Back at Mulungwishi

Mulungwishi internet frustration

Our first blog post after returning to Africa comes late. Why? The station has lacked internet services for three months! The station is still deciding if it is possible to get something cheaper than they have had previously. We were told that buying a modem for the local phone company would work but that is a joke! Internet connection lasts 5 minutes … maybe 10 if you are lucky, but usually 1-2 minutes and then it cuts off! We hope they work this out sooner than later because it is very frustrating and we miss Skyping with the kids! Pray!

Zambia to Congo

On June 1st, we had a good crossing from Zambia into Congo in spite of a few minor problems with authorities wanting hand outs! Our faithful driver, Nkonde, did a fantastic job doing all the negotiations. We spent two days in Lubumbashi buying food supplies and getting our passports sent off to Kinshasa, the capital, for the transposition of our visas into our new passports.

A Mulungwishi welcome

On Wednesday the 3rd, our Mulungwishi driver, Jacques, came and drove us up to the mission. All the women of the Women’s School were at the house, singing and dancing to welcome us back. They were so happy to see us and especially their Mama Lorene. Throughout the next few days groups of people would come by to greet us and thank the Lord for our return and safe travels. Several prayed that the blood of Jesus would cover the water, the food, and the air we would take in so that we would not have problems adjusting back to Africa. Women are bringing our favorite foods: beans, pumpkins, okra, sweet potatoes etc. knowing how much we enjoy the local foods. We have most definitely been blessed.

Sunday celebration

Three days later was Sunday, and it was quite a celebration! Our Bishop came to “install” the District Superintendant. Five hundred guests were invited. Church was held outdoors because there was not enough room in the church, which seats 1,000! So right at the start Lori was involved the meal, which fed probably 600! The practice of installation is something our Bishop started a couple of years ago. In African tradition, there needs to be a formal installation of those who have leadership and care of others. So to contextualize the church for the African culture, he is installing the Superintendents, who intern install the new pastors in a church.

Heavenly choirs

Definitely the Congolese are going to be the heavenly choir. The Mulungwishi choirs united for the effort and three other choirs from the District were present. Of course there was plenty of dancing to go with the music. Definitely, Church here is a celebration. The different entities of the district (UMW, MYF, Methodist Men, construction, medical, etc.) all presented symbols (including the District Flag which Lori had created the night before) of the work that they were going to do together. The DS gave a wonderful sermon how nothing can be accomplished without the Lord and how He is able to do beyond anything we can imagine!

Back into the thick of it

Within the next three days we started teaching classes! Sooooo … we are back running! David is completing the courses he started in September-November. Lori is teaching Wesley, one of her favorites, and Nutrition, plus she’s busy sewing with the graduation classes!

We can’t thank you enough for your continued loving support and prayers.