DAY 1

Blog #4:
So we are here in Kinshasa!
Let me first update you on Jeff’s yellow fever card. Long story short, Alyssa forged a signature and Jeff went first in the customs line. The man looked confused, but he got through just fine. Yay for Alyssa’s willingness to be dishonest! It took us about an hour to drive to our villa from the airport. There was way too much to see as we drove through the city. I think we were all stunned by what we saw. This is a very different world then what we know. We are staying in a house that we will have for the entire month we are here. It’s inside a compound with 3 other houses. The house is great, even though the water and electricity don’t work. Haha. An added bonus is the cockroaches that live in our bathroom. The highlight of my day was Jeff’s attempt to hang the mosquito net from the ceiling but instead fell through his bed that he was standing on. Then later that night, the sound of the bed boards continuing to snap and fall to the ground.
As I write this, I’m again reminded of the rooster that lives in our backyard. Mark my words, he has two days to shape up or I will kill him. He makes his presence known continually throughout the night. Even sweet Brittany has made death threats to our new friend.
Our host Jean Baptiste, his wife, and 5 children hosted us for dinner last night. As we approached his home, the children in the local area saw us in the van and started chasing us screaming “mundelli” (white man). There was a small crowd of children waiting for us when we got out of the car. Awesome. A goat was prepared for us, and we played soccer with the kids after dinner. It was a great way to kick start our time here in Africa.
Our first day in Kinshasa was a success!