DRC is facing an escalation of the virus now, and we have been trying to address some of the needs as they arise.
The first issue is starvation. Bethsaida, through the cell groups, has identified those in greatest need in each area, and sent supply. Many, many people are suffering greatly. They face conditions we can not imagine!
TBA was blessed to be able to offer some assistance and equally saddened that we could not do more.
The care provided by Pastor Raha & Mapendo kept me safe, loved, and provided for while in isolation! May God bless them for their generous spirits!
Seven days ago, I was in Bukavu carrying on as usual. On Monday, we heard of a charter flight taking ex-pats from Goma to Ethiopia on Thursday. Poor Pastor Raha ran and ran to get the documents needed for permission to leave, and permission from the governor to enter North Kivu etc. It was a daunting task! I had only packing etc to do, and could not manage the stress! Moment by moment, we thought...we can make it.....no, we haven't enough time, it may not work.....we can....we can't......as I said, stressful!
God granted all the documents and Wednesday we drove to Goma. It took many hours. Thursday found us at the airport waiting for our flight. I was given this;
So I learned it was an evacuation flight. There are so many stories involved in this 'evacuation'. I will spare you the details. But here are some photos;
On the way to Goma;
Arrival in Ethiopia (this is where they took us);
When we entered the international airport (almost empty);
I was facing a 16-hour flight, but God took care of me. This was my seat. I put the armrests up and had a bed of sorts (plus 3 blankets, and 3 pillows);
I think I survived better than my luggage! What do you think?
I requested a "fragile" sticker to apply to my forehead, but in hindsight, I am thankful they refused!!
(although I do feel a bit the way my suitcase looks)
As we landed in Ethiopia, there was a huge fleet of jumbo jets lined up, just parked! It was quite a sight! There are fewer and fewer flights. Before we received news of this flight, it was looking like September before there would be any option available!
God is not restricted by anything! He made a way for me. I thank Him!
