Countless new things have bombarded my brain this past week. I haven't been brave enough thus far to sit down and hash any of them out, here. I wish I had more and better pictures to show you, but right now I only have a handful of scraps. At least you will be able to see a bit of the scenery I am experiencing.
Anyway. Some of the things I've done so far… I've been swimming several times in Lake Kivu. On Sunday, Kostas and Keith and I swam from the nearby hotel, "L'Orchid" to Kostas's house, where I am staying. Probably the longest swim I've ever made, at over 1 mile. I've also been introduced to the staff of Food for the Hungry Congo (FH) and have received all of my orientation at the office. These last two mornings, Keith and I have gone in and done some actual work. "What is that you are doing?" you might ask. Well… My involvement with FH will take the form of tasks in communications and in logistics. Most of my time, at least for a while, will be spent studying French. I realized immediately that the little bit of French I know will be sufficient for such phrases as "Hello." and "Nice bicycle." My understanding of the language has already improved, though, due to this sudden immersion. I'm very excited to become more proficient in conversing with the people here and, thus, deepening my relationships. The people here…
Wonderful people. There is a very warm community of ex-patriots that I have been introduced to. I, myself, am living with the FH Congo Director and his family. They, Kostas and Katie Kotopoulos, have two beautiful kids, one 4 (I think) and the other 1 year-old. The Congolese people have been very friendly and patient with my studdering French, and I have made many friends.
I devoted a very short paragraph earlier to things that I've done so far. Really, there has been much more, and you will hear more details about my new life in the months to come. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. I love to think about you, my friends and family, and about home. Adjusting to this new environment is proving difficult, but with your love and affirmation I am able to cope and to open my eyes.
It is thundering, right now! The rainy season has been making excuses and neglecting Congo up until now. Repairs on some roads in Bukavu have launched perpetual dust storms to be braved in blind land cruisers or from behind blackened handkerchiefs. Everyone has been waiting for the rain. To turn the dust to mud. To fill our empty hours with that serene sound. Pitter-patter. I love that sound!
6 comments:
Hey Nathan - love the new pics and love you son!
Hey fils, ce qui une expérience incroyable vous avez! Dieu est bon! Parie que vous ne savais pas que je parle français - vous avez raison. Ces traducteurs sont les outils!
Maybe people would like to 'see' what you're doing. Here's the FH Congo web link:
http://www.fhcongo.org/
All I can think of to say is 'I love you.' So I love you. I'm using the photo you posted with the bench in it as my new desktop. I love you! Oh, and the design I've been working on for the school website is going to be used (!!!) so I'll let you know when it's been loaded, still many changes to make!
LOVE YOU!!!!
"Nice bicycle"
haha!
Dude, You don't know how satisfying it was to open up this page as I do every day and to finally see another post!
Thanks for keeping all your fans back home updated man!
Mazzeltoff, mi amigo
And God speed.
Love, Lianardo
Ok, I'm hooked. I can't wait to read some more of your adventures- your photos are awesome, as is your writing. Send us some French lessons so Kylie can learn along with you. :) All she knows of French is from her "Fancy Nancy" kids books, like "oui, oui, oui" and "bon jour." She'd love to learn some new terms from her big cousin (once removed). Love ya!
Nathan, you have to keep this thing fresh or you will lose your audience...I know what I'm talking about. Keep it coming...we want to know what is happening to you.
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