Arriving at the Bunia airport on time, we went straight to a church service. We were late by 20 minutes, but we were better than many, as about 50% more arrived after us.
Church of Christ in Congo, Bunia. A busy schedule!
Church of Christ in Congo, Bunia
Dressing up is a sign of respect in Congo and here you definitely dress up for church out of respect for God (Mungu). We may have been acceptable by Kitchener-Waterloo standards, but we certainly failed by Congo standards. The music and singing, as usual here, were extensive and first class. The lengthy singing either facilitates coming late or acknowledges that people will come late. The sermon was fiery in presentation but because of the outline shown by a projector, we could tell that it was deep, as it was about the characteristics of Jesus as God.
Giving was encouraged by two baskets. The first basket being passed around (hanging on a long stick put in front of you) was for your regular giving of 10%. A second basket was meant for your givings in excess of 10%. They were more discrete about this than a church in Butembo. At that service in 2008, the two baskets were left up front and you were expected to walk forward for the world to see which basket you donated to. That was a poorer congregation where givings of food instead of money was entirely acceptable.
The regular tithe basket
We were treated to an excellent buffet Greek restaurant immediately beside the UN / MONUSCO headquarters in Bunia. With 25 or so patrons, most were white except some stunning black women escorting white men. Aside from our car, the parking lot was otherwise full with UN vehicles.
MONUSCO HQ, Bunia, Orientale province, DRC
MONUSCO HQ, Bunia
We were treated to a quiet afternoon. Brenda napped while Michael blogged, desperately trying to catch up after our packed schedule in Butembo. Hearing the roar of a large crowd, Michael went nearby to a very entertaining and good quality football match.
Football match in Bunia
The pitch was mainly dirt, except for a 25% section of uncut foot long grass that certainly changed the play of the game. Oh, and the one mud pit near the centre of the pitch that was a remnant from the morning rain which made the ball stop dead. When the ball was kicked over a nearby quite high fence, the game stopped for five minutes. There was no spare ball around as they are considered luxury items.
Waiting for the ball
Fans in celebration would throng the field and the player who scored a goal. After an impressive rush down the field, one player collapsed and appeared unconscious for several minutes. It was another excuse for fans to rush the field. No one seemed worried about the guy out cold. After all, he was from the visiting team.
Passed out cold
Bens in Congo 
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