As chaotic as the ferry ride was, the port in Brazzaville excessively more. Alessandra first encountered opposition at the health...

Outside of the N’Jili airport and on the way across town to the MPH hostel, Alessandra commented on how few people were out and about on...

The plane took off, with Alessandra leaning her head back against the seat to prevent motion sickness. Despite the dilapidated field,...

Arrangements were made for Alessandra to fly out of Ilebo on Monday morning. Since Dan was grounded at Kindu, the missionary aviation...

It seemed like hours before Alessandra could settle her mind in her new bedroom in Rob’s office. She tossed and turned, letting worry...

The next morning, the family realized that the night of sleep had not improved the security of the Congo; rather it had made it worse. A...

Rob, Cathy, and Alessandra discussed options after the pastors left. Cathy said, “If Alessandra doesn’t make plans to leave now though,...

After the men finalized their plans to chat the next morning on the two-way radio, Wesley requested to say goodbye to Alessandra. The two...

The funeral ended. The graveside burial was performed on Tuesday morning. Throughout the week, the family slowly managed their grief...

The family helped Katey make arrangements for a small casket and discussed with him the program for the funeral. In Congo, the ceremony...

After breakfast the next morning, Alessandra was sitting with Rob and Cathy on the front porch discussing the fact that Katey would...

Before the service the next morning, Rob spoke of the need to “bear one another’s burdens,” while informing the congregation of Baby...

When the girls returned home and shared their conversation with Esther, Rob and Cathy responded swiftly. They rode off on the dirt bike,...

Five weeks marched by in regular succession. Alessandra continued to study the Lingala language, and her teacher Katey was happy with her...

Walking through the early morning forest was an exercise in exhilaration for Alessandra. Everything smelled fresh and heavy with tropical...

Saturday morning came early, the day Alessandra was to head to the garden with her Congolese friend. She woke early, dressed in loose,...

Thursday and Friday were fairly uneventful days. Alessandra studied with Katey and was pleased to hear him praise her progress. She was...

That Wednesday, Alessandra cooked the main meal, surprising the family with a Mexican lasagna, made with homemade tortillas. That evening...

After the ladies’ meeting, several of the Congolese women walked beside Cathy and Alessandra. Mama Tshala invited Alessandra to go to her...

Alessandra enjoyed seeing the home of Katey and Matshingi and meeting their children. She especially loved seeing how the couple...