No longer Monique! Now it's MONUSCO?

Happy Memorial Day (in the States)! I think it's a holiday here also... At least I'm told the government (maybe?) isn't working today... But we're at UCBC - students are studying and the staff and teachers are working. It's another day in Beni.

It's been hot lately... Each day we think, "Ok, it's going to rain today." But so far, it hasn't for a while. It's like the heat is just compounding upon itself...

A few news headlines:

UN to reduce DR Congo peace force - Monuc has changed to Monusco. What will the children yell now? Actually, they'll continue saying Monuc becuase they won't know / understand that the name of the foreigners who go everywhere in blue helmets has changed...

UN experts: Congo rebels illegally impose taxes - No kidding! This is a daily part of life here... "Officials" ask everyone to pay a tax - to us a road, to cross another... And it's not just the "rebels," but the politicians, government employees, airport workers... There is always a fee paid into someone's pocket... Or money to buy phone credit. 

Africans returning home after studying - Yay! This is what should happen... Not only leaving homes and contributing to other countries' economies, but contributing to the growth and betterment of their homeland as well... The countries of Africa need their people to pour their knowledge and achievements back into her people.

I love the DR Congo. It really is a beautiful place... These photos were taken a week (or so) ago near Butembo, coming out of the mountain there...

Please continue to pray for our students and teachers. We're entering June and classes will end on the 26th... Meaning everyone will soon start preparing for about 2+ weeks of exams starting on the 12th of July. We're getting close!