Last days of our time in the DRC

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I'm back in Iowa now, but wanted to complete my journey with some photos of how we spent our last days before returning to the USA. It was a wonderful adventure with one week in Belgium and two weeks in the DRC. I met so many genuine and sincere people during my travels. It was also special to have the time with my parents and oldest brother. If you get tired of hearing my stories or looking at my pictures just close your eyes and I'll get the hint!
On Thursday, June 17 we went to see the Bonobo Apes, they are only found in the DRC. They are very entertaining and when they all get communicating your ears will hurt! If you ever visit them realize that you are going out in the jungle, I wore shorts and was not prepared for the elements! On Friday, June 18 we visited the National Museum in Kinshasa which just opened in March. It is housed in Mubutu's palace. The cages are still present from Mubutu's zoo which he was known for as well as his dishonest ways. Several statues that my family remembered which were present around Kinshasa are now being put up at the Museum. You'll see them still on the ground, the hope is to have them upright in time for the celebration of Independence which is the 30th of June.
On Saturday we were hosted by the husband of one of my brother's clients in the US. Ernest is a very generous and kind soul who took us to an Art Academy, the Ivory Market , President Kabila's Home and then to Ernest's home for a wonderful meal.
We left on Sunday after attending Worship, you'll see some photos of our Congolese outfits for church, our traveling clothes are underneath our church clothes!
Our journey home included an all night flight from Kinshasa to Brussels, short flight to Frankfort and then across the ocean to Philadelphia. We had a day in Malvern with my other brother and family and then home to IOWA for me!

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Photos

bonobo
Pondering life

More Climbing at Bonobo
Bring your bug spray!

Needs to get on his feet
Hopefully he'll be standing soon!

Celebration of Independence
View from our window at the hostel, there will be a HUGE parade on the 30th.

Theology student at UPC
We went on Friday to say our good-byes, this is a student who received scholarship funds from Westminster.

Driver Sammy
He is sporting the Kingsley t-shirt I gave him as a gift from Kingsley Elementary, our Westminster Partner in Education.

Charlie and Ernest
A kind and generous host!

Dressed for Church on June 20th
Also our travel day!

Mr. Mamba and Sammy
Two new friends ! Our lunch before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Father and Son
Dig the shirts!

Dinner at Bone Fish
The Congo Quartet and the Stuarts of Malvern, the night before we parted ways after being together since May 31st !

Bruce, Hannah and Hope
A Happy Reunion!!

Comments

[Charles Stuart]

Great finish!
A great finish to a great trip!

[Mom]

Excellent wrap-up
I can hardly wait for you to put together your power point. We observed your adjustment and reactions to the entire trip but want to see/hear it from your perspective.

[Glenbo]

Welcome home!
Glad that all went well! What a great trip!! Thankful for our times together before/after your international flights.

[CE]

Photo
You need a picture of you for your blog.