An email exchange with my grandmother. 

History of my family: My grandparents were missionaries in what is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 50’s and 60’s. As missionaries their main objective was not to spread religion but rather to spread cultural humanity. While doing so, they had my mother, Ilambe, and my uncle Imbelo. The stories of their lives in the Congo and in Kinshasa always fill my imagination with amazement. They left Africa in the mid 60’s because of one thing, Zaire gained their independence and was torn apart by feuding tribes. Even today, their independence is costing lives. My frustration comes from the question WHY.

Why is this life as usual in many parts of the world?

Why am I “here”?

The email:

Hi Shelton, We saw that same picture on the front of the L.A. Times.  The article was pretty much as you quoted.  It’s hard not to shed a tear. When I read it I said to GPa,” they were critical of the Belgians who were the colonial power but the people had food to eat and medical help.”  Even in the remote areas, as where we were the first four years life was not easy for them but it was manageable.  GPa and I helped to educate,  we helped to build, we had a medical couple on the station with us, he was a surgeon and she was a gynecologist.  It is heartbreaking to see what has transpired since they got their independence in 1960.  This is where your Mom and Uncle Pete were born.  The people in the “back country”  where they are warring just don’t have a chance.  It’s hard to imagine what the people must be going through.  Just had to share my thoughts with your.  Hope this finds you and Laura finding time for a little FUN,  Luv Ya!  GMa