power, power, power

Dear loved ones,

I write this update to you on Monday evening, December 1st, but I don’t know when it will be posted online. For almost two weeks, we’ve had no internet at UCBC and very little power. The past week we haven’t had any power at all. The generators have been on the fritz but we are hoping and praying that these issues will soon be resolved. It’s very difficult to do your job without power, or internet. How can I update those in the USA about what we are doing here? How can I prepare things for class without power? How do we do our jobs without the ability to email and share with our colleagues? Ah, so it has been a trying time… But with few moments of total down-time… We still manage to have full days. However this is really highlighting to us the need to have solar power. We are in an incredibly sunny part of the world – solar power would be ideal here!! Especially as the price of fuel is high and electricity in general is expensive. So we are looking into the feasibility of solar power, even though we don’t have the funds to purchase it now. We’re praying.

And for the many of you who have taken the time to write and send me personal emails… I’m so sorry for not responding lately! Once the internet is back up I will do my best to dedicate hours of time towards personal emails, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday! Thank you though for sending them – it’s nice to come to my inbox and see lots of love, whenever we get to the internet café! :)

The classes are going well… I’ve had some students ask about the quantity and difficulty of homework and assignments… It’s so strange to hear students complain to me about how much homework they have. I’ve even had to say to a few, “Why are you in university if you don’t want to learn?” I get a response back like, “I want to learn, but why do I have four homework assignments in one week?” And without laughing I remind, “You are in university. It’s not going to be easy. If you continue to study and work hard – it will pay off. It will be worth it!” Haha – this one student in particular has not spoken to me about the amount of homework they are getting since that conversation!! And there are others who admit to having lots of homework to do, but that they are grateful for the work. “How else can I learn, Bethany?” So needless to say, they are all hard at work!

For about a week and a half now, we have been without rain. It’s remarkable how dusty everything is… The roads are covered; it clogs your throat, gets in your eyes, and covers your clothes / hair / skin. Even the leaves of plants are coated with a thick layer of dust. And my laptop – is filthy! I’m told it is the beginning of the dry season… I’m not sure what to expect when it will be weeks without rain! This dust is unending and everywhere!

This weekend one of our staff members is getting married. I’ve gone to a wedding here – but I didn’t know the people, and we didn’t stay for the celebration / party afterwards. So I’m looking forward to going to this wedding with some of the people in the house and some of our staff. Plus – we are all wearing matching clothes (uniforms) to support him. We were fitted last week and I’m told we’ll have them on Wednesday. I’ll be sure to share a few photos after the wedding! :) hahah. We aren’t in the wedding, but we are still matching… Ah hem.

Tuesday afternoon: I heard thunder a few minutes ago, saw that the sky was getting dark. And asked Honoré, “do you think we’ll get that rain? We could really use it!” And now, at 3:30 pm we have some rain! Well it didn’t last long, and it wasn’t very much, but it really cooled off the temperature a bit and hopefully it will make the dust settle a bit.

Wednesday evening: Unfortunately, you couldn't even tell that it had sprinkled outside yesterday... The dust almost seemed worse after that small amount of rain! haha! So we continue to live in this hazy world... I wonder when we will see the Rwenzori mountains again? It would be good to have another glimpse....

So how did we spend Thanksgiving? Well after working at UCBC, we came home in the afternoon and started cooking... We had chickens, beef, rice, mashed potatoes (whoo hoo!!), Chinese greens, and afterwards a bite of chocolate! :) hahah! :) It certainly wasn't the same as how we spend Thanksgiving in the States... But it was wonderful to share that day with people in another country... Who don't observe such a day, but who wanted to celebrate with us. It was a good time of family and friends, fellowship, and even a bit of over-eating!! Ah just like the States! It was good to have an environment that even though it wasn’t totally like how holidays are spent in the US, it was still a warm, home-like atmosphere, with love and conversations and food! :) Thanksgiving in Congo was a memorable one!!

Thursday morning: Finally! Thank you God, we have been desperate for rain these two weeks! And this morning, it poured! Maybe now I can go for another ride on a moto – it’s been too dusty to ride, everyone strongly suggested that I not because the dust will get in my lungs… But now that it’s rained, I’ll be able to again – hmm… I wonder when they’ll teach me to drive one?!

Thursday afternoon: And I’m at the internet café! :) Still no clothes for the wedding but I'm guessing we'll get them tomorrow... Otherwise we won't match! ;) Well, as always I hope and pray that you are well… I often pray for my friends and family back home.

With love,
Bethany

Encouragement

Well today is another day here at UCBC!

This week we are sort of back to normal… I’m still trying to figure out what a normal week is! Classes are moving forward, professors are giving quizzes, and we’re waiting for the rain to bring the dust down! I’m told that even though the roads seem dusty, that it’s nothing compared to the days when we’ll be without rain for 10 days… It’s only been two days without rain so far and we are seeing clouds of dust all over the roads.

But it’s been really nice here the past few days… Today it’s a bit cooler, but even on Sunday after church, we walked home. It was nice to be in the sun and in the fresh (and dusty!) air… It must have been about 90 in the sun though! Walking home with the sun on my back was good – and wow, were we hot!

Well it has been a surprising blessing to have Laura, Justin and Luke here. I didn’t know how much I had been in need of just a little interaction with people my age… And we’ve watched a few episodes of the Office! By the way… if this trend continues, I may end up becoming a fan of that show! Hahah. But on Sunday, the four of us spent a good amount of time playing a game of cards. It was called "Tonk" and I happened to win (graciously, of course!), to one of my new brother’s chagrin ;) Wow it was good to play cards though… So relaxing and it just really seemed to prepare me for the week and gave me so much rest! It was a fantastic way to end the day! This week has been good… We had visitors from Goma this week. It was good to meet and spend time with Christina and Chelsea… Not only did we get to hear a little more about Heal Africa, where they work, and the situation in Goma, but we spent last night making quesadillas and tortilla chips! Wow, what a treat!! All six of us muzungus went to work preparing for our dinner... Four hours later - we ate! :) It seemed like such a good idea to have a little grease and oil in my system… But boy did I have heartburn later on that night!! At any rate – I know that I have girls in Goma who I can always call on while I’m here, and even people that I’ll know and enjoy, whenever I get to Goma (which won’t be anytime soon, don’t worry Mom!). I feel so fortunate to have received so much encouragement this week. It wasn't always intentional and I don't know if people even realized how encouraging they were to me. But it's these small blessings that I cherish and am so grateful to receive!

Speaking of Goma, we still have quiet and calm here. There are still heartbreaking stories coming from the south, but we have not lost hope. The people are hopeful, especially as we hear that Nkunda is withdrawing troops.

Please continue to pray for the people of Congo and for UCBC.

And enjoy the photos :) This one here is of one of the bugs that Grace found outside last night... They were huge!!! And I think they sting... I don't know why they showed up in the grass or what their purpose is... But I'll stick to killing small insects and leave these big suckers to the boys!

With love,
Bethany

YUMMMM

Campus Cultivation

Hello!

Well Saturday was a work day here at UCBC and boy, did we work! It wasn't for more than three hours... But with about 110 people (Luke counted), we were able to get so much done!

From cutting down the tall grass and uncovering the basketball court to digging up plants and cutting down trees... We worked hard! But the results were well worth it... And now we have been joined by the architects so we will begin to break ground this week on the Community Center!

Take a look at some of the pictures that I’ve uploaded http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/bethany.erickson/UCBCWorkProgram# . The students were surprised that I knew how to use a hoe… I don’t know what they were expecting, but I assured them that I was taught well by my mother in our garden!! Granted, this type of digging was a bit harder than just hoeing a row for corn… But digging away at the dirt and roots was good exercise. It felt good to be active and working hard on Saturday… It kind of seemed like I’d been less active than normal lately, so the work was welcomed!

Ah but the students. It was amazing to have almost 100 students here, working hard for their campus, for their university. These students know that we need to have the Community Center and classrooms in order to accept another incoming class of students next year. So even though some of us would consider it to be “back-breaking work,” they were happy to do it. It’s so good to see them grasping the vision of UCBC and the impact it has not only on themselves, but on their community.

It is so good to have our architects, Dick and Eileen here with us. It was a long journey to get them here, but we praise God that they are with us and ready to work! We are too and are excited for the future.

We were given a matching grant from an organization, which is enabling us to begin work on the Community Center. We need to still raise support in order to maximize the impact and gift of the matching grant. But we are continuously in prayer – trusting that the Lord will move people and that He will provide.

http://www.congoinitiative.org/

Please keep us, UCBC, in your prayers.

In case you’ve been reading about Goma… Let me continue to emphasize that we are safe, well, and happy here in Beni. Like I mentioned before, we have just been joined by the couple from the States. Although they had problems getting here, they did not have travel difficulties because of Goma or any issues related to Congo. The conflict is still very centralized on the areas that you are hearing about in the news. We also have been told that the news in the States makes it sound much worse than it is… Dick was kind enough to bring back a few news articles about Congo to show us how bad things sound there!! All this to say, that we are safe, in the Lord’s hands, and enjoying a sort of quiet (though never dull), life here in Beni.

Much love to you all…
Bethany

Congolese Realities

Argh, I hate loosing my work! I had written a post and it got deleted! Well, I am now going to attempt to write my update… Again! :)

Monday was our first day of classes. It was wonderful to see so many students coming into the building, ready and excited for their first day. So many smiling and happy faces – ready to learn! Sitting in on Dr Kasali’s course, “DRC Realities,” I noticed a few things:

Doors would be really good to have on the classrooms. It’s incredible how much sound is in this building and how much of a difference doors would make in the classes. The sounds of students in the hallway just pours into the classroom. And it was quite easy to realize that the faculty nearly had to shout, in order to be head by their students.
They are hungry! It is a long day to be sitting in class with nothing to eat to carry you from morning to evening…
The faculty have a big task… We all do. There are many students, about 140, and just 12 teaching faculty and staff. Thank God we will be joined soon by Justin and Luke, so we’ll be at a ratio of about 14 to 140!

So now things are underway… And even as I write this, there is a group of men outside behind our building, and they are cutting down all of the tall grass and brush. This is so that when we are joined later this week by our architect from the US, we can begin to lay the foundation of the next building here at UCBC. It will be a community center, one that has many classrooms. And classrooms are needed! This is a great need and I ask that you would be praying for us as we try to raise the funds necessary for this building. Without it, we will not have the space to hold classes for another incoming year of students in 2009-2010.

Now I have two small children who have wandered into our building… They are speaking to me in Swahili and asking me for things… I keep saying “Sielewi” – “I don’t understand.” Or “Nina jifunza Swahili,” which means, “I am learning Swahili.” But they still keep speaking to me and wanting something! Hahah! One day I’ll be able to understand and respond back to them! For now, I just keep saying “hapana” to say “no” because I think they want some of the things here in the office! Wow.

So this morning I was awakened at about 5 am when I heard Dr Kasali laughing... I was confused, and then I realized that I could hear the generator going... Which I knew meant that they were watching the results of the US election... So I got up and like a good American (who failed to vote!), I watched as the news came in... We saw McCain's concession (I was impressed by it, I found it to be well-spoken and good content), Obama's acceptance, and then we went to work! It was incredible to witness these historic events... The impact this election has for the history of our country and its people - is so significant. Anyway I am starting to ramble...

Oh wow, these kids have brought more with them! I have an audience now of five… All wanting something and just staring at me, watching me work!!

Ok well I must work (and find someone to shoo away these kids who think I’m a movie), but I wanted to send a quick update. Things here are still fine… We hear of fighting and clashes around Goma. But it is quiet and calm here.

With Love,
Bethany

School's about to begin!

Well today was the last day of orientation, and we will begin classes next week on Monday. Until then we the staff and faculty will meet to finish preparing for courses and the students... Last week we had the board meeting and then the official opening of the second year of school. It was a beautiful celebration and very good for me to see just how excited the students and the community are about going back to school. Ah if that energy and joy could be found in students who have incredible buildings and resources...

So what can I say about Beni? It's really nice here. I mean – there is extreme poverty everywhere… There is not a day that goes by in which I see women carrying water on their heads or on their backs alongside the road or even near to the Kasali's house. The roads are all dirt… And it's a type of dirt (which I can't remember the name, of course), anyway it is pretty red in color… And it dries very fast. So fast that even if it rains (like it did a bit today), it dries so quickly that the roads become dusty. Tonight on our way back to the house – it was so dusty outside it looked like a dense fog. I was shocked. And this dust sticks in your throat and mouth… It makes people cough when it's really dry and I bet it causes health problems as well. It can be really bad at times. But in spite of those things - the people amaze me with their happiness, their joy. People laugh, tell jokes, give - even though they have little to nothing, or have lost more than we can even imagine.

As I think some of the pictures showed you... the drive here was really gorgeous… And even the views that we have here in Beni can be breath-taking! The Rwenzori mountains are incredible. Oh but it was SO COOL to see elephants from the car! When Paul said – "look Bethany, elephants." I was in shock. Really? It was so neat!!!!! I wish I'd gotten better pictures… But none of the ones that I uploaded have been edited (you know cropping is amazing!), so perhaps if I ever have time to do that… I'll have some good pictures!!

Ah there are so many things lacking here that it's really miraculous that they were able to have classes here last year at all... Much less bring in a second class of students this year... God is incredible. Wow. Anyway, things are good!

But at the same time, things here are so far below what most (and I) think are necessary standards for education... And we have seven brand new teachers. And a new board of directors. All of those things and more added together equal a big opportunity for mistakes, and struggles... So we are working together trying to iron out the issues we're already facing (classroom space is where??), and growing together as a team. It's exciting, and challenging at thes same time.

We, UCBC, are doing something that isn't normal. Education for students... By faculty who care about the lives and futures not only of their students, but also of their country. It's something that the people even here in Beni say "Wow. You go to / work at / are involved with UCBC?" It's becoming a place that parents are asking if their son or daughter can attend here... People in the community are noticing a difference in the students and how they behave and what they do... Especially compared to students from other universities. This is something that could become (and already is) so powerful.

Here are some more photos... Just a few from the last week or so... I hope you enjoy seeing a little bit into life here...

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/bethany.erickson/AFewRecentShots#

love,
Bethany

Photos

Finally, here are some pictures!

Just click on the link, it'll take you to my photo album :)

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/bethany.erickson/SturgeonBayChicagoLondonKampalaBeni#

Things here at UCBC are going very well... It's been a productive two days... And today is proving to be the same!

Next thing on my personal list of things to do... Is to figure out how to get minutes for my cell phone (which was purchased in Kampala), so that I can call home!! heheh :)

love,
Bethany

(edit 16/OCT/2008 5:20 pm)

I didn't put any pictures of the elephants in my album... So here is one! Kind of far... But still... They are elephants! ;)

Welcome to Congo!

Hello friends!

I just wanted to leave a quick note letting you know that we safely arrived in Beni on Saturday night, after leaving Kampala at 7am... It was a long 10 hour drive, but it was so beautiful!!! We saw so much... from plants and people and houses to elephants (!!!!!!!!!!!!) and antelope... It was fantastic. I can't wait to upload my photos so that you can see some...

Right now I'm at UCBC where Dr Kasali, Paul Robinson (the head of the US side of CI-UCBC) and I are meeting for a few days to get some work done before the rest of the board arrives! It's very exciting to be here and see this school! It's new and still developing but the people - teachers, students and staff are all so excited as well. I'm really happy to be here :) Today there is a group of students taking entrance exams for the first year... They are all hoping they will be able to attend school at the end of this month!! :)

I know I keep promising updates... But I will hopefully get a chance to do so soon... Gotta go... I hope that you are doing well...

Love,
Bethany

ps - The Rwenzori mountains can be seen right outside the house... Gorgeous. And yes, you should be jealous ;)

Kampala

Wow. Kampala, Uganda is so big, busy, crowded and beautiful! There are so many people everywhere, if it's not in a little motorcycle swerving around on the roads with at least one client on the back, it's the thousands of taxi's going in and out of the traffic with at least 15 people inside, holding on for dear life.



But I like it here. Lake Victoria is just a short (maybe two or three mile) walk away... There are boats and people all buying, selling, fishing... there is so much to see here!

And then when we go to the actual city centre of Kampala... I have never seen so many things being sold in one spot - hundreds of shops, merchants outside selling things, and thousands of people everywhere. I have pictures... But I can't upload them yet... Soon! :)

Anyway, things here are good... I'm excited to travel to Congo this weekend... It will be good to get there and get started!

More soon :)

love,
Bethany

Rest...

Just a quick (and unfortunately, pictureless), note to let you know that I have safely arrived in Kampala, Uganda. My flight from Chicago to London went well, my flight from London to Entebbe, Uganda, was good. And now I am staying in Kampala. It is beautiful here. After we get to Congo late next week, I will be sure to update with more information... But for now, I wanted to leave a quick message while I have time at the internet cafe that's just down the street from where we are staying here.

The time so far has been restful, encouraging, and enjoyable. I am happy to be here. Of course my family and friends are missed. But I hold on to the hope that one day (and maybe soon!), I will be joined or visited by some! (Mom? Dad? Diane? Hannah? Sarah? Stevie? Anyone else?? hehe!) :)

Ok well I am out of time so goodbye for now!

love,
Bethany

ps - the cafe i'm at is playing Christian music. It's really cool to hear :)

"Sayin' 'yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes Lord, Amen!'"

Farewell!

In a few short hours I'll be getting on the British Airways flight to London... After which I'll head to Entebbe, Uganda and then, on the Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The past few weeks have really flown by. It's sad leaving my family and friends. But it's so exciting to begin this new part of life. I'm ready to see what the Lord has in store!

I'm not sure how long I'll be in Uganda, but I will do my best to update soon and will start posting on here regularly.

lots of love,
Bethany