Africa: Our LDS Church Mission: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

For those of you who might have forgotten your history and geography, here is a quick update. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo are separated by the Congo River. Their capital cities Kinshasa and Brazzaville respectively sit across the Congo River from each other. Both countries are French speaking. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was settled by Belgium and was originally known as the Belgian Congo. The Republic of the Congo was settled by France and was originally known as the French Congo.

On this trip we visited both Congos. We flew into Kinshasa on a Friday and performed a Forensic Audit. On Saturday morning we took a boat across the Congo River and did a Finance Training in the Brazzaville Stake. On Sunday morning we took the boat back to Kinshasa and performed another Forensic Audit. We flew out of Kinshasa on Monday. It was a fast hectic trip but we managed to take a few photos whilst we were in Brazzaville.

On both sides of the river the Congo governments are very paranoid about taking pictures. So you can't just go down to take pictures by the river or at the border crossings. For that reason our pictures were taken mid-river, at the chapel and while driving. Neither country has a tourist business. There really is nothing worth going to see!! With that introduction here are some pictures of the Congo River and Brazzaville.

The city of Kinshasa in the background.

A view of the city of Brazzaville from the middle of the river. Note especially the latest in equipment for propping open the windows.

Training in Brazzaville.

Mother's little friend at the Chapel in Brazzaville. She followed mother all around the gardens whilst she was taking pictures.

This is an outdoor baptismal font behind us. A couple of things to note, they don't have to worry about freezing temperatures nor do they have to worry about heating the water. A nice arrangement with Mother Nature!!