Bolobo has been in my consciousness since Primary School days. My Mum's cousin, Jack, was a surgeon missionary there from 1948 to 1961 and he featured regularly in family evening prayers. Jack's time in Bolobo was the reason for this journey, but until I jumped off the boat yesterday I was by no means certain that it would actually happen.

New ward blocks were built after Jack left and on yesterday's evidence they are less crowded than some photos I have seen from Jack's early days, but I still saw one mother and child asleep on the floor and another child on a drip in the corridor because there was no ward space.

Andre Asuka, one of the two doctors, showed us round the wards and told us that one of the little lads on a drip had meningitis and was in a coma - presumably because he wasn't brought to hospital early enough.

Andre also showed us the "Bloc Operatoire" - the theatre block, which I recognised as being the "new" theatre build under Jack's direction. 60 years or so on its looking a bit dog eared, but its still functioning and Andre says that when they get the funding they will renovate the building.

Andre was keen for us to meet the Pastor in charge of the hospital, the Rev Batobalonga. He was a delightful old chap with a lovely smile and a twinkle in his eyes. I gave him a copy of a letter in Lingala that Jack had written explaining who I was and to our surprise he said he actually remembered "Doctor Gray" from when he was a young boy - in fact although he wasn't quite sure he thought he may even have been delivered by Jack! He asked for Jack's e-mail address and hopefully they will be able to get in touch.

Long in the making but a really excellent day.