Closure in the Congo

My trip to the Congo had an unbelievable beginning. Before leaving for the Congo, my cousin Cindy asked if I could find Dr. Jerry Galloway's gravesite in Kinshasa. I expressed my doubts, though she had planted a seed. It was not a coincidence that we had an extra day in Kinshasa as the airline to Kananga canceled its Monday flight.

I met with Richard Bokatola, who I have only communicated with by email. Richard is from Pendjua, where Jerry was a missionary for 27 years. Richard is an advisor for the indigenous Pygmy people. He agreed to accompany me to Jerry's gravesite. Bob Irish, with whom I am on the FIMCK board, agreed to be our interpreter and encouraged me to take the trip. I was very reluctant, as I did not relish going into the chaotic traffic again. (Bob later told me that he thought we only had a 10% chance of success of finding the gravesite.)

We first arrived at St. Anne's church. Everyone I showed the book "Courage in the Congo" seemed to know Jerry or were willing to help us on our quest. Just mentioning Jerry's name opened many doors wherever we went. Eventually, we met with Umberto, the Procure. Jerry often wrote about working with the Procure office to get his medical supply orders. Umberto knew Jerry and enjoyed seeing the photos in the copy of the book I brought.

We were directed to Notre Dame de Fatima and then to Saint Leonard's. The traffic, noise, and congestion were horrendous as we traveled in search of Saint Leonard's. Upon arriving, a caretaker took us through the main cemetery to a small plot in the back that was only for CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) missionaries.

I slowly walked into the cemetery and looked for Jerry's gravesite. There was such a peaceful presence, yet we were only a short way from all the noise and congestion. Upon seeing Jerry's headstone, I was overwhelmed, and tears came.

When I started writing the book 14 years ago, I could have never imagined that I would go to the Congo, much less find Jerry's grave. It was amazing and humbling to realize that God had orchestrated this event and led me to this place and moment.

St. Leonard's main cemetery

CICM section (referred to as the Scheutists cemetery - CICM is a Scheutist missionary organization founded in Belgium)

Umberto, a Procure, knew Jerry and enjoyed looking at the photos in the book.

St Anne's - where the journey to find the gravesite began

St Anne's - it was as if this was a sign we were on the right path to finding Jerry's gravesite