First Impressions in the Congo

I have been in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) now for almost 1 month, working in the MSF Coordination Office.  I am here as the Financial Coordinator of one of the largest missions of MSF.  I can say that it has definitely been a challenge to adapt and adjust to everything here including work life, personal life and just life in general! My main challenges have probably been language (as French is the main operating language here), reduction in freedom (due to security rules), meeting and learning the names and roles of all the new people in the MSF compound (both expats and national staff) and, of course, wrapping my head around all the details of the numerous projects that MSF is running to ensure the finances are appropriately managed! It is definitely over whelming for a first missioner! Things that have helped me adjust and to cope here so far are the support, understanding and encouragement of everyone at MSF, contact with family and friends, and remembering to take some time to rest and take time for myself when I need it.  I have been told that a common mistake of first missioners is to go all out, but when you are here for 9 months I think it is important to take it a day at a time and find your footing instead of hitting the ground running. I will be starting my field visits next week for the next couple weeks to Kisangani, Masisi and Goma. I am looking forward to seeing what I am ultimately contributing to, meeting my teams out in the field and learning more about the operations – where all the action is!  To be honest I am a bit nervous, but excited too! As I do not see what actually goes on in the projects from the Coordination office, I am sure these visits will be eye- and mind-opening and give me more motivation and sense of purpose to my work! Stay tuned! Cynthia CHAN, field worker from Hong Kong, joined her first MSF in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2011.