its not making sense

At dinner this evening we experienced an earthquake - it was short but violent. not enough to cause damage, but enough to rattle nerves. Last February an earthquake toppled buildings and took lives. In 2002 a volcano erupted north of Goma and lava flowed burying half the city - including the Heal Africa hospital.

Earlier we visited Panzi Hospital. Much like Heal Africa Panzi works with women who are victims of sexual violence. We met two young 15 year old girls who were waiting for fistula surgery, one of them for the third time.

Nothing makes much sense here. There is no equity even in the misery this area suffers - they have far more than their fair share. I can somehow rationalize the 'man made' issues like violence - its the fault of someone - but add to that 'Acts of God' and it falls apart for me.

On days like today I need to re-read what I wrote yesterday...

We have just two more days in the field before beginning our travels home. There is certainly the sense of being 'full' - but I am glad to be heading to Goma to familiar people and places.