There was a plane crash in the Congo this week. Thankfully my parents weren't anywhere near the crash, but we still panicked for a bit. CNN did an article on it, and I thought it was really enlightening. Not just enlightening about plane crashes, but about life in the Congo, poverty, and infrastructure as well.
Here is an excerpt:
The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, has a dismal aviation record. There have been 10 plane crashes in the nation since February of last year, resulting in 76 deaths -- not including Tuesday's crash -- according to Aviation Safety Network.
Saiki said because of its poor infrastructure, air travel is one of the few ways to get around the Congo.
"This is the third largest country in Africa, as big as Western Europe, and yet you don't even have 2,000 miles of roads," Saiki said. "So basically most of the transportation in such a big country is done by air."
You have to realize too that my parents mission covers 4 other countries, not just DR Congo. They travel by air several times a week. I think Dad told me there are only 18 miles of "paved" freeway (paved being a generous word). Aren't we so lucky to live where we do?
You can read the entire article here.
3 comments:
Wow! I'm so glad your parents are okay!! They are so amazing for serving there. BTW, I have a friend whose parents were just called there. So crazy!
Heidi I am so glad you have a blog too. It is fun to see what you are doing. I didn't know that your parents were on a mission. I am sure they are doing so great. My parents just got back from being mission presidents in Argentina...they loved it but we are happy to have them home because 3 years is a long time. Your little girl is super cute by the way.
Oh my goodness...how scary! I'm sure they will be protected while they serve! What a neat experience for them!
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