We surprised the boys with a trip to Lubumbashi's zoo 2 weeks ago. Most of them had been there before when they were living on the street, but this time their trip was paid for and they entered via the gate and not by climbing over the wall.
Ever the student, Shanick had to write down where each animal came from and it's scientific name.
The gorilla seemed to want his pictures taken (and to show the piece of corn in his mouth) so I did.
So after looking at the monkeys, snakes, ostriches, deer, lions, tigers & alligators (and the ever energetic Kamba & Diedier running and running along the fence with the deer) the boys all loaded up in the mini bus and the rest of us in a taxi and we went home; just in time to miss a heavy rain.
Ever the student, Shanick had to write down where each animal came from and it's scientific name.
So after looking at the monkeys, snakes, ostriches, deer, lions, tigers & alligators (and the ever energetic Kamba & Diedier running and running along the fence with the deer) the boys all loaded up in the mini bus and the rest of us in a taxi and we went home; just in time to miss a heavy rain.
That's Michael in the middle of some of the 1st boys that he became 'Papa' to. Michael has been a pastor in Lubumbashi for over 10 years. In 2003 he began to have a desire to help the boys he saw on the streets there. As a former African boy (growing up in eastern Nigeria during civil war) Michael has great wisdom to know how to bring the guys in, love them, lead them to the Lord and discipline them. God has really gifted him to know what the boys need to feel at home; how to work with the Congolese nationals; how to negotiate with everybody, and to always stay joyful and filled with faith.
