Picture from around town and HOPE clients

We have been able to take more pictures of the city this week. Matt, the senior accountant with HOPE, went shopping with us on Saturday. We went to Marche LaPlane (sp?), an outdoor veggie market, and bought fresh produce and went to Park and Shop (our favorite American like grocery store). We also walked around the downtown area for a while. Many of the roads downtown are paved which is nice. When going outside of the downtown area all the roads become dirt. Now during rainy season the roads can get pretty nasty. Taxis still try to drive through some parts, but the mud definitely slows people down. 

A few people from HOPE are visiting this weekend and next week. There are 3 guys from corporate and the Managing Director of HOPE DRC. We had a nice pot-luck dinner with everyone Friday evening at our apartment. Marie and I both cooked several dishes. It was a great time of fellowship. We also got to play Dutch Blitz with Marielle! 

Allie was able to interview 2 clients on Wednesday. It was an enjoyable time for her. She loves to hear about the lives being changed by the ministry of HOPE. Nkomo is the owner of a barber shop, La Benediction (The Blessing). He took out a loan with HOPE to make necessary improvements in his shop, including new swivel chairs, razors, sterilizer, air conditioner, and window panes. Nkomo said he is now able to help support his nieces and nephews by paying for their needed medications and school supplies. She also interviewed Nkounkou, but will not be able to take pictures of her business until next week. She owns a small retail store where she sells various products. Nkounkou used to receive loans from another organization, but she has decided to work with HOPE because she feels HOPE is much more organized and dependable. Both of these clients were very grateful for the loan they had received from HOPE. 

We found out this week that we will each be able to receive French tutoring! We are very grateful and eager to begin. Please pray for our French language learning over the next few weeks and months!

Matt and I in front of a monument downtown Brazza

One of the several 6 way circles in downtown Brazza

Monument of a President

Central Bank

HOPE Client group meeting with Loan Officer, Chancy (far right)

Typical inside of a church (where HOPE meetings occur)

NkounKou is a small business owner and client of HOPE's. I was able to interview her last week.

Typical street (outside of downtown)

We are currently in rainy season. This is what many of the roads look like this time of year.

Nkomo, the man giving the boy a haircut, is the owner of this Barber shop. 

Nkomo in front of his business. I was able to interview him last week as well.