feeling people out

so there have been a few "UN'ers" to stop by the house today, whether this afternoon or for dinner this evening. friends of Chile and Shannon's. i was talking to one of the prosecutors here at the Tribunal, Don Webster--- great guy--- and he asked how long i was back for, what my plans were, so forth and so on. (i met mr. webster my last time through arusha). i explained that i was just "passing through" on my way to Kigali and then over to Goma. being a prosecutor for the Tribunal here dealing with the Rwandan Genocide, we started talking a bit about the issues in Congo. he got kind of quiet and then said "you know, i haven't been able to figure it all out in Congo. i've had to do some reading on it, but i haven't been able to figure it all out." i found that interesting coming from him, but to my surprise was able to shed a little light on the situation for him. it seems i actually MIGHT know something about the situation there--- or maybe i just think i do. (that was a joke, dad. i KNOW what's going on there.)

Don lived in Kigali for a few years working for the UN there, so was able to give me the in's and out's. he claims he feels safer there than Arusha, so that definitely brings it up in my books. i don't think i will have any problems there, but it's always nice to hear that from someone who lived there as well.

there is a Rwandese woman who lives right down the street here in Arusha who is working with rape victims from the Genocide whom Shannon thinks i need to visit with before going over. i think that is on the agenda for tomorrow night.

i sat down and starting picking the mind of another UN-er this afternoon when he dropped by the house to visit with Chile. different guy, but i know him from my previous visit, he asked what i was doing here, i explained. so we started talking about Congolese politics, which could get very interesting as they have an election coming up scheduled for June. i can't remember exactly what i asked him, but the answer i received in return was so off track. it was a good reminder that answers are not so easily found or given here and that many times you never get what you are looking for... but, i guess that could be anywhere, eh?

the mosquitos are out tonight and i already have a few bites. i had better find my way to bed...