When Bull Elephants Fight

“When bull elephants fight, the grass gets trampled” is a Bantu proverb known in many of the languages of Congo. The “elephants” refer to the leaders and chiefs while the “grass” refers to the ordinary Congolese villagers and workers. I did not go to Congo to fight with the elephants; I went to Congo to help some of the grass survive.” ––Roger L. Youmans, MD We drove all afternoon and for an hour in the dark before we saw a faint light ahead of us. We slowed and found two kerosene lanterns and two large logs blocking the road. Emanuel and I got out and stood in front of the headlights so that we were visible. There was no moon, and the forest was silent except for the cicada. A deep voice boomed out of the darkness very near us. Emanuel answered in Lingala, and I recognized a few words. “American” and “Docteur.” I heard a rifle bolt open and shut. Several voices whispered in the dark. Then there was silence. I said softly to Emanuel, “We almost made it.” ––from When Bull Elephants Fight “With compassion, intelligence, and unflinching honesty, Roger Youmans tells his story of one man’s quest to bring hope to a troubled land.” ––Tom Barbash, author of The Last Good Chance and On Top of the World, a New York Times Bestseller