December 22nd was quite stressful for Terje the priest. He sent the following sms:
“It was only time for VG and the struggle to send pictures home. The lines were extremely bad. We prepare for Christmas. The boys have put up a small Christmas tree with lights outside their cell, and one in the area that the prisoners share. They’ve hung up glitter. I’ve bought different presents they wanted to give away, including coffee, tea and sugar for the oldest prisoners. Today 400 bars of soap will be bought, we will hand them out tomorrow. Soldiers, guards and some of the directors are getting presents as well (!). We will order food from the hotel: grilled chicken, pepper sauce and lots of fries. I have to go and get 4 ludo games.
As you know, I need to leave the prison 15.45 Congolese time. Tjostolv got the Santa Claus outfit he requested, and he will use it. The rules have tightened a lot down here. It took three days to get permission to take pictures. We hope they are a little bit more benevolent on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is of course the big family dinner day, so hopefully it will be more calm then. I would also like to say that I think the boys seem to be in good condition, both physically and mentally.”
I think it will be a great celebration in the prison.
“Here is one box (of many) with soap to the “boss” of the inmates. The soaps will be handed out on Christmas Eve.”
Kari Hilde French December 22nd 2009
