Hello Everyone!*

I apologize in advance for any misspelled words and lack of punctuation. We are using an Internet cafe in Lubumbashi, and I am typing on a French keyboard that has quite a few of the letters rubbed off so I can't tell where some of the keys are.  Nevertheless, I am thankful for the Internet connection.

We are both doing amazing! David's family has been so welcoming and encouraging. The food and culture has been amazing as well. Today a police office got out of his car and when he saw us walking to catch a bus at the station, he let me sit in the front seat and had his driver take us to the Internet cafe and then go back to pick him up. I was so surprised! That is not the Congo that the media presents to the public. 

The only problem we have had is that our luggage still has not arrive from Ethiopia. It is not expected to arrive until Thursday now. It is very frustrating since we didn't get to pack anything in our carry-on luggage except the laptops. They are all safe and sound so far. We are very thankful.

We are not sure which day we will be leaving Lubumbashi. For now, much love and thanks are being sent your way.

Mary Manda
Connecting People, Creating Chances, Cultivating Futures

*edited for typos & grammar due to the nature of Mary using a French keyboard!