Starting with the basics

If you're looking at this blog, it means you've either stumbled here (unlikely) or you've heard that I'm heading to Congo. As I've been talking to people about my time, a few questions have surfaced repeatedly. As a result, here's my own version of a FAQ:

*When are you going?
My ticket has been purchased for November 10-22, arriving home on November 23rd. God willing, I'll be a very tired and very thankful person come Thanksgiving (one day later).

*Where are you going?
I'll be based out of Bukavu, at the south end of Lake Kivu. Here's a map that might help give some orientation:

Bukavu is on the right above the word Congo on the map.
From Bukavu I'll be taking trips to Kaziba (~5 hour car ride) and other places, but the thought is that I'll come home each night.

*What are your plans while there?
We all know that the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. With that said, here are the three things I hope to do while there:
1. Work with a disabled adults group. This group has people with amputees, spinal cord injuries, polio, and gunshot wounds, to name a few diagnoses. Apparently physical therapy is truly only for the rich in Congo, so I'm hoping to do some education and leave some materials behind that explain some basic anatomy/biomechanics and what people can do to maximize their independence.
2. Work with caretakers at the Kaziba orphanage. This orphanage cares for children 0-5 years old. Because there are so many kids not yet walking at the orphanage and a limited number of hands to hold them, some children have developed plantar flexion contractures. What this means is that their feet are pointed downward because their achilles tendons are tight. I'm hoping to teach caretakers how to prevent this, how to treat it, and to work with them on other developmental activities with the kids there.
3. Do some footwork to determine the logistics of setting up a sponsorship program for the kids at Kaziba. What are the yearly costs for kids? To get updates on kids? Is there someone who can be on the ground there to do this? What do the people at Kaziba need and want?

*Are you going alone?
I'm flying to and from Congo alone, but we will be meeting up with a dear friend once I reach Congo. She and her family live in Bukavu and have connections with the two groups mentioned above.

*How can I help?
If you'd like to support me in some way, you can! Here are ways:
1. Bumbo. This is a supportive seat that some folks use here before kids can sit on their own. I'd like to bring one to two for the orphanage to give kids a chance to be upright out of their cribs more often.
2. Formula. Formula is extremely expensive in Congo, so I'd like to bring a supply of it from the States.
3. If you have money you'd like to donate to the orphanage or the disabled group, I can bring it. (Talk to me more about this if that's what you want to do; I need to ensure that there's a reputable person to receive it, which I know there is at the orphanage, but I'm more unclear with the disabled group, as I know less about it.)
4. Pray. Pray for my safety, pray for my family while I'm gone (I'm somewhat concerned about how my kids will do with me being gone for almost two weeks, especially Nathan), pray that God would prepare this time and space and that His will would be done. I truly do covet your prayers bathing this adventure.

I think that's where I'll start for now and get more info out as the countdown begins. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Coleen