To Go or Not to Go - That is the question!

Things have really been happening in the month of November and December in Kinshasa. We have had an even more interesting ride than usual. We'd known for some time that the national elections would be held on Nov. 28th and there was some concern about it not being peaceful. So we prepared boxes of staple foods, water, flashlights, etc. for the missionaries. We knew if there was trouble during the elections they might have to stay in their apartments for awhile. We set up a plan with the senior couples to move to a "safe house" to ride out any problems and if necessary to evacuate to South Africa. We non-Congolese really stand out in a crowd and blending into the general population is impossible. We would be a much easier target than others. Then we began to wait impatiently for election day to come, listening carefully to our local advisers concerning how things were going. All this preparation was made so that we "would not fear" the things that might happen.

We made reservations for our four American senior couples to fly to JoBurg on Nov. 24th if things didn't go well. The painful process of waiting to see if we would be safe to stay was challenging for us. Many of our regular duties had to be abandoned because of safety concerns and the work was suffering. Not knowing what tomorrow would bring and trying to stay focused was hard. It was especially challenging for Brent, who had to make the final decision. He paced the floor long into the night for days and we prayed for confirmation as to what do.

Although the campaigning began on Oct. 28th, the major opponent of the sitting president was not allowed into Kinshasa until two days before the election. However, people began to campaign in the streets. This was their way of getting the word out that they were supporters of a certain candidate.

They travled in cars, on foot and in trucks with signs and banners proclaiming their candidate.

They marched and drove in the streets shouting and sometimes had loud speakers blaring.

As the election approached Brent kept in constant touch with the US Embassy, the church security and with advice from our office managers and others. All were helpful and with their advice, the decision was made to stay in Kinshasa until the election had been held. So, we stayed on and confined ourselves to our apartments for large portions of time. We changed our plane reservation until two days just before the announcement of the election results, Dec. 6th. Then we tried to work and focus on what needed to be done while constantly wondering what we would be doing in the days and weeks to come. Campaigning continued and our worrying continued.

The voting took place and because of problems with incomplete preparation, instead

of one day, they held voting on three consecutive days. Many people were never able to find their names on rolls or found them in out of the way polling places. There were questions about how organized and transparent the election was. Ballots were thought to be lost and destroyed and many other irregularities seemed to threaten the integrity of the election.

An eery quiet fell over the city. There were many fewer people and cars on the streets and we were advised to stay confined to our homes. Huge buildups of military began to arrive and the military presence was unnerving. Large vehicles with mounted guns and soldiers with automatic weapons were a common sight. Riot police were everywhere.

Finally, two days before we had reservations to leave, Brent came home, as I was working on talks for that Saturday and Sunday's stake conference. He came into the office and told me that I didn't need to work on those talks. He had felt the strong impression that the time had come for us to go South Africa. That very day, after attending the temple in South Africa our area president had the same impression. So, we quickly packed, finished preparations for the security of our homes and cars, set things in good order for the missionaries and made final preparations with our staff to help run the mission long distance. We were ready to leave on Sunday morning, Dec. 4th.

On Saturday night we got reports from the US Embassy to stay in the Gombe area where we lived and not to go to the airport as the road there was not very safe. We decided that we needed to get to our plane regardless. To facilitate that we decided to leave for the airport at 6 am, even though our plane didn't leave until 1:45 pm. By doing that we could get through the most dangerous areas before the city was really awake. We got to the airport with only one small incident of young boys trying to get into our car. It was a minor inconvenience and were very grateful.

Brent had decided to have us use the VIP lounge since it kept us away from the crowds in the airport terminal, which are always crazy and unpleasant. We would be spending 6 hours there. He had us all go to the lounge while he, Antoine, our airport facilitator, and Theirry went to check bags and do the "formalities." It took them over two hours to get it done. Then we all sat and waited, hoping and praying that a plane from JoBurg would come. We were thrilled and relieved when the plane landed on schedule and we all boarded without problem. Our hearts were heavy as we left behind our African missionaries and friends, but relieved to be away from the stress and danger of the situation. We were headed to Johannesburg, hoping and praying that we could keep in touch and continue to support our missionaries and run the mission from long distance.

The day after our departure, the US Embassy reported that international air traffic in the Kinshasa airport was interrupted and, as far as we can tell, we got on the last plane out of Kinshasa. We're grateful for the inspiration to leave when we did.

Our American missionaries are not in the DRC and are safe and unaffected.

We continue to pray for our African missionaries who are restricted to their apartments. We pray that they are being wise and obedient and will have the protection of the Lord with them.