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.

STILL BLOGGING WITH US? HERE WE GO, GREAT NEWSLETTER&UPDATES! DO SOMETHING, PLEASE!

YOUR MERCY
MERCY FOR CHILDREN INC PO BOX 2124 LAKELAND, FL 33806-2124 (352) 895-2800
www.mercyforchildren.org AUGUST 2010

Dear Parents and Friends of Mercy for Children, Inc.:

We hope you are all well, and tolerating our recent heat wave. We continue to gratefully thank all of you who support the work we are doing together for the children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Our children are doing well and are soon approaching the beginning of another school year. The Mercy for children orphanage hosted a joint summer camp, and they were joined recently by another group of children, for a total of 175! We were busting at the seams as they say! It was a great learning experience for the staff of MFC, and the reports we have received are that our children were particularly well behaved during the camp.

OCTOBER MISSION TRIP
Father Gabriel is continuing to prepare for a mission trip in October. He will be joined by James Studiale, son of Jim and Annie Studiale, who are long range adoptive parents of Mylord Lukamba. James is a recent college graduate and we are very thankful that he will be able to make this trip with Father Gabriel. Please join us in praying for a safe and productive trip.

If you are looking for additional ways to support this mission trip we are still in need of sponsorship of a number of projects we hope to complete this year. We have received partial sponsorships on only a few of these items.
· a soccer field ($2,500)
· establishment of a 5th grade classroom ($2000: desperately needed)
· dining tables ($300/table and 4 chairs)
· bunk beds ($250 each)
· mattresses ($50 each)
· school desks ($80 each)
· mosquito nets ($20 each)
· man-pull chariot for transportation of goods ($150)
· bicycle for alternative transportation ($100)
· gardening tools ($200)
· activity room entertainment center ($220)
· soccer uniforms and shoes
Some items can be purchased here while some others will need to be purchased locally in Congo. The following can be purchased in the U.S., please contact us if you are interested in helping fund these items:
· solar night lights
· sports equipment

Please, help us make all these dreams come true for the kids. If you, someone you know, or perhaps a group you are connected with are interested in helping with any of these items please let us know as soon as possible.
For those of you in the healthcare field, we are also in urgent need of certain medical items. Particularly useful are antibiotics, disinfectants, wound care products, skin care products, and dental hygiene products. If you are able to donate any of these items please contact us and we will coordinate pick up of these supplies.

IN THE NEWS: MEDICAL CLINIC COMING TO MERCY FOR CHILDREN
A part of the long term vision for the orphanage has been a Medical Clinic. As you are all aware, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are very poor and medical care is not readily available to most. Health suffers as a result: the average life expectancy is only 45 years, almost 1 out of 100 woman die during childbirth, and 16% of children die before the age of 5 years (compared to 0.8% in the United States ). The children for whom we care must travel great distances for healthcare and it is not always readily available when it is needed. Staying true to our mission of mercy in action we hope to make a difference in the health of the children in the orphanage as well as those in the surrounding villages. We are at the very beginning of the planning stage for the clinic and will provide details in future newsletters. To learn more about the current status of health care in the Democratic Republic of Congo see the World Health Organization site at http://www.who.int/countries/cod/en/ . If you are interested in becoming personally involved in this exciting project email Dr. Matthew Cory at mcorymd@msn.com.
As part of this project we are looking for ways to encourage and support medical education for individuals in DRC who will then work for MFC Medical Clinic. Amazingly, without us really searching, we have already be blessed with a wonderful opportunity. Sister Bernadette Mawaba Mafankolo is a nurse with over 10 years of experience. She has worked as a missionary in a religious life and now living a consecrate life geared toward ministry among the poor. She has been a facilitator and speaker in quite a few training programs, seminars and conferences. She was involved in the historic devastation of Ebola virus in the Congo in the 90's and has traveled to Europe few times for missions. She has recently completed her premedical studies and has graduated at the top of her class. She would like to continue on to medical School and would be able to start classes in November. She hopes to attend school at the University of Lumbashi in South East Congo. She has approached Mercy For Children for sponsorship for her tuition, which is only $3000 for the entire medical school tuition. She would then commit to working at the orphanage. This would be a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in so many ways and take a large step towards establishing a medical clinic at Mercy for Children. We would love to be able to do this. And so, we are looking for one or more interested in helping to sponsor Sister Bernadette's medical school education. If you would be able to do this please contact Dr. Matthew Cory or Fr. Gabriel Ipasu at mercyforchildren@gmail.com or by telephone at (352) 895-2800.

CHILD SPONSORSHIPS
Currently 39 of our 65 children do not have a sponsor parent. One of the biggest challenges we face is meeting the day to day operating costs of running the orphanage. We currently receive slightly less than half of our operating expenses through our regular monthly sponsorship donations. The remainder is covered through one time donations and fundraising events. We pray to be able to find a sponsor for every child in our care and more, which will enable us to offer our special love and mercy to more children in DRC. Sponsors can be individuals, families, groups and even organizations. All it takes is the compassion and desire to make a difference in the life of a child. If you are able to help us in this life changing mission by becoming a regular child sponsor, or your know someone who might consider becoming a sponsor, please email Nancy Cory at nhccpa@msn.com. We will gladly send you information about our various sponsorship options.

GARAGE SALES, ETC.
Garage sales are being held periodically in St Cloud to benefit Mercy For Children. If you have items that are still in good condition that you would like to donate please contact Margarita Rosada at (407) 343 7889.

NEW ADDRESS
We have a new address for correspondence. It is Mercy For Children, Inc. P.O. Box 2124 Lakeland, Florida 33806-2124

FINAL THOUGHTS...
Do you have a friend who might be interested in the work we do. Please consider forwarding our newsletters, or emailing them with our website and a brief note. You can be a powerful force in expanding our mission group.
And finally, again, thanks for your prayers, help, suggestions and financial support. We are truly blessed by so many people who embrace our mission of mercy in action.

(This Month Newsletter by Dr. Matthew Cory, Vice-president)