Bunagana, Congo – December 20, 2008.  Darkness is just beginning to fall over this grass landing strip they’ve managed to hack out of the surrounding jungle.  I keep thinking I hear the props of that small plane that’s supposed to take me to a real airport.  But it’s either the sound of night falling here in the Congo or my imagination.

 

The diplomatic pouch arrived a few days ago but I’ve been distracted by the aftermath of General Nkunda’s military campaign against the Congolese government and the UN peacekeeping forces.  This is the first chance I’ve had to look at the photos from the Westlake rugby practice that Joe Daly managed slip inside the pouch.  I’m not quite sure how he does it.  Some well-placed Dartmouth pal from his old rugby days no doubt.  No matter where I am, news of Austin rugby seems to find me via Joe.

 

From both the photos and Joe’s quick handwritten notes scrawled on the back of what appears to be some Canadian hospital’s admission form, the team certainly looks impressive.  I recognize Coach Al, of course.  We first met when he served in Viet Nam in the 1960s.  I suppose it wouldn’t  hurt to reveal now that he was source for some of the more delicate Saigon political matters I reported on during that decade.  Our paths have crossed occasionally since then and I can tell you honestly that you won’t find a finer rugby coach.  I also recognize several of the veterans I’ve written about in past newspaper articles.  And I know that the new faces will become veterans soon enough.  I’ve seen it all before.  With countless rugby squads on several continents.  Know that I look forward to news of the upcoming season. 

 

But now I really do hear the propellers in the distance and I need to get ready.  So I’ll wish you all a wonderful holiday season and the peace that we all love to celebrate this time of year.  No matter where we are.