North Carolina

Back in North Carolina for a little while...It is so good to see my parents, spend time with family and enjoy the beautiful mountains. I have missed all of it.

Much has happened lately... the most important and exciting thing is this:

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,

I will update you on my life shortly. Things have been crazy. Please pray for my family as my grandmother recently went to be with Jesus. She had a long and beautiful life.

More later.

Kate

Just a peep

Well, I think it’s about time for some more quotes…These might be a look through a small window into my messy and complicated life…

“Look at Kate, she’s half asleep and her eyes are all swollen.” -Mama L

“Be quiet. There is nothing bad.” -Papa G

“I only said her name once and she was at the door.” -Celeste

“Kate, in your village are there unicorns?”

"If he ever decides to do something else I think Gaspard could have a career as a comedian."

"Oh that dent is from where a horse stepped on it." -A

“What happened to you??”

“First thing, I didn’t need additional children. Second thing, I don’t know how to take care of twins.”

"I am gonna split you in half."

“Is the King of the Guards Rwandan?” -Bouan

“It smells like people in a cemetery.” -Mervedy

Mervedy: “If I came to your house your mom would kick me out.”

Me: “Why?”

Mervedy: “Because I can’t speak English.”

"You guys have problems."

"Kate's not a white person."

“You are just trying to complicate things when they are so good.” - Papa G

Me: "How many times did they wake you up last night?"

Papa G: "Twice for the generator and once for gas."

"Where do you think you're going?!"

The following are some wise words from Benonie, who is now talking a lot! This gives you a glimpse into the world of an almost-two-year-old, and a bit of my life from her perspective.

“I’m gonna hit you.” 

"Leave me alone!"

“Kate, look! your baby doll’s eyes are rotten.”

“I’m never coming over again.”

“I need to pee!”

“Leave Kate alone and let her sleep.”

“Knock knock, let me in.”

"Who is this?"

“Are you cooking? Are you cooking? ARE YOU COOKING?”

The rainy season is upon us. Now that the river is rising, there will be much more boat traffic up and down the river. Big barges traveling slow, carrying loads of food, charcoal, supplies and dozens of people, crowded in, camping out under tarps as they make their way up and down the river.

 Our days of going to the beautiful sandy beaches are coming to an end - at least for this season. Places that were once just part of the forest at the river’s edge are now covered by water. Dry paths we traversed on foot are now only passable by canoe.

The other day we went down to where a large boat was docked. It is called the “Oubangui” named after the river which is its highway. 

 They were actually selling frozen yogurt, in little plastic bags, so of course we got some. Earlier we had bought ice-cream in the market…I think only in Congo would I manage to have ice-cream and frozen yogurt in the same day. I mustn’t forget to mention that the servings are extremely small - dixie cup sized.

The rainy season is a beautiful time - when things that dried out turn green again. 

We begin to tramp around the hospital in the mud and it takes three days to dry out a load of laundry. The jungle plants flourish grow and our houses mold and mildew.

The Lord is teaching me so much. Patience, humility, trust. I am humbled daily. I am constantly reminded of my weaknesses, the futility of the life this world has to offer, and that I was made from dust.

Thankfully He is very gentle with me.