Sunday, May 13, 2007

Momma's Day

This here blog is dedicated to all the mommas of the residents here at the heart. So thank you for cleaning up our poop when we were little, dealing with our rebelious years when we were big. Thank you for always having our number one interests your priority. Thank you for forgiving us of all the times we have messed up. And thank you for your continual prayer for your youngins. If it wasn't for you mommas, we wouldn't be the men we are today (where or not thats a good thing, I don't know...) Just so you know, there ain't no food better than momma's food. thats the truth!. So moms, we love you. and are glad that you are our mommas. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Concerning noble mothers:

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Proverbs 31:28-29

Be blessed moms!!!

-M and the rest of the crew

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Futbol (soccer) and Kippe Ya Yo

A new post, for a new month. I figured i would be the first to post this month because while it is my beautiful and sweaty afternoon, you all are still sleeping. So, this may be another long one, don't fret, just don't read it if you don't want to (I honestly wouldn't have a clue if you did or not). So Sunday was a day hard to explain. Imagine if you will that you (you must imagine that you are white) and one other white person are sitting along a fence. Now, you are sitting on a running track and facing it. Now imagine that surrounding you is somewhere around 65,000 black people! Imagine them yelling at you, calling you white guy, trying to get your attention by making kissing sounds (that is how Congolese get people's attention). Okay, so none of you can truly imagine that but i thought it would be fun for you all to try.

My father and I had the opportunity to go to the national futbol (soccer) team's game on Sunday. They were playing Ethiopia. This game is in preparation for the African Cup of 2008. Not only did we go to the game, we were ON THE FIELD! Through half the game (because a mix of things kept me from moving any closer) I was standing no farther than 5 feet away from the goal. I promise you it was one of the most unbelievable things i have ever done in my life. It's hard to explain the roar of the crowd or the way in which I felt VERY white. It was a great game and Congo won 2-0. Something that i will never forget (though i fear that i will). Just amazing. My dad puts up pictures on HIS blog so check them out: cabalka.blogspot.com

The other part of my title I just put because I like to say it and it is some of the little Lingala (the local language) that I have learned. Remember that i's in other languages are like e's and e's are still kinda like e's so it sounds like keepay ya yo (yeah, the last part sounds like it looks). Now, what it means, it means "mind your own business" so it is a great thing to use (though i will never use it here because i would probably get beat up!). I plan on using it back in the states with a real negative tone while making a real ugly face of disgust/anger. Just you wait till I pull that one out!

One other thing, the reason my blogs are so long is because I have no other way of telling you all (though this may only be like 3 people) what is going on. This is the best way for me to express it and I enjoy typing out my stories here! It helps me process...which i can't wait to NOT have to do in the states! I could write more but i won't. I miss you guys and hope that you are all doin' great. Give me updates.

Joe