Bongolo

So NEW plan for my life: drop out of college, pack up my stuff & live in Gabon.

I have finally arrived, three days after I began my journey!!!

I woke up this morning completely sweat drenched & the day had not even started. I got my first bug or spider bite while I was sleeping.

After getting ready, I went downstairs and ate breakfast with Meredith & Liann. Tim came to pick us up and we headed across town to pick up the Rausch's at the Solvig's house. The Gabonese drive much like Italians in Rome; that is all I have to say. Tim is a fabulous driver & hysterical.

The Rausch's traveled with me from CDG Paris. Dr. Rausch is actually a cardiologist. He brought his three older children (college age & older) named Jean-Marie, Elisa & Alec. So, since they were staying at the Solvig's (a family currently in transit as they are moving to the U.S. after 13 years of service at the STMO guest house in Libreville). From there, Pastor Songoy (I have no clue how to spell this), a local Gabonese pastor drove us to the LBV airport.

*Left Top: Jean-Marie & I
*Bottom: Elisa & I

We proceeded to pass through Gabonese security which in essence consists of "security" picking through your bags by hand. Then, we waited about 1.5hrs. at the gate.


And by gate, I mean there was one gate servicing ALL flights. This gate simultaneously services flights to Douala, Mouila, Paris and basically everywhere. Our flight arrived EARLY, which is completely unheard of in Gabon....To make a very LONG story short, our plane ride was enjoyable although turbulence now has a new definition. I would be surprised if the plane was newer than 1975. The stewardess loved us so much that she let Elisa sit with the pilot and copilot in the cockpit.

We arrived and were met by the hospital chauffer, Phelipe. We squished into a small, old, white Toyota jeep/van & drove over 2 hours to Lebamaba.

Right outside of Lebamaba is Bongolo, which refers to the hospital/mission compound. On our drive we encountered many vans of people on their way back after a visit to the hospital.

*Left: Gabonese bridges.













We arrived at Bongolo and Phelipe dropped off the Rausch's at the Thelander's house. Technically, they are staying at the triplex that typically houses medical STMOs. Phelipe then drove me across town (and by town I mean 200-300 yds. max) to the Kelly's. Emma had (according to Mrs. Kelly a.k.a. Amanda) been waiting for me for 3 hrs. so I was welcomed whole-heartedly by 8-year old Emma. Emma & Amanda showed me to my room, which is LOVELY. I have a ceiling fan, bed, dresser and my very own desk! I met Tim (Mr. Kelly), Zach, (13yrs.) and Forrest (11yrs.). They are all just so wonderful.

Amanda cooked a delicious dinner. We talked and then went for an evening swim (Emma was super excited). We played Marco-Polo. I caught Forrest, but he claims that he is world-champ. We have a few weeks to work on that one ;-)

Later in the evening I met Lisa (who lives in an adjacent apartment). She works at the hospital, I think. So I showered, which was largely uneventful except for this discovery of countless no-seem bites. I am basically polka-dotted. Mind you, I put LOTS of bug spray/creme on, so this is NOT my fault.

That is basically it. Of course I am leaving out lots of details, but that's it for now. Tomorrow we will probably go into town after the Kelly kids are done with their schooling and then on Wed., Thurs., and Friday I will be at the hospital (that is the plan at least)...

In case you were wondering, I don't think I'll be able to post pictures because there is not alot of bandwidth or something like that.

I'm gonna hit the sack, soon. Needless to say, I am loving every minute of this trip. I'm covered in bug bites head to toe, but I am loving life and thanking God for this awesome opportunity he has blessed me with and the people he has placed in my life.

P.S.- Its rainy season, so guess what? There is basically a monsoon going on now. NO JOKE.