The Africa Posts
If you are one who follows the news, you will know that there are reports of a rebel army approaching the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports also tell us that food supply lines to Goma are threatened.
My son and I are to spend the final 2 days of this journey in and near Goma.
Over time I have come to feel that some of the stories told by news organizations are just that- stories. Their purpose is to manipulate and create outcomes I do not claim to understand. I am now in a position to make a personal decision based on what I believe.
My son arranged months ago for a resident of Congo to pick us up in Rwanda and drive us across the border. He will be with us at each event and time of transport for our time there, dropping us off at our hotel at the end of the day and picking us up again in the morning. He will also drive us back to Rwanda.
Our hotel has armed guards; this is not a new development.
This man has been an associate of my son’s for 3 years. He works with child soldiers to help stabilize their lives once released (or escaped), and he works to support more than one refugee camps. He is also an attorney. My son trusts him.
My husband is understandably concerned about me going to Congo at all, and specifically to Goma. He has asked me not to. But this journey with my son is important to my relationship with him, and is one in which I decided to trust. I have always planned to accompany my son for the full 8 days. I do not feel fearful.
I decided that I would personally reach out to our host in a text. My son forwarded this message from me:
Hello Bienve –
I have seen your face, I have read about your work with the children, and my son trusts you. My husband is very worried. I want to hear directly from you that there is no cause for concern if we come to your country as planned. No danger to a traveler from the US? No threat of not having food? I am a 68 year old woman who is strong in spirit and well in body. I intend to continue with my plan to accompany my son on this leg of our journey if you tell me there is no cause for concern.
Many blessings.
Annie BregliaI received this reply:
Hi Annie,
Nice to hear from you. Goma is very safe, people have destroyed the image of Goma because of their own international Mafia. I can’t talk a lot about Goma as you are very closer you will see by your own all things have been well planned and children are prepared well for welcoming you on the field. Can’t wait to meet you, I know you will have a good memory once back home safely. (smiling emoji) Lastly in Goma we have all international organizations working locally and they are safe. Welcome once more and be blessed have a good memory once back home safely. (smiling emoji)
Bienve
And so I am going to complete this trip with my son as planned.
I have no fear or trepidation and plan to continue walking in love.
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8 hummingbird way 