Stranded… But Still Moving Forward

The Moores and the Ostranders are currently still stranded in the United States. Ruth Ostrander, our newest family member born on March 30, is still awaiting her passport. Needless to say, no one in the US State Department seems to be too interested in their citizens traveling abroad. How long will it take to get a passport for Ruth? Uh… good, but unanswerable question. Once Ruth receives her passport, then we have to apply for her DR Congo visa, then once we get her DRC visa we will be able to set our dates to return to the DRC. Good news is that the DRC borders and airports are beginning to reopen in August.

‍One silver lining of missing our June 24 departure date was that I was still in the States when my mother’s health took a sudden turn when it was discovered that her body was ravaged with cancer. Rather than being kept away from my mom due to COVID restrictions, a series of strange but fortunate circumstances arose that made it possible for my sister and I to be together at my mom’s side in her own home the final week of her life up to the moment she passed away on July 17. We all miss “Nanu” greatly, but we are happy that her final weeks and days were peaceful and without struggle.

Right Now In Our Village

‍Regarding the ministry work in the DRC, we have been able to keep the most critical refugee food and garden projects continuing. We are extremely blessed to have trusted local co-workers that are committed to the community. As for the funding, when you read “we bought” in the below captions, “we” means many of YOU who gave special gifts for all of this!

In May, June, and July, we bought 62,700 lbs. of cassava flour that was distributed to feed 22,800 people,  enough to feed their families for a few weeks after each distribution.

One of our many nursery locations that has been supplying the refugees with vegetable starts for their gardens.

We also bought 2,900 lbs. of powdered milk was purchased and distributed to nourish 2,000 children five years old and under. And, we bought ‍enough Irish potato starts that, once harvested, will feed 960 people for three months and enough sweet potato starts that, once harvested, will feed 720 people for three months. Still moving forward!!!

‍‍‍Somehow! - Michael