All I am and have, and ever hope to be.
All my ambitions, hopes and plans. I surrender these into Your hands.
For it's only in Your will that I am free."

I need not fear or worry about tomorrow...I can have hope in my Jesus, no matter what I face. I can be strong and courageous because I know that my God is true. He's steadfast. He's able. He's MORE than able. How great is our God?


Prayers:
-Thanksgiving for SO many things...health, the concert, a wonderful last weekend in Isiro with the VanderMeer's and all my new Congolese friends and family, traveling safely from Isiro to Bunia to Nairobi, a beautiful time with the Rasmussen's, and now a lovely time here in Nairobi
-That I will be able to debrief well and continue to prepare my heart for the transition back into Seattle and North American culture
-That my flight out of Nairobi on Tuesday will go smoothly (I leave Nairobi around 6pm and land around 10am on Wednesday in Seattle!)
-And know that I am thankful for YOU and am praying that Jesus will bless you for blessing me!! Thank you so much for all your sincere prayers as I have been here in Africa.

So, next time I write, I will be back in Seattle...
Until then, live each day with the joy of Jesus in your words, in your actions, and in your sufferings...He is with you, no matter where you are or what you're going through.

Peace and Joy in Him,
Ya Jo

Here goes my best attempt to pack two exciting weeks into one blog entry…bear with me :)





As the “abnormal” things about this mysterious place shift from nuisances to normalicies, I am faced with a new giant to conquer. Its name, “Communication.”
Cross-cultural communication, to be exact.
All throughout last week, I began to realize that I no longer thought twice about the cracked, warped mirror in the bathroom, the spiders who live in the corners of my bedroom, the geckos who scurry across my window and walls, the lack of running water and flushing toilets, the fact that I never truly feel “clean”, the chanting of children as I walk by, “Mundala! Mundala!” or the fact that the internet has the most unpredictable attitude and chooses to work only when IT wishes to…these have all become “normal” to me. But, as these things no longer take much of my brain power or emotional energy, I realize that something else has taken their place. What an emotionally draining task it is to try and live and communicate in a culture that is basically opposite (in many ways) from your own. I SO badly wish that I could communicate my heart with the people here, but it is quite the challenge when there is a huge mountain to climb over: language. You can only say “mbote! Nsango na yo?” so many times…I want to know these beautiful people and create a relationship with them, but I’m realizing that that goal is quite hard to obtain (I dare say impossible…) when there MUST be a translator mediating the conversation.
Which is why I’ve come to two conclusions (along with many others…):
1) I am SO ready to learn French at school this coming year…!!!
and 2) I would love to meet more Congolese who speak English fluently :)
And you know what? I can’t say this enough…GOD IS SO GREAT!! This second desire is a prayer that has been answered! Just this week, I had the chance to meet a Congolese Bible translator who lived in Nairobi for 3 years and studied English so that he could attend a Theology school. It couldn’t have been more perfect. He spoke perfect (well, perfect enough…!!) English and we were able to have a “heart-to-heart” about Congo and what people here go through. But, before I enter into an update on this exciting week, let me back up just a bit first and fill you in on last weeks adventures…


(Mmmm...coconut!)

Last week, along with the challenging shift in my “culture shock” period (with communication issues), I was also able to do some very enjoyable things! I spent quite a bit of time with the VDM’s. I loved having the opportunity to get to know them better as we played music together, went for bike rides around Isiro (I learned how to carry Michelle on the back of my bike!), played soccer and volleyball with their German missionary friends…and so many other lovely things. Even washing dishes and making meals has been so fun to do together! We also put together a drama (in Lingala) and performed it in a small community/neighborhood in Isiro called “Gumba.” That was a challenging experience for me, as I had to speak in Lingala!! It went well and we enjoyed performing it for Jesus and the 15 or so kids who came to watch us (as well as Marian and another parent of one of the actresses…such dedicated and loyal parents!!) Overall, even though it has been difficult for me to truly feel connected sometimes, God is so faithful and has been my dear Companion through it all.

Also, on Saturday, Marian and I went to visit the president of "CECCA 16" churches in Congo (the church that the VDM’s attend. All the protestant churches have been given numbers here). And this president is actually the one who wrote an invitation letter so that I could enter the country!! It was a very fascinating conversation…he asked me about America and about what “independence” looks like and means for us (DRC is “celebrating” their 50th anniversary of independence on June 30th…that’s a whole other conversation in itself…) The president asked what the people were like in America…I told him that many people see independence as a way for an individual to have the “freedom” to HAVE a goal and to work until that goal is achieved. I explained that, in my opinion, people are not only independent in their freedom of speech and work, but people are also choosing to live in “freedom” and independence from GOD. People want to do things on their own, climb the ladder by themselves. Be their own creator. His response… “It’s the exact opposite here. People are so dependent on God or the government that they are lazy. They expect someone else to do everything for them. Most people go to God only when they need something from Him. It is something that the leaders of the church must strive to change in the hearts of the people.” I found his word choice of “lazy” to be so surprising…How is it that these people who carry 50 kg on their head for miles and miles are “LAZY”?! It is a question that I am still struggling to fully understand.
It’s incredible how you just can’t get away from it…no matter where you go, every culture has their own way of abusing their relationship with God. And yet God is so merciful and is gracious enough to allow us to enjoy things about each culture around the world. Although we constantly either avoid Him or go to Him ONLY when we need something, He still pours out His love through MILLIONS of different ways!!
Now THAT is true love.

Well, as for this week…I took a bit of an adventure!!
On Monday, I rode on the back of a motorbike to Ibambi, a village about 65 km South of Isiro (about a 4 hour journey due to “road” conditions…). It was beautiful riding through small villages and vast jungles. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I waved, smiled and said “mbote!” during those 4 hours. People here have the most beautiful smiles, when they choose to show them :) Question for you…Have you ever seen nail polish being sold in the middle of a jungle? I have. Balancing on a plate on top of a little boy’s head, actually. The things you see here…only in Africa. Once we reached Ibambi, I enjoyed my 24 hour visit at a small mission where ECG was working on a Bible translation of Matthew in two local languages: Lika and Bundu. This is where God answered my prayer for an English-speaking Congolese! As I sat and talked with Anzabate(“An-sea-pah-tee”) after dinner, I was beaming from excitement as we conversed together…no mediator translating our every word…a wonderful conversation about his life and my own. He even knew about Trinity Western!! All my heart could do was smile at Jesus, knowing full well that He had put together this bright moment. He had answered my prayer. (Now I need to do MY part and work hard to learn THEIR language! At least ONE of their languages…how would you like to be fluent in 5+ languages, and that be the “norm”?! Amazing what our minds are capable of.)

Following my stay in Ibambi, I traveled by motorbike to Nebobongo, about a 40 minute ride back towards Isiro. And then began three days of great excitement! I stayed with a German couple (Matthias and Sebina) who are working as doctors at the hospital there in Nebo (it was founded by Helen Rosaveare, a woman that I had read about while I was in Bible school!) Matthias is a family physician and Sabina works in maternity at the hospital. I had originally planned to stay Tuesday-Wednesday, but my plans seemed to have been thwarted by GOD’s plan…that seems to happen quite a lot, but ALWAYS for the best of reasons; and let me tell you, His reasons are literally the BEST (more on that in a minute…!!)

While in Nebobongo, I spent quite a bit of the morning time just reading and relaxing, which I think my mind and body needed! (I’ve been reading C.S. Lewis the past 2 weeks…The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters. Fantastic reads!) On Tuesday, Jonas (a German college student who has spent his “social year” here in Congo teaching English in Nebo) gave me a grand tour of Nebo and the school that he worked at (the school year JUST finished!) It’s amazing what the people here call “school”…it’s just SO different from what I’ve grown up with. I really enjoyed hearing about Jonas’ experience teaching. I’m so glad that I’m taking the TESL certificate at Trinity!

On Wednesday, I did something that I’ve been DREAMING of doing since I was a little girl…I ventured by foot into the jungles of Congo!!! Well, to some degree, at least :) Jonas and I walked through the jungle to find the Pygmy village! They didn’t speak any French (Jonas speaks French), and I only speak a VERY limited amount of Lingala, but through Jonas’ French and my Lingala, we were able to communicate a little bit with these dear people. They played their “talking drum” for us and let us take some photos with them! Very cool. In the afternoon with Sabina, I got a grand tour of the hospital! It was incredible seeing an African hospital…the maternity ward, the operation/surgery building…many of the nurses graduated from a nursing school that was founded by Helen Roseveare there in Nebo! It’s amazing to see these young people working hard to protect and save so many lives! The work that Matthias and Sabina are a part of is SO exciting. What exciting work it must be to save physical lives AND spiritual souls here in Congo :) And so my exciting day continued…Wednesday evening, there was an important football match taking place in South Africa…Ghana vs. Germany! Since I was with three Germans, of course I rooted for them…I think I might have been asked to sleep outside with the snakes had I cheered for Ghana :) So, the 4 of us went “downtown Nebo” to a little hut filled with excited Congolese where we paid 150 francs to watch the match on a little TV. It was a great game (I don’t know if any of you watched it??) and Germany won, 1-0 :)

Okay, now for the most exciting part of my week, possibly my LIFE thus far…(a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously…!!!)
Yesterday, after a morning of waiting for the truck (my ride back to Isiro!) to return from making all its pick-up’s and drop-off’s, Sabina comes running to me… “Jodi! Come quick!...” A woman was having a cesarean operation and Sabina wanted me to come WATCH!!! I hurried with her over to the operation room where I put on scrubs (the robe and head covering) and a cloth to cover my mouth with. I couldn’t believe it. I was about to witness the most incredible event of a human’s life…I watched as the doctor cut open this woman’s stomach, reach IN and pull out a little PERSON!!!!

AHH!!!!

On June 24th, 2010, God brought into this world the most precious little boy, 5lbs 7ounces, and I got to experience his first breath. It all happened so fast, and I could barely believe my eyes. I thought (and still feel like!) I was dreaming; it was so unreal. Sabina let me carry him from the operation building to the maternity ward where we weighed him and gave him to the mother’s family members who then washed him and clothed him. It’s beautiful how everyone in the family helps :) Wow. It was just such an incredible experience and is something I will never ever forget. I wonder if I’ll ever meet the little boy in the coming years…

So there you have it…the past 2 weeks in a nut shell!! If you want to know any further details about anything, shoot me an email. I’d be glad to fill you in! :)

As for the next few days…John VanderMeer arrives back home today from being gone for work! And tomorrow we have our grand concert! (we invited about 100 people…so we’ll see how many end up showing up…!!!) Please pray for that, though…I truly hope that God is glorified (He’s the guest of honor!) and that the people who come feel loved and that their hearts are overflowing with joy as they leave. We’re playing about 40 minutes of music all together; music that is quite different from Congolese! The VDM’s have been working so hard to prepare for it, and I know that Jesus will bless their efforts! I hope it’s an all around great experience for everyone :) And on Monday…I leave! (Well, Lord willing, I’ll leave for Bunia…His plans, like I mentioned above, always are the best. And here in Africa, ANYthing is possible!) I’ll be in Bunia spending time with the Rassmusen’s from Monday-Friday and then leaving for Kenya on Friday! My time here is coming to an end, quickly!! It’s amazing how time flies by.

This trip has just been incredible. God has been incredible!!! I keep finding out more and more about His love and how He simply loves us…US!? Wow.

Well, I better stop here before I write a novel of a blog post…

Much love to you all,
Peace and Joy through Jesus Christ our LORD, Savior and dear Companion,
Ya Jo (“ya” is short for “ya ya”…older sibling/friend)

Prayer requests:
- For the concert tomorrow evening! That God will be praised and that the entire evening will be a joyful melody to God’s ears
- For my last three days here…that I will simply ENJOY every moment that I have and not think too much about leaving.
- And please continue to pray for the people of Congo…that leaders who fear the LORD and love Him will be put into positions within the communities, churches, and governments, so that they can impact the entire nation for the glory of God

The halfway point.

So much has taken place since I last wrote…and it’s only been one week! It’s amazing how fast time flies by; it’s as if I blink and all the sudden I have a zillion memories. I’m realizing how important it is to simply live in the present and to let tomorrow come as it may. It’s a good thing that Jesus is patient, because I feel like He’s tried to teach me this lesson time and time again…but, each time I think I begin to understand it a little bit better than I did the time before. I’m also being reminded of why we go through difficulties and hardships…and of the great love of God our faithful Companion who walks through painful circumstances with us, holding us through the whole way; his healing hand against our side as we deal with wounds.

This past week has been filled with some incredible opportunities that have caused me to think more and more about my identity and who God has made me to be today. I’m realizing that today is yet another step in the direction that God has led me to walk in. I’m also realizing that although God leads us on a certain path at a specific time that God also uses that path to lead us to the next…which may be in a completely opposite direction from what we think God has in mind. Which is why we MUST be quiet enough to listen to His calling and His leading in our lives EVERY day; we don’t want to miss the trail-marker, now do we?
All this to say…I’m learning about the changing of “seasons” and how so much of life works in these “seasons.”

So, what have I been up to the past week that has led to these realizations? Where to start?! Well, along with so many wonderful conversations with some spectacular people, I have had the opportunity to attend a few “seminars” and services both here in Isiro and outside the city in 2 different villages.

On Sunday, 11 of us piled into the VDM’s Land Rover and headed for Nala, a small village of about 100 people just South of Isiro. Freddy and Calist (two Congolese ECG members who work in the department of Scripture Use) were hosting a weekend seminar. They showed the Jesus film on Saturday night and then on Sunday morning they held a service that covered two topics: the importance of your mother tongue and the beauty of music that is used to glorify God. It was incredible! They told a story about how some people died recently because they didn’t know their mother tongue; they hadn’t been taught it at home. They put together a skit to reenact the story…A village was warned (in their mother tongue) that rebels were nearby and that everyone should flee from the village, but there was a family who did not understand the warning because they only spoke French and Lingala. The Congolese soldiers came through the village and found these people who had not fled as they were warned to do. In order to make sure that the people were not part of the rebel army, the soldiers told them to speak in their mother tongue, but they didn’t know how to! The soldiers ended up killing these people because they believed that they were a part of the rebel forces. This is only one example of many reasons why people need to speak their mother tongue. Not only can it save your life, but it also gives life! Many children cannot communicate with their grandparents anymore because they don’t speak a common language. Calist spoke to the congregation of people about the importance of keeping culture and communication within your people group…having a mother tongue should not bring disunity, but it should protect unity! The section of the service that covered the importance of music (especially music sung in your own mother tongue) was very interesting, too! Calist talked about why we use music… “When an African sings, he shows the way he lives and thinks”…in other words, he shows his heart. He mentioned how “strong rhythms help during work to give them strength, courage, and perseverance” and that “songs and music can bring blessings or curses; they bring life, but they can also bring death.” He spoke about how important it is to praise God and glorify God in our songs. The way he was talking about songs and lyrics made me think about our lives being like a song…what kind of song am I singing? How is my song affecting others? Is it a beautiful melody and one that brings a smile to God’s face?
“Sing it out. Sing out loud. Take what is left of me. Make it a melody.”
-Jon Forman

Monday afternoon, Marian and I were given the chance to go and sit in on a “Mayogo translation-checking” session! Liz Raymond (an ECG member who lives here in Isiro with her husband Tim…wonderful couple!) is working alongside 3 men from the Mayogo people group, and together they are translating sections of the New Testament into Mayogo. The session that we attended was on 1 Corinthians 7. Translation work is quite the detailed job! It was fun to watch and listen as they discussed the original Greek text and how it can best be explained to the Mayogo people so that they can understand what God is saying in His Word (keeping in mind their culture!) …translation work is quite the feat!!

Wednesday, Anna and I got to attend a “Trauma Healing Seminar” which Calist put together and hosted at his church here in Isiro. The seminar was put together for leaders from different churches in the area (people who are in charge of prayer groups and such.) Although the people came in order to learn how to help others who have experienced traumatic events, they themselves expressed their own hardships and painful circumstances too. One by one, people stood up and shared from their own personal story. They spoke about their children dying, their family members beating them because of anger issues, health problems (many times caused by others), and how all these things can cause the feeling of “loneliness” and abandonment. But even though these beautiful people, scarred by deep wounds, spoke of their heartbreaking experiences, they all also spoke of God’s faithfulness and love.
“Nzambe azali bolingo”…God is love.
“Nzambe azali Nzambe na ngolu”…God is a God of compassion.
“Nzambe azali tata na biso”…God is our Father.
“Nzambe azalie mobateli na biso”…God is our Shepherd.
Calist used Scripture to remind us of God’s true identity and of our own identity in Christ. He spoke about “refinement” and that though it may be painful it is worth the beautiful gold that comes as a result. He used the passage of 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 that speaks of comfort in times of suffering.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too…”

It was so encouraging to see so many people, who have experienced more pain than I can imagine, turning to God and proclaiming His goodness!! And it’s such a comfort to know that no matter what we go through, whether “good” or “bad”, it can all be used for beauty, for the encouragement of others, and ultimately for the glory of God our Father!

This weekend I’ve been given the opportunity to attend an AIDS seminar held just outside Isiro…in the middle of the jungle, really! It’s about 35 minutes outside of Isiro, and much of the trip is along foot-paths through the lush jungle. Yesterday I traveled to the seminar on the back of a German doctor’s motorbike (“lady” style…feet off to one side!)…it was such a great trip and a wonderful time of learning more about AIDS: how it affects people and communities, as well as how to combat this fierce disease that is causing so much death and destruction to families and communities. I’ll hopefully be attending another session on it tomorrow morning. It’s a bit difficult to understand everything since it first must go through the minds of two translators before reaching my own…Lingala to French to English :) I am VERY thankful for the translators, though!! And wow…was it beautiful out there in the jungle! I half expected to see monkeys swinging from the vines of the trees!

Along with these wonderful seminars, I’ve been enjoying my time with the VDM’s as we continue working on school, the concert that’s coming up (only 2 weeks away!), and as we simply spend each day getting to know each other better! It’s been so fun to be a part of this family and we’ve had ourselves quite a few laughs the past few days…just a taste of what happens in this lovely household; just this week (all within about an hour of time) I almost fell down the “cho” (the hole-in-the-ground toilet outside…), Joanna had a “snake-lizard” crawl up her dress, and someone came to the gate trying to sell us a 2 month old baby Baboon. It can get pretty exciting around here :) I’ve enjoyed being drenched in the evening rainstorms and learning how to get “avocat rouges” from the tree in the back yard. It truly has been such an enjoyable week.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and for the emails of encouragement and support I’ve been receiving from you all…it is always so sweet to hear from you! Please know that I hold all of you in my heart as I experience all of this. I’m excited to know that Jesus is doing great things in your life right now too, wherever you are presently. We serve a GREAT God… “Hallelujah?” “Amen!” (as the Congolese say!)

The Lord be with you!
Much love from Congo to you,
Jo


Prayers:
-Thanksgiving for what God is doing in Bible translation here in Congo and for the Scripture Use work also
-Thanksgiving for good health here at the VanderMeer’s
-Prayer for the rest of the AIDS seminar this weekend…that the people who come to it will be able to understand the information and know how to relay it to their own communities all throughout the area.
-Prayer that the people of Congo will hear the Word of God in their own heart language and that they will spread the love of Christ in their words and actions.
-Prayer that the government of Congo will know the needs of the people, and that the Congolese people will have the courage and strength to work for the unity of this country and not the destruction which is caused by greed, bitterness, and being lazy about love.

How do you say..."I love Congo" in Lingala?

..."nalingi Congo" :)


First week in Isiro and it has been incredible to see what God is doing in this beautiful country. It has been such a blessing to get to know a handful of people who are pursuing God’s vision and heart: that every tongue will praise His name in their own language. I have had so many different opportunities over the past week to get to know the culture, the people, their hearts, and the vast country they call home. >What is their home like, you might be asking yourself…well, you’re in luck! I’ve been observing the beautiful, unique, and diverse culture here in Congo and the people who make it what it is.

My “life” here in Isiro became reality last week as I took my “3 days of being a guest” and moved on to “being a part of the family” :) I’ve been helping with schooling for Jonathan, Maaike, Joanna, and Michelle. We’re working on math, research papers, and music lessons. I’m teaching Maaike and Joanna the violin, and they’re great students!
They already know a fair amount of violin and are excited and determined to play fiddle style…so, as you can imagine, we’re having fun working on that together :) And actually, on the topic of music…we’re planning a concert that we will host here at the house! We’re going to invite friends from the area to come and enjoy a time of music, tea and coffee! We’re excited about it and have been practicing little by little for it. I’ve never put together an official “concert” before or figured out all the music directing for one, so it’s been an interesting (and fun!) endeavor :) We have a little “orchestra” of sorts going: violins (Maaike, Joanna, and I), Flute (Maaike), Trumpet (Jonathan), recorder (Michelle), clarinet (Marian) and piano (me). Along with the concert, we’re also hoping to have some jam sessions during the coming weeks with some of the VanderMeer’s friends who are working for other organizations here in Isiro. That should be a lot of fun!

Along with homeschooling and music lessons…I’ve been doing a bit of “schooling” myself! I’m taking Lingala lessons with a neighbor family and it has been such a fun experience. The family knows VERY little English (they do speak French, though); so, fortunately the VanderMeer’s have given me a Lingala lesson-book that Papa Benjamin and Mama Josephine can use to teach me. I’ve had 7 lessons so far, and according to Benjamin, “Jodi azali moyekoli malamu!”…Jodi is a good student! :) It’s been great to accompany being surrounded by Lingala on a daily basis with actual lessons. Now, I can more efficiently learn the language through hearing it and practicing it in conversation. It’s really encouraging to be progressing little by little every day and to actually make sense when I’m talking (or TRYing to talk) to the Congolese here!

On Tuesday night last week, Maaike, Joanna and I went to church to help prepare a meal for about 100 pastors who were coming the following day for a meeting. We arrived around 630pm on Tuesday and left around 730 Wednesday morning, and let me tell you, we had a blast :) We helped make “Pondu” (a leaf that is crushed and then cooked and served over rice) and sort through rice by flashlight. It was great fun cooking alongside the Congolese women (quite different from Twelve Baskets Catering style…!!) After singing our way through a few hours of food preparation, the guys who were there started drumming out some fun rhythms that made everyone get up and dance in the moonlight. Once those guys get drumming, you can’t help but join in and move your entire body to the fun rhythms and loud praises coming from these joyful hearts.

Last week I was able to do quite a bit of “interviewing” with a few of the Bible Translation team members. My heart was filled with joy at seeing their passion for what they do. They know that they were called by God to do a specific work, and that He is the one who strengthens them to persevere during hardships. Without that passion, their work here would simply be a job to feed their family, but it is so much more than that, and that is so evident. They told me about Congo and its needs. Congo is… “BIG”, “rich (yet the people are poor)”, “virtually road-less”, “unstable (somewhat insecure)”, “in need of peace and fellowship”, “in need of education”, and “in need of God.” Those are just some of what they mentioned. So, please pray for those things!! And if you would like to know more, send me an email and I can give you a more in-depth prayer list. For both of the interviews, I was so thankful for the translators who came with me…(Thanks Maaike and Liz!!). Without people helping with translation (for both Lingala and French), my time here in Isiro wouldn’t be the same. I really wish that I knew French…it would make things a whole lot easier for myself AND for everyone else here, too! Next time I come, I’ll know French for sure :)

During the interviews, I was also able to learn so much about how music affects the people here. It is so exciting to hear about how music is being used in Bible Translation work. One of my interviewees is a musician and he (and his grandfather before him!) has been putting Scripture to music so that people can have it in their hearts all throughout the day. He mentioned that “music and song is a medicine.” He told me that he once knew a sick man that sang away his sickness, and of many women who carry 50-60 kilos on their head as they travel from one place to another. Music is what gives their heart the strength to keep walking. This man and his passion for Scripture and music reminded me so much of my dad and his love for music and the Bible!! It’s amazing how God keeps putting music in my path and on my heart…we’ll see where He takes me with that! It’s interesting, yesterday I was grinding wheat and coffee, and I sang my way through all of it. It made the time pass by so nicely, and I barely remembered that I was working up a sweat! Afterwards I thought to myself, ohhh…so this is why people here sing so much! They have the TIME to sing! Everything here takes time, lots of time. And what better way to work in the hot, muggy weather, than by singing a song that puts a smile on your face and joy in your heart? I love that wherever you go, there is almost always someone singing.

The coming weeks are starting to unfold and reveal some exciting opportunities!! I’ll be doing a bit of traveling to a couple different seminars that touch on topics such as AIDS and music, and Scripture use within those subjects, and Bible translation and “checking” for translations that are in the process right now. I am so excited to continue to learn more about what God is doing here in Congo and how His Word is being written on the hearts of the people, whether that be by written words or spoken lyrics…God is doing a great work here and it’s awesome to see even a glimpse of it!

Please keep praying for the next 5 weeks that I have here (4 in Isiro and 1 in Bunia (Congo) and Nairobi, Kenya). And thank you so much for praying for me over the past 4 weeks…I have seen God’s hand working and I am continually learning to be patient and wait for His perfect timing.
After all, “love is patient…”

Prayers:
-Thanksgiving for a wonderful first week in Isiro and for all the conversations that I’ve been able to have (thanks to all the talented translators!!)
-Thanksgiving for health…my stomach has been doing great! But, please pray that I will continue to have strength and energy. My body doesn’t like hot weather very much, so it’s been difficult to get through a full day without having to take a nap.
-Thanksgiving that “Papa John” VanderMeer made it back safely from his work trip! It’s been fun to meet him and get to know him! Although, now he’s leaving again for work and won’t be back for a few weeks, so please pray for him as he continues in his work for furthering the Gospel!!
-That God will give me clear direction and discernment on how to spend my time over the next 4 weeks, as there are many different options that I have to choose from.
-That I will continue to learn Lingala well; to understand and to be understood
-For the concert that we’re putting together! It will be held on the 26th, hopefully!
-For friendships to deepen and strengthen

Peace and Joy from Congo.
Jo


“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that in the LORD your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58


Nalingi yo mingi!
“I love you very much!”

Hello, Congo.

Mbote! Nsango nini?
“Hello! How are you?” in Lingala (one of the national trade languages of Congo).

What a week it has been…and the past four days seem like four weeks in my mind. I have enjoyed so many new and lovely friends, conversations and experiences. My visa finally came on Tuesday, which allowed for my travel into Congo on Wednesday morning. I flew into Entebbe, Uganda on a “little” thirteen-windowed plane where I met up with MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship) to fly into Bunia, DRCongo. Four of us passengers were escorted out onto the tarmac to a little 11 passenger plane…(I soon found out that there are even smaller forms of transportation)!! So, the 5 of us flew across green Uganda and over enormous Lake Albert to Bunia, DRC where “the day” finally arrived…I took my first step onto Congolese soil.
I was warmly welcomed by the Rassmusen family and many others who are living and working there in Bunia. Although I only had about 36 hours total in Bunia (due to the delayed plane schedule on Monday), I enjoyed every hour of my stay! I got to spend time with the Rassmusen’s and learn more about their lives and work in Congo. Their three kids fell in love with Roland, and Joel, their middle child, even came to a nic-name basis with “Rolly.” While I was in Bunia, I got to meet many of the ECG members as well as MAF families.

I attended a little women’s Bible study group with Kim Rassmusen, had lunch with two wonderful women who are working with ECG, and got to spend a lot of time just helping out around the house and playing with the Rassmusen kids. It was a blessing to see God’s people serving Him and loving Him. They are willing to sacrifice living close to their families and in “comfort” in order to come here, learn a new language (many in some cases!), a new culture, a new way of living, all for the glory of God’s name and that His love can be known to people in EVERY corner of the world.
I left Bunia Friday morning on another MAF plane, and this time I even got to sit in front and fly the plane for a bit!! Flying over Congo was incredible…green as far as your eye can see. The little round straw roofed homes were amazing to look at as we flew into a few different villages on our way to Isiro. At one stop, there was a little group of kids that came running out onto the grass/dirt runway to welcome us :)

Around late morning, I finally arrived in Isiro, DRCongo, where I was enthusiastically welcomed by the VanderMeer family (minus John VanderMeer, because he is still on a work project in another part of Congo right now). The VanderMeer’s have been in Isiro for about a year and a half now. They introduced me to their home and their two other “family members”…Boboto
(meaning “kindness” in Lingala) and Bebu (“Nonsense”), their German Shepherd and an African red-tailed monkey! They’re quite shy and are still getting used to me, but Boboto is warming up since I brought him some dog treats, and Bebu enjoyed the termites I gave her…hopefully they’ll warm up to me quickly!

The people I’ve met so far are so welcoming and have the most beautiful smiles and laughs. Everyone greets you as you walk through the red-clay roads surrounded by lush vegetation. The weather has been in the 30’s (celcius) and 50% humidity, which is quite the transition from Seattle in May…!!) Along with the friendly “mbote” that you hear, the kids cry out “mdala” (white-person) and wave their hands wildly at us when we walk by.

I still can’t believe I’ve only been here for a couple days; it feels like weeks! The days seem to go by so much slower here. The next 5 weeks are going to really fly though…there’s so much that I’ll get to be a part of and so much to do, see, and learn! The VanderMeer’s are so much fun! John and Marian and 4 of their 6 kids, Jonathan, Maaike, Joanna, Michelle are so full of life and love for Jesus; it’s so contagious!
They’re so sweet and welcomed me with great enthusiasm and readiness to help me jump right in to the culture here. They’ve taught me so much even in the past 2 days! I’ve already learned how to make a few different Congolese dishes and how to say a few phrases in Lingala. I’ll be learning Lingala from a family friend (as well as from all the excited and willing Congolese that I meet daily), possibly singing in a church choir with Anna (a Congolese friend of the family’s), teaching music lessons (which will hopefully produce a grand concert by the end of June!) and helping with the home-schooling in the mornings, as well as many other fun cultural activities that will give me a greater understanding of the Congolese culture here in Isiro. I am excited to learn more about the people here and how they live. I am also truly looking forward to learning more about Congo’s past and how it affects the people now that they are living in “post-war” culture and circumstances. There is some “trauma relief/healing” work going on here which has been fascinating to learn about; I’m eager to learn more. I have also learned about the music here and how it is carried in these people’s blood, their entire being breathes music. Lingala is actually a tonal language, too, which makes sense.

I’m already feeling quite at home here with the VanderMeer’s and I am so looking forward to seeing what God has planned for the next 5 weeks. I’m sure it’s going to be filled with so many wonderful experiences that I will forever have locked in my memory.

Thank you so much for praying for me and my time here. God is truly working in my heart and showing me so many things about who HE is and who He has created me to be. I am learning about transition and how to deal with making heart transitions as you move from place to place, as well as learning about “home.” I am realizing that I have made my home here on earth much too many times, and that my heart can so easily become attached to earth and my earthly possessions. But, God is reminding me of His heavenly Kingdom and the home that I have with Him, no matter where in this great, big world I am. My home IS Jesus and with Him and only He brings true joy and complete satisfaction. What a comfort that is to me, especially when I miss being “at home” with family, friends, comfortable situations, and everything that has brought me “comfort” for the past 20 years.

Community is such a beautiful and irreplaceable thing; Africans understand that so well.

Prayers:
-That I will be able to quickly catch on to this beautiful language, Lingala
-Thanksgiving for the VanderMeer’s and for all their preparation for me to be here
-Thanksgiving for my health!! I finally figured out why I was getting sick (my anti-malaria medicine), and now I know how to avoid the cause of my upset stomach! Praise Jesus, I can actually enjoy my days without constantly being aware of my painful stomach.
-For the conversations I will have, the things I will learn…that I will have an open mind and a willing heart.

Much love sent to you from Congo <3
Tokomonana! See ya!

Congo, here I come!

Praise the Lord...my visa arrived today!! So, I am now ready and set to fly out tomorrow morning from Nairobi to Uganda where I will take an MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship) flight into Bunia, Congo. The MAF plane is about a 15 passenger, which will be lots of fun, I'm sure :) I'll be in Bunia until Friday when I will fly out to Isiro where I am meeting the VanderMeer's, the family I am staying with for the remainder of my stay here in Congo (which is until the 30th of June).

Thank you so much for all your prayers for my visa to process and make it here in time for me to fly out tomorrow! Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow as I fly, especially since I won't be with anyone who speaks French. It will be an interesting experience, for sure, but I know that Jesus is with me the whole way.

Here are a few photos of the BTL base here in Nairobi! It's a beautiful place!



And these are the kids that I spent the afternoon with on Saturday. They're great :)



Much love to you from Nairobi.
<3

Prayers:
-Thanks for the visa being processed in time!
-For my stomach to continue to heal...it's still been a bit of a bother to me.
-For my traveling to Congo tomorrow...!!!
-For the language barrier, that it won't be stressful or a hinderance to me...it's easy for the Congolese boarder control to take advantage of people who don't know their language. They're known for adding taxes for things last minute...
-For the 2 days I will have in Bunia with the Rassmussen's

Almost to Congo.

Well, it’s been a fantastic week here in Nairobi. Full of many new experiences and lots of new friends! I’ve been spending the past 5 days resting, getting to know the BTL members and their families, and the typical…being sick. Yes, I was blessed with some kind of bug on Thursday that wouldn’t leave me alone until Friday morning. It ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise though, because I was able to spend most of Thursday evening resting (6 hour nap!) and another 6 hours of sleep Thursday night. And by Friday morning when I woke up, my stomach felt much much better. The bug has been going around and many of the people here at BTL have had it or are currently dealing with it. It’s basically like a 24 hour flu.

Aside from being sick…I’ve been enjoying my stay in Nairobi very much. The Wycliffe workers here are so welcoming and I’ve gotten to spend quite a bit of time in their homes sharing meals with them. It’s been so lovely! I got to spend Saturday afternoon with a family who is working with DOORs, a group that is working to translate the Bible for the deaf communities all around the world. Their family is interested in learning violin and they had bought 2 violins awhile ago. SO, I got to spend the afternoon playing “violin teacher”, and many other roles as I played with their very animated children :) I’ve also had the opportunity to attend the church where many of the BTL workers go (Karen Vineyard), which is located just outside of Nairobi. And after church a bunch of us went out to Ethiopian! It was fantastic food and wonderful company.

So, many of you might be wondering…why is Jodi still in Nairobi? Isn’t she supposed to be on a plane to Congo right now? You’re correct in wondering…I AM supposed to be on a plane to Congo, but, God had some other plans in mind :) In order for me to have flown out today, I needed to have my visa completed by the Congolese embassy, and when we went to pick it up (or “pick it” as they say here in Kenya) on Friday, it wasn’t ready! So, we had to move my flight from today (Monday) to Wednesday. It actually has worked out quite nicely, because it’s given me more time to spend here, getting to know the people who work here. Jesus knows what’s best, and Lord willing, I’ll fly out on Wednesday, Congo visa in hand! We’ll be checking on my visa tomorrow morning, because today is a holiday in Congo, so the embassy was closed.

Today Karen Bradley took me and two of her kids out to see the Elephant Orphanage located just outside of Nairobi! It was so much fun! The elephants were so sweet and had been rescued from the wild because of unfortunate circumstances.

Some of them had gotten separated from their family, or else they were ill and were in need of immediate medical attention. On the way to the reserve, we drove past a family of baboons running alongside the road! Don’t see that every day in the states…AND you don’t see baboon road kill too often either…poor little monkey :(

Well, it’s been quite interesting being here and experiencing all of this by myself. I know that I’m not “alone” by any means, but I’ve been realizing that this is the first trip that I’ve made where I am really doing this by myself! Even when I’ve traveled alone in the past it’s been because of Capernwray, where everyone else is in the SAME boat that you’re in. So, I’ve been exploring what that looks like and asking God more questions about how to best go through this experience and learn from whatever I face. He has been so faithful to speak to me…I just need to be faithful in giving Him the opportunity to SPEAK! I’ve been reading through the letters of Peter and John, and they have been extremely comforting and have given me the strength to continue to be strong through the week. Even if I begin to feel alone, I know that I have the greatest Companion of all :)

Thank you so much for all your support as you pray for me!! I can feel your prayers here in Nairobi. God is so faithful and every day I see His provision and His faithfulness. It’s amazing how when we are specific in our prayers, He is specific in His answers :) He answers when we cry out to Him.

Until next post!
Much love.

Prayers:
-For my visa tomorrow!!
-That I will have a safe flight into Congo on Wednesday (Lord willing!) and that I won’t have any trouble with the flights…I have to fly alone, instead of with someone. (If I would have flown out today, I would have flown with an ECG member who has been working in Congo for years now.)
-For my health…my silly stomach just isn’t too happy with me
-That God will continue to open my eyes, ears and heart to His plan
-And a thanksgiving for all the people here who have made such a lovely welcome (“Karibu” in Swahili!) to me. They are all so kind and generous and I am learning so much from them.

second heartbeat.

May 12, 2010
13:29
Nairobi, Kenya

Jambo, friends!
I am thankful to say that I made it to Kenya without any glitches…not one!! It was a smooth 22 hours of traveling, and although I was by myself, I never once felt alone. Jesus is an amazing travel buddy.

During the flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi, I experienced something that I hope to never forget. It was while we were flying over Sudan, perhaps, and it was the most spectacular sky I have ever seen in my 20 years and 6 months of living. The clouds were majestic, resembling an overflowing bubble-bath. And each cloud, great and small reflected the blazing sunlight which then bounced off of other clouds creating the most marvelous sight. And below them, the vibrant green land was full of tree covered hills and valleys. It only lasted about 10 minutes, but those 10 minutes will forever be engrained in my memory. It fascinates me how we can fly over sheets of pure white, broken glass floating in ice cold water, and then across a vast desert followed by a thick jungle all within about 20 hours of each other. I love the diversity of this planet. It’s all so beautiful in such drastically unique ways.

It was about 8pm when we finally arrived in Kenya, (smoothest landing ever, by the way! Way to go, KLM.). I felt like my heart was racing with excitement, but I also felt at complete peace. I was ecstatic to finally be back in Africa, and I truly realized that I had indeed left my heart here three years ago…I was glad to have found it.  I felt so silly grinning from ear to ear as I looked out the little window…nothing “special” about the Nairobi airport, really, just that the utter JOY that my heart was pumping into my body affected my face uncontrollably! Mmmm…one step closer to my long lost friend, Congo.

Shortly after arriving at the BTL (Bible Translation and Literacy) guesthouse, where I was warmly welcomed, I fell asleep to the sound of the sky soothingly drumming the earth with its water, and awoke 8 hours later to hear the birds singing praises to Jesus for giving them another beautiful day. Nairobi is lovely. Although, one thing that was lost in translation at some point is that Nairobi is 10 hours ahead of Seattle time, not 8 as I had thought. And because there were no other clocks in my guest house I set my clock ahead 8 hours. My alarm sounded at “8:00am”, but as I opened my eyes and looked out the window, I found that sheesh, Kenya’s dark at 8 in the morning…yes, Jodi. 6am it is still quite nighttime here in the middle of May…I finally figured out the actual time by 720; just in time for 730 breakfast :) Thank you, kind sir, for making a bit of noise outside my door so that I could kindly ask for the time.

The people here are just as I expected them to be; fully of warm smiles, welcoming eyes and honest words. Being at BTL has been wonderful, and it’s only day 2! Everyone who works here has such a passion about them that comes out in their words and actions. They love their Lord and they love Eastern Africa. They are so dedicated to His calling on their lives; it’s inspiring to see their diligent work and humble attitudes.

When I met Karen, the woman that I have been corresponding with for the past 6 months, I felt like I was meeting up with an old friend. It amazes me that I didn’t know anyone prior to coming here; I definitely don’t feel that way. And now that I have come face to face with some of the people I’ve been emailing with for the past 6 months, it’s unreal that I have only just met them!

Karen and I have gotten most of the details taken care of that need to be dealt with before Monday, the day I fly to Congo. I got my visa application sent in today and I went through a bit of an “orientation” this morning with Karen.

It’s been a day full of getting to know people, driving around town to run some errands, and taking a 2.5 hour nap, and just relaxing as I try my best to catch up with myself and internalize that, Jo, you’re really here.
You’re on your way to Congo.

Please Pray!
-That my visa for Congo to get processed quickly and easily
-That I will be a sponge and just soak all this in!!
-That I will continue to find strength to be here, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
-That I will have the eyes to see the needs of the people I’m here serving and so that I can do it without even being asked. I want to be a blessing, not a hindrance.

Word(s) learned:
-Jambo welcome, hello
-Asante (sana) thank you (a lot) “Asante sana squash banana…” :)


“Come rest your head upon His breast, listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love, beating for His little ones, calling each of us to come. Be still.” –Steven Curtis Chapman.

First Heartbeat.

Where to start…I am overwhelmed with so many emotions and feelings right now. I am patiently awaiting Monday, May 10th, 12:50pm with eager anticipation as I head into the unknown. I’m not sure what to expect in terms of what I’ll be doing, learning, or experiencing (which is a perfectly healthy place to be in), but it can sometimes make a person feel anxious and even a bit “numb” to reality, as if reality is only my imagination.

It has been so hard for me to truly believe that I am actually going to the Democratic Republic of Congo this summer to work in the field of literacy and Bible translation; to actually experience a world that I have only dreamed about for as long as I can remember. It has been difficult for it to truly “sink in”, and I don’t think it actually will until I am IN Congo walking on its soil, sharing life with its people, listening to the beautiful sounds that come from their living hearts (even if I cannot understand a word they’re saying…), smelling the scents that are only found in Africa, and seeing its culture come to life in my heart and mind. It will be a breathtaking experience, and one that has been long awaited.

I have been realizing the past few days, as I prepare for this unbelievable journey, that this is truly a gift from my sweet Friend, Jesus. He is giving me the desires of my heart!! I cannot explain to you the feeling of such a gift; I’m still trying to figure out how to express my complete and passionate gratitude to Him. He is such a great and loving God who absolutely ADORES giving His children gifts. I’m in awe of Him.

The work that Wycliffe does all around the world constantly brings joy to my heart. The dear people who put their hearts and their commitment into providing the Word of God for people who have never even heard the name of Jesus, is the most inspiring and self-less thing I have ever heard of. I am so excited to see first hand how God is using this organization to spread His LOVE to the entire world.

Well, you’d better get ready, because we’re all going to Congo this summer!! I will be posting updates as frequently as possible, all depending on the internet situations wherever I’m at. Please feel free to email me though; I would love to hear from you! I’ll do my very best to respond :)
My email address is:
jodi.in.wonderland@gmail.com

So, as I prepare for this journey, please keep me in your heart and in your prayers (wherever you are in the world!), and in my heart, you will be also.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure!!


Prayer Requests:
-For the transition period: I will be in Nairobi, Kenya for 6 days before heading to Bunia, Congo (my first stop before flying to Isiro where I will be for 6 weeks)
-For an open and willing servant’s heart
-For strength from my LORD to be strong and courageous
-For health and safety!
-For my visa to get into Congo: I will be applying for my visa as soon as I get to Kenya and hopefully it will only take a couple days to receive.