Sometimes it's hard to grasp the fact that Congo and the USA exist on the same planet. This last week or so we have felt like we live in a bizarre, parallel universe. On one hand I browse through facebook and read postings of friends in the U.S. - celebrating the holidays, Black Friday shopping sprees, Christmas concerts, parties, etc. Please don't get me wrong - I am NOT criticizing this. In fact, I love the Christmas season in the U.S. I know of some who do not appreciate the "commercialization" of the season and I do get that. But I guess since we only get to experience it once every 5 years (and it's 6 years this term) we tend to soak it all up.
But this year Christmas, in my Western sense anyway, has seemed far away. Our days and evenings have been filled with following election "talk". The actual vote took place on Nov. 28. Results were to be announced on Dec. 6....then delayed to Dec. 8th.....and finally actually announced the afternoon of Dec. 9th. Anticipating violence, the embassy has restricted (or at least advised limiting) circulation to a certain part of town. Other times we are advised to not leave our homes.......nothing like a few days of "lockdown" to put one in the Christmas spirit!!
The girls ended up not having school all last week. Homework and exercises were posted online so that they could continue with their studies. It's been a good system, especially considering that a number of students (at least 1/3 of the student population) have left the country due to fears of violence.
Right before voting day, we finally packed our "go bags".......it's always a bit of a weird moment to do that. You feel kind of "hysterical" and "over reactionary" doing it - but on the other hand, we are in a rather "edgy" moment and better safe than sorry. In about 20 years of missionary service this is only the third time we've packed go bags.......the first time was about 15 years ago when we lived in NE Zaire (now the DRC).......and we used them. In fact we evacuated from Isiro 15 years ago on Dec. 1st.....the circles of life are interesting, aren't they? The second time was in Togo when the long-term dictator died and his son was placed in power. Things were very drawn out and violent, but in the end we did not leave - didn't use the go bags. So this time they sit in Ben's bedroom (which has become somewhat of a "dumping ground" when we don't know where to put things)........Abby's favorite teddy bear sits merrily on top of the pile. I fully anticipate unpacking them in a few weeks, but in the meantime, we are ready....just in case.
On Dec. 6th, the first day that the results were to be announced, we decorated for Christmas - put up our tree, played Christmas carols, and laughed at how this Christmas season would definitely be in the memory books. One day my kids will have GREAT stories to tell their children. On the 8th, the second day that results were to be announced, we made and decorated Christmas cookies.
Despite the monotony of the days, they somehow pass.......we exercise, we bake, we clean, we play games, we watch DVD's. We are getting a bit tired of one another, haha, but morale remains high.
After the results were announced yesterday afternoon our particular neighborhood was filled with celebratory noise as those loyal to President Kabila, who won a second term, marched in the streets. But large parts of our city were silent - or were filled with more ominous noise as opposition supporters protested, burned tires, looted shops, and confronted security forces. Sporadic shooting occurred throughout the night. From the moment results were announced until at least tomorrow (Sunday) morning we are on lockdown, encouraged by the embassy to not leave our homes.
The opposition has refused to accept the results......their main candidate has named himself president elect and told his militant followers to "await my command". Right now, a "Merry Christmas" for Congo would be peace.....peace on earth and goodwill towards ALL men.
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