I am frustrated. But rather than whine about things that will likely change I will paint a clearer picture of the setting.

The Street

As I mentioned earlier there is only one main road traveling through the heart of the city. I think it heads from north to south but since I cant get my Google Earth up and running there is no telling. There are many other roads, but they are not true roads, but rather the space left between buildings just big enough for two vehicles to pass by one another. That’s not to say there is any two way traffic. The average speed when traveling these roads is about 2 miles per hour. These roads are lined with street vendors selling everything from cigarettes, to beer, to uncooked meats (no refrigeration and loaded with flies). You must slow to avoid splashing the vendors when traveling through the numerous lake like puddles that are present in these alley ways. Besides the vendors the streets are absolutely loaded with people. Here having a functioning horn is as important as having head lights. Pity, ours took a dump today. There is trash along both the alley ways and the main road. Lots of trash. It looks like a hurricane passed through the city of Lakeland landfill and sent all the trash directly to the roads. That’s what happens when you don’t have a landfill in your city (Kinshasa). Pothole is the name of the game here and your ability to dodge them determines whether you are a winner or a loser. For the most part I feel that I am on the losing side, but for the most part I aint the one driving. The main road is pretty much the most terrible thing you can imagine as far as public transportation. But it works. Have not seen an accident yet. But I will say when I came in the first night from the airport I was pretty damn near scared. Barrel fires glow on each side of the road. Street vendors jump out at each lull and try to sell you the strangest stuff ever, one of which is tissues. The pollution is so bad on this road that the ride to and fro the orphanage literally wipes me out. I must sit idle for a half hour once I arrive at my destination. The roads suck in American standards but they are definitely one of the unique features of this city.

The Convent

The convent is an oasis surrounded by the streets that I just described. Outside the convent all the trees are cut and gone. The homes are more like tin roof sheds that my dad would have me tear down if it were in my backyard in Lakeland. The sounds of people crying, motorbikes accelerating, dogs barking and drums banging can be heard in just a minute of listening. There is a lot going on out there. And when I say out there I mean one inch beyond the perimeter of this fortress. I cant see over the 10 foot wall but like everything else in this city there are no hedge barriers, or lawn easements separating you from your neighbor. Space is limited and the inhabitants of this town utilize every square centimeter of it. The top of the fence is lined with barbed wire and certain areas have broken glass bottles cemented to the top, pretty clever. But if someone wanted to get in here it would take half a brain two legs and at least one arm. I could get over it in a minute. Now that’s not to scare you. As I mentioned I am bigger than most everyone in this city (people ask me if I am from the WWF…flattering). But the reality is these people are too poor to afford a serious knife, let alone a gun. So hand to hand I think I and the rest of you beefy Americans are sitting pretty. The premise is loaded with fruit trees. How Loaded? I have heard four Mangos crash against the roof of my building since I began writing this. There are coconuts, avocados, mangos, giant star fruit papayas, and five other fruits I have yet to identify. Not only are there plants but there are pigs, a dozen of these turkey/chicken like birds, chickens, rabbits, 3 dogs and one cat, and a bunch of mice to keep that cat employed. There are two, two story buildings on site, one is composed of the kitchen the chapel, the recreational area, the laundry, a computer room and several other rooms that are for meetings and what not. The second building houses the guests the priests (passionists) and the students/seminarians. There is a tall gate which controls the coming and going of traffic. The seminarians are responsible for opening and closing it. When you pull in to the locked gate you beep your horn several times but since our horn has failed we must ring the bell. As I mentioned it is located right in the take off path of the airport. When that UN jet flies over (biggest plane I ever seen) it feels as though a vacuum is sucking the brains out of your head through your ears. The UN plane flies about 8 times a day and once at 6:30am. There are cars, motorcycles and a tractor which arrived today… anxious to find out what for. There are two gazeboes for prayer and reflection. I have another use for them. The showers are always cold, I don’t think there is a hot water heater. There is a toilet room which houses all the toilets in the convent, two plus one urinal. That’s ok though aint waited in line yet. The water is inconsistent. Took a shower from a bucket that I have been filling up in my shower after each bath. Hope I didn’t pee in it. The showers are in the room along with a vanity and dresser. I got a fan finally but there is no A/C and there are mosquito nets draped over each bed. There is a school with a beautiful campus bordering one side of the convent. It is run by the nuns.

The Orphanage

The orphanage is a beautiful place. There are large hills surrounding it with views of distant mountains to the east. There is a neat little creek that flows through one corner of the acreage. There are many buildings on the premise. There is a school, a dining area, a seminarian housing area, a staff housing area, a priest housing building, a chapel, a few sheds and miscellaneous buildings and the dormitory which houses the children. There is a fun little gazebo with a concrete floor smack in the middle which acts as the gathering and social spot. You must travel down a long dirt road to get there, but you are not far from the neighbors when you arrive. You can see shanty homes littering the surrounding hills. The air is fresher out there and the fruiting trees are numerous as can be. There must be 20 giant mango trees on the property. Also avocados palms and lemons and once again a few I don’t know. The ground there is hard and dry but good for bare feet. Much better now that I removed the stumps and many glass pieces. There is running water, but only from one spicket by the outdoor kitchen. There is one generator that I have only seen used twice. The children are well adapted to maneuvering and playing in the dark. There is a large soccer field right beside the entrance, owned by the passionists, but it is to sandy for a good soccer field. I tore my foot up playing on it bare foot today. Behind the buildings from the entrance is a 4o foot tall raised hill. On top of this hill is where I am busy erecting both a soccer field and volleyball court. Not much erecting going on more flattening and manicuring. There is a little beach by the creek which I described earlier in my postings. Did see a fight there today. Watched a 10 year old clock another 10 year old solid, as a bunch of the locals cheered them on. I walked across the creek and through both of them in the river. Only fights I like to see are the ones I am a part of. Don’t worry they were not our boys, but I told our boys who witnessed the fight that that’s not the way to behave.

Well that about it. Time for bed.

I was wrong. These people are far harder workers than I. I chose to plow my own square yesterday and now my back and the rest of my body are paying the price for trying to keep up. No more snakes. Long days. No running water. Exhausted.

Two Great Days

Two more good days. Began yesterday with breakfast and a trip to the orphanage. The orphanage is approximately 30 minutes away. We arrived and said hello to the children. Each trip we make out there, we bring workers along who are either building bricks or doing some sort of work at the orphanage. It has become a busy place, now that the money has arrived. Our visit was brief, and we were once again on the road heading towards the tractor owned by the Passionists. The trip began with a military road block. The block is at a strategic point where the river acts as a natural barrier funneling all the traffic to the lone bridge. They spoke with us briefly and we were off. We passed beautiful flowering trees and small villages. We soon began to climb up into the mountains. The road there is very good, built by the Asians to make their transportation of minerals and what not more efficient. As we climbed our vantage increased and we began to catch views of large rolling hills and distant mountains. The views were incredible. The mountains are large but rolling. Time has taken its toll on what were once giant sky scrapping mountains. We continued up and up until we got to a large village where the health minister was speaking. Lots of PoPo. We passed and as we did the land turned to a giant flat plateau. I have seen some plateaus but none like this. We had climbed well over three thousand feet and then suddenly flat for miles and miles, as far as you could see. The land is not all that changed. I could see in the distance these giant trees towering over all the others near them. I’m not sure what type of tree they were but certainly the biggest I have ever seen. I expressed my interest and those in the car laughed and said they were all babies. I doubt that but I am anxious to see if there are larger. We made it to the village with the tractor and quickly realized that it was a no go. The front end is totally missing. It’s in repair somewhere, but things are so disorganized here and no one ever seems to know what’s going on and that is why we had to come out and check. We also were there to check some land purchased as an investment. There is a plant that grows here called cassava and it can be grown well there. Father’s sister planted some peanuts and we checked to see how many acres were farmable. Took a while. These old men were directing us all over the place as we traveled from parcel to parcel trying to measure out 40 acres. They drove me nuts, as I was the driver. At one point we crossed the road and went to a distant but large parcel. On the way out a four or five year old opened a gate for us and I didn’t think anything of it. We drove out and took more measurements. On this plateau are those huge ant piles that you see in National Geographic. They are as tall as 10 feet. Ill post a photo. Once finished we headed back towards the gate where we were approached by 3 men. One of them was a bit plump which is unusual here. Two of the men were submissive but the fatty was hollering at us in French and I could tell he was mad about something. The two old men hopped out and approached him. After a moment the man said something bad, cause I seen Father Gabriel hop up quick from the back of the vehicle and make his way out the front passenger door. The argument escalated and I thought I was going to have to lay a smack down on this big rude dude. Must not have know he was talking to a priest. The argument continued for about 10 minutes. I watched while leaned against the hood of the truck trying to luck as tough as possible. The man backed off and we left. Father does not take s*** from anyone. If they are rude and out of line he lets them know, no matter how tall or round. I was proud. After that I stalled out at a check point with an armed guard and large crowd. They all laughed. The guard was pretty intimidating caring what looked like an elongated oozier** and less than 20 years old. Father let me drive home with the understanding that he would takeover before the checkpoint. We were surprised by a random checkpoint where a well armed unit approached me and tried to speak to me in French. Wish I took a few years of French. He questioned me and asked for my information. I thought I was busted. But then to my relief father and another passenger started laughing and the guard followed. Joke was on me I guess. We gave him something of a gift and he let us pass. Ended day tired.

Today, we went to the orphanage early the children were on brake from class so they got very excited as they always do when they see the white Land Cruiser coming their way. We visited for a bit and then sent them back to class. Father had to go to the bank so he got an English teacher to help me manage the projects of the day. As I waited for the translator I helped the masons with the unfinished wall in the Henkelman Dining Hall. Everyone here is amazed to see me carry as many bricks as I do in each load. They work hard but pushing themselves is not their style. Translator arrived and we began on the soccer field. Father suggested that we let people till by hand and that is what we did. 10$ American to clear a 10 x 10 meter area of earth. Pretty good deal! Aint many people I know could do that as fast and as effective as I seen them do it today, many were women. We cleared and leveled 1100 of 9200 square meters. Metric system makes a lot of sense. I made a point to make an example of the American work ethic and busted my ass shoveling raking and plowing all that I could. I did not have a square(which was marked by sticks and rope), but rather I wondered from square to square each designated to an individual. James equity. The workers were friendly and quickly impressed by how much I was getting done. I don’t mean to gloat, but my size and strength enable me to do far more than these malnourished people can. Plus Americas reputation was on the line. We worked for hours and made tremendous progress. Towards noon I walked up to this particular plant and decided I would pull it form the ground as I had many other plants. I reached down, and just as my hand wrapped around the plants base I saw it. I immediately jumped back and hollered, scared to death that it was too late. I haven’t been here long and I had never seen one of these in person, but I knew exactly what it was as soon as I layed my eyes upon it. I don’t know how closed I came, couldn’t have been more than an inch, might have touched it, but I had a near fatal encounter with the ultra venomous viper. I have seen this thing on T.V. for years but never thought I would encounter one like this. What were the chances there were 11 people out there, thousands of bushes and the Mudele (white man in Langala) is the one that nearly gets bit. This is a wild place. As soon as they heard my reaction they all came running and had the snake dead moments later. They assumed I had been bit and I wasn’t sure at the time. I freaked a bit but I’m still breathing. I’ll look next time. Ate a great lunch prayed for thanks cause I know damn well if I had survived I would have lost my hand and never been able to canoe again. That be a tragedy. Tried to teach the children football. Not successful, turned into a game of keep away. James and the girls versus the rest of the boys. Got hot sweaty and dirty and decided it was time to take my first dip in the river. It’s more of a creak but they have cleared a nice lagoon like area for swimming. When I got to the swimming whole there were 10 little naked boys (girls use another area). I started throwing the orphanage children in the water as I do my little brother Sam. Then the naked kids wanted to get tossed which was awkward but turned into a lot of fun. I must of thrown 10 different children 40 times. I am beat. We ended the day with a quick check of the field, which looks great. As it grew dark I gathered around with the children and beatboxed with them for about an hour. I am the superior beat boxer now but these kids are far more talented and that will change by the end of my visit. I’ll get some video for you all. I said goodbye in French and they said good bye in English. It’s an awesome place, with unimaginably kind and beautiful people and it is making this one hell of an experience. Thank you to all those who supported me and continue to support with your prayers and thoughts. Ill sleep good tonight father bought me a fan.

Driving and Concrete Pouring.

Sorry to put you all off in regards to the video. The internet does not agree with us and our schedules. It will come.

James

Sorry No video.

I am trying to upload the videos, but it takes well over two hours to upload a 2 minute video. It’s worth it though, my filming is not the best but to witness the welcome that me and father received is something I need to share. It has begun to rain frequently. The rains come and go and many of the systems produce lightening. That does not keep us from achieving our goals each day. Today’s goal was to make progress on the soccer field. We did, but our progress was slowed by whomever stole the four bamboo markers that I used Saturday. People steal things here, that’s just the way it is. The bamboo did not appear to have any value at all but it must have to someone cause it was long gone this morning. This frustrated me. Another thing that is frustrating is the disregard for private property. People walk right through the orphanage and there is little we can do about it. They take the path of least resistance, right through the middle of my soccer field. That’s going to change soon though, I have a plan. Anway’s, I was rather frustrated with the theft. Father and I discussed the situation and decided that reinforcing the markers with concrete is the only effective way to avoid theft. It seemed extravagant at first, but then we realized that our defense could serve as flag holders on the field’s corners. We used bamboo poles to create holes in the concrete and then pulled them out before it had fully hardened. I got lots of help from the staff and the villagers. People are all happy to help, but they all want something from me. Mainly sunglasses. I guess word got out that there is a few extra pairs in my suitcase (under lock and key) and everyone is trying their best to get their hands on them. We shall see. The field measures 80 x 115 yards, very large. I don’t believe I had mentioned this earlier in the week but while I was playing soccer with the children a few days ago I stubbed my toe on a stump. A stump that protrudes from the ground in the middle of the common area. Today I took an axe to it and all of its friends. There are no more stumps in the orphanage and a lot more firewood. The day was cloudy, but somehow I managed to get sunburned. Sun is a lot more intense here by the equator. The day was fun and productive. There is a crew working to build bricks for the Henkelman Dining Hall. Unlike the states gathering the hardware needed for building is as hard if not harder than building itself. I had two highlights today. No, it wasn’t being served caterpillars for the 6^th day in a row. I pumped up a football and gave it to the children to play with. I told them what it was, American Football, and they excitedly agreed anxious to play with the new ball. I guess they thought it was a basketball which I assume they have never seen either cause they tried to dribble with it. Needless to say it didn’t work out to well for them. I watched as they tried to figure out what’s its use was and then after about twenty minutes of Father and I laughing I made one boy go long and through him a pass. Tomorrow we will work on the mechanics of throwing something I am thankful I learned early in life. Highlight number two. Don’t freak mom, but Father let me drive the Land Cruiser. The land cruiser is a manual, four wheel drive, safari looking, V8, with crummy shocks and two large bench seats behind both the passenger and driver seats. Its pretty awesome. Anyways Father originally let me drive it off the orphanage property with the agreement that he would take over when we got to the main road. Father didn’t think I could drive a clutch. I took off and flew down the off road trails as I always have with every truck I ever owned. This was fine for me. It wasn’t fine for the seven passengers seated behind Father and I, including three of the female teachers from the orphanage. We were bouncing, jumping and banging all over the place for the first five minutes and then one of them became upset and convinced father to convince me to slow down. I don’t know what all the fuss was about I had been sitting in the back during the last 6 trips. I continued over hills, catching glimpse’s of the Congo River on every hill we crested, beautiful. After driving through some shanty town and using the vehicles horn to shoo people out of the way I made it to that one main crazy road that I mentioned earlier in my posts. Father was on the phone, so I pulled out onto the drag, slightly apprehensive (but you should have seen my passengers). I started heading back and 26 potholes, 2 near pedestrian encounters and one luckily avoided accident later I made it back here to the mission. It’s like Nascar just way cooler. I think I earned my stripes. I witnessed chapel at the convent. The Passionists sing prayers for a half hour just before we eat and the sound fills every hall and open space of the premise. It’s incredible. They also do the same thing before bed(awaiting). Well that’s my day and a glimpse at my life here in the Congo. I could live here. Why not 20 acres of rainforest sells for 4,000 dollars. Might get sick of caterpillars though. Tomorrow we are back to the orphanage and then we journey far east to check status of the Pasionist tractor. No trailers here. If that thing is running you drive it right down the road to where you need to get it.

Over and out

Jubilee Day

Today we awoke very early to drive across town. We headed towards the regions diaseis St Christoper Catholic Church. they celebrated there 50th anniversary. We arrived an hour early to secure good seats. We sat near the front. i was quite a spectacle, the only white person there, until a Colombian brother came in. The mass was beautiful. There was lots of singing and dancing. Enough to last three and a half hours. No A/C, Power went out towards the end and all the fans stopped spinning. It was hot. people were still very happy though. I took lots of video and will post it tomorrow along with many other videos. After the Mass there was a celebration. More music, dancing, a buffet and socializing. The music here is incredible, its not just bongos and whistles. It sounds a lot like Caribbean music. I met many English speaking people from Kenya. They say there is no war in the country, Congo. It is made up by the media. The East is peaceful. That is where the minerals are... People treat me so good. First cause i am white with curly hair. But when they find out i am an American they become particularly kind. they bring me to the front of the Buffet line. They introduce me to the senate members. they bring me cold drinks (which is a luxury here) they are very happy to have me here and they show it. I cant believe there are not more Americans here. They love my hair. As i walk through crowds people reach out and run their fingers through it. I was dancing and some girl came up behind me, and started dancing with me, with her hands in my hair. Dont get that kind of attention in America. Sunday is a day to rest and celebrate the lord. For this reason we didnt go to the orphanage. Tomorrow we will go early and work all day. Took lots of photos but i am low on battery and it takes about 20 minutes to upload each photo. Hope Florida and the rest of America is Swell. Bon soir

I am exhausted so ill make this as brief as possible. Began the day with a loud jet flying overhead. The convent is directly in the take off lane at the airport and the planes are not much more than three hundred feet above our heads. I nearly jumped out of bed when I heard it. This lead to an early breakfast with the seminarians. Read a book as I waited for Father Gabriel to awake, A Land Remembered (Thanks Aunt Geri). Took a tour of the school which is next door to the convent. Did not take pictures but wish I had, I will get another opportunity too. The school is advanced. The children have internet. They teach sowing and secretarial classes. Unlike America they teach you things that are actually useful (that’s not to say I didn’t get a great education, just can’t do much with it). The children also have flat screen computers, did not expect that in Africa. Caterpillars continue to follow me. Ate them twice more today. They are damn good though, got a little kick to em. Drove to the orphanage. Bridge is out, took a detour, more like safari, did not think we were going the right way for about half an hour. The roads here are very different from those in the USA, in that they don’t make any logical sense at all. We arrived, started on the soccer field. Received help from the children, they are difficult to control but happy to be a part of anything and everything I do. Checked out some fish ponds. They told me there were no fish in the ponds, but after walking their perimeters I quickly proved them wrong. Wish I brought a pole or net, lots of Oscars and tilapia. Experienced a unique fishing technique, involving the damning and draining of a wetland via shovel and bucket. Effective though. Got my first taste of a Congolian Thunderstorm. Storm Flooded the city. The water was moving down the road fast enough that I would have worn a life preserver had I tackled it in my canoe. No drainage systems in place. Wish I brought my canoe. Have not seen any rapids, but every creek moves quick. Visited family of Father Gaberial. Talked with Congolese boy who spoke a bit of English. He says I am like a n******* in the Congo, I am the only white person in the city, thus far. Kinshasa has a population of 10,000,000 plus, and there is only one road. And it is no bigger/wider than Florida Avenue. Its sheer madness. I like it though. Sat down to right this, drank beers and liquor with seminarians, only because its Saturday. They love Bob Marley, Shakira and of course Michael Jackson. He is somewhat of a hero/idol here. Then I told them all that he was dead and then that he was a suspected child molester. We played card games on the board and on this computer. Took picture. Father Gabriel is frustrated with the poor internet connection. Tomorrow is a party/jubilee. I plan to party and represent USA, Florida, Polk County well. Therefore you probably will not here from me tomorrow. I have no complaints, nice cool evening after rain. And thank the lord my prayers were answered, the rain killed the power to the surrounding community and I will fall asleep to crickets rather than MJ. Peace and Love to All

Day two. More Joy

Today is my second full day in the Congo. I didn’t mention this fact in my previous post, but when I landed at 11 o’clock at night the ground temperature was 92 degrees F. Hot. It is bearable though. The nights cool off just as I crawl into bed, and I have slept through the last two nights. Today we organized all of our bags and decided what gifts to bring to the orphanage and when to bring them. Father reminds me it is important not to dry the well of gifts early in our visit. The children are so gracious and appreciative to receive a piece of candy, that I just want to give them everything I brought with me at once. We decided that today we would bring them the sunglasses donated by Mr. Hall and Family as well as the fans donated by Mrs. Sandifer. The children became ecstatic when they saw that we were carrying seven bags with us. Among the bags were my tools, the gifts, athletic gear and a PA system donated by the Emmaus Group in Lakeland. The children were all thrilled with their sunglasses and the bits of candy they received. I took a photo with the boys and their shades as well as a photo with the girls and their fans. Bothe items were appreciated beyond description.

It seems as though the caterpillars are following father Gabriel and I. I have eaten them for a third time today. I was served three lunches and two of them consisted of deliciously prepared juvenile butterflies/moths. I cannot complain one bit about the accommodations. Tonight they offered me beer, and I assumed that everyone was going to enjoy one with me. Turned out that the fridge was empty, so they sent someone out in the street (scary) and they returned a half hour later with six beers, all of which were for me. I only drank a few Mom. I am living in a convent amongst a bunch of holy people who either are, or are training to become priests or holy people. So needless to say they do not do a lot of drinking… at least not publicly. The water continues to run, the power and internet are consistent and the music continues to play from behind the 10 foot perimeter wall. I am surrounded by fruit trees and exotic animals as I write this outside. The bugs are no worse than in Florida. It is truly a special place.

Tomorrow the labor begins. When I thought of erecting a soccer field originally I imagined building and framing two goals and tying a net to each. I wish it was that easy. I am going to have to flatten a football sized field that had been previously used for agriculture. I told father we must get a tractor, he is working on that as we speak but I am certain there is a lot of work ahead. There are buildings that need to be completed. I wish I had spent a little more time working with masonry back home but I will certainly improvise as I have in many instances before. I have great video which I am anxious to post and will as soon as the internet connection allows. I am working on my French, writing phrases down on a notepad. Most everyone speaks French or Lengala. Father Gabriel has his hands full with translation. Thank you for your prayers and support. Every contribution is going to bring unimaginable joy to each and every one of these children. I wish you could all be here to experience it. But then it wouldn’t be quite as daring of an adventure, so stay put and keep up with the blog. Thanks for your feedback. Michael Jackson is once again playing in the background. Bonne nuit.

First full day in the DRC

Wow!!! I wont sugar coat it, the city of Kinsasha is more like a landfill than a town. There is trash everywhere, the people eat, drink, sleep, buy, trade and sell amongst it. Though they exist among such deplorable conditions, their spirits are high. They laugh, they play, they sing, they dance and they are always happy to accommodate me as a guest. The plane ride was long but interesting. I saw the dramatic shift in culture and language as i jumped from one airport to the next. I met several other English speaking people traveling to Africa to aid those in need. The arrival was exciting, everyone rushing to get off the plane, and once i got to the baggage claim i realized why. The bag claim was a mad house, full of those receiving bags and those trying to make a buck helping those travelers with their bags. We were worried when it seemed all the bags had been unloaded and we had only received 6 of 15, but we received the rest during the final load. We had plenty of help, many of fathers friends and family were there to greet us and to assist. They had prepared a delicious meal for us which we ate quickly. I tried to make a post, but i only slept an hour or two during our two day trip and was quickly frustrated and off to bed. At a later time i will discuss the place i am staying (it is very nice). The day began with breakfast and a trip to the city. Mind Blowing. They use the rivers as dumpsters. Young children approached us begging for food. Those who noticed me, a white person in the car called me an Asian. Few Americans could drive these roads without an accident. We visited Father Gabriel's sisters. They were very accommodating, cooking us a meal for the second time in less than 24 hours. We then hurried to the orphanage. We left the densely populated city and entered a rural community, very near to the Congo River. We drove across a median, down a dirt road and than through a small farming area. We then reached a bridge that was damaged, stopped the truck and gathered the items we had put in our bag packs to bring to the children. I wish i had grabbed the camera sooner, cause as soon as i jumped out the back of the truck, what seemed like a hundred children were running and cheering towards us, they stopped at the other side of the bridge and the videos will show what happened next.

Well the video was suppose to show what happened next, but I am having trouble uploading it, I might try to post it onto youtube.com. at a later date.

We were greeted like Jesus was when he entered Jerusalem, with palms, singing and dancing. The children put a lot of work in to the celebration of our coming. They were very excited to see both Father and I. They encompassed us singing and dancing and walked us the beautiful quarter mile to the orphanage. When we arrived there was more song and dance, this time the staff greeted us, one member excitiedly brushing us with a bush as she danced to the rythem of the children singing and playing their drum. They prepared chairs in a large circle where we sat and watched, dozens of plays, skits and dances created by the children. These children are very talented, though I could not understand the French they speak I was very entertained by their movements and dramatizations. This carried on for another hour and then it was time to eat. The food here is different but very good. At this particular meal we were served a dish that contains dozens of caterpillar's. I ate them and they were delicious. The children then gave us a tour of the orphanage. they are very proud of what they have. There is a stable with pigs. there is a river that flows right along the back side of the orphanage. It is truly a beautiful setting. the air is much fresher out there than in the city. Now as i right this blog i can hear students learning and children signing just over the wall of the convent. it is a beautiful thing to awaken to. last night was the second night that i fell asleep to the sounds of Michael Jackson playing in the near distance. Au revoir

Greetings to all,

My name is James Studiale and I am fortunate to be joining Father Gabriel on his upcoming trip to the Congo. I am thankful to all those who have supported me with their prayers, ideas and gifts. I am anxious to arrive in the Congo and share all these gifts with the children. I will be erecting a soccer field, a volleyball court and possibly a ping-pong table (there are many other projects I will be working on during my 32 day stay aswell). We will also be bringing balls, jersey and gear that will enable the children to participate more effectively. I would be happy to hear any idea or suggestion one may have as to what I should gather here in the States to bring over. I can be reached at jsstudia@gmail.com and look forward to hearing any thoughts or ideas you may have. Thank-you and God Bless

My mom asked me to post a picture in which I am smiling.

OUR 2010 MISSION TRIP: MEET OUR MISSIONER OF THE YEAR

Hello, Beloved parents, friends and sponsors of MFC!

Our 2010 mission trip is here; we are leaving in two weeks. Our Missioner of the year is James Salvatore Studiale, from Lalekand, Florida.

Please, read James' letter and support our 2010 mission in any way you can.

Blessings upon blessings!

Your Faithful Servants at MFC!

Dear Friends and Family,
As some of you may have heard I am going to be traveling to Africa during the fall. I will be spending a generous thirty-two days living in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). Like most of the trips I take this will truly be an adventure. Unlike most of my trips however this one will not be taken for the sake of recreation but rather for service. I will be living, working, participating and sharing the fruits of the Christian faith with sixty-two orphaned children of the Congo. These young people have been adopted by a mission called Mercy for Children which was founded in 2007 by good friend Father Gabriel Ipasu. This mission offers refuge to orphaned children of the Congo, provides them with healthcare, nutrition, education and an opportunity to explore the Christian faith and come to know the real love of God. These young people are truly blessed for they are among an estimated fourteen million orphans present in the Congo. Many of these orphans are exploited and tragically become child soldiers fighting in wars or are sexually exploited and abused.
There are three elements to this mission. The first is to demonstrate the love and compassion that we as both Americans and Christians have for these young people. My presence should promote hope as well as interest in the world outside of the DRC. The second element of this mission is to use the knowledge and skills that I have accumulated here in America and make use of them there. This will involve teaching young people English, building useful structures, helping with sanitation and applying other knowledge that I take for granted here in the USA to improve their lives. The third is the opportunity to bring items from America and deliver them directly to the young people. Simple items that we take for granted here in the USA are not available in the DRC and providing these items will improve the lives and bring joy to these children. The way I have been looking at it is if I put a few hours of effort forth here in America, the items I bring can create hundreds of hours of joy for these children. I will be able to bring as many as five extra luggage bags along on my flight over. Among the items in these bags will be tools, clothing, athletic equipment and hygiene products. I hope to erect a soccer field and bring items such as jerseys, shoes and balls so the kids can continue playing long after I leave. There is space for many other items so I will be happy to hear ideas.
There are three purposes of this letter, the first being to inform you of the details of my adventure and ask for your prayers as I travel and work. The second is to ask for your ideas and suggestions as to what I can bring to these children and what I can do here to help them efficiently once I arrive there. The third purpose is to ask for support. We need items here that we can pack and bring directly to the children. Beyond items we would certainly welcome cash donations. Cash will enable us to afford bringing as many bags as possible along on our flight. Cash will also enable us to purchase items in the DRC that need not be packed and transported from America. It is a third world country but the village I will be staying in, though isolated, is not very far from the capitol and largest city in the DRC, Kinshasa. Having cash on hand will enable Father Gabriel and I to purchase items that I could not have previously anticipated needing. Father Gabriel assures me that any donation or support is tax deductible and a receipt will be created and mailed for your records.

This adventure will certainly become one of the most significant and influencing experiences of my life. I have lived an exciting and fortunate life and hope to enable these children to do the same. Your prayers, ideas and support will be graciously accepted and appreciated by both me and the many young people I will interact with in the DRC.
For those who are interested in learning more about this mission check out http://www.mercyforchildren.org/
I will be posting a blog on this site before and during my trip which departs October 19th.
Thank you for your time in reading,
God Bless
James S. Studiale

I can be reached at; jsstudia@gmail.com or 863-640-1751
I will be away during the month of September. I will be in touch as soon as I return on October 2nd.