We have now been in Rwanda almost a week. We would like to go home. The town of Goma continues to be relatively quiet. A strong police commander was brought into Goma and they started shooting people who were out looting. So, now, we only here shots occassionally, and it might be the government shooting to stop bandits, rather than the other way around.
And we wait...
Nkunda remains on the outskirts of town, apparently waiting for news of negotiations between Rwanda and Congo. Or maybe waiting for something else entirely...who knows.
The people of Goma wait for markets to open, schools to open and work to begin again.
The refugees wait for food, water, and medical help
the aid agencies wait for the refugees (where have they all gone? They have apparently been forced out of camps and disappeared in all directions...)
And we wait for news that it is ok to return to Congo...
We have gotten some good news.
Our house and the Shona house were not looted! For all the reports of wide-spread looting we appear to be incredibly lucky. The sewing equipment for Shona as well as all our merchandise remained untouched.
Also, thank you to the people who donated so generously to Shona. We now have enough money to sustain the women for several more weeks in Congo, which should be plenty. Sometimes the world seems so big and we seem so far away. And when we realize that people so far away are thinking of us and concerned for us, it means a lot. Thank you.
4 comments:
Dawn I was in Sue's class at RVA.
My folks were missionaries in Goma which is where I grew up. Our hearts are broken.
Sue emailed your ebay link and I'll be forwarding it to my family and friends. God bless you for helping these women in such a tangible way. Doryce (Douglin)
Dawn,
I'm so relieved to hear your homes weren't looted!! And that you got some donations! Keep updating us and we'll keep praying!
Lynn
Chicago
Dawnie, Sarah sent me your blog address. I read it this morn and I prayed for you and Goma, and the ladies there, as well as the "situation" there. My prayers will continue to be with you!
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It is really meaningful to read all your comments here and know that there are people across the world following what is going on in Congo and even what is going on with us.
Doryce, Goma must have been quite an interesting place to grow up. I'd love to hear about some of your experiences here. Have you been back since?
Sis. Dee, Thanks for checking up on us! Congrats on your church! It sounds like you are really enjoying it.
Lynn, Thank you again for you continued support and interest. I'll send you a message through email.
Thanks again to all who are reading this and praying for the people of Congo.
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