UPC

I've been going in regularly to the Protestant University of Congo and feeling less conspicuous than when I first arrived. I am one of three non-black women I've seen there in the last three weeks. The tough part for me is not the skin color, but the language barrier. The majority of the students and most of the professors are limited in their English and I am certainly no better than that in French. I started receiving tutoring in French and had my first lesson yesterday from Professor Mambo. He is fluent in English, French and Lingala, and receives $10.00/hour, which is a good salary here.

Perhaps when the American Corner is finished, I'll be able to attach some photos. Wireless internet will be there, as well as twelve terminals. Part of my responsibilities here will include supervising the American Corner and providing opportunities for students to learn about English and the American culture.

Teaching the medical students won't start until November 12. Between now and then, I hope to teach the English Club students on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30. I'll help out at the Congo American Language Institute on Fridays. A young woman from Indiana who works for an NGO has offered to help pay for gas in exchange for daily rides to UPC. She and I will be sharing an office, too.

Till the next time, I wish you all a great October 11--and especially to daughter Grace and her husband, Jon. Happy Fifth Anniversary to you!!! Wish I could be there to give you both a hug!

Earplugs and Mosquito Deterrent

Have you seen those neon pink earplugs? I brought a couple of packages with me, just in case. They have made such a difference for me. The professors' offices here are very small--about 12 X 12 block walls. They might have a window, but it would probably be covered with bars. The sound bounces in these offices like crazy. Several professors, most of them PhD's share an office with their secretaries and assistants. You can imagine how that looks--three desks, at least three chairs, printers, computers, stacks of books, everything that costs money has to be stored behind locked doors. I have also been assigned to one of these offices. Voila--earplugs!

The Sunday services are marathons--lasting between two and three hours so far--100% in French. The praise team is a 16 member group complete with several keyboard performers and 2 guitars. They turn the volume to full capacity. Voila--earplugs!

I lost the battle last night with the mosquitoes. I must have 20 bites on my legs from kicking off the mosquito netting at the end of the bed. I didn't wear any repellent either, which I usually do. This morning I asked Dickie, my house garcon, to lower the netting in order to get it tightly tucked under the mattress. Taking 50 mg of benedril every 4 hours today has diminished the intensity of the bites for me, but I'm not eager to add to the abuse!

I'm still working on my teaching schedule with the university. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for listening. Wish I could have a Primus with you all at the local cafe. Primus is Congolese beer and costs $2.50 USD. Tastes great, too. Whadyyano?