Why "Katinga" as my login?

Katinga is the name of my Komo (Congolese) elder brother by adoption. The sponsoring pastor appointed him as my culture and language broker, and we swiftly became friends. I have spent many nights in the courtyard of his house, shooting the breeze, hanging out, doing naked-eye astronomy, eating with our hands out of a common bowl. Truly, he is my brother.

We went on a number of trips together, by bicycle teaching people to read Komo, and by vehicle going to Kisangani to buy supplies. When I encountered difficulties with government authorities, he would act as my liaison to smooth things out.

After we left Congo, Katinga was shot by retreating government soldiers during the aftermath of the Rwanda genocide that resulted in Congolese Tutsi's rebelling and taking over the country. The bullet lodged within a centimeter of his heart. Miraculously, he survived that 12 hour trip into Kisangani to have the bullet removed.

Paul