Hiatt's in the Congo

 Tuesday I stayed home from work, it is a little slow because Morne and Trent are gone to Brazzaville for business. I went and helped Sisca and Leonie make all the decorations for Luan's construction birthday party!  It was so nice to just visit and craft! Sisca has all of her crafting supplies (Cricut, paper, vinyl, hard hats) from South Africa, nothing was purchased here in Lubumbashi, it's not available!

 They got the cement pad poured for the playground so Cory got it moved into place and bolted down.  We are still trying to find turf to go around it to make it a little softer but the kids are loving it! They always come to my house to see if I can play...on this day I was in a meeting so when I was done, I went out with suckers and we hung out on the playground!  I love these kids! Luan showing me his yellow tongue from his sucker!

 The whole time we have been here we have not seen ONE American chain! Imagine my surprise when I saw this sign go up on a new complex that is being built here!  Cold Stone is opening soon!  Trent told us that there was one that opened in Kinshasa and it was just like home!  Here's hoping!!!! I'm not a huge ice cream fan but I might change my tune, seeing as it will be a little bit of home!

 Sisca's son, Luan, goes to the Belgium school that is right across the street from our office. As the resident grandma here in Lubumbashi, I was invited to go watch.    They had a Carnival that included a parade of all the students dressed up as an occupation, a little marching band playing fun music, and then treats.  Luan's class was dressed up as a baker!  I loved that he had a little snack of bread to have in his pocket! Luan the baker   Sisca and Morne This guy was amazing, he would be walking along and then start dancing. The kids loved it! There was also a band that was marching around with the kids. The Occupations... Artists Pilots Bakers Soccer Players Firemen Military Scientists Doctors Dancers After the parade the kids all sat around a stage and the entertainment performed...Luan started eating is bread! I don't blame him!  

 Meet Mpenzi, the cutest golden lab puppy!  Trent got her from South Africa, and I couldn't be more in love!  She is the sweetest, most playful puppy and I could spend every afternoon with her!  Mpenzi is Swahili for Darling, and it fits her!  

 A South African tradition is when a company or sub is leaving a job, they throw a braai for everyone.  Esor is almost done drilling the piles, they will be leaving next week.  They put together a going away braai at the yard! Josh (in yellow) from Esor and Blaise! When ever they can, they fish! Morne caught a Tilapia that was putting up a fight to get reeled in.   I had to tease him because he was also using his sons fishing pole and he caught another Tilapia on it!

 Amelia asked me if I wanted to go for another walk...of course I do!! We did one lap with Ella, Jason and Lauren and then we dropped them off at the compound and then did another lap, much faster, with a detour stopping by where Jr. practices basketball! In total we walked four miles! Jason kept wanting to race! Amelia and Ella are clear back by the fence! The ditches after rain storms! Juniors practice facility! Map of our route (because I love maps!) The green line is the added detour to the basketball facility!

 The last weekend in January we had the privilege to go to the local chimpanzee sanctuary.  It was an amazing experience!  As I was walking through it, I thought to myself, "I have finally found a place to put Ashley's rock here".  I have been struggling on where to leave one because there just aren't that many places here that worth it. But more on that later! I voice recorded the owner, Frank, so I could retell the story he told us...   J.A.C.K Sanctuary J eunes A nimaux C onfisques au K atanga Young Animals Confiscated in Katanga Baby chimpanzees were crossing the border illegally to Zambia on their way to South Africa. Once there they would be shipped to China and Dubai on the black market for pets. People want a baby chimp for a pet. In order to capture the baby, you have to shoot the whole family. Poachers will sell the older family members for bushmeat and sell the younger ones into the illegal pet trade.   Wildlife crime is a global, mult...