beauty

Greetings from the DR Congo! We are currently in the middle of semester exams... The students are working so hard in order to pass all of their tests. Many have six exams, some have up to ten! The amount of work that these students are doing is incredible... We are hoping it'll pay off with successful test scores!

Tomorrow is 8^th of March – Women’s Day, in Congo! I love that they have a national holiday here, for the women of the country. We got clothes made and literally almost all of the women will gather tomorrow in town… Marching, running, walking, dancing to the mayor’s house… Where I think we’ll dance some more! This day is observed by husbands and fathers buying clothes and giving gifts, boys and men cooking food for their families. I’m told that since “every day is the man’s day,” the women get one a year where we are pampered!

So to all of the women I know and love… HAPPY WOMAN’S DAY! I hope that you know you are being celebrated, all the way in Congo, by women throughout the country! Especially to the Congolese women outside of Congo, you are loved and remembered today. AND.... I know a remarkable woman who's birthday is on March 8th - Leah, Happy Birthday!!!! :) A day early!

Here are some of my thoughts about Congo... These feelings and words just flowed out of my fingertips this morning - before spending several hours at the market! :) I had to decide what to buy, then go to the market, to buy the food, that the men will use to cook tomorrow - for us women. Hilarious! Thanks guys! ;)

I feel like I have a responsibility to speak. But how do I speak? And what exactly do I say? And who will listen? I think this feeling of responsibility that I feel is good – it’s a present feeling and one that I can’t easily forget.

I’m just so touched by where I am and the people that I am encountering. Really, this is a gorgeous country! I am daily amazed at the natural beauty of it – it’s always green here, the grass is never brown or dying, there are so many bright flowers and plants, there are so many birds and the sky sometimes just fills with thunderstorms. Apart from the natural beauty of this place is the extreme beauty of the people.

In my mind, if people ever had a right to become ugly, to become mean, untrusting, or even hateful – those people would be the majority of Africans. And out of Africa, you take people from this region, the Great Lakes – and there is Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Sudan, even – not to minimize any other countries, but these have seen a lot a cruelty from people. And let me narrow it down even more, to Congo, specifically. Here is a country that was exploited and raped, just like the majority of other African countries during the colonization of the continent. But the exploitation has continued for a century. The raping of the country by other countries still continues. And it still flows down onto her people – the people are allowing their country to be destroyed – with the hope that it will bring them something positive in the future. Just hoping that by signing contracts with China or allowing Uganda to have a presence in the northeast – things will improve for the people. But Congo continues to be taken advantage of, even in 2009.

I’m not even talking about the harm that is being done to the Congolese people. Men and women who have witnessed things most would only be able to see in the worst of nightmares… Children who have done things because their only other choice was death… Old women who instead of receiving respect, are disrespected in the worst degree…And babies who will never know their parents, or why they have an incurable disease… Each day the Congolese watch as someone takes advantage in one shape or form – stealing resources or squashing the future of a bright-eyed young girl.

And yet. That isn’t the end, even though the people here would have every right to be bitter, suspicious and even just flat-out mean – they aren’t.

This country amazes me. Especially what I’ve seen in the eastern part of Congo. In spite of all of the hurt, the damage and even the fears – there is joy. There is happiness. There is still love.

Love for the family. Love for community. Joy at young marriages and happiness at the birth of a new baby boy. There is still hospitality – the welcoming of complete strangers into a close-knit community. The white faces who, over 100 years ago started so much of the pain that this country still must deal with, are welcomed here. Where it would be totally acceptable to have rejection and distrust, there are open arms and praises to God, for bringing someone new into the lives of the souls who are here.

These are just some of the reasons why I love this country. I did not ever expect to see people who have faced so much, still have so much love and peace in their hearts. Even enough to welcome a young woman from the USA.

I cannot walk away from this country.

Love from Congo,

Bethany

Why is this reality?

Here is an article I read today...

Shedding light on things like what we saw in Goma, and stories we hear occasionally... It is a horrible reality that many women and communities face here. My heart seems to stop every time I hear a new story or news article - even though what's said is not exactly new. My hope is that I will never become numb to the pain, suffering and shame that is inflicted on the helpless. I must not become used to it.

"Despite the presence in the region of the largest U.N. peacekeeping mission in the world, no one has been able to stop the systematic rape of the Congolese women."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/21/opinion/21herbert.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

I thank God that there are articles being written for the public to read. I pray that one day, enough people will take notice of the DR Congo and in noticing, begin to take action.

Please continue to pray for the Congo. For the women and children of this country. For the leaders and for the future.

God bless,
Bethany

a few photos

Hey ya'll

I finally uploaded photos from last month and this month. They are on my Picasa website - right here!

Enjoy them...

love,
Bethany

The hope to survive

Monday, February 9, 2009 did not start out like a normal day. The day before is when the “irregularity” began. We moved out of the house that had been my home for the past four months. That Sunday was a very difficult day for me. For some people in the house, the moving of the wazungu was a surprise and disturbing. So with that shock and even hurt, came strong words and even stronger emotions. However, we still moved on Sunday and that night was spent sleeping in a new house that we hope can soon become home.

Even the next day, Monday, we were all better able to accept that this move, though difficult for all of us right now – is a necessary one. UCBC is growing, and very fast! Part of the growing pains we will have to go through, is giving up some of the things we had – in order to make way for more people to join us very soon.

So, that Monday, I woke up in a new house – made sure that my new little family had breakfast, packed my bags, and was surprised when I returned to the kitchen table and Justin started to sing, “Happy birthday to you…” Haha – I must be getting older – I had forgotten it was my birthday!

We went to school, without our things for the trip – thinking we’d leave early afternoon. But in the course of the next two hours – we had our flight time change three times – first we thought it was at 1 pm, then we were told it was at 9:30, then 11 and then 2pm – we got to the airport at 1:15 – only to find that the flight WAS IN FACT at 1pm, like we’d originally thought… So the pilots were waiting for us to board. Hilarious. :)

It was a quick flight to Goma – just under an hour. And we arrived to cool weather. The first few days of our time in Goma it was COLD! I was shocked to be so cold one night, that as I was sitting outside for a few minutes, my teeth were chattering and I had goosebumps all over me! Who would have thought I’d be so cold in the Congo?

But our time in Goma was very good. It wasn’t always easy though. We spent a lot of time at HEAL Africa, where we met so many women with horrific stories to tell. Some women had been violated in the worst ways… So badly that they can only wait for fistula surgery to have a hope at being repaired. Some women were recovering from their 6^th surgery, because the first ones had been unsuccessful.

Please read the following with discretion – it’s not easy material, but I’ve tried to be as sensitive as I can with the details.

One woman had seen her husband and all of her children murdered, before those same eight men assaulted and brutally raped her. She was left with literally nothing and nowhere to go – at least no safe place to go. So now she lives at one of HEAL Africa’s programs – helping other women to heal – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Another was only a young girl when she was attacked. She came to HEAL Africa as a shell of a girl. The things she had experienced and the extreme physical pain that was left for her to shoulder – was so much for a girl of eleven. But now, a few years later – she is so full of joy and love. She comes to speak to and support the girls and women who are where she was – hurting, afraid, upset and alone. She gives some of the life and joy that she herself received.

Most women find themselves abandoned by their husbands and also sometimes by their families, when they are raped. They are seen as outcasts and no longer worthy. Out of all of the stories I heard and women I had met – there was only one woman who was still supported by her husband. This man is at home, caring for their 5 year old daughter – while he sent his wife to Goma, to HEAL Africa, so that she can have the fistula surgery to repair her and hopefully make her feel like a woman again. God bless that man for loving his wife, even after she had been so severely hurt, demoralized and shamed!

If you don’t know much about HEAL Africa and what they do – please go to their website at www.healafrica.org

So a lot of our time was spent at HEAL Africa itself – and we stayed with the directors of the Hospital, at their beautiful place along Lake Kivu. Talk about opposites! That place was like a haven… A place that was so gorgeous it really provided a chance to escape from the horrors seen at the hospital

It really was very clear there, probably even more than it’s been in Beni – that Congo is full of contrasts and contradictions.

However, it was good to see the girls who work at HEAL Africa again. They had come to visit us in Beni in November – and it was such a joy for me to spend time with them. They really welcomed me with open arms – and gave me some of the community I’ve missed from girlfriends and sisters. It was encouraging to be able to just speak with them – and since they are from the USA and also work for an incredible organization, they could relate to me and some of the struggles I’ve been facing.

So that part of our trip, even though the majority of our time spent there was to learn, work and just observe… That part of the trip was personally very fulfilling and rewarding. And it also seemed to solidify relationships and strengthen our connection. I praise God for their presence and support.

The last day or so spent in Goma, I was eagerly anticipating my return to Beni. Being separated from the students, friends and the community was not very easy. If nothing else, the week away from Beni allowed me to really see things from a different light.

We are so fortunate in Beni. I am so blessed in Beni. Blessed by the presence of God, the community of students, the red clay soil, the love of family and friends in the area, the minimal military presence and the good homemade food!

Monday morning, when I was going to UCBC on the back of a taxi – I was so happy. Just to see the familiar sights all around me, the roads were not crowded, and I was greeted by cheerful waves from people who recognize and know me within the community.

The time away really gave me a chance to recognize the incredible blessings we have in Beni. We are so fortunate, and I was happy to return

While in Goma, we were able to meet with a friend of the family who had fled his home with his wife… A number of events led to the fleeing of his home and country which he loves – his brother was killed without reason, and his wife was threatened. But now that they are hiding – they only taste bitterness. And fear. The husband feared so much for his life, and for his wife – that now he cannot find anything positive to say about his country. He believes that he has nothing but enemies in Congo, and that this country is run by the devil himself. Because of the hurt that they have suffered, they are living in total fear and hatred. Instead of clinging to the people who love them, they have isolated themselves and their only company is fear. It has consumed them.

I’ve been wrestling with how much pain is inflicted on others… Willingly and unknowingly… The pain that we cause others intentionally and also accidentally. But the deliberate hurt is what I’ve really been struggling with. What gives someone the right to hurt, harm and destroy lives? And why don’t people rise up against the things they see? What makes us stay silent?

A lyric to a song has been playing in my head over and over, “Tell me how come people see and do not speak?” In a way, this song had been tormenting me for a few days…

But a friend sent me a verse that I saw this morning and it really touched me so deeply (Thank you Susan!). It’s exactly what I needed to read this morning.

Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Regardless of why people stay silent, I don’t have to. I can speak the stories I hear, remember the faces I’ve met – and share the experiences with others. Perhaps we all have a responsibility to not remain quiet – but to defend the broken, the exhausted, the innocent, the brokenhearted, the destitute, the forgotten, the lost, the widows and the children.

That being said, I am attaching a link of the latest report from Human Rights Watch on the DR Congo. This came out on Friday, and it is not easy reading. So you don’t have to read it, and if you do, please read the report with caution – regardless, please pray. We had feared for the safety of the civilians of the Congo, when the operation was launched in January to remove the FDLR from the country. We greatly need prayers for those who live in the villages, who are unable to escape from the hatred of the FDLR. So many defenseless people are caught between the armies with no way out… And nobody is there to defend them.

So please continue to pray.

My heart broke many times this past week in Goma. And even again as I read the report from HRW yesterday. But if we are not awakened to the atrocities of life – how can we remove them?

I believe that these things not only break my heart – but that they break the heart of God as well.

Please continue to pray for the DR Congo, for the people, the leaders and the defenseless. Pray that we would be used to bring about change, through UCBC – even if it’s just one student at a time, so that we can begin to change the mentality of people… one step towards changing the attitude and operation of the country. And please pray that leaders would be raised up, people to fight for the helpless.

I am so thankful for the hope that we have. Hope in Jesus Christ. Hope in the future that our students have, and the promise that they carry. Hope that one day things will improve – and be so good. We cling to hope. Without hope – I think we would submit to the evil in this country, the evil in this world. But in spite of the horrors of life, there is still hope seen in the eyes of people. Hope in the women at HEAL Africa. Hope in the hearts of our students and the children in Beni. We have hope. This is home for so many and it is so deeply loved. We aren’t ready to give up home, therefore we hope.

Thank you,
Bethany

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!!