Ebola Death Claims Another; Total now 12

Doctors without Borders (MSF) says 12 persons have died from the Ebola Outbreak near Mweka (Kasai Occidental Province) in central Congo.

Bloomberg.com: Africa:

"Ebola hemorrhagic fever, one of the most feared infectious diseases, may have killed 12 people and infected at least 26 others, in an area of the Democratic Republic of Congo where a deadly outbreak occurred 15 months ago, a medical aid organization said.


Ebola infections may be occurring in ``new pockets'' in the Mweka district of Western Kasai Province, said Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders. The current outbreak claimed its first life on Nov. 27, the Geneva-based group said in an e-mailed statement today."

It's Enroute, 27 days and counting?!

Did all your presents get delivered by Christmas? James did not get his Christmas present.

Actually, it was an emergency package containing dental glue. James' tooth cap came off. So he asked me to send him some dental glue.

It has not arrived, yet. The package left New York on December 3, 2008. (I'm using the year in case!) Here's the USPS Tracking information.

Enroute Departure, December 03, 2008, 4:57 pm, ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS)
International Dispatch, December 03, 2008, 4:57 pm, ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)
Processed, December 01, 2008, 8:32 pm, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46251
Acceptance, December 01, 2008, 1:54 pm, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46236

Update on the "Express Mail" to Congo

I got a text message this morning from my friend. It's still not there! He asked for the tracking number. LOL!

It's funny. SLAP, straighten up!

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Celebrating Year End

My workweek revolves around Sunday. Today was last Sunday of the December. So, I am ready to start work in the New Year now. Not really but I can focus on the tax year now!

I ended the year with sermon at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. It was good way to end the year!

Good News, No Additional Deaths Reports

Thanks to rapid detection and response by local health officials, there have been no additional deaths to date. However, it may be just a delay in reporting due to the isolation and clearance process.

There is no independent reporting network in Congo. After I asked the outbreak, some people in the Congo had heard rumors while others were tight-lipped.

International news - Radio Netherlands Worldwide - English: "Aid organisation Doctors Without Borders has set up an isolation unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo for people infected with the Ebola virus. Sufferers have been placed in quarantine to prevent any further spread of the disease."

An Investigation is Needed

For the second time in just over a year, Ebola outbreak confirmed near Mweka.

Nine persons die from this uncurable and untreatable diseases.

"Following the analysis of samples taken in (the village of) Kalwamba, it is now recognised that we are facing an epidemic of the viral haemorrhagic fever Ebola," said health minister Auguste Mopipi Mukulumanya.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Who invented General Tso chicken, fortune cookies, and more

If you love Chinese food you must see this video. It is a funny, informative, fascinating video by the orgins of Chinese food. I am going to squeeze in a visit to my local "China Buffet" now.

Jennifer 8. Lee hunts for General Tso Video on TED.com: "Reporter Jennifer 8. Lee talks about her hunt for the origins of familiar Chinese-American dishes -- exploring the hidden spots where these two cultures have (so tastily) combined to form a new cuisine."

An Outbreak of Suspected Ebola/Marburg Fever

Testing by health authorities in progess to confirm causes of deaths in Mweka.

Mweka was near outbreak in 2007 that killed 187 persons.

Mweka is 20 miles from Bulape.

=====================

DRC: Nine die, dozens infected by suspected haemorrhagic fever

KINSHASA, 24 December 2008 (IRIN) - An outbreak of a suspected haemorrhagic fever has killed nine people and infected 92 more in Kasai Occidental, according to medical personnel.

CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR FULL REPORT
Http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=82082

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"
(317) 698-7643 US

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

It's Really Not a Joking Matter

If it was not located in eastern Congo surrounded by thousand of displaced people, it would be a great joke. The "it" is a speed limit sign! This is just unbelievable!

Congo Warlord Linked to Abuses Seeks Bigger Stage - NYTimes.com:

"BUNAGANA, Congo — At the entrance to this bustling border town is a most unusual sight: a speed limit sign. In fresh red, white and blue paint, it is a rare manifestation of order in a nation better known for chaos.

The seemingly innocuous signpost is emblematic of the growing might and wider ambitions of Laurent Nkunda, the renegade Congolese general and warlord who now holds part of Congo’s future in his grip.

“I am fighting for the destiny of this country,” said Mr. Nkunda, offering up the orderly streets and neatly terraced farms of the surrounding countryside as evidence of what Congo might be like if he ran things. “What we want is to restore the dignity of this country and these people.”

But beneath the veneer lies a ruthlessness of a piece with Congo’s unbroken history of brutality. With a military campaign in October and November that was met with a feeble response from both the Congolese government and United Nations peacekeeping forces here in eastern Congo, General Nkunda has pushed the nation to its most dangerous precipice in years."

Reading if I Misunderstand the Uses of Twitter or Facebook

Confession: I do not fully understand Twiiter and Facebook.

I use (think of) Twitter as a subset or specialty of Facebook's status.

Do you understand, misunderstand, or care?

Post: The Misunderstood Uses of Twitter and Facebook: Are You a Friend, Follower
or a Fool?

Posted: 19 Dec 2008 05:04 AM PST
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Twitip/~3/XBrx4Smri_w/

By Guest Author Scott Scheper of http://scottdig.com (follow him at
@venturedig).

When I think of Facebook and Twitter, I think of Preparation-H and
toothpaste. Both are quality products. Both have their uses; but
Preparation-H, like Twitter, is only needed at a certain point in life.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins
Twitter: http://twitter.com/woodycollins

Learning from two High Schoolers

Part of Congo Helping Hands' mission is to promote awareness of the plight of the Congolese people. We want to educate the public.

Today, I got two letters (typed and on paper) from two students who attend the International Academy of Macomb (Michigan). At first, I thought it was letters from some I knew. But I have not gone by "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Congo Helping Hands" ever.

I was surprised that they wrote a paper letter versus connect with us over the internet or Facebook. Anyway, I found one of the letterwriters on Facebook and sent an electronic message back. I will follow up with a paper letter soon.

Until they mentioned it in their letters, I had not heard of Guns Germs and Steel.


Guns Germs & Steel: About the Book. Guns Germs & Steel PBS: "Guns, Germs and Steel

First published in the United States by W.W.Norton and Company, on March 1 1997, Guns, Germs and Steel was initially subtitled ‘The Fates of Human Societies.’ Within a few months, this subtitle had evolved into ‘A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years.’

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction, the Rhone Poulenc Science Book Prize, along with three other international literary prizes, Guns, Germs and Steel has been translated into 25 languages and has sold millions of copies around the world."

Sitting at Courtside

Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors !

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Here's how most people die in the Congo

When you think about the war in Congo, you think of opposing armed groups shooting at one another. True but here's how most people die in the Congo without being shot. This is especially true of the young children five years old and under.

Scores dying from disease in Congo conflict - CNN.com:

"The number of young children dying from preventable diseases like malaria and diarrhea has increased dramatically because of war in eastern Congo, an aid agency announced Wednesday.

Displaced people fleeing the violence are living in poor conditions as they walk for days through the forests to get to camps in and around the provincial capital of Goma, World Vision said.

Hospitals have seen an influx of patients suffering from preventable diseases, the aid group said.

'You can imagine if you've got young children who are really vulnerable, that walking and sleeping under nothing, walking through the forest [will affect them],' said Anna Ridout, part of World Vision's emergency team in Goma.

Cold and damp conditions lead to respiratory distress, she said. Some of those pushed from their homes suffer extreme cases of diarrhea caused by bad sanitation, which leads to dehydration, Ridout said."

A Small Step toward Stopping Child Soldiers

Congo stands to lose $800,000 in foreign military financing.

The measure was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin and Sam Brownback.


U.S. Restricts Aid to Nations Using Child Soldiers OneWorld.net (U.S.): "WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (OneWorld.net) - The United States passed a law last week restricting military aid to governments involved in the use of child soldiers. Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Uganda may be affected."

Feeling Despair and Paralysis

Why do you feel despair and paralysis with Darfur and CONGO?

Editorial - A Policy for Preventing Genocide - NYTimes.com: "Darfur, Congo, Rwanda and, before that, Bosnia. It is hard to contemplate man’s capacity for inhumanity without feeling despair and paralysis. The world usually pays attention only after the killing has spun out of control, when ethnic, religious and political divides are rubbed so raw that the furies are infinitely harder to calm. By that point, the United States and others are faced with the agonizing choice of either intervening militarily or allowing the killing to go on."

Exposing the Congo War with an Online Museum

http://arrestnkundanow.blogspot.com/2008/12/mjpc-online-museum-of-victims-of-war-in.html

Sacramento, California. 12/12/2008. The new organization known as Mobilization of Justice and Peace in the D.R. Congo (MJPC) announced today the launch of phase one of its online museum of victims of the war in the D.R.Congo. According to the project coordinator of the MJPC, Amede Kyubwa, the online museum aims to expose this war, remaining virtually invisible to the outside world despite ongoing unacceptable barbarity, and aims to expose how innocent people in Congo continue to suffer massive human rights violations while armed groups responsible for these crimes go unpunished.

The online museum, available at http://www.yoursilenceoncongo.org , is currently developing its collections policy and plan to determine the scope of the collections. "The museum will make particular use of collected images/photos of the war victims and help prevent similar catastrophes in the future," said Mr. Kyubwa.

Reading another report that implicates Rwanda

It may be called a deadly embrace. Each side is pointing (supporting) at the other side.

But, I still side with Congo since the fighting and dying is happening on their country. Therefore, they have the right to do anything to protect their citizens and bring peace.

That's much too simple but it is time to act and go back to basics!

Bloomberg.com: Africa:

"Rwanda is supporting rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo, while the Congolese government is arming a Rwandan militia, a United Nations report said yesterday.


The report to the UN Security Council “found evidence that the Rwandan authorities have been complicit in the recruitment of soldiers, including children, have facilitated the supply of military equipment, and have sent officers and units from the Rwandan Defense Forces” to the DRC. The support is for the National Congress for the Defense of the People, or CNDP, led by Laurent Nkunda."

The US stop supporting both sides in the Congo conflict

It is time to decide what is right and justice for the Congolese people.

Should we continue supporting the Congo government and MONUC or should we continue supporting the opposing Rwandan-backed and Ugandan-backed militias via Rwanda and Uganda government?

The U.S. power play in Africa SocialistWorker.org:

"James Moy asks some important questions in his recent letter about the current war in the Kivu regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ('What is the U.S. doing in Congo?').

The involvement of the United States government appears paradoxical: Why has it has been sustaining both sides of the conflict? On the one hand, the U.S. helps bankroll and lead the United Nations' MONUC soldiers acting in support of DRC president Joseph Kabila, while at the same time the U.S. provides military training and funding to the opposing Rwandan- and Ugandan-backed militias, which include Laurent Nkunda. As Moy questions, 'Wouldn't it be easier to exploit the mineral resources and Congolese labor if the U.S. tried to end the conflict by decisively supporting one side or the other?'

This question can only be answered by looking at how broader U.S. interests in the area actually led to the current civil war in the first place."

Shocked that the number of hungry people almost triple in Congo

Three of four people in the Congo are undernourished. The conflict was cited as the primary cause of the increase from 29 percent to 76 percent (11 million to 43 million people).

The raise of food into 2009 will further increase hunger in Congo.

Many countries could soon experience a worsening food crisis « African Press International (API):
"The food price crisis of 2008 will continue into 2009 and might get worse, says the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The 2008 food crisis has already pushed 40 million people into hunger, bringing the number of undernourished in the world closer to a billion.

FAO economists made the gloomy prognosis at the release of their ninth progress report, State of Food Insecurity in the World 2008, since the 1996 World Food Summit on world hunger.

The authors warned that the situation in the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), which recorded most of the increase in the number of hungry people because of widespread and persistent conflict, could get worse. Between 2003 and 2005, the number of hungry in the DRC rose from 11 million to 43 million, and the proportion of undernourished rose from 29 percent to 76 percent."

Viewing the impact of the Global Climate Change on Africa

The changing weather pattern are impacting African villages who are the least prepared to cope. It means more droughts, floods, and even malaria. For example, warmer temperatures have produced more mosquito bleeding grounds.

Gathering Storm - the humanitarian impact of climate change:
"As the Poznan Climate Change conference enters its final days, IRIN, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is pleased to announce the launch of eight short videos exploring the human cost of climate change in Africa."

Can Information Communication Technology be used to curb violence in Congo?

The internet is very limited to almost non-existent in the majority of Congo. However, text or SMS messaging is possible.

FrontlineSMS is the backbone of the Ushadidi, a web based reporting tool. FrontlineSMS is the message component.

I am using FrontlineSMS while trying to explore its uses for general development, health care, medical, and education in Congo. FrontlineSMS will facilitate the SMS being used like the internet.

BBC NEWS Technology Web tool maps Congo conflict:
"A web-based reporting tool is allowing Africans caught up in political unrest to report incidents of killing, violence and displacement.

The website is called Ushahidi, which means ''testimony'' in Swahili and was first developed to map reports of violence in Kenya after the post-election fallout.
Ushahidi is now being used in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to report on the war that has torn the country apart for the last 15 years.

Its goal is to create a simple way of aggregating information from the public for use in crisis response.
The site is a free open-source mash-up which can be run by anybody, anywhere in the world to to gather distributed data via SMS, email or web and visualise it on a map or timeline."

Citing the Record from James

New record! 6 on a moto. 2 kids before (driver) 1 between (driver and mom) and 1 on moms back.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Believes Rwanda is involved in Congo

Duh! Really!

So what is the United States going to do about it? Probably give them more aid to ask them to stop. That's been diplomacy at its best.

You should ask your elected leaders why we are supporting this little bad boy of Africa.

Rwanda Stirs Deadly Brew of Troubles in Congo - NYTimes.com:
"KIGALI, Rwanda — There is a general rule in Africa, if not across the world: Behind any rebellion with legs is usually a meddling neighbor. And whether the rebellion in eastern Congo explodes into another full-fledged war, and drags a large chunk of central Africa with it, seems likely to depend on the involvement of Rwanda, Congo’s tiny but disproportionately mighty neighbor.

There is a long and bloody history here, and this time around the evidence seems to be growing that Rwanda is meddling again in Congo’s troubles; at a minimum, the interference is on the part of many Rwandans. As before, Rwanda’s stake in Congo is a complex mix of strategic interest, business opportunity and the real fears of a nation that has heroically rebuilt itself after near obliteration by ethnic hatred. "

Imagining this picture from James

saw a moto with three adults yesterday...towing a 2nd moto with two on it. and you only got to watch football.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Collecting Six Quarters to Prevent Malaria

As an Alternative Christmas gift, many members of the First Congregational Church of Indianapolis purchased insecticide treated nets and baby packets for their loved ones.

Nets protect for pregnant women and young children. The baby packet support the prenatal checkups.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Remembering the Biggest Poinsettas Ever Seen

The biiggest poinsettas were found in the most unlikely place. I first saw them in Congo. It was 2001.

At that time, they were over six feet tall. They formed a hedge in a Bulape village yard.

While sitting in the Hartford City Presbyterian Church, I remembered those giant poinsettas.

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Looking at Model Rail Roading

WOW! Model Rail Roading have changed in some respects. From Driving the Tracks to Driving the Trains! They now have Digital processors, too.



A local member of my church gave a great presentation. Visit the Central Indana Divison of MRR.

Text Messages Save A Teen's Life

Internet Communication Technology (ICT) probably saves thousands of lives each day in the developed world. But you would have never expected ICT's life saving impact in the Congo.

Congo has limited use of ICT. Most Congolese has very limited internet access. Also, the cell phone companies are just rolling out multimedia message (MMS). So it is usually for ICT to save a teen's life.

News - Africa: SMS instructions save teen in DRC:

"London - A British doctor performed a life-saving operation on a teenage boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo by taking step-by-step instructions for the complicated surgery via SMS from a colleague in London.

David Nott, a 52-year-old vascular surgeon who works for Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), found the 16-year-old boy with his left arm ripped off and gangrenous in the town of Rutshuru in October, British media reported.

'He was dying. He had about two or three days to live when I saw him,' Nott said. The boy had been caught up in the fighting between rebel and government forces, he said. Nott realised the boy's best chance of survival was a forequarter amputation, which required removal of the collar bone and shoulder blade."

Answering Questions for Someone Interested in Supporting an Organization/Outreach in Congo

Question: What do you consider will be our biggest challenge in working in
Congo?

The biggest challenges will be empathy on the part of Americans,
communication with Congo, travel expense in getting to Congo.

Empathy -- will you find people to support Sickle Cell Anemia? Some. Will
you find people to support Congo? Some. But when you add the two together
some of the some is smaller. It is difficult.

Communication -- First, the country is French speaking at best. The
majority of your clients will probably speak Lingala instead of French.
French is secondary if they went to school long enough. Then, email
(computers and internet) are not readily available. Some professionals will
have computers/laptops but internet access is virtual non-existent. Also,
mail in Congo is non-functional. It cost $26 to mail a letter via USPS
express mail. Then it takes weeks to arrive if it arrives.

Travel -- the cost to fly to Congo is very expensive. It is costing about
$2500 roundtrip now via Air France or Air Brussels. But you can go as cheap
as $1850 if you fly via some other African airlines and countries.
Surprisingly, many donors when ask you if have you been to Congo? They want
to know that you are overseeing or monitoring the projects. That's the
creditability thing.

Question: Also, is it difficult to ship items to Congo with assurance?

Shipping is a major problem in getting stuff to Congo. Shipping,
commercially via FEDEX, UPS, DHL, is very expensive. I use alternative
needs to ship via another NGO. They ship sporadically BUT it is inexpensive
and safe.

Congo is the one of the worst place in the world to do business.

That's the truth of the matter. God will provide for your needs!

Blessings, Woody

Woody M. Collins
President
Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
blog: http://whatswoodydoingnow.blogspot.com

facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins/
twitter: http://twitter.com/woodycollins

Reading, The Case for Online Support for Social Entrepreneurs

You connect with people online and suppose they want help your case. How can they help? This article provides some suggestions.

The Case for Online Support for Social Entrepreneurs — Social Edge:

"I've made a shortlist of actions people might take to support the work of social entrepreneurs:

Connect social entrepreneurs with the people you know who can help them do what they want to do.

Lend your expertise in a specific area, such as communications, management, technology, or product design.

Offer to make a business plan more creative, inclusive, and environmentally friendly

Present yourself as a resource when and where social entrepreneurs need your help

Contribute to the start-up funds, either as loans, grants, or investments."

Looking at Video, three pieces of advice from Kiva

Premal Shah, Kiva's President shares with Global X three pieces of advice for fellow social entrepreneurs.

Guessing, How many days will it take?

I mailed an Express Mail Letter via the US Post Office on December 1, 2008 to Kananga, DR Congo. How many days will it take to get there?

It was a regular-sized Express Mail envelope weighing less than 8 ounces. It was mailed from Oaklandon, IN. It costed about $26 for postage.

My guess is 22 days! What's your guess?

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Hope for Peace in the Congo

What is your hope? Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The first candle of Advent is the candle of Hope. I visited Lewisville's First Presbyterian Church.

Alternative Gift Fair @ Earth House

Thanks to Earth House at Lockerbie UMC for sponsoring the Alternative Gift Fair.

Lockerbie UMC is old inner city church located in downtown Indianapolis.

Visiting Friends, Man's Best Friend

Nets for Dogs? No but pregnant women and children under five.

He left his wallet home!

Saving Lives in the Congo

You can save a life for just $1.50! How? Donate $1.50 for an insecticide treated mosquito net to prevent malaria.

Offering an Alternative Christmas

Looking for that special present! Consider giving 10 life-saving insecticide treated mosquito nets. Just $15 for 10 nets.

Reading How Congo is a Victim of Discrimination

The Congo is a victim of discrimination? No way!

That's a polite way of saying the truth. In the case of Congo, I believe the western world views them as 'collateral damage' in quest of their 'vital interest'. I may be wrong!

But how do you let over 5.4 millions people, mostly women and children, died from a preventable and treatable diseases while you import their mineral resources?

BBC NEWS Africa Congo victim of 'discrimination':

"The world is not sending enough troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo because of discrimination, a former top UN official has told the BBC.

There is 'inbuilt discrimination when it comes to Africa', said Jan Egeland, pointing to the world's response to crises in the Middle East and Europe.

He is one of 16 former top officials and leaders to sign a letter calling on the EU to send troops to DR Congo.

Some 250,000 people have fled recent fighting in eastern DR Congo.
The UN this month said it would send an extra 3,000 troops to DR Congo, on top of the 17,000 already there - the world's largest peacekeeping force.

But Mr Egeland said this was not enough for DR Congo, which is almost the size of western Europe."

A Dog-gone Good Meeting

Mike, Randy, and Mimi of Indy Mantrailing brought two certified Bloodhounds to the Indianapolis Northeast RC meeting. The K9s (dogs) are used for Search and Reach (SAR) operations in support of law enforcement agencies in central Indiana.

The

Woody M. Collins
http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org

Created a Congo Helping Hands' Page on Facebook

Social media, that is, connecting to people electronically on the "networks" required in this new age. Meeting face-to-face is ideal but not practical because it is time consuming and expensive. Also, it is great for staying connected.

Congo Helping Hands enters the social media world of Facebook.

Woody Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands, Inc
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins/

Visiting With a Friend and Eating Jambalaya

It was a good day for Jambalaya and catching up with a friend. Today's weather was misty and windy with the temperature falling. Yats on College was perfect.

I met with Greg who selected for last year's Rotary District 6560 Outbound Group Study Exchange (GSE) to the countries of Kenya and Ethiopia (in Africa). Greg was interested in Africa before on the trip. Now he is really interested in making a difference somewhere in Africa.

Greg gave me a book, Facing the Congo -- A Modern-Day Journey into the Heart of Darkness, by Jeffrey Tayler. It is story of a seasoned traveler and journalist's trip to re-trace Stanely trip down the Congo River.

Greg decided to join the Carmel Rotary Club. It was exciting news to find another passionate person for Rotary's work in Africa.

Reading George Clooney's Appeal to Obama

Obama must end FOUR wars while jump-starting the United States' economic engine. Where should he start first?

The four wars are Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and Congo.

Obama's Opportunity to Help Africa - WSJ.com: "Given the daunting challenges before him, it would be unsurprising if bringing peace to Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo was not at the top of Barack Obama's list of early priorities. But it should be. Not only because Sudan and Congo are the two deadliest wars in the world, but because they are wars that the Obama administration could actually help end."

How You can Save a Life in 15 minutes

1. Spend 11 minutes the following video.
2. Take 2 minutes and decide what is appropriate for you to do.
3. Take the final 2 minutes and spread the word and start your action.




Condition: Critical Feature:

"Hundreds of thousands of people are on the run, fleeing a war raging in eastern Congo in the provinces of North and South Kivu. They are frightened. Many are sick or wounded. Others have been harassed or raped, or have had everything they own stolen.

For more than a decade, several armed groups and the army have been fighting each other in the Kivus. The violence has made it impossible for people to lead normal lives. Life isn’t just hard in the Kivus: this region is in critical condition. And things aren’t getting any better. The destiny of everyone in this region of Congo is shaped by the war. The story of their struggle to survive needs to be told.

Condition: Critical will be regularly updated by MSF over the coming year with new eyewitness accounts, photos and video of people living through the crisis in eastern Congo."

Visiting with the Rotary Club of Topeka - Online

Sierra Leone ranks 177th of 177 countries listed by the lastest UN Human Development Index. The speaker at today's meeting spoke about experiences in Sierra Leone. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone.

Congo (DR Congo) ranks 168th. It is bad there, so I can imagine Sierra Leone.

Woody Collins
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins/

Praying - The Additional 3,000 UN Troops Stabilize Eastern Congo

Eastern Congo needs to stabilize so humanitarian workers can try to minimize the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Otherwise, thousands of people, mostly children, will surely die from preventable and treatable diseases.

BBC NEWS Africa UN agrees DR Congo troop increase:

"The United Nations Security Council has voted to send 3,000 more troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo following renewed fighting in the country's east.

The increase means the peacekeeping mission, Monuc, will have about 20,000 troops and police on the ground - the biggest UN force of its kind.

Clashes between the army and rebels led by Gen Laurent Nkunda have created a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Learning about Seeds of Hope Outreach (SOHO)

What is a OVC? An Orphan and Vulnerable Child (OVC) is term applied to children that head households in Africa due to AIDS pandemic. The child's mother and father died due to AIDS leaving the oldest child in charge younger siblings. The older child may be only 12 years old.

Seeds of Hope Outreach is addressing the needs of these children in Africa.

Woody M. Collins
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org

Exploring NetSquared

NetSquared is remixing the web for social change. NetSquared enables social benefit organizations to leverage the tools of the social web.

Attended the Annual BUV Fundraising and Awareness Evening

Basic Vehicles. Changed Lives. The BUV have been delivered to 19 locations in Africa. The BUV is a low cost and powerful transportation solution for developing countries.

Why Only One out of Six Congolese Children Sleep Under Malaria Nets

Poverty and Limited Access due to War are the two reasons for the low coverage (below 15 percent) of insecticide treated mosquito nets in Congo.

I can not stop the war in eastern Congo. But I can give free mosquito nets to pregnant women and children under 5 years old.

Congo Helping Hands will distribute about 2,500 in central Congo.

Global Update - More Children Sleep Under Malaria Nets, but Millions Still Do Not - NYTimes.com: "Donor contributions for malaria have greatly increased since 2002, but distribution of the nets has been spotty. More than half of the 90 million missed children were in just seven countries, and 25 percent in Nigeria alone.

A few small countries did particularly well; Eritrea reached 85 percent coverage. Some medium-size ones, like Kenya and Madagascar, did moderately well.

But some large or populous countries, like Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan — the last two of which are at war — were below 15 percent.

Free distribution of nets worked best, the authors said."

Reading How Congolese Blood, Sweat, and Tears Will Make It Under Your Christmas Tree

There is good chance that some Congolese's "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" will be under your Christmas tree. If you get any electronic item, the minerals such as tin, cobalt, or coltan used to make that item probably came from the Congo.

At least, take the time to read about the origin of your gift.

The Spoils - Congo’s Riches, Looted by Renegade Troops - Series - NYTimes.com: "Porters carry the ore nearly 30 miles on their backs, a two-day trek through a mud-slicked maze to the nearest road and a world hungry for the laptops and other electronics that tin helps create, each man a link in a long global chain."

Telling President-Elect Obama about the Humanitarian Crisis in Congo

The Humanitarian Crisis in the Congo needs to be a foreign policy issue for the new administration.

Please take the time to tell President-Elect Obama and his team that the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo matters to you. Just click on this link below and follow the instruction. http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople This is a foreign policy issue.

Also, you need to ask them to get the following to bills out of the US Senate. Senate Bill S.2279, International Violence Against Women Act, was introduced by Senator Biden (with Senator Lugar). And Senate Bill S.2433, Global Poverty Act, was introduced by Senator Obama.

Apologizing for Waking up James after Midnight

I got the following email from James this morning. "Bishop and I would both prefer text messages a little earlier please. Midnight to 1 AM a little late to be hearing that tell tale beep ;-) Of course we always get up and answer because we know it's the lovable Woody. James"

James is an American living in Kananga, DR Congo. This part of Congo is 6 hours ahead of the US east coast. I had to apologize for sending him a text message at shortly after 6 pm in the US. Therefore, he received in just after midnight.

I should have waited until morning here (afternoon in Congo) to send my urgent text message. I was responding to their request for another friend's telephone number.

Below, James at work in his computer training center at the Catholic High School in Kananga.

Talking about the Congolese Women in the Church

"You have come along way, Baby."

In 1998, I was intoduced to the only female seminarian in the Presbyterian Church of Congo.

In 2005, I met two of three female seminarian students from the village of Bulape.

In September 2008, I met Pastor Jacky, the associate Pastor at a village Presbyterian Church in Bulape.

Pastor Jacky is the only female in a pastoral position in the Presbyterian Church of Congo.

Thanks to God, Pastor Jacky have come a long way, Baby!

blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
web: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org

Writing a Letter to Congratulate Congressman Carson

I attended the Robin Run Chapter of Bread for the World (Indiana) this morning. We were encouraged to write a letter of congratulations to our Congress person.

In June, a delegation from Indiana's Seventh Congressional District met with Congressman Carson as part of the Bread for the World's Annual Lobby Day. (See my entries in June 2008 when I took the Greyhound Bus to Washington.)

My Congressman, Andre' Carson, was re-elected. Here's my letter which I faxed to his Washington Office:

Dear Congressman André Carson,

Congratulations on your re-election to Congress. Thank you for service to our community and global poor and hungry.
Our present economic disaster will increase the number of people hungry in Indianapolis, in Indiana, in the United States, and in the developing world.
As a member of Bread for the World, I ask you to make hunger a major issue. Thank you for participating in Forum on Hunger in Indianapolis on October 12.
Finally, please support the United Nation's, United States', European Union's and others effort to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 5.4 million people have died from preventable and treatable diseases in the last 10 years. Currently, hundreds of thousands are displaced due to fighting by rebels groups against the democratically elected government.

Sincerely, Woody

Need Your Advice on Writing a Pictorial eBook

I would like to write an eBook to compile some of my pictures and experiences in Congo. I need your advice on the pitfalls, rewards, etc.

What's a good choice of software? Any good reference books or articles?

Thanks for your comments.

Woody M. Collins

blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
web: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org

Preparing a One-Minute Presentation

How do you summarize a 2-month trip down to a 60-seconds presentation? That's my job. I am preparing a presentation for my church on Sunday.

My strategy is to pick one INTERESTING STORY OR EVENT, then do it very well, and hope they invited you back for a longer program.

Researching the Anti-Malarial Drug, Artemisinin

Malaria is still the single largest child killer in Africa. The disease takes the lives of some 3,000 children per day.

The Rotary Club of Honesdale is supporting the Himalayan Institute's project to grow Artemisinin (Artemesia Annua L). The plant leaves are used to make tea to treat malaria.

Also visit www.EndingExtremePoverty.org

Do Your Retirement Toolbox Need Updating?

Would you let the builder of your Dream House use only a hammer? No, you would want the builder to have more tools in his toolbox.

That was the theme of our best speaker, Jonathan, for this morning's Daybreakers Toastmaster Club meeting. Jonathan works for major national bank in Indianapolis. He noted that most customers have only a cash-in-the-bank strategy for retirement.

Another great meeting! Daybreakers are Day Makers!

Also visit, http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org.

Crunching Numbers over the Phone

I was caught off guard. The District's expert for Rotary Foundation Matching Grants called me to go over the budget. I was still sitting at the computer but I was not prepared for crunching numbers over the phone.

It was totally unsettling: phone in one hand, and the other hand was in charge of the mouse, calculator, and pen. But I survived!

When it rains, the students move to first floor

The roof above the second floor is leaking. That's why, these students have to share their classroom with older students from the second floor.

In Congo, it is the rainy season. Therefore, it rains quite frequently. So, the roof leaks quite frequently. And the classes are combined quite frequently, so that students are kept dry.

That's what life is like the Elementary School 1 and Elementary School 2 of the Gare School. The school 1 meets in the morning and school 2 meets in the afternoon.

Where is the Gare School located? It is located downtown just off of the main boulevard (June 30th) in the capital city of Kinshasa.

Oh, I forgot to say, there are two rainy seasons in Congo.

Finding enough money to fix the roof was the topic of discussion for my second meeting of the day.

Working in the Backroom of Rotary Club Indianapolis NE

What is the Backroom of a Rotary Club? I think it is serving on the board of directors. When you serve as an officer, I consider that being outfront on the floor. But when you served as a director, it is in the backroom behind the door.

Early this morning, I attended my monthly board of directors meeting. It is was time of reviewing, evaluating, and planning what the club will be doing the rest of year.

Be An Expert in Just FIVE minutes!

Over 250,000 people have fled their homes in eastern Congo. They are at-risk of dying!
BBC News Allan Little does an EXCELLENT job explaining the current "humanitarian crisis" in the Congo. The video is only 5 minutes long!

Tom, I am glad the UN Secretary General stood you up!

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was justified in skipping his appointment last week with the Rotary International's Board of Directors. The Secretary General was traveling to Africa (Kenya and Congo) to mediate peace between fighting rebels backed Rwanda and government troops of DR Congo.

Tom Branum, a RI Director and member of my Rotary Club (Indianapolis Northeast), relied this story to me today. Therefore, I apologized to Tom on behalf of the 250,000 displaced people in eastern Congo because of this latest conflict. Also, I gave a "Happy Buck" in honor of the UN Secretary General.

visit http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org for furthur details.

Will the BUV get on the Boat to Congo?

It's going to be a race against time! Not really, but more it will a race of patience and persistence.

The US Customs office wants a Bill of Sale for a vehicle donated to Congo Helping Hands by Alfred State College. The problem is the vehicle, a Basic Utility Vehicle, was built from nuts and bolts for engineering competition.

Visit http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
for more details.

Oops, I Just Lost a Month!

My donors want their tax deduction this year. Members of the Rotary Club of Marion (Indiana) who have written checks to donate needed funds for a project to drill water wells in Congo. I visited these Rotarians today to give them an update. They give me an UPDATE, the tax man cometh on December 31st.

They are waiting on my Rotary Foundation Matching Grant application. I had planned to complete the application in January. BUT I had forgotten about the tax deduction.

Are you available December 22nd?

That's the Monday before Christmas. I am not that overweight. Do you really want a black Santa?

Actually, I am going back to the Rotary Club of Hartford City on December 22 to speak about the proposed Water Well Drilling Project.

Resting at the Hartford City Library

I finshed my speech at the Rotary Club of Winchester. I decided to visit the Rotary Club of Hartford City while in the general vicinity. It was an hour's drive north.

I have been in Hartford City many times at First Presbyterian Church. Actually, the church is an half a block away from library but I had never seen it. Also, I had never visited the Rotary Club. I am looking forward for the experience.

After Completing the Water Well Drilling Class

Speaking at the Rotary Club of Winchester at noon. They are interested in a participating in an international water project.

The project will include going to Congo to drill water wells. We will use the LS-300 portable drilling rig.

Everyone is invited to take the class and go to Congo to drill wells.

Less than 50 percent of people in Congo have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water kills thousands of children each year. Also, children especially girls are kept out of school. They have to walk miles to fetch water for their families.

Visit www.EndingExtremePoverty.org for more information.

Oh no, white stuff all over my sport coat!

What is this white stuff on my sport coat? That was the question which ran through my mind as I was walking up to the First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of New Castle. It turned out to snow but actually sleet.

I was visiting FPC to see the pastor. Pastor Rex is an awesome pastor. Pastor Rex is a technologer. He is everywhere.

Also, I wanted to set up a meeting with FPC's Mission Committee. FPC is a financial and spiritual supporter of Congo Helping Hands.

Woody

http://www.endingextremepoverty.org/
http://twitter.com/woodycollins
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=woodycollins

District 6560 Foundation Meeting

District Governor Adriana de la Fuenta was the keynote speaker.

Heard this saying: If you tell me something, I will forget it; if you teach me something, I will remember it; if I participate with you, I will learn something.

blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
web: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org

Following the Congo Crisis

I am following the current crisis in and around Goma, Congo. Rebel forces of Tutsi General Nkunda are just north of Goma. As of now, they have declared a ceasefire against Congo government troops.



The crisis is a followon of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide between the Hutus and Tutsis. The battle has moved from Rwanda to eastern Congo.



MONUC is supporting the Congo government to protect Goma and fleeing citizens. Also, western governments including the countries of the US, Britain, France, and Belguim are engaged in bring a peaceful end to the crisis.



Tens of Thousands of Congolese had fled the fighting. As a result, a humanitarian crisis in looming due to the lack of water, food, and shelter for the displaced Congolese. Some Congolese are fleeing to neighboring Uganda. Zambia has closed its border.

Obama's Visit to Indianapolis

The next President of the United States, Barack Obama, visited the Indiana Fair Ground. It was an awesome day. An historical event.

Amen, Another Milestone!

The Ultrasound Machine is ready to leave Kinshasa for Kananga.

It is sitting in the MOVCON warehouse of MONUC.

BUV at a Health Center Opening

At the Grand Opening of the Heath Center at Mpata Mbamba. The center was built by Project AXxes, a project funded by USAID. The center is managed by the ECC (Protestant Church of Congo) and IMA World Health.

Kananga

My Hewa Bora plane on the left and the Air Serv plane to the right. Air Serv is an airline for humanitarian workers. On of their plane like this one crashed in Bukavu, eastern Congo.

In Kakenge, Almost There

At short stop along the way!

Congolese Kindergarten

It was inspiring to see a private kindergarten in Kananga.

A Water Strike?

Are the women who carry the water on strike? Maybe?

Last night when I arrive home (at the guest house), the bath room was locked. Ok, not a big problem for now.

I got up early and still was locked. Still, it is not big problem. I consult with the day and night keepers. Translating their body language and mumbling: Dumb American - the door is not locked. To their surprise, the find the door locked.

Then they mumble something about water. They said I can go to the other bathroom at their other building around the corner. No way, it is not a big problem at this point.

I shave, brush my teeth, wash me face, dress and depart. Caution, I didn't shower today!

Staff at Restaurant Mutanda

Mardoie and Christian wanted their picture taken on the BUV while at Restaurant Mutanda.

The BUV Arrived in Kananga

The BUV arrived in Kananga. Praise the Lord!

Termites

One of exotic dishes in the Kananga is termites. You can buy them in market (alive). Also, you can buy them from ladies at street side food stands and at the local bars.

They make a good side dish at lunch. I have eaten at Congolese homes this way.

They taste like chicken. NOT! They have their own unique taste. A nice crunchy dish served with onions and peppers.

Finally, a good source of proteins.

It's Skol's Time

In Kananga, Skol is the locally brewed beer. It is sold everywhere.

I am cheap and caution. The other beverages are Bako, mostly orange flavor; and Soda, plain-old soda water. At some places, you can find Coke, Fanta, or bottle water made by Coca Cola. A Skol sells for 1000 Congolese Francs (about $1.80). Bako and Soda is about 700-800 CF. Canned Coke products are equally expensive and smaller.

Soda, Bako, and beer are safe to drink. However, you must be careful to ensure the seal is unbroken on your bottled water. That's a favorite trick to sell plain old (non-pure) water in bottles. You may not realize it until the next day.

My Office at Restaurant Mutanda

I stopped by Dr Dominique's office this morning. I had not connected my laptop to the internet since Friday.

Vodacom (cell) has been flaky at night. Usually, I like to have free (somebody's) internet and electricity. So, downloaded about 200 messages (6 mb).

Now, at my leisure and selectively I respond, tag, file, and delete messages. I can work until the battery dies or I get overloaded.

Oops, I lost my shirt (Day 27, August 18, Monday)

The BUV did not arrive as scheduled. Ok, it is not the first time. We are
still hopeful. Also, this is a Congo version of "Ground Hog Day". It is
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday or Saturday. Pick a day.

I spent the morning reading and anticipating the BUV arrival. Shortly after
I heard the news of no BUV for today. The storm rolled in. Dark skies,
wind, and just plain eerie. I broke the news to Dr. Bernard and others that
the BUV was still in Kinshasa. Another adventure but a bad adventure.

After the storm, I decided to get to work. Life still goes on! I walked by
my friend, Dr. Dominique's office but the generator was off. Therefore, I
knew there was no internet or electrictity. Next, I walked up to Jim's
house. I watched the Olympic's Games. Women Pole Vaulting, Men Steepchase,
Women's 800 meter, Men's long jump, etc. A nice escape to another world.

Later, I got a text message from James saying he and Eric was at the
Restaurant Mutanda, also known as my office. I gave up the olympics and
went. I was late! James, Mustafio, Eric, and two Belguim NCO had almost
finished a round of beer. Bad combination. Too many expats together in one
place is bad news. Then another round came. Finally, Eric, a visiting
Belguim expat, took an eye for my shirt. Normally, I just wear a T-shirt
but since the storm today, it was cool and I worn a short sleeved shirt with
the Congo Helping Hands logo. Before I knew what was happening, Eric and I
was exchanging shirts. I got a $20 Belgium shirt for my Walmart's Faded
Glory shirt at $7 plus $10 for the embroidered logo. A fair deal? We
departed at about 7pm as it was dark. I eat a quick snack of broiled goat
and french fries before heading back to my guest house. What happened to my
shirt?

Follow along the daily happening at endingextremepoverty (dot) org.

Termites

A beer and a bowl of termites asa snack.

The Goat House

Somehow a baby goat made it upstairs to the 2nd floor balcony. Then it started crying for mama. It finally went back stairs to a waiting mama.

My Congo Uniform

This is my daily uniform in Congo. A walk down to the river at Nganza.

Eating Beans and Rice at local street side hut

This morning, I was craving a simple meal of beans and rice. ESP! Justin suggested having a meal of beans and rice for lunch.

They were delicious. We had the small red beans versus the larger red beans variety. The dish was 80 percent beans with about 3 tablespoons of brown sugar on top. It included a cup of water which I passed on.

The eating place was a small hut with seating for 8 persons. It had a dirt floor, banboo walls, and thatched roof. The lady cooked outside next to street so everyone could smell the aroma.

A great meal for about a dollar.

Preparing Cassava Leaves for Cooking

Cassava is the staple food. Mostly t
E Congolese eat the root. It's dried and pulverized into a flour-like powder. Cassava is with corn (flour) and cooked in water until the consistency of dough.

The Cassava leaves can be eaten, too. They are pulverized before cooking.

The typical meal would consist of bidia (the cassava dough), greens, and a sauce.

Welcome Back to Congo (Day 10, August 1, Friday)

Even though, today was my tenth day in Congo, it was my first day in
Kananga. There is a big difference between Kinshasa and Kananga. To start,
there is about 6-10 million differences (more people). But being a smaller
city, life is little slower and less hectic.

For example, just as many people walk in the streets or on the side of the
road as they do on the sidewalks. The traffic is nothing compared to
Kinshasa. There are more motorbikes and bicycles. And the air is lot
cleaner.

The day was spent catching up on changes in the town and seeing old friends
here. Of course, they wanted to know how everyone was doing in the states.
A few people ask about our upcoming presidential elections. The elections
are the last thing I want to discuss. I am "primary"-ed out!

HTC says "Set Your Fingers Free"

In Chicago's O'hara Airport, I my first HTC billboard. It said "Set Your Fingers Free". I'm not sure of the message.

I was on my way to Congo for seven weeks. Follow along: www.EndingExtremePoverty.org and whatswoodydoingnow.blogspot.com

LS-100 Mud Drill Setup

This video shows the LS-100 Rotary Drill in action. The LS-100 drills down to 100 feet. Also, there are the LS-200, and LS-300 for corresponding depths. This drill is totally portable.

The video and pictures below were taken at the LWI training site in Michigan. (Photo/Video taken with my HP-425 digital camera.)

The Drill Site. The end results is installation of a pump.

The Ladies show how it is done

The ladies show how it is done!

The Beautiful Bride

Angela, The Beautiful Bride. video

Cathy shows them how its done

Cathy shows them how its done

Bridget and Courtney compare moves

Bridget and Courtney compare moves and steps.

Menette feeling the beat!

Menette feeling the beat!

Vera and Angela

Vera and Angela share a song and memories

Congratulations James and Angela!

Congratulations James and Angela!

Dad and Son-in-law

Dad and Son-in-law talking and enjoying life!

Courtney

Granddaughter Courtney

Angela and Vera

Angela and Vera!

Butt!

Doing the butt!

The ladies

Cathy, Vera, and Angela

Brother Ivey and Penney'

At the party, Ivey and Penney

Dancing in the yard

Angela and the girls!

Martial Bliss

Matial Bliss, that is, James and Angela Griffin. They wed on July 1, 2008.

Martial Bliss

Martial Bliss!

James and Angela Griffin, July 1, 2008

Independence Day, the Congo and the US

Independence Day!

The Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrated its Independence Day (from the Belgium) on June 30. There was ice cold beer, too. So there are a few similaries.

Happy Independence Day, USA!

Google Maps Mobile Saves the Day!

I just installed Google Maps Mobile yesterday. And today, it saved the day. Also, it saved time and gas. And I avoided an embarrassing moment.

Normally, I get directions for church visits before departing home. I was visiting a church for a second time and remembered the directions.

I showed up at the church. However, no one was there just a note saying there were at the park in another town about 20 miles away.

Google Maps Mobile came to rescue. New location found and routed. With GPS enable, it was too easy!