A letter from Bob and Kristi Rice in Congo
June 2010
Sand gets in my sandals as we walk the rough and hilly path through the neighborhood. Women who are pounding manioc leaves or washing clothes in their yards shout their greetings. Children run up to shake our hands or stand and stare. I can see the lush green palm trees in the valley below, contrasting with the sandy yards and mud-brick houses on the hillside. Young women with large basins of water on their heads pass us as they return from the spring in the valley. We follow the pastor as he weaves through the narrow paths to visit his parishioners. We consider how dramatically different life is for someone in this corner of Kananga than the life we lead in the United States. Sometimes it is hard to believe we live in the same world!
Kristi at water source.
This is a phase of adjustment and learning for us. We are trying to learn as much as we can about culture and life of people in Kasai. We often feel like “outsiders,” unsure of what to do or say, or what to expect. Sometimes the sense of frustration brings us to tears or makes us angry. At those times we remind ourselves that we are going through an emotional period of cultural adjustment!
For the past six weeks we have stayed with families of Congolese pastors and church elders. This rotation of six families in six weeks has provided a valuable window into the daily lives of Congolese people and the life of the church. The hospitality and generosity of these families as they included us in their daily routines was incredible! Life is challenging here and the poverty is severe, but we have been impressed with the resourcefulness and hard work that so many people demonstrate. We are grateful for the example that we have seen in our host families of caring for the needs of the poor and of empowering people.
One contrast we observed is that so much of life here happens outdoors. Cooking, eating, bathing, visiting with friends, meetings — all typically happen outside. If it rains, people are stuck, so everything gets delayed a few hours. Life outdoors also means a much higher level of transparency — neighbors can see what you are cooking for dinner! I (Kristi) was washing clothes one day, and some kids and neighbors came over to watch and evaluate the foreigner doing laundry by hand — this was a clash of the culture of transparency with my desire for a little peace and privacy!
Kristi making bidia.
During this period of culture learning whenever possible we have walked places or taken public transportation. This means we get lots of opportunities to practice Tshiluba, meet people, and observe life along the road. We have frequently heard people comment, “White people walking! Why aren’t they in a vehicle?” It is just as surprising when they learn we are learning Tshiluba! We realize that walking or taking the bus is one part of our testimony to people. It is a significant way that we can identify and connect with people in Kasai. Last week on our walk across town to go to class, I got frustrated by the numerous times we were stopped to greet people on the way. How can you be efficient or productive it is takes half an hour to walk 1 km? Then I realized that we have come here for the purpose of connecting with people and building relationships—so meeting people on the road should not feel like a distraction, but an objective! Please pray for us as we discern how to adapt our lifestyle in ways that will connect us with the Congolese people.
Bob baptizing.
We continue making progress in learning Tshiluba. Last week in church, for instance, Bob was able to baptize 20 babies and 8 young adults — all in Tshiluba! Yet we face daily frustrations and challenges as well. Imagine trying to participate in a conversation, but you only understand every other word. Or trying to communicate a thought, but it takes three times as long as a native speaker for you finds the words and figures out the grammar. We often get impatient or frustrated, but then someone will affirm us for our progress in these four months. While we were staying with families, we heard and spoke Tshiluba at all hours, which was helpful. Over the next two months we hope to have more consistent time with our tutor to reinforce and improve our grammar. God has been faithful, and we pray He continues to help us to persevere!
The sand in our sandals and the hilly paths we trek are a small price for the smiles and love we encounter in people. We are glad that in Christ we are not “foreigners” but all members of God’s household. We are grateful to be here as a point of connection between the Congolese church and the church in the United States. We consider it a privilege to stand in solidarity with the Congolese people. We have been embraced with a warm reception in each place we have stayed. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support which sustain us! If you would like to contribute financially, you can do so online through the PC(USA) website or by calling (800) 728-7228, x5587.
With thanks and love,
Bob and Kristi
