Day 1 in Kinshasa

Well, we have made it to Kinshasa after what seemed like an eternity in the air. We got to LAX at about 9pm for an 11pm flight, knowing that generally at LAX you need at least that much time. I believe we set a new record, moving from the curb, through check in, baggage check, and security, with a stop at Starbucks, and made it to the gate at 9:20. Plenty of time to spare. The flight to DC was full, difficult to sleep. We had several hours between flights at Dulles, fortunately had a great breakfast there, then killed more time. The flight from DC to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was mind bogglingly long. They had several movies, most of which were either boring or inappropriate, which made for a very long flight. We finally arrived in Ethiopia, where it was amazingly cool and beautiful. Flying in with the agriculture etc. reminded me of final approach into SMF. More waiting, in a holding pen, for a flight to Kinshasa, which for some reason left about an hour earlier than planned. They gave out boarding cards (ours were hand written) with seat assignments, but then opted for "free seating" which works a lot better for Southwest than in central Africa. We fortunately got great seats near the front. Pitstopped in Brazzaville Congo, then over to Kinshasa. The airport there is much better than even I remembered, there are a ton of workers. Being inthe front of the plane, we were some of the first in line for passport check. They had me move to the side which Michael talked to them about the passports, but then weren't sure why I was where I was. The only thing language-wise that came to me was "no habla" which would have been of no use, so there was a lot of gesturing. Our baggage arrived and we were on our way without even a bag check. We were warmly greeted outside, and Alain was our driver. They took us to the house where we are staying, which is wonderful, and has air conditioning and TV (although the football is not on until 1:30 am Monday, but we did watch some Nascar, knowing Jim Shamplo would be so proud). Francis came over and we got some dinner and went to the KinMart, which is ridiculously expensive! We intended to go to church at Kintombo Corps this am, but Francis had some car trouble, so we were able to relax. Alaino picked us all up, and we went to Enoch's home. We pulled in and his mother (Mama Nsombi) greeted us immediately. She was very happy to see us,and to hear about Davina. I saw Enoch peek out the front door (a curtain) and then disappear. Within minutes however, he came out and came right to me to hug me. He is a very sweet boy. Very shy and affectionate, yet for obvious reasons, nervous. We were able to sit with them for a couple hours and have a coke. His father, Papa Mvululu came shortly. I was able to meet Enoch and Davina's sister Grace (17 and about to finish school), and brother Rophy (19). They wanted to see more pictures of Davina, which unfortunately we did not bring, but Michael had a bunch on his phone to show. Enoch took the phone, and was able to take some pictures of himself with his Mama and Papa, as well as the rest of us. They pulled out the pictures Michael had given them on prior visits,and we went through them again. We found in their album, they had two baby pictures of Davina, which we had always wished we had gotten. Michael was able to take a picture of them, so now we have them as well. After a little while, we asked Enoch if he was ready to go, and was there anything he wanted to take with him. He went in the house and got his camo vest, and that was it. So on we went. Went to lunch at CFC, not sure what the C stands for, but there were pictures of the Colonel on the trays, and there was a lot of fried chicken, as well as some more local foods. Enoch got loso & soso (chicken & rice) which he says is his favorite. Francis & Alaino then brought us back to the house where we have been since. We are in the midst of a power outage, about 24 hours long at this point. Fortunately, they have a generator (or we would have missed the Nascar), but it cannot run the AC. We were able to watch the BBC version of Wipeout, which Enoch liked but not quite as much as his sister (who falls on the floor laughing hysterically). Enoch has gone to bed at this point, and we probobly should do the same. We have our interview at the Embassy tomorrow, pray that goes well. We also need to get a passport, they issued one about a month ago, with Enoch's name spelled wrong, and it has taken all this time to get it corrected. We are hoping the embassy can write a letter to expedite the process. Please pray for favor at the embassy, they indicate it normally takes 1-2 weeks to get a visa, we have 4 days. We know God could get a visa issued tomorrow, or He may choose to have it be longer. We pray for his will to be done, and for us to be patient. Patrick, Enoch has asked about you already, if you are able it would be great for you to be at the airport so he has another familiar face. Miss you all already, will post as we are able. Hopefully the power will be up tomorrow so we dont have to kill the generator. Love, Joanna & Michael Nate & Davina, we love you very much and are looking forward to seeing you. Have a great time with Grandma & Grandpa, and a fun week at school! We are excited for you to (re) meet Enoch, he will have a lot more fun with you guys around. He could use your help on the DS games! Nate, it seems Enoch is about the same height (and maybe weight) as you. When we told him how tall you are Davina, he was really surprised you are almost as big as him!