Life in Beni

People always want to know what life is like in Beni, the town where I live in the DR Congo. And until people actually come and visit, see it with their own eyes, I will continue to be asked to describe it. Which is fine with me! I like telling people about life and living there. But for now, here are a few things that make Congo (or maybe this part of Africa, unique):

• The gorgeous but sporadic views of the Ruwenzori mountains to the east of us.
• Glaciers on the Equator (in the Ruwenzori mountain range)!
• Our students and their enthusiasm for learning.
• The vegetation is very green... All year round. If trees look like they're dying (as they do here during the Fall), it's because they are! 
• The way that people can always be heard singing (cooking any meal, walking down the street, working, etc). 
• The smells of cooking stews during the early evening hours.
• Some bleating goats sounds frighteningly like children crying... And the reverse can also be true. 
• Everyone greets one another if you pass on the street, especially around home. It can be very rude to not say even a simple "hello."
• Children can make musical instruments out of most any item... The sounds of these melodies can be heard late into the evening hours as they are walking home or sitting outside their houses. 
• Language is so diverse... Most Congolese know at least three languages... Others understand or are even fluent in eight! 
• The food is fresh - naturally grown, freshly cut or harvested and quickly eaten. You have not tasted pineapple until you've tried it in the Congo. Amazing.
• Church services can seem to go on for an eternity... But it is really time that is dedicated to our God, in honor and worship of Him. So it's not so bad after all.
• Most people start and end their days with the sun. Since we're on the Equator, we have a solid 12 hours of sunlight... About 2-3 hours after dark (so by 9pm), most people are in their homes, quiet, with their families, getting ready to sleep. 
• Work is hard. Gardening is nothing like gardening here... Being a butcher is totally different as well. But the people work, sometimes for hours on end. 
• When someone is happy - it is usually very obvious. Joy pours out of people's eyes, hearts, lives. This is an emotion that is not easily hidden or kept discrete. When someone is happy - it is expressed. Freely.
• Children watch after other children. Each one has one younger then him/herself, and they know they must take care of that smaller child. Parents don't usually have to worry about their children. They know they are being cared for. 
• Adults watch out for and discipline other people's kids as well. If a little boy does something wrong, but his mother isn't there to see it, you can bet another mother or loving adult is nearby, and believe me; he/she will be quick to correct that child! 
• Families are huge. Not because they are all having 20 children (that's uncommon and rare), but because who is included in the family is much broader than what's typical in the West. Not only are there the brothers and sisters of the husband and wife, but their inlaws and the family of the inlaws... There are cousins and more cousins and 5th cousins. Family members may have uncertain connections, but it's known that somehow, somewhere, he or she is connected to the family. 
• Some parents will sacrifice everything, to be able to send their children to school: leaking ceilings, broken bicycles and even food. Education is extremely important.
• There is no end to the people who love you and have your back. Family is always there. 
• Almost everything stops when it rains (pours). Not only do motorcycle drivers stop and seek shelter, so do those working in the fields, walking down the streets... Even inside, businessmen, teachers - many have to stop their work, because the sound of the rain drowns out all other noises! 
• Many children work as hard as their parents... Cooking, fetching firewood, cleaning, selling things on the streets, carrying gallons of water on their heads or backs... Everyone is expected to contribute. 
• Food can be scarce for most families, especially during certain times (drought, flood, hardship at work leading to less income, etc). But there is always something for each member of the household. And even surprise guests. 
• The sun is much closer to us there. One of my dear friends told me before I left the States in 2008 that the sun in Congo, feels like it's just above your forehead... Cooking you all day long! He was right. The sun is so powerful there. Thanks Baraka.

I love where I live. It is a beautiful place. And these few things listed above - just scratch the surface of what it's like there. But I hope it will give you even a glimpse into life in Beni, DR Congo.

Peace,
Bethany