Goodbye Manny!

HOPE Congo said goodbye to our Managing Director, Manny Palis, last week. It was a sad goodbye as he was a loved and respected leader. Manny was a servant leader to the core. He was always quick to listen first and then give direction. He was definitely a father figure and spiritual role model for many in the office, especially Nate and I. He and Marie helped us so much when we first arrived. They helped us settle in quickly and made us feel right at home. The staff held a "Going Away Party" for Manny last Monday evening. Goodbyes are very important  in the Congolese culture. It is Congolese tradition to have meal and offer presents to the person leaving. We ate chicken, manioc (common Congolese food that is white and cornmeal like), and saka saka (it looks like stewed Spinach, but is actually made from the Casava plant). The women held gifts and danced around with them, and then presented them to Manny. It was a good last meal with Manny. We all wished him well as he returned to the Philippines to be reunited with his family.