While our pastoral team was here last week, we got to go on a flight with Rod. Actually he was flying for us that day and not doing regular flying but it helped us to see a little more of what his work is like. It began with our normal routine of waking at 5:00 a.m. and I made breakfast as usual. I didn't have to make lunches because we would be back by noon and could eat at the hanger.
So I found out that when Rod walks out the door he actually goes and stands or sits in front of our neighbor's house to wait for the MAF van or whatever vehicle will pick him up. Our neighbor is our manager. Nick is with Rod in this picture and he was also doing a flight that day in the Cessna 182.
We rode in the newest MAF van which to me is always a treat because it has air-conditioning. David Francis was our chauffeur. He is also a pilot but was doing maintenance that day.
Driving through the streets of Kinshasa can often mean a traffic jam. The pilots and mechanics try to leave before 6:30 a.m. to be sure to avoid heavy traffic. We were glad to be able to drive straight through with no stopping.
  |
| Bright-eyed and Bushy Tailed |
When we got to the air-port I went to the MAF office and waited for our pastors. Rod went with the other pilots and mechanics to the hangar to prepare for the flights for the day. Our MAF workers were busy getting passengers ready by weighing our luggage and bodies. Our pastors and wives showed up in the office and we all had our turns on the scales. We all made sure we held on to our heavy purses and back packs so nobody could tell our true weight. From there we went to the reception area of the airport. We had to show our passports because everyone shows their passports no matter whether you are traveling in country or out. I was questioned as to why the pastors had tourist visas when they were pastors. I guess you are not supposed to be a tourist if you are pastor. We also had to buy a Go Pass which is a tax to improve the airport. We were then ushered into a waiting area which is a rather nice place. From there, Maya, our MAF hangar worker, picked us up in the MAF van with air-conditioning.
 |
| Pastor Beau was Co-pilot on the way out. |
We got to the MAF hangar and Nick was already taking off. It was only a few minutes before we were ready to go too but it was great opportunity to get pictures at the airport.
Once in the airplane we waited for Rod to complete his pre-flight checklist. I was very anxious for him to get in and get the plane started. It is amazing how that propeller can cool you off.
 |
| Kinshasa from the air, at least a part of Kinshasa |
 |
| Kikongo Fishing ponds |
 |
| The Wamba River next to Kikongo |
It took a little over an hour to fly to Kikongo. As we flew we saw many fields that were growing manioc which is a staple for the Congolese people throughout the country. There were also plantations of palm trees that produce palm nuts. The many miles between were full of savannah grass. When we arrived over Kikongo we circled over the river then came in for a landing. We could also see the fish ponds, the seminary and the hospital from the air.
 |
| Pastor Beau enjoying taking pictures of the kids |
On the ground we were greeted by village children. The plane landing is
a very exiting event in Kikongo. We surprised the Chapmans with our
visit since our flight had only been officially planned the night before
and Glen and Rita do not check their e-mail until the afternoon
everyday. They still welcomed us with open arms and provided fresh
squeezed tangerine juice. Rita then gave us a tour of the mission
station.
First we went to her back yard where the children watched us through a chain link fence while we looked at Rita's managery. She usually has quite few animals in her yard. This time there was Bill the Bird, a blue diker, rabbits and chickens. She doesn't have any crocodiles right now. She does have a Congo Clawless Otter but he had escape in the night. Apparently he comes back every evening and routinely escapes to the forest to sleep in the early morning hours.
 |
| A diker is small antelope. |
 |
| At the pastoral school. Rita gave us umbrellas for shade. |
Rita then showed us the Pastoral School that she and Glen teach at. School was on break for the week therefore Rita and Glen had time for surprise visitors.
I will try to post a second post soon to give more on the visit. I am finding posting pictures can get frustrating.
 |
| The children had collected cans and were pretend cooking. |
When we got to the air-port I went to the MAF office and waited for our pastors. Rod went with the other pilots and mechanics to the hangar to prepare for the flights for the day. Our MAF workers were busy getting passengers ready by weighing our luggage and bodies. Our pastors and wives showed up in the office and we all had our turns on the scales. We all made sure we held on to our heavy purses and back packs so nobody could tell our true weight. From there we went to the reception area of the airport. We had to show our passports because everyone shows their passports no matter whether you are traveling in country or out. I was questioned as to why the pastors had tourist visas when they were pastors. I guess you are not supposed to be a tourist if you are pastor. We also had to buy a Go Pass which is a tax to improve the airport. We were then ushered into a waiting area which is a rather nice place. From there, Maya, our MAF hangar worker, picked us up in the MAF van with air-conditioning.
No comments:
Post a Comment