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Monday, January 27, 2014

Photos from the week 1/26/2014


The lead cow from a Fulani herd, munching on some grass
Another thing Gamboula has a lot of, are dragon flies. Fish ponds are
always good viewing places, and it is always fun to see two dragon
flies facing each other and in the exact same position.

This year At Somongue we are hoping to receive funding to plant more
high yielding palm trees. These trees produce more nuts, have smaller
kernals, more flesh, and don’t grow as tall.
Here is an example of what you can do with the old kind of palm nuts.
These rings are a way for kids especially to make a little money.
So far though, I have not had any one catch on how to make them though. 

This past week Roy and Aleta Danforth and I moved out to Somongue. We
are living in two cute little houses nestled up against a forest. It
is in the middle of dry season now, so things are quite dry, I can’t
wait to plant things around it when the rains start up again.

A truck full of refugees and their things getting ready to cross the border.

A few of us got our first taste of Gamboula honey on Wednesday when
one of the bee colonies in a small hive, needed to be upgraded to a
full size hive. During the moving process, some comb that happened to
have honey in it just happened to “accidentally” get broken off. Good
thing we had a bucket with us just in case this kind of thing
happened, so we could bring it home. Next time we might have to have a
few more accidents. The honey was good.


Friday, January 24, 2014

Refugees reach Gamboula

This mother and two children had just arrived by taxi motorcycle. I did not 
see any belongings with them. 
Behind them is the Central African customs sign.  
      As I was moving in to my new house out at Somongue, thousands of people around this country where fleeing their homes.
     Many of those who formed the movement to overthrow the former president of this country are Muxslim and most are not even from Central African Republic. In recent months there has been a popular movement against these who are causing chaos and considered to be outsiders. Gangs in the capital 580 Kilometers away have been fighting a war against them, but have also been threatening, looting, and sometimes killing Central African Musxlims, just because they are Muslixm, like the rebels.
Jan, a nurse, is helping a elderly woman who was sick.
      The Fulani people who live in this country are culturally Muslxim, and make up quite a bit of the population. Gamboula has a lot of Fulani living in it, including leaders in the community. Since all this trouble started Gamboula has been peaceful, Fulani and Bantu people have lived and worked side by side with nothing happening. In the last week, however, rumors that those who are against Muslixms are getting closer to a large town some distance away.
     This week hundreds of Fulani fled their homes in other parts of the country and ended up at the border at Gamboula trying to cross into Cameroon. Most of them are woman and children who don’t know where they are going. Most of the men have sent their families to safety just in case rumors prove to be true.
A medical staff taking the temperature of a child with malaria. 
The boy would not look up, even when spoken to. 
The kid in the back ground was also sick, and given some medicine.  
Cameroon is asking a lot of money to cross, and there are a lot of expensive formalities these people must do , so many took a few days before being allowed to go. In the mean time they were stuck at customs on the border.
      There are good wells and pumps where they are camped out, and many are in a large building that is at the border. Food and other necessities were lacking though. The missionaries and hospital mobilized, and began trying to get aid to them, in the form of food, medical care, and blankets. The local government also stepped in, and helped the process along, even contributing to the effort themselves.
Sitting on a mat is a woman surrounded by 13 children. Only a few of them
are hers, but many belong to her clan. 
       On this particular morning there were about 500 people spread between two places. As some were allowed to leave, more would show up, and take their places. Overall less seem to be coming, but family members I spoke with said that there would be more.

A mother who received her clans sheet, Sardines, Rice, Onions, 
and soap. She was traveling with 10 children, and 10 adults. 
This is hardly enough for all of them, but there are a lot of 
people and limited resources. Everyone is grateful for the little they get. 
      Things are still tense, and there is a lot of fear among them, but we hope this new government and more international pressure will help to keep those who want to make trouble from doing so.
     The United Nations have arrived in the boarder town on the Cameroon side. Yesterday, they began organizing transportation and help for these refugees to get in to Cameroon. 
       Keep praying for thees refugees and others just like them all over this country. They have a long road ahead of them, and many hardships along the way. 



A mother puts her son on a motorcycle taxi along with a load of belongings. The motorcycle is so loaded that the driver sits up in his handle bars. 


Thursday, January 23, 2014

A Day With the Cows,

An open pasture where the cows could finally eat.
      This past week, Kim Cone, a long time Missionary here, and I went out to spend a day with a Fulani man and his herd of cattle. Since it is dry season, grass is hard to come by, the Fulani have to migrate with their cattle, looking for pasture. Jibriila's clan is from up north, but have come down south, closer to the forest zone to look for good grass.
     We met him at his camp mid-morning and were given a mat right next to his herd of some 60 cattle. The herds like to stand in tight circles around smudge fires, which keep the flies away. The place we were sitting was just outside of the smoke and range of the swatting tails.  
     We watched as Jibriila picked ticks off the cattle, administered some injections, and then yelled to his kids to come. A string of children ranging from around 3 to 10 years old came running, and into the herd of cattle. Ducking under and weaving through them, they chased and pulled the calves from the group. These children had no fear of the cows, and the cows did not pay any attention to them, as they pushed through the herd.
Some of the smaller ones that stayed behind.
     Once the calves had been separated, the main herd was given a few short commands, and they began moving out. Since the cattle go so far, and fast, the young ones are separated so they will not get tired. They graze and play closer to home, with the sheep, and are tended by the kids.
      I have a new respect for the Fulani after seeing how hard their jobs are. They have clicks, grunts, and other sounds that they use to direct the cows. The cattle are completely tame, and their owners love and respect them. Fulani typically don’t have gardens, but the Bantu people that live here do. When Fulani come with cattle, they have to maneuver the cows past and through a maze of gardens that the cows want to eat from. Kim and I took turns standing guard next to the gardens trying to keep the cows out.
There is a lot of dust in dry season, so the cows kicked up a lot of dust
when we had to move fast past gardens.
      After a full day of herding, watering, chasing cows away from gardens, and not much time actually grazing them, we started the walk back to the camp. The cattle seemed to know their way, and did not need much directing, which was nice since we were all tired from the day’s hike.  
      Fulfulde, the language the Fulani speak, is quite complicated, and since coming here, I have only picked up a few words. The culture is also very different from that of the Bantu people whom I have grown up and work with.
Jibriila and his lead cow coming up from watering. 
                                          Here in CAR there is a mix of these two cultures. Since I am still working on Sango, and learning about the Bantu people here, I don’t want to spread myself too thin, and learn another more complicated culture and language. I am really glad I was able to go along on this cattle walk, and learn a little bit more about the culture, challenges, and great gifts these people have.

The cows found a road on the way home and chose to follow that as long
as they could instead of going threw the brush. 
     This dry season has been a hard one, and the day after Kim and I went with Jibriila the group moved in search of greener pastures. Sometimes there are some smaller rains during dry season that help to keep the grass growing, but so far this year we have not had any. 

Monday, January 20, 2014

The Circus is in Town

During all this fun no one was around to take a photo. I will try to get some potos and post them though. 
      Since learning to ride a unicycle, I have enjoyed seeing the amazement, surprise, and confused looks on people’s faces as I nonchalantly ride by. I have received these same looks in the States, and in Congo, but here in the Central African Republic (CAR) it is way different. The first two times I have spun my wheel in Gamboula has been very entertaining.
      A missionary in Yaoundé has been  so kind  to let me babysit his unicycle for the year he is on furlough in the States. I have been looking for an opportunity to get it to Gamboula, and finally found it when I returned from Congo.
      My first ride was a late afternoon tour down to the river and back. There were only a few people coming up from the forest as I went down.  They really had the look of disbelief on their faces, as I rode by. On my way home, I saw a motorcycle with three guys coming down the hill towards me. A short time later another one appeared, and then another.  As they slowed down to look at me, I greeted them, and instead of ignoring me, they smiled back. As soon as they passed, they turned around, and started following me slowly up the hill. I told
them about how lucky they were because not only did they have an engine, but they had two wheels, and handle bars. They got the joke, and kept following, probably to see other people’s reactions.
       As I rounded the corner to the last part of the hill that day, I saw a crowd climbing to the crest from the village. They were cheering and laughing, and trying to figure out this strange contraption. As I found out later, there were bets being placed as to whether or not I would be able to make it to the top of the hill. I greeted them as I passed, but said I could not stop to talk, because I did not have any brakes.
      When I got home, there were some 30 people of all ages waiting outside my house. They all wanted to see firsthand this strange machine. I gave them a little demonstration, and then put it away. Over the next few days, news of this one wheeled bicycle spread, and everywhere I went people who had not seen it yet were asking if it was real.
      A few days later there was a lot of tension in Gamboula as reports of more instability in the country spread. People’s thoughts were on the unknown, and their moods serious, so I thought it was time to throw something lighter into the mix by giving them something else to think about. I normally ride out to Somongue on my bike, and people don’t think anything of it, so I caught a ride out to Somongue, and rode the 5 Kilometers back on my unicycle. As I approached the village, however, many people did not even look up, or seem to notice. Then, some people started laughing and pointing, and everyone stopped what they were doing to watch.     This was the second time out on my unicycle, but since I hadn't gone through much of the village the first time, I figured I would go through the market this time. By the time I had passed through the market and reached the house, I had a crowd of little kids in tow. 
      It was fun to be able to take the stress off peoples' minds, at least for a little bit. Now, however, that the more people see the unicycle, the more they are to want to learn! I don't know if I will have the time to teach any one. I have cautioned a few people that I will not be paying for any hospital bills...

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Photos from the week 1/19/2014

At the top of a 40 foot ladder, and hanging from a rope while trying
to fix an internet antenna that will allow Somongue to get internet.

Afternoon watering out at Somongue. The pickup has a big tank that
gets filled up with water, and then bucketed out to the plants.

The Gamboula Primary School is still in session. Because of the
instability in the country, but relative calm at Gamboula, this might
be one of the only schools in the country that has stayed open the
whole school year.
Airman posing in front of an almost finished dormitory building. The
glasses are for the sun's reflection on the tin roof while up there
nailing the tin in place. This is the first of five to get its roof
on, and when finished will provide a place for groups to come and stay
on the farm.

A sign cautioning, "workers on the roof!", and to take a detour.
Really a joke, since everyone goes over to watch or talk with the
workers anyways, so funny to see. Complete with a little man on the
roof of the house.
The Fulani are on the move this time of year. Because it is dry
season, they have come down south with their herds looking green grass
near the river. This herd is near a smoky fire to keep the flies off
them while they are in camp. The trough in front is for salt, and the
tan mound on the left is one of the Fulani huts they make out of
grass.
Nothing to see here, just six guys on a motorcycle going to their gardens.
The machetes they all had, are in their right hands. 


Sunday, January 12, 2014

Photos from the week 1/12/2014

For some reason, the Maylay apples this season are the sweetest I have ever tasted. They ripen and then ferment all in a few days, so you have to pick and eat them right when they turn dark purple.

In the last few days the incubator at Somongue has hatched out chicks, geese, and Franklins. Franklins (the little brown chicks) are kind of like a wild grass land chicken.  We are still waiting on the turkey eggs...


One of the flowers blooming around Somongue these days. I have not positively identified it yet, but it looks and smells nice.
 This week was all about water at Somongue. The dry season seems to be a hard one this year. While others used a pick- up truck to carry a tank of water to water the farm, Roy and I did other projects that had to deal with water.

Installing a new pump down a 104 meter boar hole.

Another project Roy and I have been working on has been to get all the plumbing into the two houses that are out at Somongue.


       Update on CAR. The president who led the coup and took power back in march has been pressured to resigned, and exiled in Benin. There is now a transitional counsel trying to come up with a government until elections can be held. 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Photos from the week 1/5/2014

On the long drive from Cameroon to Gamboula, I babysat 42 chicks who
were headed to the chicken project at Gamboula.

The day before leaving Gamboula I moved some bees from a small hive into a full size one. This full size one is an observation hive, so when I got back I was anxious to take a peek. Looks like they are building nicely.
The three MK's who are normally off at boarding school have returned for Christmas break. We all went on a three day fishing trip with a few of the missionary kids' friends
Bruce and I walked through knee deep mud, thigh deep water, thorn patches, and driver ants to set lines. We checked them every few hours throughout the night.

During one of the days, I found, shaped, dried, and fired some clay. Even though clay is supposed to take a longer time to dry then just a few hours, and I fired it in our camp fire for a few hours, I was able to get the hardest ceramic I have had yet outside of a real kiln!

In the jungle you are always being watched, from all directions, at every time of the day and night. Here is one of the things I managed to see spying on me. Among others I saw this trip was a bush baby, the biggest spider I have ever seen here in Central Africa, and an otter. 

In this picture there is a fire with fish drying over it in the foreground, someone sleeping on the left, and a vicious game of jungle speed in the background.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Blown Away, in a Good Way.

      The Kinshasa airport has been known for years as one of the worst, or possibly the worst international airport in the world. In years past, passengers have stepped from their planes into a dysfunctional and dirty building. Run down and chaotic, getting through the airport used to be a source of endless challenges.
       When I landed in Kinshasa before Christmas, then, I was pleasantly surprised to see windows and shiny new tile on the outside of the terminal building. And inside, there was order and efficiency! My flight in was late at night, and I left Kinshasa for the interior of Congo early the next morning, so other than the airport, I was not able to see much of Kinshasa, or get much of a feel for the changes that have happened in the 3.5 years since I have been away.
       After a few weeks in the bush with my parents, I returned to the city and was blown away by the changes I saw. The main roads and many of the smaller ones have been widened and paved. Before, the constant traffic jams, and dodging potholes made it a constant battle trying to go anywhere. Now we zipped along in a lot of   places with ease. Directing traffic are streetlights, and Robo Cops! These robots stand in the center or side of the road, and direct traffic by turning and stretching out their arms. On their chests is a small light, and on their palms are lights that light up once they have moved in to directing position. Here is a little photo I pulled off of Google.
      There are also big public transit buses that have normal routes and covered bus stops to go with them.  although people like the buses, they complain that there are not enough of them in the city yet. I did not have any time to do any riding, but the buses seem to be fast, cheap, and easy.
      Transportation is not the only thing that has improved in the city. There are buildings. New construction is everywhere. Houses, apartments, shops, and office buildings are going up all over the city. These new buildings are pretty and clean, even landscaped nicely.
      Perhaps one the things that impressed me the most were the stores and restaurants. I remember when there was only one Chinese restaurant in the city. Now there are so many of every kind. The US fast food joints have not made it yet, but there are countless other sit down places that actually get business.
      Then, there are the shopping centers. I only went to one out of about a dozen I saw by just driving around. I felt like a tourist in this store as I walked in through the produce department. There were fresh pears, peaches, and apples among other things. There was a large diary department, frozen food, bakery, and even a food court. Entire rows of foods, house hold items, and things like BBQ’s were stacked up in the
aisles on display.  Some 20 checkout stands, most of them open and working, guaranteed a fast exit.
       That night I was taken to a few parks, complete with fountain and lights. Wow, what a change. 
Overall, I was amazed with the development that has happened in the city during my absence. There is definitely a lot of investment occurring. The atmosphere is hopeful, and with all the new jobs, there is a brand new developing middle class emerging.
       It was encouraging to see an African city developing as Kinshasa has, and not staying stagnant, or sliding backwards. I am glad I knew the old Kinshasa so that I can be even more impressed with this new developing one.

       The morning after I left, there was a small attempted coup. Some places around town and the airport were shot up a little before those making the trouble where caught. Every thing seems to be back to normal and calm again. The airport was closed all of that day, so I made it out just in time. 

Photos from the week 12/29/2013

My dad and Brother In-law and I, rode our bikes about 25 Kilometers to
a nearby town to see the sights. The bikes weigh about 45 pounds.
There was a lot of sand on the roads, so it was slow going.
My Dad preached in the Christmas service this year.


There was a baptism this Christmas

In celebration the newly baptized people get baby powder sprinkled all
over them as they walk up from the river.

My last night at Kikongo, I went flying again in the PPC. It was a very clear and smooth evening to be up.


The Wamba river the runs by Kikongo

My flights back to Cameroon where on Camair Co. I got to fly on 2 of
the three planes in their fleet.