GO Teams> PHC GO Team in the C.A.R. ~ Nov. 2007
WEEK #2 (Nov. 9 - 15)
Today we got up at the crack of dawn. Most of us arose around 5:30 to 5:45. Yes, that would be a.m. not p.m. Waking up here is pretty easy, usually, because of the rooster crowing and the sun shining in. We had french toast and bacon for breakfast, before church. After breakfast we piled up in the vehicles and headed off to a french speaking church.
When we went in the church they were already singing. It was beautiful to see these people ~ about 1500 in attendance ~ all worshipping the Lord! The service was all in French but one of the missionaries was sitting next to me and translated for me.
After church was finished we went into another building to have fellowship with some of the leaders of the church. They served us peanuts, cookies and tea or coffee. The people here are so warm and friendly. They are also amazing host and hostess.
When we got back from church we had some down time. A few of us sat in the living room and played these crazy games. Mind games. This afternoon we have free time to do whatever we want. I think most of us are going to go shopping.
DAY #10 - Friday
Jerry writes:
A day's observation:
- Before the sun rises a pesky rooster insists it's morning and it's 4:30am!
- As the sun rises, we all stir with excitement for the new day
- Along the way as we encounter people walking, a wave from us turns a stern looking inquisitive face to a warm and gentle smile. Even an occasional army guard will break down and give us a smile.
- Streets lined with merchant after merchant bartering there wares. Roads with no lines or rules. May the bravest or craziest driver win!
- Approaching the Orphan Center we smell the fires started to prepare food for the hundreds of children arriving.
- As the sun rises in the sky, the temperature goes from warm to intense with every uncovered spot of skin aware of it's might.
- A day filled with hard work with a people who not only appreciate our efforts, they warmly welcome us and our uniqueness
- Red clay everywhere contrasted by the pure blue sky and lush green trees and sometimes even a little green grass
- A child's smile that fills your heart to overflowing with both joy and sadness at the same time
- Sounds of Africans learning English and singing English hymns in Sango (their language)
- Evening is spent with the sharing and worship of full hearts
- Finishing the day with a tired body and mind, grateful and anxious for yet another day coming
Jerry watching Africa go by from his perch upstairs.
A woman who comes each day to the station to sell vegetables.
Our smiles are always returned with warm smiles.
One of many on-lookers enjoying watching the team at work
Ton & Jerry hamming it up.
Widows at the orphan Welcome Center preparing food
for over 400 students.
Quiet, beautiful mornings
Jerry & Kathy Brand with Aimee,
a Hand-in-Hand school teacher.
DAY #9 - Thursday
Ton writes:
Today rain, rain and more rain.
We were on our way to the Pygmy village but had to return because the road would be closed due to much rain. The government here puts barriers on the road during rainy season. Their job is to keep vehicles from driving on the dirt roads when it rains. When the sun shines for three hours the barriers open up. This is to protect the road.
So we had to turn around and go back home.
Returning in the compound we took a rest day since the rain also made it so that we could not work on the construction site either. We all took it easy. The hot temperatures and the humidity have taken a toll on all of us. We spent the morning chatting, watching a movie, and some of us slept a little bit. In the afternoon we went to the market for some souvenirs and to haggle with the local merchants.
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