Hello from Dawn

It is a very good sign that I am authoring this report. It means I am rested, relaxed and eager to connect. The Beni experience was beyond words! How can I describe the sights, the smells (including musty moldy pillows and linens) and the bracing 6 a.m. sponge baths. We were treated like honored guests but we felt honored to be able to speak into these warm and loving people's lives.

I will never forget Pastor Kamala, displaced from Bunia and his position as academic dean of the Protestant seminary. He has 10 children and no income. He is in charge of the pastor care for the CSCODI team. He tells us a good income for a pastor is $35 USD a month - but that this is very hard to live on. The Vice President of CSCODI is unemployed. He and his wife sustain themselves by cultivating a garden in their front yard. An MCC volunteer at the Guest House told us this is not as bad as it sounds. Self-sustaining crops are better than unstable employment.

The women welcomed us as openly as the men. Several women involved with local NGO's were delighted to have us come and teach the men not to reject their wives just because they have been raped or have HIV/AIDS. One woman said her NGO had interviewed 1000 women and then interviewed local men and pastors. When asked what was the best way to deal with a raped wife the overwhelming response from both local men and pastors was to reject her. She was so grateful to have us teach the opposite. As a thank you the women attending the seminar arranged to have Congolese dresses and shirts made for the team. This was very exciting for us and we look forward to posting our pictures on the blog when we return home.

Michael and Brenda return home today and Ross and I return on Tuesday afternoon. We have been sustained by your cards, blog comments, and prayers. We feel that God has not just called us to this ministry but that he has also called each one of you. Thank you for participating in this incredible adventure with us!