We're planning a big scouting event in Tenke in 2013 hosted by the Tenke District of the North Katanga Episcopal Area with the program provided by scouts from Indiana. So, although I've made this trip umpteen times, I tried to look at everything with the fresh eyes of those scouts coming next year from Indiana.
I'm excited! They are going to experience an Africa no tourist gets to see. Tenke is a mining town, filled with all the high energy of the new Africa, and we're a short ride or vigorous hike from traditional village life.
Yesterday, we went on a church visit tour. The out and in also served as a shake down for the new bikes. We discovered again that our churches are stuck in their construction because of their inability to raise the hard cash for roofing sheets. It may not be as glamorous as mosquito nets or water wells, but this is what they need right now. I agree. Without the metal roof, the rains take the walls down, and they have to rebuild. The church we visited had rebuilt three times in three years. If they were able to finish the church, they could get to the next level of problems. The church is the community base. From that, they build everything else.
Today we rode out to see Pastor Mumba's farm. It's two and a half hectres inside the mine property. Impressive, indeed. Beans, potatoes, and corn 7 feet tall.
Tonight, I preach. Friday, we leave for Kansenia and points north.
Bob
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