80. Final Curtain!

80. Final Curtain!

It feels weird to be signing off.

Thanks for putting up with all of my ramblings for 5 months.  You have all been great. We got home to care packages from several of you. The one from the Norths wins the prize! Inside an overflowing box were a pair of slashed  Patient Panties, a hankie tied in a knot, P-Nut M&Ms, an Aloha lei for Ken and me, and the list goes on. Then from “Zaire Lady” were all 8 of the Sunday Sport pages with all of the scores and stories of the weeks of college football that we have missed! Cool thoughts. Then of course one of Ken’s cousins wrote that we need to go back to Congo QUICK!! Texas Tech won every game until we came back to the USA!! Oops!!

So I am out of words. Yep, really. So…..

Love Ya! Me

 

You get to choose the final words.

“Oh, the last goodbye's the hardest one to say.
And this is where the cowboy( and this cowgirl) rides away.”  George Strait

OR

“Say Goodnight, Gracie!”

“Goodnight, Gracie!”  Burns and Allen

OR

“Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again!”   Roy Rogers

 

Waya Bimpe !

 Au revoir !

Bye,Y’all !

Love Ya! Me

murray.lenore@yahoo.com

ken.murray@ttu.edu

79. Back On The Front Porch At Possum Kingdom Lake- AhAh!

Back on the Front Porch at Possum Kingdom Lake- AhAh!

We got home in the dark on a cool, crisp October night. Coming home from the Congo and then Belgium took several flights and too many hours. I was surprised at the strong call to “get home” as we drove the last two hours from the Dallas airport. With bags all unloaded, body clocks messed up and too tired to sleep, we went out to the deck-off our bedroom -to sit in our gliders and look out at “our” lake.

It was too dark to see the lake clearly for the full moon is days gone, but we could hear it as it lapped  against the craggy shore. We could smell the Cedars, that grow in the crevices along the water’s edge, next to the now naked Mesquites.

It was nippy out so we each had a blanket. Fall is here so the mosquitoes are gone! A gentle fall breeze suddenly came in from across the lake and pushed away the clouds to show us the remaining fingernail of a moon. We could then see in the soft illumination, the vastness and canyon walls of Possum Kingdom Lake and the silver ripples of the gently moving water.

In the early morning- my body is seven  hours ahead- when the usual vapors from the water are shielding the sunrise, I am back out in my glider with a cup of hot tea. Dave the cat is beside me on the blanket wating with me and purring with contentment as we wait for the morning to break and I'm writing y’all. I want to listen and see if we have the morning chorus of birds here too- but just have not heard them before because of a soundproof home. I want to see the colors of the sun as it breaks over the lake and watch as the colors change like the chameleons we saw in Congo. I want to hear the first fish of the morning jump after his unsuspecting hovering meal. I want to see the geese from Canada -also returning home- as they play follow the leader across the sky and call to let you know they are there. I want to walk through the leaves of brassy gold, marigold orange and scarlet wine that have formed a quilt of fall on the ground. Not an organized quilt like the Log Cabin but a Victorian Crazy quilt of Nature.

 It is time to begin to settle back into our retirement here at Possum Kingdom Lake. The same ole day to day. Back wherethere are fewer people and folks move at a  much slower place. Amazingly, there are still groceries to get, beds to change and the kitchen and rooms to clean! Only now it is Mama Lenore that does it all! Hummm…maybe…no, I will stay right here!!

Agenda:

1.    Go see and hug  Granddaughters -Oh, yes and their parents too! ASAP!

2.    Go to FUMC in Graham.

3.    Check on friends and family all over by text, email and phone and not pay $20 a minute!

4.    Get Groceries- gee-  we will probably only have to go to one store! I wonder if Ken will still go with me everytime like he did for 5 months!

5.    Return to the regular ole stuff of life in the Great State of Texas!

6.    Watch FOOTBALL!! Watch FOOTBALL!!  AND Watch some more FOOTBALL!!

7. "Learn" how to cook and drive again. Hope it's like ridinig a bicycle- one never forgets!

So this is it. There will be one more blog and then it’s a Round Trip!

 Love Ya! , Me

78. Those Non-Coincidents Continue to Roll In And Bless US!

 

How do you recognize two Belgians you grew up with at Kananga and who you have not seen in 54+ years? Well, when Andre-Jacque and Willie Neusy walked into the Renaissance we both knew- and I had never met them before. Ken and the two of them broke into smiles and we all hugged and did the three kiss thing and started talking and did not stop for almost 4 hours! We went to another restaurant on the square and had a delightful dinner.  The guys kept naming people, naming N’Desha homes and who lived in them and places in Kananga, recalling colleges and med schools in the US, times at CS, “what was the girl’s name…” and the list goes on as we ate supper!!  The Hotel staff was amazed we were together and were delighted to take our first picture- for the guys-in 50+ years.

Thursday in Brussels:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to “our” patisserie for breakfast. Then we took a cab down town to the Grand Place. Oh! 1000%  Europe. This is the one that you will recognize from pictures of Brussels where they make the center of the Grand Place a carpet designed totally from flowers. We bought Belgian lace, ate some chocolate,  we walked around in shirt sleeves for Ken and flip flops for me (well, clothes too!) and everyone else was dressed with winter clothes on including boots, leggings, wool hats and gloves!! They looked at us like we were nuts and I kept asking Ken what these folks were going to do when winter really got here!

So we are leaving Brussels Friday AM. The patisserie lady is opening early for just us 6:15AM instead of 7 so we can eat one more time with them! ;)) Today she told us we must stop tipping while we are in Brussels. They get salaries and don’t depend on tips like wait staff does in the US. So we tipped anyway! ;) She just smiled and thanked us. Then she asked how we enjoyed our supper at the café down the street with our Belgian gentlemen friends last night! Wow! Said all of the cafés along the square have enjoyed watching us this week and the fun we were having and that we smiled and spoke to everyone!!

A wonderful country and I highly recommend it! Again, thanks, David, for getting us to stop over. It has been a treat.

Off to Possum Kingdom Lake /PK tomorrow! YEA!! My Pillow!! ;)

Love ya! Me

77. Tourist in Brussels! Oh, What A Delight It Is!

We have heard from folks we know and folks we don’t. Amazing and gratifying!

Ken, I was one of the Pax boys living in Bakwanga (Mbuji Mayi) in '62 - 63, working with CPRA and building schools, distributing relief supplies and driving truck. For part of that time, your dad stayed with us as an interpreter and overseer while Archie Graber was back in Leopoldville with his family. Glen helped me personally with my struggles to accept myself as an acceptable servant of God. His sense of humor and laid back love of life still impresses me 'till this day. He yearned to be with your mother and with his kids who were back in the US. His love for you all bubbled out of him most when the 'mail truck' arrived. You must really be proud of his legacy.Following your blog has been a delightful experience. Please convey my appreciation to Lenore. Glad you're back home safe and sound.  Henry Braun

 Hi Ken,

It looks like you might be in Brussels on your way back to the US. If this is the case and you plan to stay for a few days, please give me a call. I am in between travels but will be in Belgium for the next few days. By the way, a warm thank you to Lenore. She allowed me to be vicariously back in our beautiful Kasai.
Best regards, A-J - Andre-Jacques Neusy

 This whole trip has been such a true blessing for me. Maybe I will always look thru rose colored glasses but I am more impressed with what I see is potential and what can and could be. Even the people at the N'jili airport, smiling, joking, laughing, and the last person up the stairs wishing me God's speed in Tshiluba. Best, Ken Murray

 Tuesday in Brussels.

Mussels for supper

Well, I guess we WERE tired! We slept 11 hours! Got up and took a hot bubble bath. I was in the bath so long Ken came to check on me- or that’s his story! (I know TMI!!)  I had not had an unbelievably HOT bath with the tub all but overflowing on to the floor in five months. Then Ken hit the shower and still had oodles of hot water! Wow! 

So we ate all our meals European times today. Not a bad way to do it. ;) Went to the same patisserie for B’fast and they remembered our drink preferences. (OR it could be that we are not up on this Euro exchange rate yet and confused it with Kinshasa francs and left them a $13.70 tip for a small breakfast yesterday! But to give them credit they did come and stop us to tell us what we had done. Ken smiled and told them to keep it and share!) I threw them because I wanted Earl Grey tea instead of Cocoa today.

We then came back and caught the Double Decker/London Bus- as they call it- and toured the whole city for the day. We sat up top enjoying the cool autumn day and had a glorious time. Churches from the 1600’s and earlier, castles, Palaces, old and new architecture, statues and lots of old, old buildings. The flower boxes were all still in bloom so the old Row houses were all decked out in their bright summer colors. Pretty, pretty place. Nice way to ease back into civilization.

The nice thing about the bus tour is that we could get off and on at will and a bus was coming by the stops every 15 minutes. So I could shop, we could hop the bus and let Ken get over shopping and walking, get some more culture and history for awhile and then hop back off for some more cultural merchandise exchange! ;)  We went to the Atomium- symbol of the 1958 World’s Fair here in Brussels. We got some neat pictures. Did not brave the Porte-Potties- had heard enough horror stories about those. So we paid 3 Euro somethings- change stuff- each to go to a real restroom at the ticket office. We went and saw the building where Ken and his folks spent the summer working at the fair. It was locked up so could not see inside. From there we were going to go see mini-Europe but the lines were too long to stand and wait so we headed on to the next destination. Made an important stop along the way- for a Belgian waffle to split! Yum!! Carb country!

Got off at Dansaert Street and took a gander at the high couture shops, perfume shops, and Ken even spotted a Bobbie Brown make-up shop! (He knows I am running low-but I saved that shopping trip for the USA!!)We walked until we found a wonderful little café along the street. Ken had a cauliflower creamed soup with vegetables, French bread – of course- and Shrimp croquettes. I had grilled chicken, apples, grapes and walnut salad and the famous Belgian French Fries- Frites. Yummy! As we ate, we people watched. Fascinating! (The soundtrack on the bus had told us that Belgians speak many languages- usually French, Flemish, German and English. So that if we were lost just to feel free to ask anyone for help!) So Ken and I used Tshiluba!! Folks asked where we were from! Funny!

Next we bought a T-shirt from Brussels and went on the search for the Manneken Pis. Found him and it is a very small…”statue” to garnish so much attention! ;)  What was funny was to watch all of the kid’s reactions when their parents told them to get up there by the statue for a picture!! A hoot and a holler!! Something was going on because cop cars were racing all around and police helicopters were all up in the air over city center. May try to watch the news and see what was up. If it was major and y’all already know about it- we are fine!

Walked to some more shops and then headed for the last bus stop. We had to be there by 4 or take a taxi home! We found the stop and made it on time. Then back to the hotel to put our feet up. For supper we went to another street café on Luxemburg Square near the hotel and had soup, eggs, an “ok” spaghetti and mousse and ice cream for dessert. We walked home on the cobblestones in a nice gentle rain. So Europe feeling! ;)

 So on our list of thing to do we have had croissants, Belgian Waffles, home-made comfiture (they had, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, orange marmalade, honey, pear, and chocolate) went to the site of the 19958 World’s Fair, and I had Muscles (none were left under my chair!). Still have the chocolates to sample and our old homes to find and see. I’d like to find the/a mall and do that but don’t know yet on that excursion!

Wednesday in Brussels-

Slept in again. This could get habit forming. It has been weird after being on MPH “meal by the bell” schedule of 7, 12, and 18 every day for almost 5 months.  Ken has voted for B’fast here in the hotel today. While we were out yesterday we spotted the other Marriott hotel. It is more in the downtown center. This one is in a quieter area with homes, beautiful old squares with trees and statues and Parliament nearby. Amazing how many folks are on bicycles. (There are rent a bicycle places all over town. Drop in your money and off you can go!)

I have noticed how many of the ladies are in basic black skirts and sweaters (not counting the muslim ones always in black- ;)) with color accents, black tights and neat fashion shoes! Not as many slacks as we see in the US-mostly skirts etc- no matter the hour-glass (or “week-glass”) shape of the ladies. Almost all jeans we saw were on men and not a lot of those. Interesting. Also quite a few were wearing hats of one sort or another- male and female. Beautiful and friendly people!

We just got back from the trip to find and see our two pensions where we lived as kids. Our driver was a delightful fiftyish year old man. He spoke English to Ken and insisted on speaking French to me because he said I was missing nothing he said!  He said usually Americans trying to speak French have so much trouble he just goes to English -to end their pain. He said if I’d spend two months here using only French that I’d be perfect. (Quit laughing!) The bellman had arranged an hour tour for us. We went to my place first and I knocked. The lady invited me in. Her husband is in the Belgian Navy and they spent three years in Norfolk. She asked me to please speak English for her so she could practice and hear it again. The house was not as dark as I remember because they have added sky lights and big modern windows. She offered me tea or coffee but I told her we were on a time line and still had to go see where my husband lived. The school where I went is just around the block and still running. Her youngest daughter goes there. Small world! Ken’s Pension was three or four block over.  He refused to knock and would not let me knock either. The neighborhoods are expensive now because of Parliament in the area. The trolley line still runs among the trees out front of my house. Modern ones go there now- not the old one with the hand toggle to control the turns! What a grand time we had!! Oh, what a delight!!

 We did find out from the driver that all of the ruckus yesterday was police demonstrations demanding more pay. Today’s demonstrations are supposed to be larger and really snarl traffic in town center. So it is a good thing we went yesterday for our tours.

Yea! Just got our Tshiluba fix for Brussels! Our phone by bed has not been working. Guess What!! Repairman is from Kinshasa but born in Kasai! So off to Tshiluba we all went. He was thrilled!! I can’t believe it!! I told Ken we won’t be able to do this in the States! ;) Duh!

In the lobby we ran into a man from Kisumu, Kenya. Told him Clint had worked there with the US Army- “Oh, yes, the Walter Reed Project,” he responded. Gave us his card for the next time Clint goes there. Gee, these blessings “just keep rollin’ along!” Oh, he asked us to please tell our President hello since he is from his town! Guess he does not realize we Americans aren’t all personal friends of our President like many leaders are in Congo and apparently Kenya!

Lunch at Fat Boys. Totally in English. Trying to be American. Got a ways to go! But did have chili, burgers, chicken bits, tacos, onion rings from which to choose. Etc. Almost all in there were Expats. Prefer Belgian cafés.

Tonight we are to go out to eat with the two Neusy brothers- Ken knew them as kids when they were all in Kananga. Wow! That will be fun. They are both doctors and in town for a few days.

So I will sign off for now and post.
Love Ya! Me

 

76. From Belgium With Love! 55 Years Later For Ken and 61 Years Later For Me!

Hugs and kisses again from all at MPH as we left. It was a blessed time for me and I am glad I did it. It gave Cindy and Clay a much needed rest and I hope some blessings for MPH! Did one last church service at the International Protestant Church of Kinshasa. Sad thing- or maybe not- Congo has put out a stop to all Congo children adoptions until all of the- corruption of sex slave, slave trafficking and kids who are not orphans but beilg "sold" to be adopted by their parents to help the remaining kids -are all checked out. So parents from the US and their adoptees were all at church as usual. Sad mess for all!!

Our flight to Belgium was what you’d expect for an overnight eight hour or so flight. They fed us Supper and Breakfast(of high carbs) -so sleeping was desired but was a challenge. We also preceded the trip with about a 6 hour wait at the airport- but with the traffic unknowns on Sundays in Kinshasa, we went out when the Travel Agency shuttle recommended. We did not want a repeat of Jimmy Shafe and his Montana group’s of a literal run the last mile or so to the airport!! We stayed in the AC Lounge at Jeffrey Travel as long as we could.  I now know where the clean and private Lady’s restroom is and so that went much better- not having to go to the unisex one with the men using the urinals right there as one enters was GREAT!!.  Going through security at Kinshasa we got to keep the stuff that was pulled from  our carry ons at first. Air freshener, water bottles, perfume etc. But after we started talking Tshiluba and visiting as we went through- the Tshiluba guy over rode the Lingala guy and told him we were “family” and to leave us alone. Once we got to the International waiting area we checked quite often because everything was in French and we wanted to be sure it was not our flight being announced. We knew it was Turkish Air to Istanbul and Air France to Paris but wanted to be very sure!! At each of the first two plane departures we went up to be sure it was not us. The little check in girl spoke Tshiluba! When it was our turn, she came over and got us and put us at the first of the line. Then as apparently is -the slow everything down going through customs  just before the plane- they have two more “ security” checks. Tshiluba and Ken’s cowboy hat got us through with no checks-and brought smiles all over- even in traffic! There are not a lot of flights but we did NOT want to miss it!! Once again security in a Third World country is amazing.

Once in flight and reading information for disembarking here, if anyone was changing airlines or continuing on Brussels Air from any African country, they had to go and get their luggage and go through security and customs and re-check in here in Belgium again. I guess a “civilized” country’s security check in - so they too must know what “Security” is like in a Third World country! All it took for us was a hat and a language and to be considered     ” family" and we got stuff through.

 Since we are staying here in Belgium we had to do it all too since we will be here a few days. Had muslims all over the place praying on their rugs in the airport as we arrived early in the morning. Found it interesting that only the men were doing this. Guess the women aren’t that religious- I wouldn’t be either if I had to wear that black outfit all the time- and I love Black!!!  ;) (Just kidding! I know all their religious and cultural stuff!!)

I had been told to take pictures on our arrival in Congo of things that were just beyond belief! So I did. Now I know why. None of it is that amazing any more. Disappointing but not amazing. It just becomes old hat and we got use to it in a way of speaking. Sad but true!

A little bit of our history in Brussels, Belgium:

Ken’s parents came to Brussels to study French in 1939- dodging German U-boats and putting black-out shades on the portholes at night- all the way across the Atlantic. War broke out not too many months after they arrived, so they skipped the rest of their French lessons and were sent on to the Congo. Ken was not there! ;)) He’s older than I, however not that much!!  

My parents came in 1951-2 to study French. I was put in the neighborhood school’s first grade- because they had no Kindergarten-where classes were taught in French and Flemish!  No one spoke English! (Fresh off the ship, the Queen Mary, and straight from South Carolina.) Wheel! Scared little girl- but was raised to do as I was told and I did it- most times!. (Good thing Bonka had already taught me to roll with the punches-so to speak.) I went each day without crying and with -“Lenore, behave yourself, Young Lady. You are a Big Girl.” ringing in my ears. Numbers were written differently in my little, blue covered cahier- the 1 and the 7 being the most different. Words for sure were different. I went each day in my Shirley Temple ringlets, a little dress and pinafore, my  black Mary Jane’s,  a pretty warm brown coat and my Dad had gotten me a little black felt hat with brightly colored, embroidered flowers on it that also covered my ears.  I remember seeing snow for the first time. Dad helped me build a tiny little snow man on the stoop of the Pension where we rented one room for our family of four (I still adore snow and being out it!)  We were in Brussels for nine months while my parents “learned” French- not Flemish- so they could speak the official language of the Belgian Congo where we were headed. (It was only 7 years after the end of WWII- so much of the area was still bombed out.) Well, within only a little time I was the translator for the family at home and in public. I was pretty much fluent in French and ok in Flemish. (One time at supper when Dad was trying to say he was “full”, he said he was “pregnant” instead!) The Pension was owned by Madame Pott and her lawyer daughter, Jacqueline, (who had gorgeous long black hair) and they rented out rooms to make living money after the war. Meals were also provided for us. Very different from the Grits I got each morning when I was with Bonka!! I ate as I was told-for the most part. However, I was a stubborn little mess! And throughout my life -some things I deemed were just worth the punishment I knew for sure was coming!  ;)  Mme. Pott told my Mom I was dropping my Brussels sprouts and some of my Mussels on the floor under my chair. There was heck to pay on my part for that choice. I must have gotten in more trouble that Mme. Pott thought warranted because I remember her telling me she was sorry she had told on me and giving me a hug and a kiss on the forehead. I guess she and I became “amis de conspirateurs” because she never told on me again and I continued to “accidently drop” food under my chair! ;)  Funny what one remembers from one’s childhood!

In 1958 Ken and his family were here for the summer for the World’s Fair. Mom and Dad Murray worked the booth in the Congo Pavilion. The Presbyterians and the rest of the protestant Missions in Congo were also in the Pavilion. The Murrays sailed from Quebec, Canada (they stayed at Le Chateau Frontenac- Ken wants to go back!) to Germany and on to Belgium by train. They too stayed in a Pension for the summer -in one room with bath privileges. Ken can still rattle off his address because his folks let Marcia and him ride to and from the Fair on the tram- alone or together! At the end of the summer they all went on to Congo for their next term of service.

While we are here we hope to give a taxi guy our two different addresses where we live and go see them. I’ll even – I think I’m brave and brazen enough to -knock and see who is there in “my house.”  Oddly Ken discovered on his phone maps this morning that our two pensions are less than a half a mile apart! I don’t know if we will get to Waterloo. I just am looking forward to being here in Europe for a few days.Thanks David Lundblad for all but insisting we do a stop over here in Belgium as you arranged our tickets! ;) It’s so pretty here!  COOL- 64 degrees-I love it and Ken is all bundled up in a jacket- and the trees are all decked out in their fall colors. The food is amazing!! Folks here are so friendly and helpful.

We are just chilling here today at the hotel and in this area.They had our room all ready when we got here at 8:45 AM instead of the three o'clock usual check in. Yea!! We went out for a walk about ten to see all of the old things we can see out of the window of the hotel.  I made the mistake of lying down after brunch and must have rattled the rafters! Ken told me I was asleep almost before my head hit the pillow. I am not a nap taker- never was- because it kills me for the rest of the day. But I just watched movies all night so am/was tired.

We have heard from a some of you thanking me for the blog. It has been fun to do and it gave me a respite from the minutia of MPH. I love to talk- ya think??- and once all the guests leave after breakfast I was marooned in the office. So rough drafts of the blog kept me sane-ish! ;) One of Ken’s friends from Congo is here. His father was a Belgian Army Chaplain and so they played together etc. in the Kananga area and also went to Lake Munkamba. together. His name is Andre Jacque Nuesy and his brother is Willy. We are working on trying to get together here in Brussels! Small world!

There is a TV in the room and Ken has checked it out! Were hoping for ESPN Monday Night Football- but not. Plenty of European football/ Soccer in lots of languages!! They love that game here and in Congo! (As you know, I'd rather watch grass grow- unless it's my little ones playing and then it is the best free entertainment in Lubbock!!) The chanels are in English, German, French, Arrabic, Turkish,Thai, Japanese,Flemish,Spanish, Italian and Russian so far. Cartoons in a foreign language are interesting!

I am going to close for today. Have a feeling we will go to bed early tonight after "sunch"- half supper and half lunch.

Have a great week!

Love ya! Me

75. Are We Leaving Home OR Going Home?

That is the question Ken and I have been asking each other as these last few days here in Congo draw to a close. Are we Leaving Home or Going Home?

We are leaving something of ourselves behind again -just like we did fifty three years ago. Life is indeed a pattern! We aren’t the young people we were when we left. We have a small wish to stay or maybe even return someday. But as the saying goes- “Time waits for no man”- or woman either! ;) Leaving is indeed “a sweet sorrow!” Our hearts will always beat for this land where we grew up, this amazing land and people we loved first.

However, this time the departure is different! The secret of our leaving this time is that it feels good. We are going home- together! ;) The time to go has come and in our hearts we know this is so. We have been blessed with a great trip, experiences, and seeing old and new friends.

We will travel home with new and lighter luggage-more memories!

Congo Memories

Lenore Murray 2013

Congo Memories are like friends who have always been there -always.

Congo Memories are moments filled with dreams and wishes, secrets, laughter from long ago, tears, and precious seconds treasured in our hearts forever.

Congo Memories can help us brighten our spirit and widen our horizons.

 Congo Memories help us realize how we really have measured up with the life we have lived.

 Congo Memories are like a deck of cards that always seem to come at us unexpectedly in a random beautiful pattern.

 Congo Memories help lift our spirits and help us see tomorrow in a brighter light!

 Congo Memories give us something to live for and look forward to.

 Congo Memories are like a picture frame of many, many pictures- a collage- that can instantly fill our life with joy!

Congo Memories are rituals where we remember our mercury moments.

Congo Memories are always there and give us reasons to enjoy life both now and in the past. They brighten our dreams like stars on a dark Congo night.

Congo ….So now I know that the greatest value of all of our moments in life- is when they become a memory!

Goodbye Congo! But not our Congo Memories!

 

Off to Belgium Sunday!

Love Ya! Me

74. Wrap up

We have lived on fresh Pineapples since our arrival and loved every bite.  Mangoes and avocadoes are also so amazingly good here. Ken’s sister Marcia shared a site with me about pineapples after she and her cook kept us with one or all three of these fruits at every meal while in Tshikaji! These three and Plantain chips- THIN ones!! Even have some chips in our luggage! Yum!! Amazing all the health benifits from pineapples! Indigestion to plaque to sore joint help! Well, I’ll be. We were eating healthy and didn’t even know it!! Gee, wonder what mangoes, avocadoes and plantains do for your health! ;)

Last night we went over to Ruthie and David Schaad’s home for supper. Oh, what a special treat! Lovely 5 bedroom home- up on a hill overlooking the city with a full moon added for total ambiance, great food- Al Fresco and fantastic company. We talked old times and life in Africa in general.  Ken and I knew Ruthie Bobb as a little girl. David  was a Missionary kid in Angola and they met at TASOK. (American School here). Two couples and we both met in Congo! “It is a Small World After All!”

Being a guest at MPH is fun!  No worries, no complaints to us -about water pressure, wifi, termites in the library, this supper was not Congolese food, or issues with the water pump- and no responsibilities.  When the meal bell rings we are like Pavlov’s Dog and mosey on down to the Dining Room. ;)

Daily life at MPH continues with Clay and Cindy back in charge. Clay is going to install a new water pressure control/compressor doololly so MPH keeps good water pressure. Guess we all hit the old one too many times! It died! ;) By the way, thanks for your prayers that the big electric and water pressure issues did not happen when we were here all alone!!;)  Bella, one of the cats here, is “safe” -after her visit to the vet -to let out of the apartment. Now, I guess she’ll have to learn her territory on the grounds here at MPH. I assume Tiger will teach it to her. (I know our  family 's older dogs “taught” our new puppies the ropes. All of our Dobermans and Goldens were Obedience Trained and it made raising a new family puppy easier- since they just followed and mimicked the older dog.)  I assume cats do the same- if they want to, of course- after all, they are cats!

The Chauffeur, Emmanuel, did end up getting the full time job driving for IMA. That is great news for him- sad for MPH. Emanuel knows every nook and cranny in this town. Tell him what you want and he knows where to take you. He knows safe and not, cheap and not, good restaurants and not and European and Congolese restaurants. He and Ken formed a special friendship bond – using three languages to communicate-on our weekly shopping trips. One quickly learns that a lot of the Congolese employees here at MPH keep their English knowledge a “secret.” They don’t speak it but I’d bet a dollar to a donut - from watching their eyes- that they understand us as we sit around talking -thinking they don’t! The ones that ask for translation help are taking “rote” type classes in English. Ken and I found it funny up in the Kasai to sit wherever we were and where folks did not know that we spoke Tshiluba- and we could eavesdrop on their conversations.

The Sthreshley house is coming right along. Slow but sure! The workers are texturing inside and out. It is beginning to look like a home. Once Inge puts her touches on it etc in the inside and her plant knowledge on the outside it’ll be gorgeous. She’ll have to send me pictures!  Aunt Flo- thanks for the two books you sent back to me.  I needed the one on Tshiluba sooner!!  Look forward to reading, See What God Can Do. It has been fun getting to know your family here at MPH. They are a delight!

Guess you saw on the news or YouTube on Monday, that we had an apartment building collapse here in Massamba in the Gomba district of Kinshasa.- near some of our weekly shopping area. Blame everywhere, no word on deaths or final on injuries. People were living on floors 1-3 and they were adding floors 4-6. All I know is one of the Ministers of “Something” said they were using iron pipes. Well, I remember from teaching about the 1920’s and the building of NYC -all of the buildings were short until Mr. Bessemer and steel came along-  because Iron could not hold heavy loads or take great torque. Hum. Sad.

Friday - our last one here- will also be our last Ex-Pat night in Kinshasa. Wow! Hard to believe. We have been in the Congo almost five months. It has been fun to meet folks from all over the US coming out here to work for a few weeks. We also met others from all over Africa and Europe. MPH is like a little UN some days with folks from everywhere.

Thom Mccutchen must thinke we are going to now be in Belgium for 5 months! :0 ;)) He wrote: When you get to Brussels see if you can find a "Frits" Vendor - with a little cart. Frits and Mustard on the street in Brussels. They are probably still near the carnival close to downtown.

Then go get an éclair - The Real Thing - Belgian Egg pastry, Real Egg Custard and wonderful Belgian Chocolate on top. Best thing I ever had as a child!

Buy me a bar of Marzi-Pan (Mas-Pan). Almond Flavored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally - Go in a little store - Buy a small piece of the finest Belgian Chocolate (White might be the best) and enjoy that for a spell........................

For breakfast one morning, if you can find it, get a bowl of Belgian mussels steamed in seaweed (saltly). Best mussels I ever ate!

 Then that same day for lunch go  find a restaurant that serves Filet American served with fresh water cress and a lite vinegar and oil dressing. Try horse meat, if they have it.

 Enjoy tour stay. 

I will sign off for today. Paul Law flew back in last night and it was good to see him. Flight in his plane took four hours ish. What fun to be able to do that!! Said it all looks the same from the air- green trees, villages and rivers. Very few roads to try to follow. No really big towns! No VORs or NDBs. Taking a mark on places is not easy. But the GPS helps a bunch.

Have a great weekend!  

Love,Ya!  Me

73. Prayers From The Congo

Prayers FromThe Congo

Lenore Murray

October 2013

 If the animals of Congo could all offer a prayer

What would determine what each species would pray?

What would they say on this magical day?

Would they ask for a change in their lives full of strife?

Or would they be content that the Lord gave them life?

Would they pray as a group, by size or by might?

Would they pray in the heat or the cool of the night?

Their decision was made to pray as they felt.

No matter their strength, their size or color of pelt.

Each could complain or praise as they each chose.

And promises of no repercussions from the masses arose!

They met at the watering hole and all agreed to be

Peaceful beneath the shade of the spreading Flambeau tree.

Everyone thought it would be the Lion who’d begin

But the tiny little Dik-Dik lifted her chin.

I’d like to ask the Lord why He made me so small

And made “dik-dik-dik-dik” my personal warning call.

"I want to ask if He forgets about me as I try to stay alive

Hidden and safe from those alert amber eyes."

The Hippopotamus waddled up from the watering hole mud

And stood her ground as each foot made a thud.

"I’d like to ask the Lord why he made me so ugly.

Why nothing I wear fits me and I am all pudgy."

The Lion spoke up next and all looked to the king.

Surely he had no complaints to the Lord to bring.

"Lord, why did you think I a leader would make?

Is it only speed and a heart of courage it takes?

I’m tired of this job if that is the case.

Give it to another these daily challenges to face!"

The small, bright blue Kingfisher landed on a branch where all could see

“I’m not a very good prayer of prayers,” said she

"But I know the Lord gave me music to sing

To do it to my best is my thanks to Him I bring."

The Zebra pawed the grass to announce his turn

"I only yearn for a coat of one color instead of two!

These stripes are only good for a jail or a zoo.

What was He thinking when He made the Okapi and me

There’s nowhere to hide in this grassland of ours

So we are on the run most of each day’s hours."

The Monkey sprang down from a branch in the tree

"

With a face like this who will take me seriously?

Why, Oh Lord, did you make me so,” he asked with a frown?

About the only job I can get is that of a clown!"

The voice of the next speaker came from above

“I see the entire world from a different perspective – a view I love!"

The Giraffe acted all pious and felt she was “above” all but a few

She quickly pointed out that she and the Lord had the same view!

All took a step back as the next speaker arrived on the scene

What an Army Ant could do in just a few minutes was to pick any bone clean!

With a glare in his eyes the ant did say, “I thought we were not going to condemn  at this prayer meeting of ours.

“The Lord made me so after pondering my design for hours.”

I  do what the Lord designed me to do and manage my Army business quite well.

And if you don‘t like it you can all go to…"

In she flew with her tail of distinctive red feathers

And the African Gray Parrott perched on a branch worn smooth by the weather.

"You all do know I am not one to repeat what I hear

So you better listen carefully the first time I come near!

If the Lord didn’t want me to tell all I know

Don’t you think He would have surely told me so?"

"I can’t stay long," said the Butterfly. "I just want the Lord to know what a beautiful job He has done!

I have the scent of trees and flowers. I have the beautiful blue sky in which to flutter. It’s like a lottery won!

I can flitter and go to and fro and see the rest of you far below

Do you realize what blessed creatures we are from the word go?"

Up the Evil One crept from the water’s edge- all eyes watched and tried to show no fear

He slowly approached and gave his famous Crocodile smile as he got way to near.

“When I pray today ,’ he said, ”I will ask the Lord why he made me such a detested fellow.

I am what I am through no fault of my own but in misery I will not wallow.”

The ground began to tremble and the others tried to hide their great mirth.

In the Lady Elephant walked with dignity and grace in spite of her great girth.

Her prayer was one of supplication to be able to keep her positive behavior and attitude

In spite of the mean words she heard she rejoiced for her life with gratitude

The Bonobos came together to the gathering as a unique family of Chimps – no others like them anywhere.

The Lord had closed them in by Rivers and kept them safe right there.

“”No needs have we,” the female leader told all,” for our sanctuary the Lord did prepare.

So we are here just to say thanks

That the Lord keeps us safe along these Congo River banks.”

“ Wait, wait for me, I’m coming!”  Mrs. Turtle cried!  “It’s not fun or quick to move your home all the time.

What I want to ask for is other living arrangements. Lord, I don’t mean to whine,

But, did You really think my design through?

 I could have done so much better! Did You have a clue?

I mean, really. Never leave the house!? What’s a girl to do?"

The Leopard just sauntered through as a great “cat”. All knew she had that cat attitude and more.

She neither prayed nor said a thing, just did as she pleased. Licked her whiskers, left and told no one what was in store.

The last to speak was the African dove. The bird of peace with her soft songs to sing.

"We all have asked or told the Lord today. But Animals of Congo, for Him what did we bring?

Pause for a moment and think it all through

What all the Lord has done for each and every one of you."

 Amen and Amen

 

This poem was written after I read a tiny little book left in a Missionary home in Tshkaji years ago. Originally in French- and so much prettier in French- it was translated into English. It was written by a Sister from France and published in 1947. The name of the little book of poems is Prayers From the Ark by Carmen Bernoos De Gasztold.  As I read the book, the idea of a poem about the animals of Congo and their prayers began to form in my mind. Hope you enjoyed.