AFRICA-DRC December, 2011

Limits...

2011-12-13T00:09:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in Pweto, DRC finishing up my last two final papers for the quarter; one on the structure and function of NGO’s (non-government organizations) and the other on comparative education…I was just surprised by a visit from two dear friends I’ve known since my work in the refugee camp in Zambia, 2007. One is the father of Antoine who started the computer center, the other, Papa Kabulo (whom we nicknamed ‘Yoda’ because of the start resemblance!). Unfortunately, Papa Kabulo lost one of his sons yesterday, two more are in the hospital now and last year he lost yet another child. I can’t help but think back to the camp and how access to education and health care was readily available and free; I wonder if Papa Kabulo’s children would still be alive and or well today if they were still in the camp. It is further unfortunate to be writing about the situation of NGO’s and education because the parallel is too stark to ignore. This is why the type of work I do can get frustrating because it’s like no matter how much you do, or how you try to carry it out and pay attention to all the details that are IN YOUR FACE something fails, someone is lost yet you still have to get up and be strong- and move forward. Today will be a difficult day…

Time....

2011-12-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Time sure does tic by....I can't believe am already here a week and leaving in less then a week! Ugh.

Finally Antoine arrive here in Pweto yesterday and today RAIN or SHINE we will get to work. I am anticipating (weather permitting) that Vasco and Kapondo will make it here by Thurs/Fri this week. Can't wait to see them both- it's odd not being able to go to Moba myself but I've been advised to sit put and due to time, we are really limited.
Attaching a pic here of me during my 48 hour journey to get just from Zambia to Pweto! And of our fabulous bomb fire we made the other night which happened to also be a full moon!

More to come, I'm sure I will have a lot more to update and pics to post after my day today ;-)
-k

Pweto, DRC

2011-12-10T02:31:00.000-08:00

Today is my second day in Pweto- I finally arrived yesterday after two days of traveling from Joburg to Ndola to Manza to PWETO! The rains got the best of our last 4 hours of driving on the muddy roads from Kashkishi to the border. Thankfully we had no problems along the way and for the first time ever- no hassle crossing the border! The elections were announced around 630pm (LST) and following immediately were a parade of people along the streets ‘celebrating’ Kabila’s win (49%). From where I am I could see and hear masses of people marching in the 'streets' in celebration, flags, drums, car horns, singing and shouting. It was next to impossible to make it to the market area as the road was covered with people. I plan to take a walk in tomorrow and or may wait until Monday. In Kinshasa and Lubumbashi there have been reports of unrest and the opposition Tshisekedi, announced himself President and is claiming that the elections were rigged. His supporters are taking to the streets. The FINAL announcement will be released on the 17th of December when the Senate decides. Lucky for me I will be here still…unlucky for me if, I get stuck here…
As for now, all seems to be calm and peaceful. I am waiting to hear how things are in Moba as there are concerns from previous situations. I think there is more of a psychology of unrest and fear that resides in the rural areas (Moba has one of the highest refugee returns). I look forward to sitting down with my guys and discussing the situation.
Internet is as slow as always- if even available. I will continue to write and save, publish when possible. Until later,
krista

Ndola- Pweto, DRC

2011-12-08T00:33:00.000-08:00

Heading off on the long journey from what started in Johannesburg, South Africa to Ndola, Zambia and now off to Pweto, DRC. It's rainy season here so the roads are bad but fingers crossed we'll make it without getting stuck every 20 minutes!

I've been keeping up with the elections from our guys on the ground in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and throughout Katanga Province. All seems to be fine in the rural areas which is why I'm staying away from those... Will keep ya'll posted.

Tutaonana baadaye
krista

Day 44

2011-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Kigali, Rwanda
Monday- day 44
June 13, 2011

Sunday was supposed to be our ‘Thank you for ALL of your help, have some food and drinks on us day’ um….. NOPE! The minute we arrived to Muslala where we had invited the likes of: OCHA, UNHCR, WFP, GTZ etc. I was informed (only because I called mind you-) that our ‘confirmed flight’ was FULL and that that two out of three of us were on ‘stand-by’. Hmmm, on a Sunday night, REALLY!? NO ONE works on Sundays, let alone Sunday nights and this was only the beginning. Immediately it was a struggle to call EVEYONE I KNOW here in Congo and abroad to get Plan B and C in action. I would have, characteristically had these in place prior had I not already had CONFIRMATION for our flights. Nonetheless, I called all the peeps I know and tried to work the impossible, even ended up at the UNMONUC office after 9pm attempting to load, print, sign and scan documents only to re-send (the SAME documents I had ALREADY sent 6 times, YES SIX!).

Loooooooong story short, this morning at 730am (after 2 ½ hours of not-so-rest full sleep) it was straight to UNHCR to literally beg for a signature. THEN is was ‘WE NEED A DRIVER’ then it was 10 minutes to 10am and the flight was leaving at 11am however, the UN security gate CLOSES at 10:15am…yeah, so it was a rush against time- literally. Jon and Marisa had gone with Chris to the UN airport awaiting me and the ‘signed documents’ which in order to obtain I had to go to MONUC, through security (never an easy task…) then find our contact there (who was in a meeting) and proceed with the tenacity of a starving lion to find the one in charge of the ‘contact’. Yep, like I said, not a great day, I felt like an ass walking into the office introducing myself with hat in one hand, papers in the other looking frazzled, exhausted and extremely IN NEED. All true btw.
So I get to the UN airport and quickly run to speak with the authorities explaining to them that the MOP (Mission of Purpose) i.e. formal letter of approval is ‘In the system’ yeah, they didn’t buy that. I was, luckily, informed of the name of the person who the document had to be authorized by WHO WAS ARRIVING 10 MINUTES BEFORE WE WERE DEPARTING at the same airport. Found the person, that person signed (THANK YOU!) and again, I felt like an ass lol…we got through, and on board within minutes thereafter. Mind you, we flew on the UN flight which a couple of months ago crashed and 30 people died- all humanitarian workers- ONE survivor. Just to add salt to the wound here….
Arriving in Goma, northeast DRC is about 15 minutes from the boarder of Rwanda. We were most definitely the ONLY ones without a ride to--- who knows where so, asked someone to assist in getting us a taxi to the border (the UN security is TIGHT. That was facilitated and Marisa arranged for someone to meet us at the border (after gong through endless ‘immigration, checks etc.’ we were on our way- all 4 hours of it! Now? We are safe, sound, clean, still hungry- exhausted BUT in Kiglai, Rwanda ready for a good nights rest and to embark on our journey home (that would be all of: Kigali-Uganda-Rome-DC-Texas-LA…for me). Ugh
For now
krista

Day 42

2011-06-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

KALEMIE, Democratic Republic of Congo
Tuesday- day 42
June 11, 2011

This morning we went out to visit two IDP camps: Sango and Mushaba. They both sit less than 30 kilometers outside of Kalemie. I have to say that Sango is probably one of the worst ones I have seen thus far…they have less than the bare minimum- the have nothing. One example of a family that lives in one hut 7 people, no bed, no tarp, blanket, food or, access to water. It’s just unimaginable. There we also met a young girl, Rebecca who is 14 years old and an orphan. She has no idea where her parents are, her sisters or brothers and she is living alone in a small hut with nothing more than a chitenge laid on the ground for a bed. The possibilities of her being raped and or falling pregnant are extremely high. It’s heart wrenching.

The camp of Kabimba where we intended to go (and still intend to…maybe upon our return in October) has yet to be classified or visited by any NGO. We made endless attempts to organize transportation via the NGO’s here but to no avail. Reasons ranged from it being a ‘security risk’ to needing to ‘get approval from Kinshasa/Lubumbashi’. Chris will be gathering information while we are gone and hopefully by the time we return the NGO’s will have made a visit and provided assistance. This is what we don’t understand (add it to the list I guess…):
Why are there SO MANY NGO’s here in Kalemie? What are they doing? Why have the IDP’s received NO ASSISTANCE? The only presence in the camps is MSF and they are clearly understaffed and need help. It’s terribly frustrating. The bureaucracy of the NGO’s have little wiggle room; that is, most likely they already have their 2011 budget and must stay on track. Most of these IDP camps were erected between October 2010 and March 2011…shouldn’t there be an emergency budget!?
Nonetheless, we can only do what we can do which is gather the information as we receive it and share it with the rest of the world with the hopes that these stories will infiltrate to the people, countrymen, corporations, organizations, friends and families so that together, we can not only assist with the cause but come up with a sustainable solution. Until then, we walk, we talk, we question and in the end, we share.
Karibu
krista

Day 31

2011-06-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

Kalemie, Democratic Republic of Congo
Thursday, Day 31

IDP Camps
So.....we went to the IDP camps yesterday and really had a tough time. They are literally at bare bones with nothing- Only a couple NGO's are currently working there like MSF (medicines sin frontier) OCHA and UNHCR. The reality is, these camps are flooding with IDP's (Internally Displaced People) and the population is increasing daily. Furthermore, access to them is difficult as the roads are not good and a few are only accessible by boat. That being said, Jon Marisa and I, after multiple interviews and the long trek to the camps- we were really feeling exhausted. One after another hearing the stories of why they are there, trying to find the root cause was like trying to get a brick to talk to us. As unfortunate as it sounds, we really believe there is a history of fleeing, returning, seeking refuge etc. It's just part of the past in countries such as the DRC. Thus, even when we try to get to the root of the problem, the response is always "we had to flee from the violence, the pillaging, rape of the rebel groups". BUT, no one knows why the rebels are doing this...ok, we have an idea but everyone has a different story of which are all the same in the end...violence, pillaging and rape. That being said, in search of a story with the interviews, footage and work we have and continue to do in the field we came to the conclusion that we are going to document our search for the root cause of the instability here in Katanga.
Today we are scheduled to visit yet another camp with the UNHCR and tomorrow to a camp which has yet been accessed by any NGO- not even the UNHCR. We hope to find a positive way to tell the stories of these displaced people...

Day 29/30

2011-06-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

KALEMIE, Democratic Republic of Congo
Tuesday- day 38
June 7, 2011

Well we arrived in Kalemie yesterday morning around 445am. Because the port authorities (i.e., customs border agents) don’t open until 7am, we ‘floated around the harbor’ for a couple of hours along with the rest of the boats… got to see a beautiful sunrise! Once through the chaos of literally hopping over one boat to get to land with the help of our friend ‘Pisco’ we made it. Directly from the port our dear friend Chris found us a house to rent- two story; lovely really- and we settled in…more or less. In much need of some food and rest after a long journey we set out in search of some food (even skipping showers!). From there we made our way into town, contacted a few colleagues and went to the beach for some R&R. That of course turned into a nice swim in lake Tanganika and the joy of watching the sunset. We were READY for showers and bed by 730pm and well on our way until….we were interrupted by a loud continuous bang on our large metal security door. Before opening we asked who it was (both in French and Swahili) the man answered, “I am the guard” (it’s common to have a day and night guard on duty 24 hours a day- 7 days a week). However, since we were not informed that there was a fully employed guard we were hesitant to open the door….called the landlord who’s phone was off then Chris who immediately came over to check out the situation (he too was unaware of the guard). During all of this chaos we were distracted by loud and noises coming from our new neighbors who were quite obviously, performing some type of witchcraft or ‘medicine’ on a young man. This of course added to our confusion, security and fear of not being able to have a good night-much needed- rest. I called our friend Pisco who came to our rescue and agreed to work as our guard for the week. He’s a young man out of work and very pleasant (and laughs at my continuous efforts to speak Swahili!).

Today we were ‘scheduled’ to go on a field visit to one of the 5 IDP camps in the area but that of course fell through and- we have not had any electricity since late last night so….I’m running on fumes with my computer here. We organized all of our registration papers for The REEL Project instead (which needed to be done) and confirmed our flight out of Kalemie to Goma for next Monday. Furthermore, we have made arrangements to depart early tomorrow morning for a field visit to one of the largest IDP camps a little over 60 kilometers out of Kalemie.
Ok, before I am kicked out of battery life here I’m going to keep this short and attempt to post a couple photos…until next time.
Karibu sana
krista

Went to two different IDP camps today and just got back. Toooooo exhausted to relive the experience now however, will try to send an update after another visit tomorrow; with pics. Obviously- wasn't able to send the previous post yesterday due to an electricity outage but nonetheless...
kesho
krista

Day 29

2011-05-31T01:26:00.000-07:00

Moba, Democratic Republic of Congo
Monday-DAY 29
May 30, 2011

These past couple of weeks have been quite the journey . We finalized all of the new Loan Groups, 7 in Moba Port and 7 in Kirungu, which gives another 70 individuals loans. The businesses range from bakeries to tailoring, duck breeding, fish and carpentry. It was extremely difficult to choose the groups because so many people applied however, we tried to focus on the vulnerable population and those that are single, widowed etc. Also, as we distributed the first disbursements we also received our last installment from the very first loan recipients of the pilot group in December. Thus far we have a 100% return rate and we gave certificates, which boosted their confidence, and clearly they felt a great sense of pride. During the meetings last week a few different groups of women came to see me expressing their interest in assisting the community with family planning, water sanitation and education initiatives. Their need to share with The REEL Project was conveyed in a collaborative manner yet the reality is; they need the tools, assistance and funding. The problem I face is we have very little to offer other than connecting them with an organization that does have all of the above and, more importantly, specializes in the above.
It’s still difficult to hear these groups of women talk about the community with such steadfast enthusiasm and have so little to offer. There is a great need for MANY things here in Moba- in the DRC and, we are few with very little resources. It’s heart wrenching knowing and seeing first hand the needs and not being able to do more… however, we do have to look at the positive side of what we are doing, who and how we have helped so many individuals and the community at large…

A few weeks ago when I first arrived we had a dinner and invited over the UNHCR and MONUC heads of office. During our dinner we discussed various issues pertaining to the area, returnees and upcoming elections. Further to this, we made a plan to hike together Murumbi Mountain, which sits just outside of Kirungu/Moba. It’s so big you can see it from pretty much anywhere in Moba. Yesterday we hiked it. At our dinner there were no more than 9 guests thus, we figured our hike would be an intimate 5-10 people….ha! The WHOLE MONUC came, a few from UNHCR, CVT and of course our guys AND THEIR WIVES! We were over 30 people… At 530am we met on the main road and jumped in one of two of the big UN trucks. Then we stopped at the MONUC headquarters on our way to the Mountain and picked up another truck full of 20+ MONUC soldiers (Dr. and all!). We were up the mountain with a few water stops on the way in 1 hour and 36 minutes! Once on top we had an ‘army style lunch’ which consisted of a lot of boxed food items, bread, tea (which Marisa and I shared out of a bowl….lol), green tea, CHOCOLATE spread, and A LOT of sharing ☺ Then we proceeded to take group photos and sing. The
MONUC guys are all from BENIN so they sang a ‘happy inspirational song’ followed by the Congolese and then we were informed they needed to hear an American one. Marisa Jon, Sara (CVT) and I all kind of looked at each other with blank faces…really, we don’t have one!? The pressure was on so we tried to think of one that we all knew…99 bottles of beer on the wall? The wheels on the bus go round and round…? Finally, we broke out in “I like big butts and I cannot lie, them other brothers can’t deny”…ok, you get the picture. We didn’t get very far because we started bursting out in laughter especially since everyone started dancing to our rap, it was hilarious. After lunch, the singing and dancing we made the trek back down which, was JUST as hard as going up! From there we went back to the MONUC base and had another lunch, retreated back home and today we are all sore, sore sore!!!! It was most definitely worth the pain as the view is not possible to put into words however, I can say with certainty that we don’t really ever need to do it again. ;-)

It’s Monday today and we are supposed to leave tomorrow on the UN helicopter for Kalemie however, there has yet to be confirmation and so we are staying for another week…working on getting some type of confirmation in advance. The reality is we have A LOT to do here in Moba still, wrapping up all the loan groups info and getting preparations for the next few months after we leave, another week will be much easier on all of us. In Kalemie we need about 5-7 days to travel to the various IDP camps and gather info, meet with the heads of NGO’s there and complete some registration forms. Fingers crossed we can get a confirmation and not end up ‘stuck’ :-/

Day 19

2011-05-20T10:54:00.002-07:00

WOW. Don't even know where to begin, what a week it has been. It's after 10pm here Friday night and we are STILL working! This whole week we have been doing interviews in Moba Port, finished today all 20+ groups (5 people in each group we met each one...over 100 people in a 45 minute per person one-on-one interview). Ugh. Now we have hundreds of 'applications' and 'business plans' to go through, photos to match up and budgets to cut until we can finally sit down and make some decisions...not something I am looking forward to.

A couple interesting things happened this week, aside from the chaos...Yesterday we were about 500 meters from arriving to our location and we had to take a taxi down becuase of the morning torrential down pour (it lasts for anywhere from 20-30 minutes then stops completely but leaves the road conditions pretty slippery). So Jon has his camera out the window taking 'road b-roll' and all of a sudden a man runs up to his window, sticks his hand in and tried (aggressively) to grab his camera!!! The driver pulls to a full stop, not that you can go faster that 2 miles per hour... and Jon, thankfully, didn't and wouldn't let go of the camera. We had NO CLUE who this man was, some freak dressed in civilian clothes yelling in French and Swahili grabbing Jon's crotch (where he was holding the camera, lol). I am sitting in the front and immediately start pulling out 'official document papers' (to be honest, they were scrap papers, in English, all our documents were up at the base....lol), then I get on my phone and threaten to call the Admin or UNHCR, meanwhile Vasco is explaining to the physco that Marisa and I had both been to his house as his guests, he is FULLY aware of our program, the REEL Project etc... Finally he decided to 'let us go' and proceed with our *&^%$#! work. Today then, I went to meet with Immigration, just Vasco and I. The chief was very kind and welcomed us (again) and asked that we continue to bring goodness to Congo and assist with development etc... I couldn't help it, I had to vent my frustration! I responded, 'we intend to so long as what happened yesterday doesn't continue and deter us from helping' he was of course apologetic, said he would bring it up with both the Administrator and the man himself in their next meeting (in two days!). The reality is, they just want money, they don't get paid squat and the only people worth while are the 'Muzungus'because they usually get away with it.So, that was that.
This morning as we were trying to get out of the base in order to get to Moba Port, we kept getting delayed by visitors at the door, the guard was feeling bad for 'bugging us' ;-) Literally, once out the door walking to the market for taxis, a man stops us and demands that he has to talk with us (me and Vasco). Apparently, he was sent from the chief of Mwanza (a small village located about 60 kilometers from Moba). Marisa and I did some interviews there in "Today We Pack, Tomorrow We Settle" and they remember us and aparently heard about the micro-credit projects... they want to meet with us and discuss how much in need they are of the opportunity. Ugh. I looked at Vasco and wanted to cry. AGAIN, we only have enough funds to fund 12 groups, that's only 60 PEOPLE and we have met with WELL OVER 300! I'm lost....flabbergasted and lost, don't know what to say to them :(

THEN...We had a FULL day today and had to take motor taxi's all the way up from Moba Port and it was raining however, it wasn't as bad as our ride up yesterday...we literally were 5 on 5 different motorbikes RACING up the hill! seriously, I have NEVER been up the hill so fast in years. Usually it takes 25+ minutes; we were up in 15 :-o
So, again, that is that. lol
We are all exhausted, a little delirious and have a full weekend ahead of work :(
Attached are a few photos...well, I say that now but have no idea what will upload or not, including this entry!!!
tutaonana,
krista

Day 15

2011-05-16T05:23:00.000-07:00

Well we are two weeks in and it's been non-stop; groups are lined up at our door well in advance of their allocated time slots! It's very non-Congolese ;-)

We have interviewed 22 groups thus far, Marisa and I are going to be doing another 18 groups down in Moba Port this week. It's going to be challenging to decipher how to support/choose etc. the 12 groups (total...) that we will fund this round.

I did receive word today that The REEL Project is not only known by the community as the 'micro-loan ngo' (ha) but that other local/intl organizations are 'fearing' us!???? I think there is a 'lost-in translation' with that word but what it comes down to is: other organizations have been working here for years and have failed to succeed whereas we have been here for such a short period of time and have succeeded greatly... I was informed by the Administrator this morning :-p Speaking of, Vasco and I set off at 9am to attend our meeting and on our way back both jumped on a 'motor taxi' which ran out of gas- twice. It took the man two shakes to get us half-

I only have a few minutes before our next loan group so I will sign off for now and hopefully have more exciting news in a few days.way on the fumes...always a journey; never a dull moment. ha ha

Day 13

2011-05-14T05:10:00.001-07:00

Well it's day 13 and settling into Moba has been quick, mainly due to the amount of work we jumped into upon arriving! Turns out our Pweto-Moba trip was a full 21 hours, 3 trucks later, one flat tire, a fuel pump and a clutch repair...needless to say I am still covered in bruises and my head is STILL jumping! We left Pweto at 6am, arrived at the 'junction, i.e. half way point to Moba at 12pm and waited there for the Moba driver to arrive which took an additional hour plus. When he arrived we set off only stopping a few times to add 'clutch fluid' upon arriving in Pepa 3/4 way to Moba...the truck broke down completely. Clouds started to roll in and we were IN THE BACK of the truck OPEN bed. So within minutes we slapped the tarp on and waited...sun started to set and we hadn't eaten since the afternoon before. Pepa is an old agriculture/farming town. They were hit hard by the conflict and just started rebuilding in the past few years. Moral of the story: there is nothing there; still. One restaurant (a house that has written in pain on the outside wall: Restaurant), we woke up the owner and begged them to cook us some noodles ;-) We got the truck to move in first gear and made our way up the slippery mud road to the ACTED house (ngo), there we parked the truck and walked to the 'restaurant' guided by the moonlight. After waiting almost 2 hours for our noodles, we returned to the ACTED house and waited for our pick up. In front of the house is a slate of bombed out old buildings and an old dilapidated tank (hit by the war and never repaired). A lot of the walls in the buildings are covered in bullet holes and writings/drawings of soldiers, french, english and local languages. To be honest, it's really creepy. We took some photos and decided best to leave. The truck arrived by 1030pm and we were loaded up and on our way to Moba- finally! Within the first twenty minutes our driver got lost, we got stuck and had a flat tire!!! The roads are bad; really bad. We reached Moba just after 2am. WOW. Now that was a record! lol

I finally got to sleep around 4am and was up at 730am preparing for our first round of loan recipient meetings (which went on till mid afternoon...). We've been doing this everyday.

On Monday we start the group meetings in Moba Port. There are 18 groups of 5 (90 people) and 24 groups of 5 here in Moba/Kirungu (120 people). Plenty more are trying to sign up for a meeting so they can apply for a loan however, The REEL Project is now known as the Micro Credit NGO :-/ We also have not been able to raise enough money to support even half of these groups and we are torn on who and how to choose the best one(s).

Today is Saturday and thankfully we had only a half day of meetings, it's about 230pm and Marisa and I are going over (and over) budgeting and operational stuff....boring but needs to be done :(

Tonight we have been invited to CVT's house for dinner (Center for Victims of Torture, NGO). Last night we had head of UNHCR and MONUC over for dinner and discussed potential future projects, collaboration and the IDP situation in Kalemie and surrounding areas. I kind of took advantage of MONUC being there because they have the helicopter and fly up to Kalemie twice a week. I planted the idea of getting us on the flight for the 3rd of June ;-)
We'll see.

Well Internet is slow and takes FOREVER to upload photos but I'm trying to include a few here... signing off for now, until next time.
krista

Day 9

2011-05-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday-DAY 9
May 10, 2011

I am sitting here at the mission in Pweto, all packed and ready for my 530am departure tomorrow morning for Moba…we (Mr. Angeleka and I) finally had confirmation last night around 8pm from the Administrator who kindly assisted us in getting transport…we will leave here for Selembe (half-way point between Pweto and Moba) and meet another car there, looking at a good 11-14 hour journey…
This morning I woke-up to another beautiful day feeling a great deal of relief not having to worry about how I am and will get to Moba, it’s not that I don’t like Pweto I just don’t have any work here and I am going crazy!!!!!
After packing-up and doing laundry, I ventured into ‘town’ stopped and had a cold soda, bought some talk-time and observed. Pweto is ever growing and everyone seems so busy busy- there are more motorbikes and even cars than I’ve ever seen here before. There is even an Internet café! Can’t wait for Antoine to get his up and running (with Internet that is).
Walking back to the mission I noticed a man lying on the cement floor below the Virgin Mary. He was praying out-loud, I also noticed he is crippled. When I was in town earlier I saw this same man go by in his makeshift wheel chair made of bicycle wheels and a wheel burrow. He was being assisted by a young boy who would push him over any rocks that stood in his way…I couldn’t help but feel a bit of sadness yet, at the same time I saw beauty in the boy and, I thought of those that made this man his chair- giving him the gift of mobility. Back to the mission…as I passed by the man lying on the floor and his chair, I pulled out any money I had in my pockets and quietly left it on his chair. There is no way the man could have seen me, heard me nor would he know who left the money sitting there, he was alone. I continued on without making a sound and as I approached my room I decided to turn around and take a snap shot of the image I am describing. Again, he didn’t see me but I saw him there looking in awe like this money just appeared from the heavens he had been praying to. I truly can’t even explain into words the feeling this gave me! To provide a few dollars to someone means nothing compared to seeing what those few dollars can DO for someone. What a day, what a memory, what an experience.
I look forward to continuing making a difference in one persons life, and hope to see them make a difference in others…this is the way the world works; sometimes it just takes time for you to realize the importance of ‘stopping to smell the roses’ (thanks dad).
For now,
krista

DRC May 2011

2011-05-09T03:06:00.000-07:00

PWETO, Democratic Republic of Congo
Monday-DAY 8
May 9, 2011

Well it has been one week and one day since I arrived in the DRC and has been and continues to be a long journey… I was in Lubumbashi for five days; 3 days longer than anticipated but that is par for the course. The purpose of my stay there was to register The REEL Project with the DRC government. We started the process months ago but that never really means anything, unfortunately. Once everything was in place, more or less, I made an appointment with the head of office at the UNHCR. I met with the director and had a most interesting and enlightening meeting. We first discussed transport…how was I to get from Lubumbashi to Pweto and Pweto to Moba (where Marisa is and our work!). Because we are post rainy season, the roads are worn from the rain and what would ‘normally’ take 6-8 hours from Pweto to Moba it is now an estimated 11-14 hour drive! That being said, all the UN flights were booked and or not operating so we found a junction going to Mansa which is in Zambia, about 5 hours south of the Zambia/DRC border. We were ‘scheduled’ to leave Friday morning at 830am but, as per the photo above we had car problems and we didn’t get on the road until almost 1130am… because we were going via Zambia, the UNHCR had to issue me a ‘cross-border’ pass which acts as a passport of sorts and allows me to cross Zambia/DRC borders according to the Geneva Convention treaty (because I am working with refugees etc.) in order to get this however I had to travel to Kipushi which is about 30 kilometers outside of Lubumbashi. THANKFULLY Mr. Lumbala who is a dear friend, colleague and former refugee- he has a car and was, has been and continues to be a great source of support, guidance and friend. Lumbala, Mr. Anthony (head of security, UNHCR L’shi) and I all traveled on Thursday to Kipushi and my cross-border was processed. Upon our return Lumbala and I had a full day of meetings and running around along with translations etc. trying to get things in place for the registration process or TRP and preparations for my departure the following day. Antoine Ngeleka left Thursday for Kinshasa so we were on our own more or less….what a day!

We arrived in Mansa hungry and exhausted around 730pm. We made our way to the guesthouse and dropped our bags and went straight to a near by restaurant. After eating a full meal, I was in la la land and ready for a good nights rest. We met the AIDES people whom the junction would take place with the following morning, and we set a time for 830am departure. Once again, problems with organization, cars etc… and we were finally on the road by 1130am. Only one stop mid way to Pweto and our car wouldn’t start. Lol, problem is, it is difficult to find ‘clean’ petrol (fuel) and thus every time the tank is filled (with dirty fuel) the fuel pump gets clogged, well then we are forced to stop and pump, sometimes clean the pipes and give ourselves a push to get going again…this delayed us only about 30 minutes and we were on our way again. The border of Pweto and Zambia closes at 5:30pm ON THE DOT and we were racing with time trying to make it. We arrived JUST in the nick of time and crossed by 5:24pm….whooosh! Mr. Angeleka (Antoine’s dad) was waiting for me at the border with Rudy, Antoine’s 6 year-old son.
Ok, well it’s mid day on Monday and I have some transportation organizing I must attend to so I’ll sign off for now, and will have a full update in a couple of days (hopefully!).
Tutaonana!
krista

Pweto-DRC

2010-06-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

and the 'update'.....

The “Jenn” Perspective

Hello there from DRC – Africa !! As Krista and I sit at the lovely “Compound Lee” in Pweto, with a nice breeze blowing, a cocktail in our hands over looking the lake, we talk about the journey so far and thought I should probably give a “Jenn” perspective to her blog.

Guess I start from the beginning…… If you are going to go on an adventure of a lifetime, such as I am now, it is best – at least for someone like me – to have absolutely no planning time whatsoever! lol Krista emailed me on a Wednesday “Do you want to come to South Africa?” Without hesitation I responded “YEP!” Thursday my ticket was booked and I was on a 30-hour journey to meet her in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Our first 2 nights accommodations were at the 5 star Michelangelo Hotel, we then moved to the much more hip, Melrose Arch Hotel. Both hotels had an outdoor mall attached, LA peeps think The Grove but with a hotel. During our week in Joburg Krista was finally able to get some R&R, good food, drinks, dancing, pool, etc…

Now if you are going to travel to such a place as Africa, someone like K is the person to be with! I have no worries because of the endless network of people K knows here so I thought “I’m on the continent I might as well make the trip to Pweto and Moba, when would an opportunity like this ever come along again?!?!”

Thus the journey to “the bush” began on Sunday, we departed Joburg on a 2 hour commercial flight to Lubumbashi, which K told me was a “city”, well let me tell ya, yes – technically – it’s a city, but for K – who is an experienced “Africa” traveler – her idea of a “city” and mine were quite different lol ! We arrive in Lubumbashi and were greeted by 2 very nice gentlemen that had been pre-arranged to receive us at the airport.

We stayed 2 nights at the charming Bougain Villa and toured around the city on Monday and I got to meet and visit with many of the friends K has there.

Tuesday the journey to real “bush” began and in quite style I must say!! We were able to get a ride on a private charter jet! A 50-minute flight later we land in Pweto (side note: Pweto airport = nicely paved dirt strip, in the middle of nowhere, no structures, no air traffic control, just a bunch of cute kids looking on from the sidelines….. Thus I have now learned why the saying “Welcome to Africa” … this saying goes for many different situations i.e.: while chatting and drinking at the lovely Bougain Villa, all the electricity just goes out – not once, not twice – but several times and no one skips a beat, the wine and conversation just keep flowing …..

We arrived in Pweto with a semi-plan that has already changed thus the adventure to be continued ….. “Welcome to Africa”

Johannesburg to Lubumbashi, Pweto and Moba

2010-05-31T01:09:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2010

Jennifer WHEATON is in CONGO with me!!!! Alert the press people!

It was last week while I was in Paris did the plan come to mind, why doesn't Jen join me in South Africa? Timing is everything...I asked, she agreed, it was a good idea!?

Jen arrived in Johannesburg via London on Monday May 24th, 2 hours before I did. I arrived via Paris and met her at the beautiful MichelAngelo hotel. We giggled because it was so WEIRD that after all this time, her living vicariously through me and my crazy 'Africa Stories' that she was actually there!

We were at MichelAngelo only 2 nights then decided to move to the more hip Melrose Arch. We were very excited to be there and Lynelle joined us in our excitement a few evenings (and days by the pool). Finally some R&R.

I gave Jen the option to come to Congo withe me and her attitude was, 'Might as well, I am on the continent' so yesterday we left Joburg (and 6 suitcases behind with Lynelle) and arrived here mid afternoon.

Now the flight on Hewabora wasn't all that bad but when we got to the airport I realized I forgot my yellow-card (which is usually in with my passport but people- I've had a lot on my mind not to mention A LOT of schedules to run, plans to make etc. So I got a new one upon arrival ;-) lol Thanks DRC.

We are now staying at the beautiful Bougain Villa enjoying the sunny day and light breeze. Tomorrow we are off to the 'bush' Pweto which is about 3 hours north of the Zambian border. While in Pweto Jen will learn what it is Krista actually does while in Africa... visit the Computer center and check on its rehabilitation, visit the Mambo village and from Pweto go to Moba which is approximately a two hour flight (or FULL day road trip) from Pweto. In Moba we will be met by a colleague from UCLA and finalize the implementation of Micro-finance loan projects for the returnee's. Not to mention....see Kapondo family and friends!

All is very exciting, adventurous and beautiful!

TBC....

xo
krista AND JEN!

The Journey continues...

2009-12-25T05:11:00.001-08:00

I was stuck in Lubumbashi airport for 5 hours- well I thought I was going to be stuck then, a 'new' friend called a friend and a car arrives, takes me to 'town' where I am able to have lunch, then 'another' friend of this 'new' friend comes to take me back to the airport and see that I get off safe. I felt like some top-chief princess or something .....blush blush wink wink. Anyway, I get on the plane and am sitting next to an American, FROM DETROIT! We talked all the way to Nairobi (and had a few of those 'free' alcoholic beverages they offer...lol). The most interesting part about our share and tell of being American and living the crazy Congo life was that he doesn't work for anything NGO related. He is in the mining business but lives with his wife (who is Congolese) in Tanzania. It was so funny- I was sharing some of my crazy stories and he shared his! What a trip- literally.

Upon arriving to Nairobi I literally had about 20 minutes of downtime before I set off for London. On this plane, I am seated next to a Captian (pilot) of Kenyan airways (who has invited me to join he and his wife for a day in Nairobi, museums, lunch etc. time permitting...lol, I told him I just want him to teach me to fly!). We had a great chat until I dozed off for a much needed sleep. I woke-up to a Merry Christmas and a handshake as we were descending to London- 530am.

My bags were first off (surprising- wait not in London I guess...lol) I had a few minutes of delay at customs as they wanted to know why on earth I came all the way from Lubumbashi to London for 12 hours and then returning to Tanzania for a week? I smiled and said, 'it's work!' lol

Due to it being Christmas today everything is closed- even public transportation is not up and running...but a nice man, driver of one of the public buses assisted me (I didn't have but 2 euros!) to getting me to my hotel which is about 10 minutes out of the airport- Heathrow is a HUGE airport...

So I am here, everything is Christmas-y and people are walking about with their families all bundled up. It's quaint and sweet. I've been relaxing in my pj's!
I'll leave in a few hours back to the airport- fly through Addis Ababa and Mombasa before arriving in Kilinmanjaro tomorrow afternoon. WOWZERS!

I hope you all are enjoying your holiday- eating and drinking, staying warm and among loved ones :-)

k

And a Happy Holidays to you all...

2009-12-23T21:43:00.001-08:00

In a couple of hours I set off for London via Nairobi...should land at about 6am Christmas day (tomorrow morning). I will be there till 9pm and arrive in Tanzania, Kilinmanjaro (via Ethipoia) by Saturday afternoon.

I had the wonderful opportunity to see a dear friend yesterday, Lumbala, while here in Lubumbashi. Lumbala is from the camp, he was there for 8+ years and upon returning to Lubumbashi he was reunited with his family whom thought he had died in the war. Such an amazing strong individual; makes one realize how important it is to embrace the experiences of life...even if it is vicariously through another individual.

I see pain and suffering daily while in the field, I hear stories that bring tears to my eyes but it is the strength that these individuals carry with them- the struggle and push to move forward and survive that I carry away with me, not their tears. No one asks for sympathy- they just ask for opportunity; to work, to have access to water and food. Working here is not feeding the homeless- for me it is feeding the soul both theirs and mine. Offering assistance in design, a model or an introduction to a friend who at times may be able to provide a job or maybe, just a sense of security even if the two never meet. This is what I am thankful for today, yesterday and tomorrow...for the people in my life everywhere.

Wishing you, your family and the people in your life a very Happy Holidays.

;-)
krista

2009-12-22T23:46:00.001-08:00

I really don't think anyone will believe this TRUE story...So on Monday in Pweto I am trying to make the arrangements to leave Pweto for Lubumbashi where my flight departs (Thursday), since the plane has no fuel obviously I had to look at other options. I meet with the head of office, UNHCR in Pweto and he gives me 4 options...
1. depart Pweto in 20 minutes for a 2 days trip back to Lubumbashi via road
2. depart Tuesday for Moba (about 8+ hour 'road' trip) and 'hope' that it isn't raining (it did...) and that the plane can land and take me to Lubumbashi
3. depart for Lubumbashi in a pick-up truck with 3 people already going again, for a 2 day drive to Lubumbashi
4. depart Tuesday around 9am via UNHCR driver (3 hours) from Pweto through Zambia, take a small boat cross into DRC again and find a taxi or bus to Lubumbashi (4 hours)
I decided on #4. And so the journey begins...me, a woman and child the driver all depart Pweto by 9am. We get to the border of Zambia/DRC around 930am in pouring rain and have to wait for the customs/border control guy as he is 'home sleeping...he had a rough night' (lmao). We wait about 30+ minutes and the driver walks to his house and brings him. We pass. We continue on for 3+ hours now and arrive to the 'boat' (see photo) again, lmao. We cross to DRC as I watch 4 kids paddle us in 100+ degree weather I feed them the only crackers I have on me...we arrive and immediately 5 guys are fighting to assist us with our bags (as I am struggling to keep my balance getting out of the boat!). We make our way to the border control there and I hand over my cool UNHCR paper that allows me to be exempt from paying visas due to an agreement between Zambia/DRC for refugee work). All is good and the 2nd in command walks us all the way up to the 'bus station'. We pay for our ticket and wait...I buy the 2nd in command a beer (per his persistent request) and offer the woman and child a fanta. The bus arrives and we are fighting through the crowd of people, babies, fish, maize, bags, rain (the list goes on...) to find a seat. They make me, the 'Mzungu' a make-shift seat right on the top step of the bus (yep- lmao). We are full- overloaded actually and it is POURING RAIN which had us slipping and sliding all over the muddy non-existent road...we get stuck. Only 45+ minutes into our 4+ hour drive and we are STUCK- yes, it is still raining!EVERYONE is now told to exit the bus, so now you have about 100 people in the middle of the 'road' in the middle of no where waiting... on average there are about 2 cars that pass along this road per day mind you. The men begin to dig with no tools this takes some time. People are taking their shoes off as the mud is too thick and slippery to move about in shoes. Together we are gathering sticks, sand even mounds that are being broken down to fill in the massive holes. Then, all the men get behind the bus and push...not going anywhere. We wait. Try again- it gets worse. Now, the rain stops but the sun is going down...it has been said that we will sleep here (all of us in the bus!). No network AT ALL, no radio, no cars, nothing. Finally....after about an hour+ a car comes through...it's a landrover (the ONLY durable cars in DRC)- I flad them down and speak in my very broken (but getting good!) Swahili, "Where are you going, Lubumbashi!?!!????)- "Ndyio, twende"he says (Yes, let's go). I am delighted...during this the bus is being pulled by a make shift rig of a truck and getting 'un-stuck' thinks are looking up. So the bus starts to move and out of fear of getting stuck again it continues to move...so everyone is running to catch up and get back on the bus (100+ people), all of our bags are still on the bus as well. I tell 'dada' the woman to come with me in the car, she is now stuck on the bus, it stops, then goes (like a joke really), finally she jumps out I grab the kid and our bags are thrown out of the windows!!!! lmao!!!! Then without knowing there were 2 other guys that followed, 2 guys that speak a bit of English, we made 'friends' during our wait time. So now it is dark, I am in a car with what seems to be a nice Congolese man named 'Toto' the woman, child and 2 men! We have our bags and head off for Lubumbashi and say "Kwaheri" to the bus, mud and rain! Ironically, the driver had the song 'Over' on as well (which is in the film Marisa and I did....lol).
Ok, so now I feel great, I mean I am so so so happy- don't have to sleep in the bus, will arrive in Lubumbashi before midnight and I have new friends, we are all singing and happy. Then, the driver gives me a gift...a TURTLE! Yes, he had a tiny little tortoise smaller than the palm of my hand on his dash board. He said, 'this is for you, take it to America with you'. We all decide to name him 'Tagcua' which is the name of the bus...it just made sense. So the who drive I had little Tacgua to take care of.
We get to Lubumbashi, drop off my 'friends' at the post (center of town) and the driver takes me to the MAG house. I had called a MAG employee/friend Useni to meet us. Together the three of us go eat pizza and have a beer- my treat ;-) I was happy- very very happy (especially since I hadn't eaten since the morning of the previous day!).
Now I am here in Lubumbashi getting 'things done' looking after my turtle and preparing for my trip tomorrow. Turns out Nairobi is having 'power problems' as I have a friend stuck there at the airport- and London is have weather problems so tomorrow should be yet another interesting travel story day!
Ok. I will post this now and write more later....lol
tutuanana!
krista

Pweto to Zambia- Kala Camp!

2009-12-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 11, 2009

10pm

What a day…I was up at 5am and really couldn’t go back to sleep at all, most likely a combination of exhaustion, jet lag and of course, excitement! I went to Agustines house with Wakilongo this morning around 730am (he lives right next door to Line’s SFCG house), we chatted until the driver came at 8am and I went to UNHCR. Vasco met me there at 9am, together we made the surveys in both English and Swahili. Wakilongo Vasco and I then went to pick up Kapondo however he was at school (BIG smiley face). We stayed around the area however and went house to house to conduct the survey. It was much more difficult to find people this way, rather find people specifically who had seen the film and not those that have just heard about it (there are plenty of them!). We got 8 today and I think tomorrow through Thursday when I leave, we will get plenty more.

We picked-up Kapondo at 1pm and went back to UNHCR, had lunch and then Vasco Kapondo and I went to work! Lol we literally went ALL OVER MOBA! I bought Kapondo a pair of shoes (and socks) as he was just in his sandals (and, turns out he was being ‘chased’ from school because he didn’t have shoes…). He was SO SO SO very happy, it is unreal- the photos I have taken do NO justice! Kapondo was a good helper today even though I had to carry the poor thing after a while…we walked A LOT!

Got back to UNHCR by 630pm, decided to come back here to the house and cook- had some trouble with that however…electricity. Vasco came over around 8pm and we went over survey and program for tomorrow. Then Paul stopped over about 9-930pm and told me that there is a problem with the driver (of course), tomorrow we may have to go to Mpala and Monday to FUBE (Mpala is much closer). So we shall see.

I am again- so very very very tired. Going lala now…side note, MY SWAHILI IS GETTING GOOOOOOD! I am laughed at left and right but I’m getting there….lol
-k

Saturday, December 12, 2009

We succeeded- went to Mpala today. Amazing trip, sad however as we found a great need in Mpala for healthcare and education-2 big departments that are lacking greatly. I also found out (upon return) that UNHCR never sent anyone to Mpala- not even for a check-up. Thankfully Paul went with us today (Vasco and I) and even accepted a letter by one of the returnees (I suggested he write one), addressed to the UNHCR. Hopefully once all my stats are in and a report is compiled and done- things will start moving.

Unfortunately I am again struggling to keep my eyes open…a lot to say (I know I will regret not writing now but…) I have to sleep

Tomorrow is Moba Port. Meeting here at the house at 9am with Vasco, Agustine and Wakilongo to go over the program. I’ll pick Kapondo up in the morning and he will spend the day with us J I will inquire whether he wants/can/should go to FUBE with us on Monday….it will be a long day.

Also, I semi-decided today that once in Pweto, since it is only a 3 hour drive away, that I should make a quick visit to Kawambwa, say hello and do a run-through of Kala camp! Yes, I am out of my mind….

G’night!

December 19, 2009

I am in Pweto now, it is 7:23am and I am waiting on the driver to come to the UNHCR compound as we are heading off to Kawambwa/Kala camp today. We will stay the night in Zambia and return early tomorrow morning.

As for departing Moba- the UNHAS plane never arrived, apparently there was no fuel. I had to go by car, UNHCR had a junction just past Pepa so I was fortunate…it took us about 8+ hours. As soon as I arrived here to Pweto, Antoine and I went to ‘Livingston’ for a cold beer and some much needed catch-up talk. Yesterday we arranged all for our departure today (UNHCR gave me an official document stamped for Zambia boarder crossing; good for 6 months!), driver, car, fuel etc. Then we went to the Computer Center and got some photos etc. We went over his document, made corrections, then his wife cooked us a fabulous lunch. After lunch we spend about two hours in the field conducting surveys. We went to Mambo which is within Pweto but 100% returnees. I can’t even put into words the feeling that overcame me everytime I heard one returnee say that they were, ‘here now in Pweto because of the film’ it is both exciting, fulfilling and scary…there are definite needs but I hope these needs once noted, will be fulfilled.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Just got back from Zambia, went to Kala camp yesterday and stayed the night in Kawambwa. So amazing to see everyone. So much to say but no time to write now as we just arrived back in Pweto....write soon!

Last day in Moba...

2009-12-16T00:24:00.001-08:00

Today is my last day in Moba...the week has gone by so fast I cannot even beleive it. I will have 4 families over tonight for dinner, Vasco, Wakilongo, Augustine and Kapondos. It is going to be a full house!
Yesterday we returned from FUBE around 130pm, picked up Kapondo from his house, went to the school and discussed with the sister performace of the kids etc. I got all of them new uniforms *they only had one each and thus no time in between days to wash... I also found out that the first born was dismissed from school due to the fact that he had no shoes. I couldn't beleive this when I heard it, immediately I went to the market and purchased a pair of shoes for each child. Then I went to the shop and we delivered the door and window frame for the Kapondo's house. The photos do no justice, really. not only will this provide warmth but the door is security as well.

All of our surveys have been exceptional I am not surprised at the reactions however, I am impressed that 9/10 of the surveys are asking for IGAs or Microfinance loans...this is very important and needs to be fulfilled. Here in Moba, Moba Port, Mpala and definitely FUBE. The biggest problem those in FUBE are facing is lack of water. There is only ONE well for 8000 people and it is nearly 7 kilometers away. Also schools....for all of the children in primary school there is only 1 to accommodate. this is not enough, children are being turned away because there is not enough room. Furthermore, the secondary school is made of grass and not durable. Honestly, to build a school is not that much money, there is absolutely no reason this shouldn't or cannot be done. Then again, there are many things that need to be done and as alone as I am not, I am....ugh

Pratically everyone from the UNHCR office is leaving today for the holiday break, only a few will reamin behind. I will travel tomorrow to Pweto via the UNNAS flight and remain in Pweto for one week. I will meet with the head of office there tomorrow to discuss the program. Hopefully I can be assigned a driver and a car and take one or two days and travel to Kawambwa so that I may visit the Kala refugee camp. There are mixed messages that are being passed around through the head and sub offices, I have heard that there are less than 2000 refugees remaining and Mwange camp will be closed...then they say that they will not close Mwange etc...I will keep you posted.
Ok, trying to upload these photos...it is taking forever and a day!
Tutuanana
p.s. My Swahili is getting so so so much better, people are very impressed *although, I think my English is getting worse....lol

krista

FUBE

2009-12-13T23:48:00.000-08:00

Always the waiting game...we were supposed to leave this morning at 5am for FUBE, it is now 9:45am and we are waiting on: our driver and fuel...

Now we will have to spend the night in FUBE again- sleep in the bed of one of the UNHCR trucks :(

The 'road' to Pepa (on our way to FUBE) is not that bad however, the 'raod' from Pepa to FUBE is very very bad! This is going to be an adventure...

We are taking one returnee back along with her two babies (twins- not even a week old), so technically we are on mission! lol

Ok, I think I hear the sound of a truck...fingers crossed- we have a 7 hour drive ahead of us!

krista

2009-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today is Saturday and we are waiting to leave for Mpala...we had to change the program due to distance and planning...lol, it always/never works out. Mpala is closer than FUBE although the roads are 10X worse so, we'll see...

Vasco has been an agent of amazing support an what a trooper! We covered a lot of ground yesterday (I acted as Vasco's assistant and Kapondo was my assistant!), interesting feedback from the returnees indeed.

I have photos but have not had an opportunity to download anything yet. I will do so upon return tonight and post them in the morning.

Hope all is well on your side of the world!

best,
krista

It's just after 6pm and we returned from Mpala, safe and sound. The only thing that hurts is my butt from the car ride (lol).

Mpala is as beautiful as ever...as you will see from these photos I am struggling to post.

The chief of the village however passed away in August, and there is a very big problem with health care (non-existant) as with education...so many kids want to study but their parents cannot afford it...long story but good thing is we got footage and notes (and a letter from one father addressed to the UNHCR...).

Oh....wow....ok so much to say but cannot think straight- have to get some food in me and collect my thoughts. Will be back at some point tomorrow :)

krista

DRC, Moba!

2009-12-10T02:28:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Moba today, with a warm welcome from many familiar faces! :) I have to say however, it has been a long haul- I missed my Joburg-Lubumbashi flight (long story) I had to buy a one-way ticket on Air Zimbabwe and was directed through Harare and Lusaka before even landing in Lubumbashi.

Once in Lubumbashi I was busy meeting with UNHCR peeps and organizing/confirming my flights and accommodations. Then at the MAG house JECOKE arrived and we had ourselves a little singing dancing fiesta...remembering one of the members who passed away last week in a terrible car accident. They were thrilled to receive the calendars and extrememly happy to be singing and dancing....

I am now in Moba at UNHCR (with Kapondo) catching-up and getting filled-in with all the gossip (3 weeks ago the government raided peoples homes with the intention of 're-enforcing' security measures), needless to say people are a little shaken up...

Vasco and I are starting our survey writing now and we will go into the field starting tomorrow...Moba has grown since 6 months and, there are less than 2500 refugees left in Kala camp. Everyone is referencing the video I have heard...the results of the survey exercises will soon tell...

Ok, off for now as my Internet use is limited (when available).

My DRC mobile# is +243 99575 7075

Tutuonana!
krista

July 14th, 2009

2009-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Back in Lusaka-
Yesterday I said goodbye to my new friends in Zanzibar and walked to the 'Main' road where I waited for the 'dala dala', I waited and then waited a little more. Finally, about an hour and a half after its scheduled time of arrival, the dala dala appeared. Upon reaching Stone Town, I called my trusted taxi man, Masour who was patiently awaiting my arrival. He took me to the airport and walked me all the way through security to the waiting area. I sat in Zanzibar's Intl airport people watching, wondering and taking in the sight of planes coming and going not but 100 feet from me. It was awesome. My flight left around 4pm arriving in Addis Ababa by 8pm. Ethiopia's airport is mayhem, always mayhem. There are people everywhere and no direction from anyone, signs are ridiculously misleading and EVERYTHING is done by hand- not by computer. Therefore when I had to book my hotel for last night it was me and 150 people- waiting....waiting.....then sent to the Immigration line to do some more waiting. All the while people are pushing, talking VERY loud, pushing some more and oh, CUTTING in line. I got to my hotel and was O-U-T, in need of some space. I felt much better this morning.
Ethiopia is a beautiful country one that I would like to explore more of in the near future. Ethiopia physically split by the Great Rift Valley, is known as having a history that goes back to the Old Testament. It is the land of MANY religions, beliefs; land of Sheba, land of Axum and Lalibela, of towering obelisks and, the Ark of the Covenant. Ethiopia was Christian before much of Europe and even unknown to Europe for 1,000 years or more after.
Not far from the capital of Addis Ababa you can visit some of the temples built 1,000's of years ago, you can only reach them by rope and, they go straight UP, some of which reach 2,500 meters. I really really want to experience this so....anyone down? lol.
Another dying desire I have is to visit is Malabo, the capital of the largest city of the Equatorial Guinea. Malabo is just under 30,000 square kilometers with a population of under 500,000. The official language is Spanish as this small country in continental Africa only gained Independence 41 years ago (Spanish ruled for almost 200 years prior). I am so interested in this coastal city, it looks beautiful and just has so much to offer history wise and resource wise (ya- scary). Ok, enough of Malabo.
Now I sit here in my hotel room in Lusaka listening to CNN discuss the terrors of Somalia, Honduras and Pakistan...it goes on and on. I change the channel to hear corruption charges on the former President of Sierra Leon, change the channel again and I see hunger, poverty, a lot being done with little to show. What to do?
It is hard to succeed in one thing and revel too long in the success. Success breeds greed for more and whether accomplished with heart, passion, motivation, 'smarts' or dishonestly; it will grow. I guess what I am trying to express here is my disdain for corruption and my utter disgust for the innocent dying. I met a man today on one of my many flights, he is 72 years old, retired and 30 years ago on a safari trip to Zambia he was touched. 'Hank' started a non-profit, he got a few of his friends together and now has multiple IGA (income generating, self-sustaining projects) all over Africa. Twice a year Hank and his buddy, travel to the outskirts of Zambia in shanty towns and build homes, schools, and assess whatever is needed. This trip they brought with them: 80 kilos of medical supplies and food. Hank said to me, 'Krista, 30 years ago I was touched by something that I knew then and there wasn't right. I knew that I would never be able to live my life [style] the same and feel good about myself- knowing what is out there'. Hank is right which possibly explains why I am feeling this melancholy now as I approach the end of this journey.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to do this documentary. I am forever grateful for those that have supported me both emotionally and financially. I am indebted to those that accommodated me al over this continent, fed me and took me in without hesitation but, most especially I am grateful to have had the trust, confidence and camaraderie of the refugees of Kala and Mwange and to the returnees of Katanga province. The outcome of this project has been unprecedentedly positive- puts me in a state of shock really. I can't believe it. All the while however, I feel sad. Sad because I am leaving and, this 'incredible journey' is coming to an end physically. But the issues still exist, the unrest is still unsettled, people are still hungry and jobs are still nil. I guess in life there will always be a double edge sword, a yin-yang, an open door followed by a closed one. This is life.
From here...one more meeting tomorrow with UNHCR Lusaka, followed by a potential goodbye and thank you to the US Embassy. I will send off copies of the film to DRC and deliver within Lusaka while wrapping up some final project notes and survey data. Thursday will come all too soon as I depart on my journey back to the US-reality, a reality of which I am most excited to explore and experience as I take life again, to the next level.

For now,
krista

July 7/10th, 2009

2009-07-07T05:39:00.000-07:00

I am literally sitting on the beach, feet engulfed in white sand, surrounded by the familiar sounds of Bob Marley, rasta vibe abound looking out at the clear blue waters of the Indian ocean- consumed with pure and utter tranquility. Words cannot describe.

I have been hit this hard with culture shock of: leaving Lusaka, my arrival parade through Ethiopia and destination of such; described.

With one day notice I booked a ticket from Lusaka to Zanzibar anticipating a cheap vacation, where I could put my hostel on a credit card and read a couple of development books (one of which I highly recommend; DEAD AID- MOYO). BUT, to my despair I arrived to Zanzibar lost and a bit confused... I was unaware a US Visa would require a multiple entry and thus US$100 dollars, so I had to talk my way through customs (with no passport as they held it), through the million taxi's awaiting my business, to town to the nearest ATM and prayed to all the Gods in this world that I'd be able to extract a mere $30US dollars (yes, $30.00 US dollars!) from my bank account. It worked.

The 7th of July (7,7)
Then I proceeded to the hostel I had booked online (the day before), thinking it would be a little more than most, but nonetheless, worth the $US16.00 also assuming, keep in mind, that the charges would apply on my credit card. So....then I find out that the place where I booked, Jambiani, is a $50US dollar taxi ride- an hour from the airport in Zanzibar. OK...back to ATM and praying....again, it worked (dad, am I praying to you?). I arrived to Casa del Mar and a smile overtakes my every emotion, from chills to calmness, just pure and utter happiness. I sit in chill mode for a good hour, taking in the smell, air, freshness and peace and quiet of my surroundings. Amazing.

An hour later I am informed that the remainder of my bill is due in 36 hours, IN cash (Shillings of which I have none-nor do I have any American Dollars! lol). AND, there are no ATM's in Jambiani (total beach town). So I make arrangements the following day for Stone town, which is 'in town' about an hour away of which I cannot afford to get to so I am reluctant to be- befriended by one of the Casa del Mar workers, Bashir. Bashir is a young, intelligent- striving to study- boy who works at the guest house. Bashir was kind enough to accompany me to Stone town where I could pray again, to access the ATM (so as to pay for my guest house). I was overcome with cultural shock when arriving in Stone town...not just bustling busy-ness but rather the literal culture at hand. Stone town, actually Zanzibar in general, is predominantly Muslim and therefore all businesses, bars, restaurants etc. follow Muslim religion, tradition etc. meaning, no one sells alcohol, food is limited (and or particular) and every woman around is covered head to toe in a garment. (Just made me feel a bit uncomfortable being that it is 100 degrees and i can't even shed my sweater to expose a well covered tank top!). So, although interesting, (I visited the Slave Market- from the late 1800's for example), I was eager to get out of Stone town and back to Jambiani asap!

The following day Bashir accompanied me back to Jambiani where I stayed another night at Casa del Mar, and today, found a lovely guest house (run by two American brothers) which is on the beach, a 'self-contained room (i.e. a single room with ones' own bathroom/shower)and is only 25,000 TSH (Tanzanian Shilling) equivalent to less than US$20 dollars. And here I have been sitting, for 3 1/2 hours talking endlessly to locals about the beauty that surrounds us, development of Tanzania (again, influence of the book I have just finished) and literally, taking it all in. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Ok, I am off to prepare for a beautifl sunset and bonfire. I know, it's ridiculous, especially coming from DRC/Zambia-of endless hours, days, weeks and months of travel and work in inane and unpredictable conditions!
I'll update again soon (now that I know where to find Internet!) so as to keep all updated on my travels through Zanzibar, Ethiopia and finally, USA (July 17th).
mambo vipi....
A group of us went on a ‘moon walk’ around 11pm, which was unbelievable! It was a full moon last night and the Indian Ocean has a low tide and high tide twice a day, last night the tide was SO low that we were able to walk all the way out, maybe a mile or two on the sand bars. The moon lighted our excursion and, not even photos can describe the ‘coolness’ of it.

The past few days it has been windy and even rained a couple of times, still though, beautiful and tranquil. Today was sunny however and I am well into another book! A true paradise really, not only the ambiance but the ability to sit, read and enjoy the sounds of life- a little less hectic.
I have two more days before I head ‘home’ with a few stops in between, I can’t believe I will be back in Los Angeles in a week!? The only way to describe it is as weird, very weird…
Tutuanana!
k

June 25th 2009

2009-06-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Our first screening of the film was on Saturday, World Refugee Day (June 21st) at Kala Camp. We arrived to the camp on Saturday with open arms to our friends patiently awaiting to see the film. Setting up outdoors was no small task, in fact it took 9 of us, some to act as security (the kids were beyond excited and literally uncontrollable), not to mention people were just swarming the area in amazement. There had been talk about the film of Katanga, the personal greetings etc, so everyone wanted to see if 'they' were greeted, not to mention seeing home for the first time in 10 years.

Unfortunately the equipment we were provided/had failed :( it was terribly frustrating and disturbing as we put SO much sweat and (tears came later) into this screening- the inflatable screen De-Flated (it was a short circuit?), then the power source i.e. generator was acting-up, THEN there were SO many people pushing and crowding that the cables/cords were ripped and a table broke! Literally we thought kids would be crushed :(
The following day we returned to the camp with a better prepared plan and showed the film in a more or less organized manner INSIDE the library, ADULTS only! We really felt bad about excluding the kids but the film is intended to educate and inform the adults/parents about DRC a.k.a. home. So we showed the film a number of times allowing different crowds to enter at a time. People were shouting, pointing, crying, laughing- whispering even singing! Truly amazing to experience the joy, emotion and excitement, more importantly, truly amazing to bring it to them.
After 3 exhausting days of screening in Kala camp we set out for a road trip to Mwange camp (2 1/2 hours away) on VERY BAD ROADS. I have terribly sore hands from driving through the rough terrain- and concentrating, making sure you don't hit one of the million pot-holes, or a cow- or someone walking in the -middle- of the 'road'- UGH. Ooops, side tracked....lol. We arrived at Mwange camp and went straight to exporting our final edit of the film. By this time we had made maybe 4 changes to the film mainly in credits (name changes, additions etc.) but let me tell you, with little access to electricity and VERY little knowledge on I.T. ratio stuff- Marisa and I had to learn the hard way; trial and error. AND trial takes HOURS of downloading, importing etc. We actually got to screen the film in Mwange yesterday (Wednesday?) to a LARGE very excited yet superbly calm group of refugees patiently awaiting (I guess they had been waiting on us for 3+ hours). Mwange camp is much larger than Kala camp and the majority of the refugees are from urban areas of DRC vs. Kala is predominantly from the rural areas. We were lucky enough to have the IT assistance of the community and ngo's within the camp thus allowing for us to deal with the hiccups in a timely manner.
We left Mwange yesterday at dusk and arrived HUNGRY and TIRED to Kawambwa by night. After hours of more exporting, editing, importing and downloading I woke-up to my alarm at 5am this morning, eyes stinging and begging for sleep. Sure enough we were out the door and on the road again headed to Mansa (3+ hour drive) for the UNHCR Cross-border meeting. The Cross-border mtg is held between UNHCR DRC and Zambia as well as partner organizations. We were delighted at the invite and tomorrow we will screen the film. I am anxious to hear the thoughts/feedback as ALL TOPICS discussed today are issues we directly address in the film.
Ok, it is after 11pm and I don't think I can keep my eyes open any longer....long day tomorrow AGAIN as directly after the meeting we head back to Kala camp for a night screening, screen ALL DAY Saturday and head to Lusaka on Sunday (12 hour drive). For now I must say, I am overwhelmed, exhausted- tired of being tired- IN NEED of some R&R and yet cannot stop smiling.
CARPE DIEM dammit!
krista

Film

2009-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

'REEL' qucik as there is no use of Internet here in Kawambwa, we showed the film on World Refugee Day, Saturday June 21st in Kala camp. It truly was a mad house and we were forced to shut it down half-way through due to people and eletrical (lack of) equipment. BUT we showed it on Sunday and people were forcing through the library doors trying to get a seat. We ended up showing it three times, then again yesterday four times! AND when we arrived at the camp in the morning, yesterday, we were informed that THREE families had gone to register to leave TODAY on repatriation. We have been informed that they were inspired by the film....a success truly.

Marisa and I, the reel project, has also been invited to attend the Cross-Border meeting in Mansa on Thursday. ALL the head/sub-head officers and IP/OP partners attend this meeting. We have been invited to share the film and present the outcome of the film on Thursday. This is very good news.

We have been awarded the PRM State Dept. grant as well, this is something that we were hopeful about but not expecting and we are grateful, ever so grateful that our work will be half-way compensated. The US Embassy Lusaka is also moved by the film, our work and there is a great possibility that more will come in the near future.

Marisa and I are tired, so tired. Honestly never-ever worked so hard- both physically and mentally- AND EMOTIONALLY. It is not over as today we leave for Mporokoso and show the film in the Mwange refugee camp. we will do this today and tomorrow, travel back here to Kawamwaba then leave at 4am on Thursday to attend the meeting in Mansa. We return from Mansa on Friday and show the film Friday night in Kala, all day Saturday and leave for Lusaka on Sunday.

This has been quite a journey...to say the least.

Hundreds of photos and more to tell- soon to come.
carpe diem-
krista

June 17, 2009 SNEAK-PEAK!

2009-06-17T01:44:00.000-07:00

So this is a very small, tiny file that I was able to export from the film, it is just over 5 minutes and really one can only watch it in a minuscule window on a computer or it will be distorted and pixel-ated. The entire film is 40 minutes long!

Sneak peak ya'll!

Back to work now-

Stay tunes ;)
krista

June 13th, 2009

2009-06-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg, Saturday EDITING!
We leave tomorrow for Lusaka and it is 4:16pm and we are STILL in the editing studio... A very long week, SO much work!
Last week we met up with some of Marisa's friends here in Joburg and with Lynelle, (for those of you who don't know Lynelle, she is a very good friend/sister of mine from back in the 'Peru' days). When Marisa and I were in Lubumbashi we petitioned for a meeting with the governor of Katanga Province, he was busy and rescheduled but when we came back he had left for 10 days. Turns out, Lynelle's friend (photo-very large guy sitting my left) is the body guard of the GOVERNOR himself! He is in Joburg waiting for his 'boss' to get back from his 10 day vaca- too small of a world, isn't it! We had a blast, such great people, Congolese, and both Marisa and I felt extremely secure (lol).

It has been so chilly here in Joburg, freezing and raining actually- today was a beautiful day however, sunny and just a breathe of fresh air. On our way to the studio we made a silly short video in the car- I think it exemplifies that Marisa and I have lost our minds- we are overworked, exhausted, cold, need a rest or a full good night sleep- maybe we just need a drink?
We left our guest house two days ago and moved into the Coochies (Marisa's family friends)- they have been so hospitable I can't even put it into words. And, we both have our own rooms! rare-

Last night we had a viewing of the pre-final mix of the film at a friends house and the response was positive, however both Marisa and I found A LOT of mistakes which explains why we are still here at the studio now. BUT all is good-great, happening and we are moving forward.
We will arrive in Lusaka tomorrow night, Monday we have a couple of meetings one with UNHCR, State Depart (US Embassy) and with a friend/colleague. I hope that we get everything done before Wednesday as we have to arrive in Kawambwa before Thursday in order to prepare for the premiere on Saturday!
Ok, back to work- I will update again soon ;)
carpe diem-
krista

June 8, 2009

2009-06-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

I wake-up this morning excited by the fact that this is day 4 of editing our film. I am inspired by the people I met last night. I am thankful for the people that are in my life, for the laughs that we've shared, tears and most important the memories we have made. It is important to continue to remember the good things in life and not let the 'bad' take or bring you down, when we realize the positive, we are lifted above the negative and share this energy.
The world is your world, our world and together we make it one.

Today was a very long day...we were at the studio till after 6, working non-stop, I think we have about 10 GREAT MINUTES of the film completed. It truly is amazing to watch all of your hard work, all of the time, energy, tears and sweat- hunger pains, road trips, helicopter rides, boats you name it- come alive on screen. It has taken us 4 days to compile a mere 10 minutes yet that 10 minutes has come from hours, days, SO much work and stories, stories that take you back over a decade. It is flabbergasting, beautiful, outstanding and takes my appreciation for the people, their contribution of time and strength to share their stories- beyond the moon. Not to mention, my father who honestly, made a lot of this possible...thank you dad for believing in Marisa and me :)

Funny story...As we leave the studio today and sit in Joburg traffic for over an hour Marisa and I decide to find a restaurant and grab dinner. We are seated at a table near a man who is sitting by himself. Immediately he starts to inquire why we are in Joburg, where are we from etc. Mind you, Marisa and I are STARVING and can think of nothing else but FOOD. Our answers are short, but sweet. Soon after we arrive another man joins him and he immediately introduces us (like we are all friends!). Turns out the both of them are from Zimbabwe and they both ask if/why/when we have been there. Both Marisa and I answer yes, in 2007 Vic Falls blah blah blah- then they ask why we haven't been back. I of course open my big mouth and say, "Because the Government won't let us!" Marisa chimes in, "The Media says so" and our new friend looks at us, then at his friend and quickly says, "Well, he is the Vice President, I'm sure my friend here will grant you permission". O-M-G talk about putting my foot in my mouth!

Ok, that is a much funnier story when told verbally.

I'm exhausted and we have a FULL very long day tomorrow. Only 6 more days till we depart for Zambia....oh boy.

More photos to come.
p.s. it is windy and cold here in Joburg :-/
krista

June 7, 2009

2009-06-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

These photos are of Mpala, a very magical and beautiful place.
Joburg, South Africa I can sum it up in just a few words...not so bad! We arrived very tired on Tuesday, stayed at a friend of Marisa's family's home (thank you!), Wednesday we settled into our new temporary guest house. Again, not so bad! Marisa and I went to the studio and started our first day of editing. Never mind the issues of how we managed to arrive at the studio, like getting lost with the gps a million times- don't ask. Or other odd issues like finding a place where we could get our dirty clothes washed (too easy to use this as an excuse to BUY new clothes!) or, finding my way around in a car that is opposite of America including the wheel, shift, side of the road! It's been fun. Today we are home bound prepping for our final week in the studio. We have a lot of organizing to do.

I do have more stories to share but very focused on the work right now- I will fill in later.

~believe~
k

June 1, 2009

2009-05-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

'JECOKE' (pronounced; je-coke-e) are amazing- both visually and instrumentally talented, this is quite the group. We finished our FULL day of shooting at the old mining factory (photos to come). It was quite the show, and the song they wrote for the film is captivating...can't wait to share!

Marisa and I have been having the hardest time getting things done here in Lubumbashi...I mean I know it is Congo, but seriously, no one accepts Visa Credit Card, EVERYTHING has to be in cash yet we don't have access to cash because we can't use our bank cards- it's such a mess.

We bought our plane tickets for Joburg TODAY departing tomorrow morning...ugh. Talk about last minute, very difficult to plan anything in advance because you just don't know if or when 'it' will come, arrive, depart etc.

Anyway, we are booked for editing studio in Joburg for June 4th through the 13th, we will head to Zambia from there, spend a day or two and arrive in Kawambwa by the 17th of June (that's the plan anyway) and of course show the film in the camps June 20th.

Ok, time to freshin' up- we have an amazing new friend/chef (expat) that is cooking a group of us a beautiful 5 star dinner, kind of our going away-(many of us depart DRC this week). I will write more when we arrive in Joburg.

Stay tuned
k

May 28, 2009

2009-05-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Moba we drove to the 'air strip' (i.e. dirt in middle of a field) to the UN helicopter. We took the UN helicopter from Moba to Pweto, back to Moba then to Kalemie. We arrived in Kalemie and boarded a small UN plane which we took to Lubumbashi. I must say, I am a little tired...lol

Now in Lubumbashi we are prepping to interview a group of musicians, 'Jecoke'. They wrote a song for our documentary for the refugees, and we are going to film them tomorrow in the studio and Saturday on the grounds of an old dilapidated mining company.
We will leave for Joburg on Sunday or Monday, depending one on when/if there is a flight and two, we may need to make a stop in Lusaka (Zambia).

Our time in Pweto, Pepa, FUBE, Mpala and Moba have come to an end. I am looking forward to bringing to life the stories of these amazing places, people and more importantly, awareness to the needs and challenges they face. Each and every person I have met along the way have a uniqueness about them. So many roads and paths traveled, so many stories...

Ok, much to do, so so soooo much yet to do.

5 minutes ago, now, tomorrow-
will update again soon ;)
k

May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

Mpala was amazing, we went straight to work the moment we stepped out of the truck. The kids look healthy, the sky is clear and lake Tanganika is generous with her fish ;-)
We met/interviewed with the traditional chief of the village, the administrator, the police and stayed at the first mission ever built in DRC with 'Padre Nkuku"; a pleasent man who brings song and sunshine in every step he takes.

"You're in Congo baby" should be marked officialy as factual and documented right away! Lol...so as we were supposed to leave today on the ECHO flight, we are now trying to leave tomorrow, on the UN/MONUC helicopter- the helicopter will take us north Katanga to Kalemie (south of the Kivu's) where we will stay one night (maybe?) and hopefully catch the UN plane from Kalemie to Lubumbashi on Thursday. The maybe is because no one knows a) when it departs b) when it arrives c) if it is confirmed c) etc... so, we wait. I mean, anyone that knows me knows I am a type A control freak, everything must be planned and go accordingly or I will have issues! lol, I am learning to immerse and deal- you'd all be proud...(totally kidding, I am beside myself!).

Ok, I am back- and we have been confirmed for the UN helicopter flight tomorrow morning, hope to get on the plane straight to Lubumbashi tomorrow as well, if not than we will catch the flight Thursday?
k

May 22, 2009

2009-05-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday and we are about to depart for Mpala, DRC. Mpala is 70+ kilometers on rough terrain out of Moba, home to yet another large returnee area. Mpala is where Stanley first crossed into the Congo after he met Livingstone somewhere in Tanzania/Burundi. He then trekked around Moba, before finding the Luapula river and then took it to the Congo where he founded Kisangani (then "Stanleyville"), and then down to Kinshasa. Thus it is an important part of DR Congo's history and supposedly a very special place. We are looking forward to...arriving, not the 3+ hour ride to get there :-O

Our time here in Moba is coming to an end and although we are excited to embark on yet another leg of our journey, the ties and customs of this magnificent place will remain. There are friendships that flourish in the most remote of circumstances and words exchanged in conversations so acute that they wake me each morning.

I will definitely be back to Moba one day to visit these memories, friends and creations of a people so great that their spirit exudes in the light that shines upon us all.

Stay tuned for the update on our journey, photos and no doubt great stories!
(We should return tomorrow morning...hopefully!?)

krista

Tuesday May 19, 2009

2009-05-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today is another day- another day in Moba, DRC. I have had little preparation for this blog update so I will write just as the events compiled in my unorganized mind speak...

Our trip to FUBE was one of a kind, and if I can upload some photos here they will speak louder than words...lol

Today we did an interview with the doctor from an NGO, AHA as well as with a friend from Kala camp who returned to Moba last year. Tomorrow we will go to a small village outside of Moba and document the post-training of an IGA (Income Generating Activity) that AHA started with returnees. I'm looking forward to it!

We will plan to deploy for Mpala towards the end of this week for maybe 2 days. Mpala is about 70 kilometers (or, 3 hours) out of Moba. It is a small village where rates of returnees is high. Again, no accommodations, water etc... most likely, another night in the truck :(

I must say, knowing that we are leaving Moba next week has me quite discombobulated with emotions. For one, knowing that we will be in the comforts of Lubumbashi where access to running water and electricity- Internet and TV sounds great, I know that the comfort I will eventually long for is that of Moba; tranquil, friendly, welcoming and beautiful. Our days of walking into town to start our day, waving to the familiar faces, greeting the same kids and meeting our friend and lifesaving translator, Vasco. Vasco has endured the rough with us, from lack of food- search for water to sleeping in back of empty trucks!

May 15, 2009

2009-05-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 15, 2009

Where to begin…
Convoy arrival: Moba Port Monday, May 11 2009

The first Convoy arrived early morning on Monday, we were waiting on the dock in the pouring rain. 321 Congolese ‘returnees’ arrived by boat singing and dancing praising safe arrival. This is a day I will never forget. To return ‘home’ after 10 years of living in a 5X5 square mile camp- I could only imagine. The tears, songs and physical emotions poured out through the drops of rain upon our heads and hearts. The process of departure from the boat to the transit camp- the entire town of Moba, Kirungu and surrounding areas were out of their homes and lined the streets singing and clapping, welcoming the arrival of the returnees, Home.

On Tuesday we deployed for Fube via UNHCR. Our truck had 11 people packed liked ‘sardines’ I can’t begin to account the number of times we got stuck, had to dig our way out of the mud via shovels and sticks. We were following behind a convoy of 5 large UNHCR trucks, 3 full of people and 2 full of their belongings. The program was to arrive and deploy in FUBE the same day, Monday- but our 7 hour journey turned into 13 and we had to stay in Pepa, half way-point, at the Transit Station. (See photo of boat arrival)

Pepa is an agricultural farming land what used to be home to many cows- healthy fat cows. During the war however all of the cattle were either stolen, slaughtered or ran from the land and only now are they slowly returning. The land is so fertile there is no need to fertilize. Pepa sits between mountains in a valley where its’ pastures reach the sun from sunrise to sunset.

We deployed Pepa the following morning at 5am for FUBE. Getting stuck along the way a handful of times, we didn’t reach FUBE until mid day Tuesday. Upon our entering the main road into the village, we were greeted by hundreds of kids, mothers, sisters and friends singing and rejoicing the arrival of the returnees. This again, was a moment that will not be forgotten.

Because we were unaware of our ever-so-changing program, we drifted off to a small farm where we interviewed 4 women farmers. They discussed their crops, the soil and FUBE as a whole. We then happened upon 'Mama's house' where we were in search of food- anything, water and a bath. Mama helped us, cooked us potatoes, gave us water to bathe and loaned us mats for our non-existent sleeping conditions.

We departed FUBE very early (5am...ugh) and arrived safe and exhausted to Moba by mid afternoon yesterday. I think my headache from the 'off-roading' trip is just now disapaiting...

Reel Quick ;-) May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

May 11, 2009

The first convoy came in this morning (321 refugees), we were up at 4am yesterday expecting the boat but due to...I don't know what, it didn't come. So we were once again prepared this morning and it arrived!

I must say, after spending so much time in the camps with the refugees- seeing a few familiar faces today arrive 'Home' was an emotional and delightful experience indeed. Marisa and I were soaking wet- I mean we looked like drenched rats, it hasn't poured rain like this for months. According to the chief, this is good luck to the returnees (harvesting season...), I say it made our job very very difficult!

Ok, it is almost 9 pm here and we have yet to go home- it has been beyond a busy day. Tomorrow, we just found out, we will be deploying to FUBE which is about 170 kilometers south east of Moba. This means possibly another long 3 days, sleeping in cars/tents (if we can find one!) and capturing as many interviews/shots as possible.

I have so many words to fill in these pages not to mention photos- but Internet is a luxury of which is not mine right now :(

Stay tuned
xo
krista

May 06, 2009 Lubumbashi- DRC

2009-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2009

Tomorrow we leave the comforts of Lubumbashi and head back to the field; Moba. Saturday the first convoy of 2009 arrives at Moba Port where we will be waiting, camera in hand to greet them. Based on the article that IRIN published last week however, I have a premonition that the convoy will be delayed. As of now, only 129 refugees have signed up for this phase of voluntary repatriation. At the end of April there was a meeting between the government of DRC and Zambia, UNHCR as well as both IP and OP organizations. The outcome appears to be in favor of leaving the refugees no other option but to return to DRC. This constitutes a problem as many continue to fear insecurity and others are from areas of DRC where there is still unrest. Furthermore, according to the Tripartate Agreement, signed between Zambia and UN stipulates that repatriation is 'voluntary'. What I see happening is a slow but steady decline in food rations (they are now cut to half food rations in the camps), ceasing to pay the salaries of secondary school teachers and lack of new IGA's (Income Generating Activities) as well as closure of pre-existing workshops. This is another way to not 'force' the refugees out but rather- GIVE THEM NO OTHER OPTION. With regard to Refugees, they have 3 options or what is referred to in Intl Dvlp as the 3 RRR's: Repatriation (repatriating back to country of origin) Resettlement (resettling in a country outside of country of origin) or -Local- Reintegration (reintegrating into the country they sought refuge in, in this case that would be Zambia). What I find amazing is lack of access on the 3 RRR's, knowledge of rights on behalf of the refugees and overall misinterpreted information on the financial, cultural and emotional burden one may endure when resettling to another country. A country in which you are a foreigner, you do not speak the mother tongue, you will have to alter your behavioral, traditional and cultural ways and bare the financial burden of the cost of living, sometimes reaching 300% higher than what you are used to. It is mind boggling.

From our visit to Kala camp in April we asked many friends/refugees what it is they would like to see in this video- what kind of information will subdue their worries with regard to returning to the DRC. The major concerns expressed:

Education (many fear that they will not be able to afford the cost of sending their kids to school- then there are rumors that UNHCR 'promised' to support the cost of education for the first 3-6 months. This 'promise' apparently, has not been seen through and many are upset).

Health Care: there is great concern that once repatriated, returnees will have little to no access to health care not to mention afford it. Thus Marisa and I are doing many interviews with Doctors and patients, documenting the rehabilitation and building of new hospitals and health clinics. Furthermore, in the interviews we are addressing questions of cost, medical supply availability, statistics on malaria, cholera etc.

Job Opportunities: There is a lack of jobs ALL OVER THE WORLD. This is an issue with little to no solution at this very moment. Creating jobs is a process- a long one. From the rural town of Pepa to the big city of Lubumbashi, this is definitely a problem. We are trying to address this particular issue by empowering and inspiring the refugees to use the skills that they acquired in the camps to start a business; tailoring, market, agriculture, computer center etc. Of course 'starting a business' requires cash, credit, materials, customers and education, all of which is lacking. There are needs that take priority and gaps that need filling. As we document the positive aspects of development in Katanga province we too are making a needs assessment that will address the gaps for future collaboration, partnerships and implementation.

Ok, so after that long tirade, if you are interested in looking into any of these issues further, here are a couple suggestions on authors, books and links ;-)
BOOKS:
"What is the What", Dave Eggers
"Dead Aid", Dambisa Moyo
"Confessions of an Economic Hit Man", John Perkins
"The End of Poverty", Jeffrey Sachs
LINKS:
www.slate.com
www.fmreview.org

Oh- have to go a meeting is starting!
bye for now- stay tuned
k

Lubumbashi, DRC 2009

2009-05-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

So we made the flight...hee hee. You really just never know! We arrived to Lubumbashi on Wednesday afternoon and smooth- no problems.

Since we have been here we have met with a friend, former refugee of Kala camp, Lumbala has been a great help showing us around and assisting us with getting a meeting with the governor of KATANGA (super big deal). We 'have an appointment' Monday morning- which means...I will keep this posted with whether that happens or not ;)

Today it rained, the weather of Congo is similar to the political system- ever changeing. Definitely tropical, most of the times it is hot but always unexpecting showers, winds or mud puddles that can keep you days from getting to where you need to go.

I am enjoying my time here, I know Marisa is as well. Aside from the great accommodations (we actually each have our own room and a shower where water comes out!), it is a different perspective entirely. We are trying to take it in and process it, hopefully by the time we get back to Moba (in a few days) our eyes will view the situation differently.

I say this because often times one can become desensitized to their surroundings- like seeing a homeless person on the street, we get accustomed to this. But it isn't always so...for example, as Marisa and I walked around 'town' yesterday (we will not be doing this again- I will save the details), there was this little boy- about 9 years old, obviously an orphan. He was following us for HOURS pretending to be our 'guide' and demanding that we pay him. The only words we exchanged with him were 'no little boy, we have no money, we cannot pay you- you are not working' then his little brother (who he had mentioned earlier) shows up. The little brother could not speak, there is something wrong with his voice box since birth. We quickly assumed he was deaf but soon realized that he was not- the two were hungry. We bought them food and never saw them again.

It is important to not let things that we are 'accustomed to' blind us...in everyday life, with your loved ones, friends- the man that sells you a cup of coffee. We all have trials in life that we are facing, on a daily basis, one smile can move mountains, and sometimes, just recognition of someone else smiling may change their life forever.

Just a thought
krista

krista

April 28, 2009

2009-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

April 28, 2009

We had a meeting yesterday where we did a presentation on our project to the intl and local NGO's working in Moba. The collaboration and discussion was great, next week Marisa and I will be meeting with the NGO's face to face to discuss and document the projects they are doing in relation to the returnees.

Now however we are feeling the pressure!!!!

Today is Tuesday, we are all packed for the 'ECHO' (European Commission Humanitarian Organization) flight for Lubumbashi...this morning it was supposed to land but the rain made the 'landing strip' impossible, then again, the 'landing strip' is a field.

The UNHCR came to inform us that there will be a 'special flight' coming in tomorrow that will take us to Lubumbashi, yay! (We thought due to this morning's news- it was canceled).

We will return to Moba next week, May 07, in order to receive the first convoy of 2009 (refugees returning from Kala/Mwange camps-Zambia). In Lubumbashi we will document a 'settlement camp' conduct interviews and meet with NGO officials.

As for the footage- we are capturing A LOT of great interviews, learning MORE than imagined and doing our very best to deliver what we have set out to deliver :)

Stay tuned, enjoy the photos...more to come!
'Poa'
-krista

April 26, 2009-Moba, DRC

2009-04-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2009

So it has been non-stop!

Marisa and I have been ALL AROUND Moba, Moba Port, Kirungu, just all over...we are running into returnees from Kala camp left and right! we have interviewed schools kids, teachers, business men in the markets, NGO staff, etc...We are getting both sides of the story which is honest and we are pleased with what we have done thus far. The returnees too are responding positively. It is obvious that this has never been done before- personally I beleive they are feeling empowered just by the opportunity given for them to express themselves- openly and honestly.

UNHCR has been beyond helpful, OCHA, ACTED, SFCG-so many organizations here have been exceeding all expectations in assisting us with information, stories, people, subjects etc-

As for the birthday- honestly had an AMAZING day :) we went down to Moba Port and were joined by some UNHCR, COOPI and local people :) Marisa had baloons and candles, it was a lot of fun! (And thanks Jamie for my bday card...smile smile smile).

OK, for the BIG news.....Guess who found me!? (even though yes, I had been looking for days)KAPONDO!!!!!!!! A few days ago as Marisa and I were returning from the field there was a woman waiting to speak with me. She had in her hand a binder and a photo of Kapondo and me (from Kala camp- 2007). Turns out she is Kapondo's sister! When I arrived at his house he was running to great me with the biggest cutest smile on his face-heartbeating our of his chest! We have spent the last few days together, he joined us for lunch on my birthday (he is 5 now and ate enough for 2 grown men!!!), we took him to Moba Port in the UNHCR vehicle (that was fun!) and then one of our drivers took him home on the motorcycle! I am going to attach photos-
Unfortunately, I have learned that he nor his 7 brothers and sisters are attending school- mom says she cannot afford it (it is US$12 a year per student), so Marisa and I are going to sponsor all of the kids for ONE year and purchase pencils and notebooks. It's terribly sad because many of the village kids are attending and those that don't become outsiders- complicated.

Ok, well we have a HUGE presentation tomorrow on our project...we are presenting the 5 min short (currently translating into French, then subtitles....ugh). OCHA set up the meeting and has invited EVERY NGO in Moba to attend-pressure is on :-/

Plan for next few weeks:
This Tues Marisa and I leave Moba for Lubumbashi on ECHO (European Union Humanitarian Organization), it is a small plane that literally lands in a field-used only by ngo's. We will be in Lubumbashi for a week for research and interviews. Back to Moba to receive the first convoy of returnees from Zambia (by boat), then we will travel south to 'FUBE' for a few days, back to Moba then Kalemie and return for final briefing to Moba- depart via boat to Mpulungu (DRC/Zambia border town)- then to Lusaka and fly from Lusaka to Joburg June 1st where we will spend 2+ weeks in post-production-editing. UGH- that was a lot to type out!? lol

ok, gotta run.
aksanti sana, tutuanana!
krista

Moba, DRC April 20 2009

2009-04-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2009 (Sunday)

The last time I had the opportunity to write was in Pweto. We departed Pweto on Thursday, April 16th for Pepa. It took about 9 hours…the roads are literally non-existent, we went through such different terrain from dry to rocky, tropical to mountains! I have attached some photos to give a small example.

We stayed at the MAG house in Pepa (dilapidated house…. yikes!). Pepa is known for its vast plains, great soil and small community. It is a simple life in Pepa with breathtaking views, such amazing people-cheerful, kids playing, looking healthy and happy. Just before we arrived to Pepa we stopped, with MAG, and picked up a grenade that had been marked. MAG has a community out-reach team that educates about mines, weapons, grenades etc…then there is the ‘destroy-it’ team who takes the GPS coordinates and blow up the mines. Usually, if they are movable, they will take them a few kilometers away, dig a ditch and blow them. Dangerous work but needed- there are thousands of weapons, mines that have been left from the late 90’s, as crop season begins people are cutting grass, slashing and burning and often this is the time they come across such things.

Moba is beautiful; it is no doubt that 1/3 of the refugees of Mwange and Kala return here. Marisa described it like the Caribbean, as it sits on Lake Tanganika (you can see Tanzania from my window). There are really three ‘areas’one being ‘Moba’ and within, Kirungu and Moba Port. There are more motorbikes than bicycles and even motor taxies, a lot of movement and people.

Yesterday we went to a town called ‘Lusaka’ which sits about 40 kilometers away, 1 hour plus drive from Moba. We went with the NGO Acted; they are doing great work in DRC, building wells, schools, health centers and rehabilitating roads (neeeeeeeeeded!!!!). The community is quite receptive to assistance and begging for work-any work.

We returned from our dusty hot journey and were greeted by Paul, head of Public Information UNHCR Moba. Paul will be our main guy while we are in Moba; he is going to take us (w/ a UNHCR driver and car- secure), to surrounding areas of Moba including Fube and possibly Kalemie (these are provinces that sit 300 kilometers north and about 200 kilometers south of Moba where many refugees tend to settle once returning). There are still a few logistics that need to be worked out with regard to where we will stay as there are no accommodations in these small villages and it takes a hours and hours to arrive not to mention, one must calculate spending a couple of hours digging out of the mud…again, can’t stress enough just how bad the roads are! UNHCR Pweto and Moba have been very supportive as have Kinshasa, Lusaka and Kawambwa-we are very welcomed and our project well received.
Marisa and I have captured a number of interviews from returnees, teachers, school children, and Market shop owners to those that are still in need of a job. All of our subjects are strong, prominent and inspiring. We are very happy with what we have done, the images we have captured and, we are excited to embark on yet another leg of our journey.

On a personal note Marisa and I are fine, no sickness to report, a few mosquito bites, a lot of dirt, lack of water and food, but we are managing. It is definitely going to be a difficult month as our stomachs are slowly shrinking we are getting over the first wave of ‘I’m HUNGRY’, sounds terrible I know, but it is nothing compared to those around us, the physical labor of just getting water (walking kilometers and kilometers to the nearest river or well- then imagine, carrying the 20 liters on your head, just to do it again hours later). It is a difficult life here, simple yet difficult no doubt.

April 20, 2009

Tomorrow we will go to Mpala, about 100 kilometers north of Moba. We will go by motorbike as the roads are in no condition for vehicles to pass...it will take us a few hours to get there, we will stay two nights and return Thurs.

I will do my best to update Fri.

hope everyone is well-

Stay tuned…there is no Internet in Moba except for UNHCR and ACTED, we hope to make friends ;-)

Carpe Diem~

April 15th, 2009

2009-04-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day in Pweto! And the sunset last night, oh my- please see uploaded photo, Marisa said it best, "It looks like Jesus should be sitting somewhere on that cloud!"

We lost one of our three musketeers yesterday :( Jen (Jen Strickland, we went to undergrad together and she is now finishing grad school at the London School of Economics), had to go back to Lusaka which, can sometimes by a 2 day journey. So will make her way down to Lusaka and arrive hopefully by Friday, she departs on the 23rd.

Yesterday was a very busy day, we were ALL over Pweto walking for what seemed like hours and hours, one house to the next. Marisa and I captured a few very powerful interviews of a Doctor, two working women (a seamstress and a social worker). This morning we are meeting with the UNHCR and then the 'Chief' of the village. We have interview meetings/appts. throughout the day today (from 8am--------7pm!?).

We depart for Moba tomorrow where there will be little if any access to Internet :(

I'll update again tonight.

Hope all are well.
xo
krista

Update April 13, 2009

2009-04-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

So we are in DRC and it is pouring rain, lightening and yet so silent...and today could not have been a more beautiful day. We went about 45 minutes over the hill to the river and danced with some locals-shared a coca cola and chased a goat! This is Pweto, one of the main areas where the refugees return to, it is mind blowing- beautiful. I woke-up this morning to sunshine, blue skies and one of the clearest views of the lake. Talk about change in weather-

Tomorrow is Sunday (well today is...it's almost 1 am) most of the markets and shops in town will be closed which will prove difficult for our endeavors of finding subjects and interviews. While we were in Kala we spoke with a few refugees who have family here (that returned last year) and made a promise to them that we would visit them. So we will stray from shops and town and make rounds in the villages.

Today we met a woman from the states who works with the organization IVT. IVT desensitizes victims of rape and torture (refugees and IDP's). She was helpful and is eager to assist us with an interview or two. It was odd for her (and us) to see one another in 'Pweto, DRC' as you really don't see many "Mzungu's" around...Pweto just got electricity and running water last June, 2008.

Interesting info we learned today....there is a mansion that is being built about 20 kilometers away from the shanty town of Pweto, it has been said that it will be worth 7 million dollars once complete. This 'mansion' is being built by the government-for the government (DRC). Ironic. It is near a small air strip...hmmm?

Thursday we will leave for Moba. Moba is north east of Pweto, another returnee area. There are no longer NGO's that make the trip to Moba because the bridge (one way in, one way out) that you take to get there collapsed. We are fortunate to go with MAG as they travel in convoys (minimum of 3 Land Cruisers) and they bring their own logs/ropes to suffice for a bridge. Last trip one of the trucks got stuck and it took two others (6 hours later) to pull it out. Ya- wish us luck!

Moba territory is one of the largest returnee areas. Surrounding Moba are areas we will also visit are: Fube, Pepa and Mpala. It is very important that we make it to all of these 'towns' as there are few ngo's operating in the territory and therefore little if any information on the land, job opportunities, security, education, health etc...If we can document what IS there, operating etc. and get this info back to the refugees in Kala and Mwange camps it will be the first. They need to know what is there and, what isn't there. No one is providing this information.

Marisa and I will take an ECHO flight from Moba to Lubumbashi end of May. We will stay in Lubumbashi for a few days before we depart for Joburg, South Africa. There we will spend about two weeks, editing. (I feel like I keep repeating this).....?

Well maybe that is a sign that I get some rest now ;)

For now,
k

2009-04-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

Congo

2009-04-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

We made it! Quite the experience, crossing the DRC border (ask Jen...) but we did make it.
Currently it is 8:31pm and we are at the MAG house (Mining Advisory Group-they blow-up land mines). DRC is AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL and so colorful!
I am going to upload some photos for now and will update with details later ;-)
peace
k

Kala Camp

2009-04-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well the internet was out in Mansa on Sat and closed Sundaay...there was no bus on Saturday out of Mansa to Kawambwa just because...there was no bus? lol, we got a ride with MAG (and NGO that operates in DR Congo), as we are on the road we come across another MAG car that is broken down so, we end up towing that car....through mud, hills and large, very large pot-holes.
We finally arrive in Kawambwa by 9pm and are starving and exhausted.
We went into the camp yesterday but got stuck in the mud on our way in AND on our way back...so what should have taken 20-30 minutes took some digging, pulling (from big unhcr vehicle) and yes, a little over an hour :( Thankfully today was better- we made it in and out of the camp with no problems (just a few bruises from the ambulance tire in the back of truck).
We depart Kawambwa on Friday for Pweto. There I should have internet for full updates AND photos!
Filming has officially begun peeps ;-)
xo
krista

April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so that 13 hour bus ride from Lusaka to Mansa was HORRIBLE (Jen, you would have never made it...!). We arrived this morning just after 5am and are STILL 4-6 hours from Kawambwa (refugee camp). We will either leave tomorrow or Sunday (depending on if the bus comes....) and stay in Kawambwa through Thursday.
Friday morning we will head to Pweto (DR Congo) and start filming. Over the past week we have received word from many of our refugee friends, awaiting our arrival, pertinent information from the UNHCR and the State Department on the hubs that we will be visiting in DRC-we are eager to get there.
Aside from the very long bus ride, we are doing great. Jen is acclimating to Zambia quite well and thirsty with questions for her research and Marisa is full of knowledge and stories that bring more awareness to our mission.
Together we are making waves and leaving no stone unturned ;-)
I hope you are all well, enjoying democracy and the weather! lol
I will try to update throughout the week on my laptop and deliver one very long-well thought out- blog before we head off to DRC.
krista

Quick update...

2009-04-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

April 1st, 2009

Ok, 2 minute update...We met with UNHCR this morning (AWESOME!) and are heading to meet with the State Department in 20 minutes...the support we have is beyond anticipated ;-)

We are leaving on Friday (long 12-16 hour bus ride...sad face)- for Kawambwa (Kala Camp) and will be there through the weekend. From there we will head to Pweto (we are skipping Lubumbashi).

I will have more time tomorrow for a longer update...miss you all and hope everyone is wonderful!
xo
k

March 29, 2009

2009-03-29T16:22:00.001-07:00

March 29, 2009
(happy birthday dad!)

I decided to make this blog for those that want to know where I am, what I am doing and really, so those that don't really care for mass info emails, have the option to log on when time/interest permits.

Marisa and I leave tomorrow for Zambia where we will meet Jen Strickland (she will accompany us to the DR Congo for three weeks). On April 1st we meet with the US Embassy and the UNHCR in Lusaka for debriefing of the documentary project.

April 3rd we depart Lusaka for Lubumbashi, about 6-8 hours north of Lusaka (in DRC) where we will spend a few days before making our way (still uncertain as to how we will get there...) to Pweto-one of four returnee areas for the repatriating refugees.

We will spend a total of 3 months (give or take) in and out of Zambia/DRC filming stories of hope and human agency.

I will keep this blog updated as much as possible with details of our journey.
krista

Carpe Diem