Arrival in Goma

This is just a quick note to let you know that I arrived safely in Goma yesterday, shortly before noon, to midday temperatures of near 90F with intermittent rain, so high humidity as well. My three teammates, J, C and R, met up with me at the bus stop in Gisenyi, the town on the Rwandan side of the border, and we walked the 2 km to the border, got our Rwandan exit stamps and DRC entry stamps. Since I was with people who were reentering I think they didn't realize I was new, so my bags were not checked and I did not get the full interview the others did on their arrival, just where I was from and my profession. A great relief to me! On the Congolese side of the border we were met by one of our hosts from the group Martin Luther King, who welcomed me warmly and joined us for lunch back at the Centre Don Bosco, my home for the next two months. We took a bumpy 'moto' (motorcycle taxi's - sorry M&L, no Minsks to be seen yet) ride to the centre, and after lunch I had a chance to unpack and settle in before the first briefing.

Our amenities - running water 5-5:30 am (the only opportunity for a shower) and electricity, 5-5:30 am and 6:30-8:30 pm. Sunrise is shortly after 6 and sunset around 6 as well.

We each have our own room though, as well as the 5 Salecian brothers and fathers who live there. We share the kitchen, dining and meeting rooms, and have access to a lovely courtyard, ideal for hanging laundry!

So currently, our schedule is 6 am prayers, 6:30 meeting (daily schedule), 7:00 breakfast, then the 45 minute walk downtown to the internet cafe. The day is over with supper at 6, since nothing really happens after dark, with most of the city without electricity. During the day we might have a meeting or two, as well as some rest time during the high heat after noon.

So that's how things have begun. I'll be going to sleep earlier and waking up early, but think that'll suit me just fine. We are right across from the airport but the planes are already background noise.

That's all for now.