what now?

Hello all!

I don't know how much of the news you can / do keep up with, especially about the DR Congo... But today we are receiving news that the rebel leader of the CNDP, Laurent Nkunda, has been captured and is being held in Rwanda.

Here is a link to the BBC news article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7846339.stm

On Tuesday, several thousand Rwandan military came across the border at several places including Goma, and headed towards Rutshuru. The CNDP have joined forces with them, and the FARDC are not opposing them. They are in Congo to catch the Interahamwe, the Hutu soldiers responsible for the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The people around Goma an anxious - will the foreign troops be able to help? Will they capture the right people, or will peaceful Hutu farmers in that area be harassed or worse?

We've been told that the parliament in Kinshasa has reacted strongly against this deal by the negotiating team. The parliament was not consulted before President Kabila signed the agreement: overnight, what was first tagged as, ‘observers and advisors’ has turned into 5,000 troops. We first were informed that there would be about 2,000 Rwandan troops but fears that the number would be larger, seem to be true. Please pray for justice, and for protection for innocent and helpless people.

Way up north in Beni, Nord-Kivu - we are not experiencing the same as those around Goma and Rutshuru. We have children walking to school, some are sent home for arriving too late, mothers are still working in their shambas (gardens), fathers are still going to work in town, or looking for work. Life is still pretty normal. Sure, there are the occasional skirmishes with the “law,” but overall, Beni is quiet.

But we are not above the concern for our neighbors in the south; the uncertainty of this offensive has left many of us questioning the good this could bring. Will it help and protect the innocent? Will it bring the Interahamwe to justice? Or will more innocent lives act as currency for this long-lasting struggle to just LIVE?

This country is full of so many beautiful and valuable resources, but is lacking in infrastructure and direction. People are dying of Malaria, an easily treatable disease – which has touched even me! Medicines are not that expensive, and they are fast-acting, but they cost more than what most can afford. One of our students was sent to the hospital yesterday – she was so hot, it frightened me. Her skin was turning red from her very high fever, and yet she was shivering. This young woman most likely has a high degree of Malaria. But not many are as fortunate as she, to be taken to a hospital – when most do not live near enough to a clinic or hospital. And even if they do, the meds can cost more than a week’s wages. There are educated people – without a chance to get a job at all, much less in their field of study. This country is starving, on top of some of the richest soil in the world.

Here is another link, to an article on the BBC about the difficulty to get employment in the DR Congo – it has a lot of historical information, which might be helpful as well. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7824870.stm

A day does not go by where I’m not asked about my family and friends, the financial crisis in the US (and world, really), and (especially since Tuesday), what will Obama do for the Congolese? It’s exciting to see a new chapter of American politics (leadership), begin. I think it’s healthy for a regular and smooth change-over of power. Otherwise – I think we’d find ourselves with leaders and dictators like Mugabe (president of Zimbabwe), Mobutu or worse.

In fact, here is another link to another article on BBC news, about the impact of George W Bush on Africa. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7831460.stm - Pretty interesting!

I was happy to see the class that was displayed by President and Mrs. Obama as they kindly and (I hope) respectfully waved goodbye to former President and Mrs. Bush. It allowed me to think that this could be a new and positive beginning for the next four years of politics in America. But then again, another politician is in the white house, not the Pope. When I’m asked about Obama and what will he do in Africa – I wonder. Will he do anything? How many people, around the world, might be disappointed by him and his administration, after singing his praises? So my desire is that we not place too much in this one man, this one team… And even the opposite, that we not distrust him / them too much. But if we keep our hope and trust in the Lord, then He will carry us and the President, through the next four (and even more) years.

Hope. That is something that the Congolese live off of. That is something that we cling to. We must have hope. Hope for change, hope for the future, hope for something better. But with hope, we also must have action. So we hope, and pray that something can be done.

Ok well I think I’ve written a fairly long enough reflection for now… Thank you for reading. Thank you for thinking of me, and praying for me. Thank you for sending me emails. I am touched by the love that I receive from my loved ones outside of Congo.

With love,
Bethany

the end of a long week...

Hello Family and friends!

Tomorrow is a holiday, so today is the end of the "work week! "

We will probably still work... But I wanted to send an update... Let ya'll know that UCBC continues to have classes, Beni is calm, and I continue to be stretched.

I'll try to write more on that later ;)

But for now - here are some photos for you to see!

http://picasaweb.google.com/bethany.erickson/TheEndOfAYearAndTheStartOfAnother#

love,
Bethany

Mwaka mupia mwema!

Happy New Year - 2009 !

Hello! I write this at the end of our Christmas vacation. Today is Monday, January 5, and classes resume again on Wednesday. We have had a good break…lots of cooking, cleaning, washing, playing cards, eating, talking, laughing, watching American football on TV, walking, playing soccer and resting.

Christmas was a time of family, food and fellowship at the house. We went to church on Christmas morning, after getting up early to cook, after staying up super late on Christmas Eve baking! We came home and cooked some more and had a great time with many members of the Kasali family.

We went to Oicha a few times to visit family… Every time there has been so enjoyable – lots of laughter and many memories were made.

New Years Eve we were all in bed before 12am, but spent the evening together talking and listening to all of the shouting and music outside. New Years Day we had a relaxing morning and went to church in the afternoon at UCBC. Afterwards we visited a few people in Beni and went home to share a meal together.

The next day, we were in Oicha again for a wedding celebration. Actually it was the send off party for the bride... An expensive trend but one that most families are doing now. However, it was a lot of fun to be there with everyone.

Luke has returned from London – we missed him, but aren’t jealous of the cold weather he had to deal with for a week! He returned on Saturday and that night we spent time thanking God for 2008 and sharing thoughts about the past / expectations for the future, for 2009.

Yesterday after church (yep, we’ve been going to church a lot, what with these holidays!), we returned home to see a yard full of guys… Many cousins between 14 and 20 were in the yard… And soon there was a 5 on 5 match of soccer… There are about six newly planted, small trees in the yard… I saw a few get smashed, I wonder how many will survive these football games? :)

Before church yesterday (service was in the afternoon), Mama Kassie and I spent the morning washing our clothes, talking and preparing lunch. Man oh man, hand washing clothes is no joke!! It was a good time though, just to sort of chill, be outside, be productive, but also that it was an enjoyable time.

So today, it’s back to UCBC to do a little bit of work and preparation for the re-start of classes this week. I don’t think I have to teach until Monday, but I know I should get something together for what we’ll go over in class… Ah wow, I’m still a bit surprised when I remember that I’m teaching now ;)

Anyway, I wanted to update now, because it's been about a week since I was online... And wanted to let ya'll know some of the things that have been going on! :) I'll write again soon... And plan to upload some of the photos from the last month or so, as well!

Love,
Bethany

Merry Christmas!

Three days until Christmas... Are you ready? :)

It's weird to think that people around the world are preparing for Christmas with trees, snow, cookies and eggnog. At least, I always thought people around the world prepare for Christmas in some way. Here, Christmas is this Thursday and life seems to be no different from last month. Maybe it's only in the USA (or just the west), where people spend weeks (months, sometimes), getting ready to observe a day that is becoming more about the food that is eaten and the gifts that are received – then about God humbling Himself and coming to earth so that we, so that I, may be saved.

I'm told that Christmas isn't really celebrated like it is in other countries… In Kampala, Uganda, for example – the shops are full of people buying, selling, looking, etc. But here in Beni? It's quiet. Today is just another day in another week in another month… I guess that's why I am surprised when I see the date… Or when I saw Noé put Christmas lights up in the family room. However, Christmas is here, we have our last day of classes tomorrow, and then two weeks off for Christmas vacation... Stevie is here for a month, and tonight we will start cooking and baking!

I thank God for family in the USA, and family in the DRC. I couldn't imagine not spending Christmas without family.

Merry Christmas

love,
Bethany

Just for fun...

Here are a few photos... Just for fun... Of some of the people around! This way you'll start to know some of the people I know!

The student body president, Fila "Obama" being sworn into office!

Noe, Dogo's son who is over at the house often! What a sweetie!

Mama Kassie, me and Laura at the house

Luke, a pesky brother here who knows I hate spiders, so he took the picture below!

It was in one of the men's washrooms.... shiver!!!

This is Justin, our driver... He is teaching me French, Swahili and Lingala all at once... He's also promised to teach me how to drive a moto.... In turn, I'll teach him English! haha!

Um yeah, here I am, hard at work!

Three of our students... Chong, Yannik and Berthong

Nice shades. Here is Justin, another pesky "little" brother (who is older and much taller than me)...

This is Annie. She is a sweetheart and one of our Prep year students

Noe, teasing me about the clothes I'm wearing!

Hilda, one of our G1 students

So there are some pictures of some of the people I interact with daily... And some of the people who are quickly becoming my friends and loved ones!

With love,

Bethany

ps - Nine days until Christmas!

Pictures...

WE STILL HAVE POWER!! Hahah! What a great feeling to know that I'm connected with the rest of the world again :) Now I have lots of emails to catch up on!

Below is the link to my photo album... Just pretend that you are sitting on the couch next to me, while I show you some of the hundreds of photos that have recently been taken! :) Would you like a brownie???

http://picasaweb.google.com/bethany.erickson/PhotosFromTheMonthOfNovember#

with love,

Bethany

ps - here is a photo showing what the UCBC staff wore to Kaza's wedding on Saturday... It was a

beautiful wedding and a great time - I'll put those pictures up another day! :) And the clothes were fun!!

In this picture we have (front row):

Professor Bora, driver Justin, teachers Mashauri and Salita

(Back row):

a student, Aimee the fiancee of professor Thierry (next to her), professor Joas, Luke, Kaza and his bride Light, me, Noe, and Osee

AND FINALLY...................... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!!!!! I love you both so much!!

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