Seminars Continue

For this time of year, our weather has been great. On Thursday, we experienced Congo in the rainy season. The storm lasted under an hour, but the torrents on the roof and the lack of power stopped our sessions. Fortunately, it was late in the afternoon so the loss of time will have minimal impact. It is a reminder of our good fortune to have everything we need in Canada. In Beni, electricity is rationed and is cut off during the night and mid day depending on where you are. There was virtually no water this morning, so we could not even match our prior day shower based on using just one bucket of water.
We are intrigued by their question and answer protocol here. Ross or Dawn will provide their talk, followed by Q&A. A moderation will always allow for as many questions as time permits, but the answers must be given all at once. This gives additional time for reflection and permits a schedule to be better adhered to and creates increased decorum.
We are hopeful that we can see the Beni newspaper reports. Consistent with the interest shown by the participants, local media has been interviewing Dawn.
Talking with UN officers from South Africa (also present here are Bangledesh, India and Indonesia), they say that the election results have been advanced to this Sunday November 12 from November 19. I don't see that news on the Internet, but maybe they have been given some advanced notice. The good news is that they are being relocated to Goma on the border with Rwanda because they expect no trouble in Beni or Bunia. If anywhere, the trouble should be in the capital. This whole region is solidly for Kabila, so an unexpected result would be a problem. We are hopeful that we could witness a phenomonal celebration!
Ross has publicly commented on how much he wants to stay and learn from the Congolese and their ability to worship. Please pray that he has second thoughts and agrees to get on the plane with us!
Michael