I am reading an amazing book, a page turner / cliffhanger / bestseller: Congo. Writer (Belgian): David van Reybrouck. Without doubt it is already translated into English. You spent so many years in Congo / Zaïre. Maybe you know that book, if not you must read it!
Then a second e-mail:
I finished the book. How was it possible for you to live in that Armageddon, that snake pit and spider hole, where a war was, everyone against everyone, homo homini lupus [man is wolf to man], where corruption was a virtue etc., etc.??? There must also have been something good, I presume.
This prompted me to write back:
We would not trade our experience of living in the Congo (1969-1984) for anything.
We learned so much about ourselves, about the incredibly messy, beautiful world in which we live, about people who are so much like us in their hearts, even though at first they seem like strangers and aliens.
I finished the book. How was it possible for you to live in that Armageddon, that snake pit and spider hole, where a war was, everyone against everyone, homo homini lupus [man is wolf to man], where corruption was a virtue etc., etc.??? There must also have been something good, I presume.
This prompted me to write back:
We would not trade our experience of living in the Congo (1969-1984) for anything.
Our family in 1974
We observed people living joyfully in spite of their suffering, sharing happily of the little they had, yet never hesitating to ask for what they needed. Above all, we learned to listen to God speaking to us, and learned to depend on God for all our needs.
The Congo is a beautiful country, full of smiling and generous people. When we arrived, its people had just gained their independence, and there was no major war until after we left. Mobutu ruled, corruptly, supported by the U.S. and France.
Yes, there is chaos now, but the people are still the same. It is war and tribalism that corrupts the beauty. That happens in all countries. One big problem in the Congo is their attitude toward those in power. Leaders are given total freedom, with no checks and balances; that is the breeding ground for corruption. Total power corrupts totally.
Shortly after this e-mail exchange I read an article written by Charles Buller in his newsletter for Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (Congo Leadership Coaching Network). I sent part of it to our Dutch friend.
Now I must read the book which he recommended to us!
"Yes, there is chaos now, but the people are still the same." - I have often wondered, as I read the news about countries that have been war torn for so many years, how the people survive. I wonder what is happening in the minds of the children. I hope that the core spirit, hope, and good will toward others, remain. But it is hard to see how. A fascinating post, Elfrieda.
ReplyDeleteAlso that last photo is stunning. Did you take it?
Carol, from experience both my husband and I have had as children of war: Children live in the moment. As long as they have someone who loves them taking care of them they are not traumatized by what is happening around them. I have no memories at all of the first four years of my life when we were constantly on the move. My husband remembers seeing dead people on the road and people hanging from trees (he was 7 when they fled). He also remembers watching a big ship being torpedoed at sea, while they were on another boat. He and his brother observed with curiosity what was happening around them, but he doesn't remember being afraid or panicking.He had good people taking care of him.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could take credit for that stunning sunset picture. It is a postcard I had in one of my scrap books.
I am holding on to your words "Above all, we learned to listen to God speaking to us, and learned to depend on God for all our needs." Our world has always seen chaos and injustice, but to read your words here shows the power of family, the power of faith - and above all, the power of God.
ReplyDeleteI am also reminded of the words of the host of PBS Mr. Rogers Neighborhood saying, "When something bad happens, look for the helpers," words comforting to the innocent who do not understand.
My only knowledge of this African country has come from Barbara Kingsolver's book The Poisonwood Bible, based on her early experience when a physician father took his family from rural Kentucky to the Congo. The book is a novel, so I don't know how much it can be trusted as true experience.
Marian, the Psalms became a source of strength and renewal for me. I would rise early in the morning, before the children woke up, and I received such sustenance from that time!
DeleteOur children loved and trusted our African friends and helpers. They were like family to us.
Kingsolver's book is spot-on, in my opinion. I couldn't believe she got it so right!
I like your comment about how people are so much like us in their hearts. Culture, traditions,language may be different but inside we have the same desires,needs & dreams! What an experience your family gained from your years in Africa.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth! If we can find the things we have in common instead of what drives us apart, the world will be better place for us all.
DeleteElfrieda, this is my favourite of all your blogs. We are all the same in our hearts. I love that.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marge! The more cross cultural experiences we have, the more we know how much alike we all really are. We learn each other's heart language!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elfrieda, for this look back on your time in Congo - what a beautiful testimony to your precious time there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, April. It was a life changing experience for us!
ReplyDeleteI remember your family photo of 1974 so well ! We had it on our fridge and prayed for your family!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteMary D
I find that very moving, Mary. Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDelete