A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime!

I am now faced with yet another good-bye. I am leaving Isiro. I will remain in Congo but I have accepted another position in the town of Bunia, where I was first introduced to the crazy Congo.

My life seems to consistently be separated into small fragments each one changing and defining me as a person day-by-day. Just like all the rest, Isiro is another place, people, and memories that I will carry in my heart always because my time spent here is what propels me to move forward in another direction. 

 Many people have touched me these last months in Isiro. One of my biggest highlights was meeting my HR assistant’s new baby, Kevin, last week. I remember the day she told me she was pregnant and I have seen her through the last months : finding out it was a boy, morning sickness, that pregnant glow, and her creative maternity wardrobe.

Another high point has been being involved building a school with the local church, which many of you have also been a part of. I realized that I am passionate about education. I know that I myself have been so blessed, despite Sallie Mae pounding on my bank account door ever month,  and I would like to offer that opportunity to others.

The church asked for my help a few months ago and I wasn’t sure how any of this was going to be accomplished. I have reached out for help from many of you exceeding anyone’s expectations. Thank you ! This past Sunday, the day before leaving, I went to visit the building site one last time thinking I would only find building materials littering the ground. However instead I found about twenty-five hard working men, the pastor’s wife and their two year old daughter with the foundation already measured out and trenches partially dug all by 8 :30 am.

I was presented with a very ambitious budget and building plan. But at the same time standing in awe unable to be filled with doubt as we had already gotten this far.

Going through the motions and emotions of saying good-bye, I was reminded that we are all leaving a legacy behind. It was a little heartbreaking leaving just at the moment this project was really taking off. But then I was reminded of a forward I received many years ago from a friend : people (and experience) enter your life for a reason, a season, or even a lifetime. I believe I was sent to Isiro for a reason. My time there was only a small season but I know it will rest in my heart for a lifetime and I hope I have also left something behind impacting someone else's lifetime.

The heart of Congolese culture is children and the saying « it takes a community to raise a child » couldn’t be more true than in Congo. If you are interested in being part of this community in raising these children by supporting a local church school, let me know. I am more than willing to provide you with more details. I am hopeful that these young minds will be taught to challenge the staus quo and be opened to a different way of thinking leading to the beginning of something beautiful for Congo.