Safety Issues

So, some of you are wondering about recent news. We're still eating chicken and eggs but we wouldn't buy 'em from just anybody -- even without bird flu scares. WELL COOKED is the key!

We're still safe here in Port Harcourt. We are in Rivers State. The major trouble is in Warri, in Delta State. Between us is Bayelsa State. So, we're on Level 2 alert, only. The issue around here is always money. With all of the corruption at every level of government, the people rarely see much of the oil wealth. The kidnapped men were on platforms/rigs. They are vulnerable -- surrounded by water, boats can easily get to them and grab 'em. They're always well cared for, though I'm sure its no Hilton Hotel, and they never/rarely are harmed. The terrorists know they'd never get anywhere if they killed someone. But they are increasing attacks. The military stirred up the recent trouble by shooting on a village from a helicopter and killing 20, including some civilians. The group, MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta), had been gaining strength and the military wanted to stop it. Unfortunately, they took off from a Shell Helipad and so Shell is REALLY the bad guy, now!! Hence, the Shell kidnapping. Plus, the Warri area is also volatile due to struggles between tribes. We know of a man, here, who was raised in Warri, who can't go there right now due to the tribal struggles -- friend against friend like in the movie Hotel Rwanda, but certainly not as severe.

Another factor -- national elections in February '07. Pres. Obasanjo, once a nasty and corrupt military general, became a Christian and in his past 2 years he has made great progress against the corruption. So things will be heating up, politically. Jim's company already has a plan in place if the expats need to leave.

We are very secure here in the camp ... and quite self-contained. With the high walls and barbed wire, if we couldn't go out, after a while it could feel a mite like a prison. Its the proverbial glass-thing ... we can't get out or they can't get in!!!

So, please don't fret but do pray!