"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