Highlights from the Week…

Mmmm, where to begin? So much in such a few short days, but let me just share some of my personal highlights for the week:

• The Gift. Remember how I said every day is unique and unfolds not at all as we would have expected? Well, first day here in DR Congo when we went out to the village of Makobola proved to be just such a day. I thought we were going to spend the day training, which was true, but just as we reached the village there was a group of women, all dressed up, clustered by the roadside. Immediately I recognized some of the faces and knew these were “our” women, who were obviously waiting for us. These women were the recipients of 13 pigs, thanks to the awesome walkers who participated in and/or gave to the Women Walking for Women event this year. With much tadoo, we put aside trainings til later, and were led triumphantly down a red dirt, wet pathway through the grasses and clearings of houses to see the pigs. There was a huge discussion whether to release them from their “house,” which I knew would involve all of us chasing pigs for the rest of the day or if we could be suitably impressed just looking at them through an opening in the building. Roger reassured them over and over that yes, he could see them, so hopefully we gave enough adequate ooo’s and ahhh’s and taking of photos to show how impressed we were, which we truly were! Then, a circle was formed and one of the ladies stepped boldly forward waiting for Steven to translate for her. She gave quite an extended speech clearly heartfelt and emotional. These women have quite a plan to be able to have enough pigs so each family who is part of this project (35) will be able to own at least one pig so they can begin raising and selling them to help support their families. Over the months they have been learning the feeding, housing, and vaccinating of these pigs so they will be prosperous. This is life-changing for these households! At the end of her speech, the LIVE hen she had been clutching under her arm, which I had paid no attention to, was thrust ceremoniously into my arms. Thank God, in my hippy days, we had chickens and pigs, so undaunted, I reached out, received the chicken, all the time wondering if it was pooping all over the front of my shirt while I gave my response! So, to all of you women, as much as I would have loved to bring that little hen home with me to share with you, I must report that I gave it to Angel. Yesterday, we all shared it for dinner and no, I did not have to pluck it or even cook it, but partook on behalf of us all. Neither of their leaders, Dorcas or Angel, suggested this kind of gift; it was purely the heart of the women in this village. The sacrifice is enormous; the love and gratitude gigantic.
• Tua Pygmy man from Lusololo. After two days of training out in the village of Makobola where red dirt is plentiful, little red clay one room houses in clusters abound, and children dressed in rags are everywhere, we went out one last time to spend the afternoon together with the group of 40 men and women who are new disciples and/or disciples who are making disciples. I got out of the car and began greeting different ones, some with the customary handshake, some with the kiss on both cheeks, then a third kiss again on the first cheek, finalized by a handshake, I’m assuming meant just to seal the friendship with an added confirmation! It was all quite casual and low key. That’s when one of the pygmy men, dressed in a ragged, filthy t-shirt, a collared shirt, a worn jacket, torn pants and rubber boots came running up to me with his toothless grin from ear to ear. Arms wide outstretched and with no intimidation whatsoever, he threw his arms around me, jabbering away in his native tongue. I wasn’t sure if he’d ever let go or if my ribs would be crushed, his embrace was so tight and his joy so complete. And, really, how could I not respond? To see that much joy, that much love, that much gratitude all in one moment, I melted into his hug as the village people stared to see what I would do. A highlight for sure and a moment I will never forget.