This Sunday morning I attended church with Mamma Kakesa. A 3 1/2 hour service and I'm beat. I think Ivette is quite disappointed that I eat so little but the heat is exhausting.

We celebrated a fete/feast last evening in honour of my African Del. About 30 people were there and the Pere Oblates allowed us the use of their lighted facilities. (the Father Supreme and I have become pretty good friends) It was really a very good evening, even just watching the folk enjoy themselves. It doesn't happen every day. Of course, I was the financial support for the event, but it was also fun food shopping for it. We took an extra lady with us to carry. Ivette has been very hesitant in allowing me to carry any bags, but I think she has gotten used to it.

My businessman neighbour Joseph also has a small farm. About 3 days ago, someone stole a cow. He has been out at 3:00 am each morning checking the places where they butched animals, to no avail. Yesterday he paid 50 bucks to one who claims to be chef of all thieves in Kikwit. The guy claimed he knew about the animal. As it turns out, he was wrong and Joseph is out 50 bucks and the cow. I rib him on that.

Interestingly, I asked Jospeh for a job in his store in the ville for a few days. He said it would be impossible. An African here in Kikwit would never hire a white and if he did, it would imediately attract the tax man. People here are taxed, but they simply refuse to pay because they get nothing in return. Apparently everyone is at peace with that, but having a white on staff would tip the balance.

I have sent out the demand for a laptop with webcam and a mic. Apparently I have one in the works, though I haven't seen it yet. I plan on attempting to skype Del tomorrow at about 10:30 am, Pincher time.