Definition of hardship? Ask the turtles!

At first I wondered if being a blogger would be difficult since I would need many different topics to write about to keep blog followers interested. I'm happy to report that I have not had to worry about the lack of experiences or topics. Every week, events occur that keep life in Soyo interesting!

When we were about to arrive in Soyo, we were told that our house had been "landscaped". It was absolutely true. Our Kimbumba house was beautifully landscaped. Here that means that all of the weeds have been eliminated and the beautiful red soil forms a flawless landscape. After having lived in a large house for many years in the US with a large yard and lots of grass, it was a welcome change. We could shed our worries about sprinkler systems, moles, or the yearly fungus that attacks lawns, especially in the deep south.

Yard before the "facelift"

Now for the reality check. If you remember a previous blog, you know that we are now in the Soyo rainy season and approaching summer time. Rain brings fast growing weeds. I had managed to keep up with some of them (by hand) off and on during the first month. However, during the rainy season, it was clear that my method was like giving the yard a haircut one hair at a time...lots of work in the hot Soyo sun, but not very productive. One of the drivers in the neighborhood saw me last week as I was attacking the front yard a few blades at a time. He immediately came over to explain that a hoe and rake were the tools needed (our US shipment has not arrived yet) and proceeded to contact gardeners to get quotes for me. I knew that I would eventually have to give up my plight, but my driver friend accelerated the process. He also showed me how in 15 minutes, his strength and his tools, the a small portion of the front yard looked flawless once more, The next day, the gardeners took care of the entire yard for a VERY reasonable price. Things here in Soyo are very expensive, but gardeners are reasonable...great landscaping once again. The BIG surprise came the following morning at 6:30AM, when my husband and I walked out the front door, he was going to work, I was going for my early morning walk. To our amazement, there were several tropical plants planted in the front and side yards. Of course, the secret angel was nearby with a big smile. Our driver friend had come very early (must have been REALLY early) to plant these to surprise us. What a wonderful treat!

Yard after the "facelift"

Somehow we cannot get it right on the timing for mass at Mpinda church. Of course, our first mass was the special 3 hour+ mass and we arrived early for that celebration. Ever since, we have managed to get to Mpinda a bit late for the masses even though we've asked for starting times and have adjusted our arrival times accordingly. I suppose it's an example of the TIA (This is Africa) factor we have been told about. Last Sunday we arrived at 9AM thinking we would be VERY early for 9:30 AM mass only to arrive at the end of mass (LOL). We have finally decided that the start of mass is very dependent on the end of the previous mass (which may be an hour long or 2-3 hours long) and therefore is always a moving target. Nevertheless, we stayed for the priest's final words and for the wonderful singing and swaying of the choir. Although this is not the first time we have heard the choir, we are always so moved by the enthusiasm and wonderful feeling that they generate among all of us around them. I am attaching a new video of their procession out of Mpinda church for your enjoyment and one of the "ride" on the road to Mpinda.

Road to Mpinda

  

Mpinda choir

A World Aids Awareness Day event for Soyo was hosted by the local LNG plant. It took place at a local school courtyard. Expat spouses and plant employees assisted by forming a reception line to hand out educational material, tee shirts, etc. The mayor and the king of Soyo were some of the VIPs in attendance. I was happy to be able to help out with the reception line and to observe the activities that followed. Activities included cultural dances and a skit in which actors, portraying local teens, provided guidance on the causes of aids and the myths associated with people that have aids. We are hopeful that this event will have a positive impact and ultimately help the people of Soyo.

Reception line

Reception line - Mo handing out literature

The following week was a challenge for us as multiple power failures, lasting several hours, occurred. Power failures cause the water supply to be shut off as well because the water pumps for Kimbumba depend on electricity. As tough as that sounds, we have learned that it could always be worse...and we must learn to exercise patience. Also, we've learned not to say..."what else could happen?" That particular week...it did! A main water pipe broke in front of our house around 4PM Tuesday and the workers worked until dark, then left for the day. The next day, they arrived once they had secured the parts they needed in the town of Soyo, around 10AM. Luckily they were able to fix the pipe by early afternoon.  I hosted the Mah Jong get together that afternoon...yes, I was the hostess that week. I also managed to have dinner on the table that evening despite the setbacks. Just one more test of our resiliency and I think we managed to pass the test. A 32 year career in business with a lot of "character building" experiences and opportunities may have prepared me for life in Soyo after all!  :-)

Now...on to the extraordinary experience that came after the challenges of the week before! I received a call from the environmental advisor, Kim, early this morning to alert me that there was a turtle hatching this morning. The Olive Ridley sea turtles are prevalent in the bay near the mouth of the Congo River and the Atlantic Ocean. The females lay their eggs in many places along the beach and there is an environmental project to assist the turtles. Sometimes the nests are moved to "safer" places behind green nets. There are crews round the clock keeping close watch on the identified nests and looking for new ones. Once hatching begins, they contact volunteers to assist the turtles reach the water. It has been proven that their survival rate is much greater with this assistance. Without help, baby turtles instinctively waddle toward the light which is usually away from the water. The turtles need to be released on the beach near the water (not in the water) as this helps the female turtles to remember their "first walk" on the sandy beach. When the females mature, they will instinctively come back to the beach when it is time for them to lay their eggs. Amazing! I was thrilled to be able to take part in this project and have my name on the list for future releases. Kim says that this year, the nests have been more prevalent than ever and the number of turtles hatching is also a record number. The timing for the hatching is from November through February/March time-frame. I have videos and pictures to share below. The last picture is of one turtle that was not very strong. He did not get released today. Kim will try to release him later in hopes that he will gain strength in the hours to come. The plight of the baby turtles only begins with their entry into the water. Once in the water, they face many hardships. Not only must they be strong enough to survive in the water, they must face many predators (fish, crabs, birds, etc.) and man-made trash that has polluted the water and could strangle them. OK, so maybe surviving Kimbumba power failures and water outages is minor compared to what lies ahead for these tiny beautiful creatures! I could almost "hear" the turtles saying..."You think you've got problems lady?". Quite amazing that God gave us the call, through Kim, to help the turtles this week on the heels of the challenges we faced last week. Coincidence?? I think not!

Baby turtles hatched today

Just a little help goes a long way!

This is how you look when you jump out of bed early in the morning to help the babies!

They are on their way!

One of the "babies" seems too weak to be released today...maybe tomorrow.

Environmental advisor, Kim, releasing turtles...what a wonderful experience!

I depart for Luanda on another grocery shopping trip tomorrow. I'm VERY happy to report that I will travel with my passport and visa this time, as it finally arrived a week ago. Hopefully, this trip won't be as challenging when it comes to the immigration process. Also, the Celtic Soyo Bohys team finished the football season undefeated last Sunday and received a trophy. I have many pictures of them to share with you. I will include these in my next blog posting. Tchau for now!