I am sharing with you the latest and the last post of Kim Haxton while in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Great things can be accomplished in a short time – Kim and Meaghan have proven this during their few weeks in the DRC.
If you haven’t done so already, I invite you to learn more about their undertaking via gofundme page. And please consider making a donation.
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Last week we had a great training with 19 women. We shared teachings around plant medicines. At first the women with each other, and then knowledge that I learned a number of years ago while in Latin America and Haiti. It’s pretty inspiring to see the seeds of these training’s take root, especially with having access to land.
When we arrived in Kalegane to meet the local Doctor (Dr. Mukwege), he was busy with a patient who was having a miscarriage. After when we went for a walk, I pointed to a Hibiscus tree and said that the Mayans used this for hemorrhaging and miscarriages. He looked around and said, “How many other plants could we be using?”
He also attended the training and is now committed to help create a traditional medicinal center for learning.
Our adventure of the week (among many) was driving into Kalegane. It was actually on the way out of there, as it had poured with rain. The road in the best of times is full of ruts, and made of clay. With the rain, you can imagine. We had to go up hill all the way out (perhaps 2-3 kms.) At first, we had about 30 young children running and pushing us in exchange for soccer balls, Meaghan and I got out and pushed with all the children and were totally covered in red mud. On the final stretch, we heard the engine go boom. The driver got out and opened the hood only to find the radiator smoking and cracked wide open. I said, “If only we had duck tape we may have a chance”. Thank God for Meaghan’s guiding background because she pulled out her water bottle and had a decent amount of duct tape wrapped around it. We fixed the radiator enough to get back to town. The replacement cost 42$. Everyone was so apologetic, but in truth, it was so much fun!
The plant medicinal path seems to be the most desired information. A couple of the women have said they realize the importance of learning this knowledge. They had believed that traditional medicine was negative (associated with witches). Pastor Samuel assured them that there are passages in the Bible that support the use of traditional medicines.
We went to church again (last Sunday). I’ve been recognized officially as a member of the Pentecostal congregation, and they have invited me to be here for a year….
The military neighbour from Belgian described his security training for Dr. Mukwege… It is like having a group from the Bad News Bears. Oh Congo!!
I think we know where the land will be, it has access to water, it is close to the Hospital, and seems like a healthy piece of land.
There is so much more to write about. My Swahili needs a lot of work. It seems to make people laugh a lot, I just need to persevere!
Embodied Awareness 