Friday, September 18, 2009

Becky and Jon's wedding

This may be my favorite picture from Becky and Jon's wedding on August 15, 2009.
I love my parents! (and my whole family)
:)


love,
Bethany

Thursday, September 17, 2009

"Uneasy Congo"

Hey ya'll,

The title of my post is from this link that connects to a showcase on photos taken towards the end of last year and the beginning of 2009. This photographer was in Congo at the height of the most recent tension and conflict in and around Goma.

It was good to come across this article... Sometimes it seems like the world is totally blind and deaf to Congo... That one of the most beautiful countries in the world, goes totally unnoticed. But in the past week I've been reminded that people do care, that Congo is being talked about.

Last week, I traveled to Durham, NC and from there to Washington, DC. I went with my colleague Justin and we spent the majority of the time talking about Congo Initiative, UCBC and the students.

On Thursday the 10th, there was a panel discussion at American University, in Washington, DC. Justin was the last of four to speak - and it was a great event! The first three - two MA students from AU and a policy analyst from Africa Faith & Justice Network - pretty much talked about the historical, political and current problems in Congo. They presented the challenges that are facing Congo and her people, and it really set the stage for Justin to be able to openly share about CI and UCBC. It was a great opportunity for people in another part of the States to hear about Congo, and CI-UCBC's work and potential.

Afterwards I spoke with several girls who are interested in teaching at UCBC in the future and also with a man who works with the lobbyist group Friends of the Congo.

And there two people who just returned from an extended period of time in Goma. They are working on a documentary which follows the lives of two young boys - boys that had been recruited to be child soldiers. They aren't finished yet editing the video yet, but it was interesting to hear from them what they are doing in the Congo, and to just find more people interested and invested in the Congo. Their website is www.discoverthejourney.org.

Overall it was a wonderful opportunity to spread the word!

So seeing this article today, in addition to the events of last week - encouraged me. Maybe more people do care about Congo, than I thought before. Maybe Congo is touching hearts.

It certainly has gripped mine.

Peace,
Bethany

Friday, September 4, 2009

just a few photos

Hey ya'll,

I finally was able to download the last of my pictures from Beni! So here is the link to my photos, if you'd like to see them!

With love,
Bethany

PS - this photo is of me and Becky at her bridal shower, a week after I returned to the States!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

what next?

Since coming back to the States, I've had many people ask me, "What will you do now?" Or others will ask, "When do you go back to Congo?" And some have said, "Are you really going back there?" :) That one might be my favorite... Because yes, I do intend to go back!

I feel called to return there again. When I go back, I will stay for the school year, and come back here again for the summer months. I am excited to return, but for now, am enjoying time with family.

Since the craziness of my sister's wedding is now over (which was beautiful and a lot of fun!), I now hope to reconnect with people and friends in a better way. and really sit down and talk with people.

So, I will be returning to the DR Congo once again. This time, I know what to expect - just how long the flight really is, the living situation, the language, the food, the lifestyle, community expectations and of course people!

And I'm going knowing that there is a lot more work to be done. UCBC is still a new university, this will be our third year. People are hearing more and more about the "new" type of education that students receive in our classrooms. Students are coming from outside North-Kivu, even outside of Western Congo... Some from Uganda and even Kenya. It's amazing to see the hope in the faces of students and families... People who have experienced so much hurt, pain and loss. But still cling to joy and the promise of a brighter future.

Also in this new year, I will have added responsibilities. Well, official ones! :) This year I will also be UCBC's Volunteer Coordinator, working with Justin in that role, as he used to be the one who did all of that work. It is really important for the running of the university and the sake of the students and outside community - that all of our international staff and volunteers come to Congo prepared, ready to adjust and open. My job will be to help facilitate that.

I feel a responsibility to try to help make a brighter future possible. I feel led to work and serve there. And I am honored to do so. I pray that doors will continue to be opened for the university and for the students who are working so hard there. They are investing so much into their studies - hoping for a chance at peace, happiness and security.

Thank you for going with me on this journey. More soon...

with love,
Bethany