Bonjour!
So, sometime later this week I will try to do a food blog. It’s going to be hard, because it’s incredibly awkward to take pictures of the food in a cafeteria with 30 people, but eventually I will have one.
In the meantime, I have a few pictures from my trip Sunday. I met a guy named Mohammed who was at the mine in Mali I was supposed to be at, and so we hit it off pretty well. He is 26, and has already been promoted something like four times, really impressive guy. Well, Sunday we took a trip to the hydroelectric plant we’re building, and stopped by the mine site on the way. It’s my first time to both, and that is what the pictures are of.
The power plant we’re building will provide renewable energy for the mine (and replacing diesel), as well as provide it to Kokiza (the city we’re building for the displaced), I believe free of charge. There is no electricity in the area, and it’s a really awesome project. We’re building a canal 14kilometers long so that we can power the turbines, but still have the original river running without being impeded.
I’m finally in more pictures, sporting the Rangers shirt of course. Behind me is a good view of the scenery, and the largest town nearby, Durba, which probably has 20,000 people or so.
These are the Tonka trucks that we use for the mine site. Wish I would have had one of these in high school, has a bit more power than the old Toyota.
This is a view of one of the larger local markets. Sadly, this might be the last week they have this at this location. However, we are building a market in Kokiza that is probably twice this size.
This is the hydroelectric plant that we are renovating, and it should be operational soon.
The Nzoro (ZOOR-OH) river. Sadly, there were no hippos present, but there usually are, and there are supposedly some fun parasites in here too. Our safety and environment guy said it was fine, and there wasn’t anything to really worry about (besides drinking it), still, I stayed out of it.
Kind of like Texas, but green.
The market up close. I feel like a celebrity because everyone stares at me as we drive by. I’ll ignore the fact that it’s likely because I am the only person around who is obviously not a local.
It really means a lot to have so many people reading my blog, and especially those who’ve decided to “follow” me. I know I could get more exposure later on in the day, but I am long asleep by then. So, it is very humbling for you all to go out of your way to follow along with my experience.
On Thursday we will be moving the first village I will be around for. Last post we were actually just showing them where they would be moved to, Thursday is when we physically move them. It should be quite an experience.
Until then, I miss you all and appreciate all of your support. I can’t believe it’s only been two weeks, both for being so quick, and for how much I have learned already.
-Preston
I read them all as they come to my inbox, and I love them all! Keep up the great work!
youre so awesome.
i feel like you are living in a movie every time i look at these pics, so weird!
i wanna see food pics yes so please try and get a couple!
looks like yall are doing awesome work out there!
love you miss you! – JESS
Love the updates and love you! Thanks for sharing!
Your hand sign with the two fingers…is that some kind of African greeting?! Love keeping up with your adventures!
“and there are supposedly some fun parasites in here too” haha, sounds like a great “souvenir” (French by the way). What you’re doing is great, how common are these kind of relocations in DRC? From what I understand the country is very dependent on its export of natural resources that aren’t refined, is this something that’s changing as well? It’s a way to get out of the poverty with a more diverse economy, it’d be interesting to read about your solutions.
Pretty interesting fact that I saw at gapminder.org. The life expectancy in DRC is the same 2011 that it was in the US 1898 (48 years). It has increased 15 years since the 40’s and I think that with a developing economy, a stable democracy and a working health system (which includes clean water), it won’t take that long to decrease the gap.
Nice job Son. I want to see pictures of your co-workers too. and of course Hippos…
Thanks for the blog. I always look forward to seeing it.
Dad
I really look forward to seeing your messages and pictures. I love you.
Aunt Virginia
Rangers beat the Angels tonight in the tenth with a walk-off by Elvis! You’ll have to teach the kids there how to play baseball… Maybe you could develop some players for the Rangers… Imagine what one major league salary could do to alleviate poverty there. How’s that for thinking outside the (batter’s) box!
You haven’t mentioned the mosquitoes yet? Are they as bad as you thought they would be?
We are eagerly awaiting the food blog…
Love you!
The Tatoms
haha, I will do what I can Mr. and Mrs. Tatom.
The mosquitoes in the campsite are not bad at all. I am very lucky.
Love you all, thanks for all of the kind words and support.
G’day mate, I was the one putting those Tonka’s together. I’m on leave right now, but back in Doko the first week of Sept. Be good to catch up with you, somewhere in the camp!! Keep well. Calvin