Made It!

Greetings from "The Post" in Kinshasa, Congo. I am using an "unclassified" computer at the embassy site called JAO, or Joint Administration Office, I think. The other office is called the Chancery, where I went yesterday to get my ID tag and was briefed on safety here. Just to reassure you, the embassy is taking good care of me. I will just give you a quick overview today and follow up with a photo or two at a later date when I can access my own computer.

The flights were long, but well-coordinated. Everything went according to schedule. On my last flight a Catholic priest from Brussels who has spent the last 41 years living in Kinshasa allayed my fears and walked me through the chaos in the airport. He was a greater blessing than I realized at the time. As I walked off the jet, people were swarming over the tarmac, getting on and disembarking off other jets. It was dark and I was a little disoriented, not to mention foggy from lack of sleep. I just followed my friendly priest to the terminal and stood in line with him for the passport check. I entered the baggage claim area and there right in front of me was a large black woman, in her colorful native dress holding a large sign that said "JANE DEGROOT." After that Meta took over, called for two porters, and pushed her way through the crowds to the baggage turnstyle. Both suitcases arrived and we headed out to a waiting suburban where the driver, Bob, the Assistant Public Affairs Officer, and Carole were waiting. Driving through the people at night reminded me of what Skid Row and the Helping Hand Mission used to feel like. Scary, but loaded with other feelings, too. Would love to continue, but Carole, needs to use the computer. She was the English Language Fellow (ELF) in Lumumbashi, Congo last year and has been a tremendous resource for me. Her responsibilities have been continued in a different capacity this year. Thanks for your comments! Till later.