Don't think twice...

The reactions people give me about going to Congo is interesting. Initially, it's quite a shock for them. The media certainly don't portray a very positive image of the DMC. Yesterday, I heard on BBC about fighting again in several Congolese communities. My son-in-law recently sent me an email from an August '07 New York Times article entitled, "Congo by Rail: Filthy, Crowded and Dangerous." His comment was, "Maybe the trains wouldn't be such a good idea for travel in Congo." Others just shake their heads and ask me if I'm sure I know what I'm doing.
Well, yes, I do and no, of course, I don't have clue as to what I'm getting myself into. The yes part of that answer has more to do with the decision to go than the knowledge about what it will be like once I'm there. I'm motivated to take the challenge. I know it will be difficult, but I think I'm ready to test my endurance. I think I'm prepared to teach English to non-English speakers. I have tried to acquaint myself with some of the issues that plague Congo.
Do I realize the severity of the problems there? No, not in the least. I'll have to get there first to "appreciate" what I have only heard or read about. It is only a matter of time. I leave in a little over two weeks. I pray for courage and strength.
May I take the liberty to drop in a photo of my first grandchild, Sadie Grace, born yesterday? Now that she's here, it will be even harder to say goodbye.