The Repair Man

The wrong part flown in from America

Rod returned on Sunday Evening after 4 1/2 weeks in America.  Before he arrived I sent him a list of all that needed to be repaired when he got back. During the 36 hours of his flying back my watch broke which I use for lots of useful things, like being on time places and timing my cooking and baking and my exercise routine.  (A friend is going to America next week and will be able to bring one out to me).  On Monday the pump went out on the washing machine.  So Rod has spent the past four days repairing things around the house as well as helping at the hanger and flying.

The equipment for repairing the air-conditioner.

My highest priority for Rod to fix before the washing machine went out was the truck air-conditioning.  Driving through Kinshasa traffic is always an adventure but having to have your windows rolled down adds to the adventure and causes an insecurity in my heart that I really don't enjoy facing.  Rod brought the parts back for the air-conditioner. One of the parts didn't fit properly but it was the part replacing the "unbroken" part of the ac so it was okay.  But last evening when he went to put the freon in, it leaked!  Rod said, "Like a sieve."  So here we are with new parts put in but it doesn't hold freon.

The washing machine was a different story.  We have a friend who was coming from America so we quickly ordered a new pump for the washing machine.  In the meantime we still needed to wash clothes so Rod began looking through washing machines left around our MAF homes to find a pump.  He found one and put it in but it leaks. So yesterday I was able to do laundry BUT I had to keep a towel in front of the machine to keep it from leaking all over my washroom and pantry. While Rod was repairing the pump he also repaired the water "intake" which means I now have water pressure in my washing machine.  Before I was running hoses into it and occasionally flooding the pantry when I would forget to turn it off.  Last evening our friend arrived from the states with the part.  We do hope this one will fit.

I have a house helper, Tata Oscar who helps me with the laundry and yesterday as we washed with the front off the washing machine he was over joyed to see the parts all work.  He kept saying over and over, "Bamondele bazali na mayele mingi."  "White men have so much knowledge or wisdom".  I tried to tell him that an African could have invented a washing machine too but he just wouldn't believe me.  I need to find some stories of African Americans who have invented different things and show him their pictures and tell their stories.

Other repairs Rod has completed and they have stayed repaired is the security light outside and the battery light switch. It is comforting to have my man back so I guess you can say my heart is better too.

Blessed with House Guests

Lydia and I just finished having house guests for the past 2 1/2 weeks.  The Senga's are church planting missionaries here in Kinshasa.  Jean was born and raised in Congo and has become an American citizen.  Deborah was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.  God called them to Congo to plant a church 3 1/2 years ago.  I met them at a yard sale when their son, Micah, picked up a book on homeschooling that I was selling.  I asked him if anyone in his family could or would read it.  He looked like every other French or Lingala speaking child around.  He responded in English that his dad would.  
Before long I met Deborah, Jean, Micah, Jonathan, and Michelle and invited them to our weekly playgroup.  They had been praying to meet other home school families.  It feels good to be a part of other peoples' answer to prayer. 

These don't give you the crowded effect but it is Kinshasa.

The Sengas actually lived on the other side of town but their church is very close to our house.  For the next three years they spent hours on the road going from ministry to home which was very taxing in many ways.  Kinshasa traffic can only be described where people drive like you would walk in a huge crowd.  Do not expect rules to be followed. 

Enjoying one of the trees in our yard. 12 foot wall!

Sengas went on furlough six months ago and enjoyed some great times in the U.S.  On January 26th they returned to a house full of mold and very few groceries.  Within three hours Deborah was having an allergic reaction to the mold. She sounded like she had a cold and her fingers were swelling up.  They called to come take showers and do laundry at our house.  Since Lydia and I are enjoying this huge house alone we invited them to stay rather than settle in one house only to move to another.  They were looking for a house to rent on this side of the city.  They have now rented a new home on this side of town and today they are officially moved in. 
With every home in Kinshasa comes surprises.  Just read Acharchelle's blog from today: http://brooklyntwinsinccongo.blogspot.com/2013/02/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html  This house is attached to two others and after getting the water turned on they found out that the neighbors downstairs are getting flooded.  So we are praying there is a quick easy solution to water problem. 

The Sengas and the "New" House

I am so thankful that God sent the Sengas into our lives.  Not only have they become great friends but they came along just when I needed something to think about besides my husband being on a long trip.  Our God is good all the time!