I am studying, in the ample spare time I have, a book, 'Engaging the Powers' by Walter Wink. A fascinating read. He talks about 'Redemptive Violence' in a Denomination System of life that we all find ourselves living in. The Congolese are relatively non-violent interpresonally. They tend to discuss a lot and take time to resolve conflict through dialogue. Having said that, recently I was sitting at an outside cafe right beside a depot where the daily allotment of bread was dispensed. It was an area of tension and about 50 women were struggling to get a position in the line, fearing the bread might run out before their turn. There was ample shoving and shouting but no violence until a young boy about Ethans size was singled out by a rather stern looking woman. She hit him hard enough that he feel to the ground and was about to repeat when other women stepped between. I suspect the little fellow may have been thieving.
  The 5-6 million killings in eastern Congo over the past decade are a result of what Wink identifies as the Domination System-- the large mining companies that are raping the country for the diamonds and rare metals that run out cell phones.
  I have hired a cleaning lady to do my laundry and she has the first batch done. I have closely monitored the clothsline and have never seen any men's briefs hanging there, so I never gave her my coloured briefs either. I don't want to look like an oddball. On the other hand, I risk being known in the neighbourhood as the white who never washes his shorts. I feel trapped between a rock and a hard spot. Normally a decision such as this would be discussed with family and coffee mates, but they are all far away.
  Church at Pastor Mahuma's church tomorrow.