A 12-hour Boat Ride (Day 60, September 20, Saturday)

Today was a breeze compared to yesterday. I had two objectives for the day; one, go to Didier's elementary school and two, go to Dr. Bernard's house. My Congolese friend from Indianapolis, Didier, is interested in supporting his elementary school. He wanted me to take a look at it. We drove downtown to the elementary school. We arrived about 10:45am. But only a few kids are in sight. Also, the principal's office is open but locked. The school is under renovation. It has been split into two elementary schools. It is now the original one plus a new Lebanese elementary school. The school is not only physically cut down the middle but it has an 8-foot concrete wall being built to separate the two schools. A good cleaning and paint would really approve its appearance. But it has a few issues. The roof is started leaking and it would need to be resealed. Also, the floor has quite a few missing floor tiles. Of course, the desks and blackboards need work, too. The bathrooms appeared to be in the worst shape. I could not get pass the odor to look at them. Overall, the school is in not too bad of a condition when compared to rural elementary schools in the bush country of Congo. But this is Kinshasa, the capital city. And the school is located very near the main downtown boulevard, Avenue of June 30th. Also, Dikembe Mutombo, the Congo's greatest humanitarian and famous NBA star, attended this elementary school. We finished our tour by thanking the directress of the school. As I arrived back at MPH, Dr. Bernard called to ask my whereabouts. I had failed to follow up with him as promised. He said he was on his way over to pick me up for a visit to his house with his family. His house was across town in a new area of Kinshasa for me. It was a welcomed treat to get to see his wife (Mama Deede), children (Daniel and Denzel), and his sister (Jackie). Near the house, we stopped by to say quick hello to his older daughter, Gracie, at the family store. While waiting for dinner to be prepared and finished. Dr. Bernard told me about his job in Mbuji Mayi. I thought it was desk job in the big city. He was formerly the medical director of the Bulape Hospital and Health Zone. Bulape is located in the rural poor bush area of central Congo in the Kasai Occidental Province (West Kasai). Mbuyi Mayi is the provincial capital of Kasai Oriental Province (East Kasai). This province is known for its diamond riches. But, it has a very poor rural population. However, Dr. Bernard stunned me with some pictures of his job as Project AXxes supervisor for three health zones in the East Kasai. I must admit I am not easily stunned in Congo. Conditions are bad in most places. Dr. Bernard must take a 12-hour boat ride up the Sankuru River to one of his health zones. What? Yes, it is a 12-hour 'motorized' long canoe ride. The canoe is just wide enough for a stand plastic chair. This is your seat. Also, the boat has to take 100 gallons of fuel onboard for the trip. My standard 9-hour ride to Bulape in the Landcruiser is nothing compared to this journey up this crocodile infested river. Basic health care is needed in this area. Some children in this area had never been vaccinated. He found over 20 children in one village. The food was great as always. The fish and greens were outstanding! Also, Denzel had grown so much and was very playful. This trip I had to postpone my stop to see him in Mbuji Mayi. Next trip, I will take the trip up the river. And I got a few months to think about it and plan.