Giving Street Kids a Chance: Support Fran

Fran Purcell from Emerge Poverty Free is cycling from Edinburgh to Dublin. You may think that she is a bit bonkers in doing that, but Fran will be raising money for Emerge Poverty Free to help street children. 

If you've followed the blog at all, you'll know what a difference the work of EPF with partner organisations (like Africa Revival Ministries) can make to the lives of street children. This is an epic ride for a fantastic charity. If you can donate anything at all, however little, then please do. Your contribution will make a difference to the lives of children in extreme poverty. Thank you. 

Please follow this link to find out more and donate: https://believe.in/fundraising/FrancescaPurcell/266#/266

Inspiring Plane Ride

I was a bit disgruntled not to be getting a seat next to any of our happy crew on any of the flights home. This may have been due to my coming out a couple of days later than the others. In any case I kind of half heartedly prayed that God would use the situation for His glory and that I wouldn't be quite such a whooossss and just wo- 'man up!'
After our 'bump' to Rwanda the lovely Lorna had a spare seat next to her so I joined our happy throng and thought nothing more of the oncoming journey.
Little did I know how much more God wanted to bless me on this homeward journey...

On the Nairobi - Amsterdam leg I was seated next to a Ugandan lady, Olivia, and within minutes started up a conversation. She wanted to know what we had been doing in Burundi so I was able to share some of our stories with her and then she told me that she was a 'Compassion' child. She had been sponsored by Compassion from early childhood. Her father had been killed when she was just 5 and her mother had died the following year. She and her siblings were taken in by her aunt and uncle. I didn't ask the details of how Compassion then became involved but she said that her two Compassion sponsors, one in Kent, UK and the other in America had funded her education all the way through school and now university (in America). She has met with both her sponsors and talked about the importance of having this direct contact and of building integral relationships with them.

Olivia is a strong woman of faith, she is another servant who puts Christ at the centre and listens to His call. She has been helping set up similar projects to the ones we have seen in Burundi, with her church back in Uganda (on a purely voluntary basis) and I am confident God will use her mightily wherever and whatever He leads her to in the future.

It was amazing for me to meet a 'child' of Compassion. I had only a couple of days earlier been talking with Helen about Compassion and whether it might be something I might be led to do....... I think I might have gotten some answers of affirmation through meeting Olivia!!!!

Fee x 

http://www.compassionuk.org/

Fancy going to Burundi yourself?

I'm back in the office today after our trip to Burundi. It's been a bit odd and I'm already wondering if we actually went! (We did)

Anyway, on my return to the office, I noticed a copy of Youthwork Magazine nestled among the piles of mail I had received (2 other letters). I did the obligatory 'flick through' and one advert caught my attention. It was for the King's School in Bujumbura! So, if you have been touched by what you have read in this blog, you might want to ponder whether you too could go to this amazing country.

There are many opportunities at the King's School, including Teaching and Gap Year posts. It is an amazing place and to be part of the story of recovery that includes The King's School and Africa Revival Ministries would be such an enriching and rewarding thing to do.

Have a look at the advert. Here is the link to the Jobsearch Site too. http://www.premierjobsearch.co.uk/jobs/job/secondary-teacher-primary-teacher-nursery-gap-year-opportunities-0

Go on, this could be for you.

http://www.premierjobsearch.co.uk/jobs/job/secondary-teacher-primary-teacher-nursery-gap-year-opportunities-0

Bosco's Amazing Story Part 100

After a very quiet night in the Jambo Hotel without the rest of my fantastic team I met Bosco and after running a few errands, as is his way, we ended up at Lake Tanginiyka looking for a spot for me to hang out for the weekend. Bosco and I chatted and he asked me about what it would be like going home. I said I hoped to go back with a different outlook but I was also anxious about changing jobs coming up from working with cancer to working with mental health. Bosco then said "I had cancer 10 years ago". I remember Dr Aline saying that if you got cancer in Burundi the treatment available were basically surgery and/or painkillers. Regarding chemotherapy/radiotherapy etc you had to be able to afford to fly to India to pay for treatment there. For the average Burundian this is about as likely as flying to the moon.

I asked more and Bosco went on to say he had been vomitting for a couple of weeks and had seen a Doctor who diagnosed stomach cancer. He needed 100,000 Burundi Francs to pay the deposit for treatment and it should start within 30 days to stop further growth. At the time Bosco was receiving 3000 BFs a month student grant and topping this up through work. He said he simply couldn't afford it. He then said he prayed for 3 days. Bosco said he advised God that he was His and ready to accept His will. On the third day in mid prayer he fell to the floor and said he heard Gods voice saying "Bosco you are healed".

He went to church the next day still weak from not eating properly for sometime and again collapsed. This time he said he 'vomited' but nothing physical come out just he could see something that resembled a black cloud of flies. Bosco then heard God speaking again "Bosco you are healed". He went home and then ate solid food for the first time in 3 weeks. Bosco then returned to the hospital and saw the Doctor - he said that after running tests he was flabbergasted as there was no signs of cancer.

After telling this story Bosco smiled at me and said 'God gave me life'.

I was stunned... Bosco then gave me an impromptu service in the car park of a hotel about faith and how it works in his life and it can in anyone's  Not for the first time on this trip I was left in tears as we said goodbye. Dr Aline and her family and Bosco and his have really shown me how faith can work. Now I need to try it for myself.

Jon Ruchpaul

We're back in the country

We have just landed after what feels like an age of flying. Team are in good spirits and looking forward to seeing friends and family. 

On our way home

Team Burundi (minus Jon)(he is staying in Burundi and travelling through Rwanda - we haven't lost him), has arrived at Nairobi airport after a quick stop in Kigali. We've already had breakfast (at some ludicrous hour) and I have managed to spill a lot of jam over myself. Some team members even caught a bit of shut-eye on the plane. 

Next stop Amsterdam. After a few hours in Nairobi airport. *yawns*

Leaving Jon

Just leaving for the airport after a lovely evening with Aline and Euloge. Saying goodbye to the Big J. 

Amazing sequel

When Helen and I went to the Clinic for my last teaching session we found the staff fully occupied with 3 new patients. They were 3 men all of whom were on the same bicycle travelling fast on the main road when they hit a brick at the edge of the road and were all thrown off. They were carried down the rough dirt road about half a mile to the Clinic. Two of them were deeply unconscious with obvious head injuries and evidence of significant brain damage (for the medics: no response to pain, unequal fixed pupils, bleeding from the ears, large scalp haematomas) The staff put up I/V drips, sutured their scalp wounds, and called for an ambulance to take them 25 km to a main hospital. The third man was not seriously injured. The ambulance eventually arrived  and the men were put on board. Just before they left Bosco appeared and got involved in some discussion with the ambulance crew.  He got into the Ambulance and prayed for the men before they left. Helen and I looked at each other despondently quite sure that they couldn't possibly survive.
Today we asked Bosco if he had any idea what had happened to them. "Oh yes" he replied "I phoned the hospital and was told they were fine and had gone home"
We asked what the discussion had been about. We were told that the crew required payment before they would take the men because they had no one to accompany them! Bosco payed the money, gave his phone number to the man who was not badly hurt and told him to call him if he needed more money or any other help.
Bosco said that he both prayed for the mens recovery and rebuked death. He was not in the least surprised at the outcome - but then he's had similar experiences in the past.
Lord increase our faith.

Peter & Helen

Wednesday and New Hope

Breakfast was at 9am this morning - a luxurious late time for us young'uns and meant most of us were able to get a full 8 hours sleep...a rare occurrence here! After a hearty breakfast, we adjourned outside where Peter shared his thought for the day. He focused on Job 42 . 5 and also shared a strong message about how we should think about not so much what we have achieved (although that is important), but how it has changed ourselves which can allow us to go on to do greater things and develop the person we will become. After breakfast I then put the team through their paces (again) as they took part in my morning workout/stretch involving many extra moves from karate and Irish dancing. Sadly, some members of the team still have a lot of room for improvement. 

After lunch we headed to the New Hope orphanage where we would visit the children there. The orphanage currently has 62 children and is divided into smaller sections, each with their own ''Mama''. We listened to the story told by the pastors wife, the main Mama, as she told us about how the orphanage started. It was set up when her and her husband took in the children who's parents were victims of the ongoing civil war in the Congo, and they took them in to wash the blood of their parents off of them. Many had watched their parents being slaughtered, including a baby who was being breastfed by her mother when her mother was then murdered. The couple built the orphanage when they ran out of space for mattresses on the floor of their house and in August 2004, New Hope orphanage was opened. It still continues to take in orphans who are refugees from areas of civil war. 

Many children would not remember these sights as they were very small, but what was startling was the way children were talking, some yawning or getting on with their own things while the Mama told this story. Perhaps for some it had been repeated too many times and became almost fictional, or for others it may have been taken in their stride by their thick skin. We've heard a lot of stories and they are always challenged by the soon to follow smiles and playful activities by the children, who to be really honest, are probably the happiest children I've seen. 

The children in Bujumbura are similar yet different to those in Gitega. The conditions are both poor, as in the orphanage it was fly and rat infested in areas such as the shocking kitchen and the living conditions are cramped, 2-3 children to a bed. But through this the children yet still smile, rejoice and praise God. A real mixture between a mystery and an inspiration. But the difference between the two is that in the city (Bujumbura) the children look their age. In Gitega, an 11 year old girl seemed to be stuck inside a 6 year olds body, where as in Buj, age estimates are usually correct and this is probably down to better nutrition and diet. The children in the city also seem slightly more mature, possibly down to their experiences or that they all went to school, and many had lived their whole life in the orphanage, which again differs from the street house in Gitega which changes children yearly.

We then were shown round and had an opportunity to play with the children and leave them with clothes and toys. A particular child who won't be forgotten was a little girl called 'Queen', who bears a shocking resemblance to Dora the Explorer, and is extremely cute, and she knows it! 

We are now acclimatizing to the familiar setting of Bujumbura and life without the orange children, and realizing this is the final leg of our trip before we start the journey home. Something I've really learned from the trip that I'd like to share on a more personal note is that God can be present absolutely anywhere and I have loved being a witness to that. We may have seen poverty and sadness at extreme levels, but looking into people's hearts and seeing their joy, along with watching sunsets on top of waterfalls, makes me realize the world isn't at all a bad place. There is hope for every situation, and thousands of beautiful moments that definitely compensate for negative ones. Overall this is down to God and a way of keeping and spreading the happiness is to put Him at the centre.

We are now about to enjoy our last (sleeping) night in Burundi after a multitude of card games, and look forward to all tomorrow has to offer.

Thank you everyone for your continued support throughout this trip - it has been very much appreciated and we look forward to sharing more in depth stories with you when we are back.

With love
 
Lorna

An Open letter to the spouses and children of the Burundi Team (Senior Division)!

In the light of recent posts made on behalf of the younger members of our team, we thought we should present some insights from the older (certainly) and wiser (probably not!) members of our team.

In no particular order, here are some observations...

"Obi-Wan" (Wisest of wise Missioners) has behaved in a manner befitting of his status. He has avoided Football, Ultimate FRisbee and the back of pick-up trucks in order to ensure that his physical health has  never been put at risk.













Rather, he has continually given of his knowledge, expertise and experience to those many in Burundi and several in our team who place great value on his wisdom.

However, I do have to report that on his first night of our return to Bujumbura, he was seen by his room-mate, spraying on his CK One Eau de Toilette and leaving the room late in the evening. I presume he returned after I was asleep!!

The "First Lady" has graced us with her company throughout the trip. Only once did she retire to her room to keep her own company. On hearing her description of the events that took place in her own company, we are probably glad she kept it to herself! Hovever, we commend her for her resilience and speedy return to full and solid good health!!

She has been a shiny example of compassion throughout our mission. Her heart cried out with compassion for the poor and sick, and all admired her willingness to throw herself into activities - dancing with The Orange Children, riding in the back of a truck with the cheerful young things, and eating a full buffet dinner with the hungry ones.

Annette instructs me to assure all readers that being over whatever her age is (first ladies never let on!), is no barrier to missioning in style in Equatorial Africa!!

And now it's Pete's turn. What would we have done without his benign schoolmasterly way of calling us to order and helping us make our minds up. And he was up with the best of the youth when it came to football and Burundi bulldog. Then as for T-shirts he was unsurpassed - his vivid pictures now displayed on chests and backs throughout Burundi.

I won't mention his plumbing mishaps but it was a novel experience for him to enjoy a shower whilst on the loo, then there was the occasion when a flood on the floor above had interesting repercussions on his for his sanitary arrangements.  (Thank you Peter J for your kind words...)

Finally, to reassure you all, we have taken our tablets, exercised carefully and eaten our five-a-day regularly. we remain in the rudest of rude health. The Senior Division marches on (although Peter J limps a bit) !!

By posting this blog, we wouldn't want readers to feel there is any division within our team. After (not) consulting Matt, Jon, Helen and Fee, we decided that they would not wish to be included in the "Senior Division". Rather, they should be perceived as the glue that holds the ends of the team together!!

We have all got on so well. Whilst many years might divide us by age, we have been united in our desire to do what pleases God, for His glory in Burundi.

Annette, Pete x2

An Open Letter to the Parents of Team Burundi (Teen Division)

Dear parents of Dan, Josh, Lorna, and Melody,

As this time in Burundi draws near to its end, I just wanted to write this open letter to you. 

First, thank you for letting your child come with us on this trip. It may not have been easy to agree to it (especially when looking at the FCO advice about Burundi?! - how wrong they are!), but I'm so glad you did. Alternatively, you may have been glad to have them out of your hair for a couple of weeks! 

Your children have been a credit to you. They have shown maturity beyond their years and a level of maturity that befits their age too! They have been an integral part of this team and we have been blessed to have them with us. I know also that they have blessed many other people in these last two weeks. To see the response of the street children to Dan, Josh, Lorna, and Melody yesterday, you could tell that they'd had a positive impact. 

Josh and Dan have been like surrogate brothers to each other and we have all enjoyed their banter. They both have wonderful senses of humour and have really helped keep team spirits up. It's been great to see their friendship grow, even if Josh doesn't enjoy Dan's cuddles. I also never knew Josh could talk so much! We've been checking his food for additives.

Lorna has been the quietly assured member of the team and she is able to take everything in her stride (even when I dropped her and Fee in it to "sing another song", which I hadn't run by them first, during the praise and worship service we were involved in). 

Lorna is always ready with a smile (except when Dan throws rugby balls at her) and willing to get stuck in, even to the extent of teaching us Kung O'Fu (Pete C's description) which is a mash-up of Irish Dancing and Karate. You can also tell that she and Melody have male sibling(s). They are quite ready to put the boys in their place when necessary, although sometimes it's with a shaking head of despair. 

Melody is a natural linguist and befriends people really easily. Often we've turned to her to ask how to say something in Kirundi. She too is not afraid to get stuck right in and is a great encourager. 

I could go on about how valuable these four have been to the team. I know that your young people have grown immensely during these last two weeks. If you were to ask me exactly how, I'm not sure that I could put my finger on it as I've been with them along the way, but I know they've grown in confidence, maturity and in faith. I know you'll see a difference in them when they get back and they share their stories with you. 

Again, thank you for letting Dan, Josh, Lorna, and Melody be a part of our team. You have every right to be incredibly proud of them. 

Yours in Christ,

Matt

Batwa Villages Part II, Goodbye Gitega

DANS BIRTHDAY!!!! Breakfast was held and the opening of cards and presents to much hilarity as Dan was soon sporting an inflatable Union Jack hand, guitar glasses and a ginger mustache. He also kindly shared his Orios courtesy of a package from Mum and Dad but we declined to share his pants too!

So some quick Karate/Irish jig warm ups led by Lorna and after Peter ventured off to spread words of wisdom at Gitega Hospital (see previous post) the rest of Team Burundi headed off to another Batwa Village. Personally I went with a sense of anxiety after the last visit had turned into a difficult experience and some others in the group were equally worried.

After another bumpy ride we entered the village to warm smiles, friendly handshakes and many 'peaces' in Kirundi that started to put us at ease. A.R.M. had not officially started work here and were currently visiting regularly to give some practical support in the form of food and clothes but mainly to build up relationships so more work could be completed later. This means more houses built, regular food drops as well as teaching in agriculture for example alongside spreading God's word amongst the villagers.

A crowd immediately gathered and they sang us a beautiful welcome song. Matt spoke to the village about our happiness to visit and talked to the crowd about God's love for them. Many of the people we met were dressed in very old and often torn clothes and the huts were similar to the 'old type' in the first village ie not much more than circular straw huts with a very small floor space to cook, sleep and live in. We went inside one that was about the size of  a small bedroom that a family of 9, yes 9, slept in. There were many holes in the roof and the father said that in rainy season they would have to leave - to where we don't know. He showed us a few handfuls of beans, some flour and other food that appeared very little and advised this was a week's food.

Despite this extreme poverty the people came across as kind and friendly and genuinely interested in us. The time to give gifts of clothes came and went without incident and they carried on to show us their crops of bananas, cassava (?) and a pig that they hoped would help support their diet. Bosco said he loved to work with this village as they were already trying very hard to improve their lives.

Prayers for a hopeful and prosperous future and spiritual growth were offered and we departed but not before Pete C started trade relations between the Batwa and Reigate by purchasing a large bowl - the ones that take an age to make and sell for about 30 to 50p depending on size. Good luck with getting that in the suitcase Pete!

Then we headed back to Gitega and went and said goodbye to the children. This was done with very heavy hearts as we have all become very fond of both the children and staff of these two wonderful and life changing homes. The boys sang a song and Egide thanked and prayed for us which was a very emotional moment. Afterwards we discovered he was the most unruly and challenging child of them all one year ago.

The girls spoke from their hearts and a few wept as they said goodbye. They spoke of the home providing them with so much and also giving them hope for the future. They also told how the Team Burundi girls had touched their hearts with the friendship and fun they had  given and they were so happy and proud to have met and spent time with them. Jeanette then prayed a long and emotional prayer that pulled at heartstrings but also revealed how far God has taken these girls so far.

Gifts of toys and clothes were given to children and staff and the girls were given parting gifts from the grateful house girls. Then we were off, convoying back to Buj, watching the mayhem that is on the roads and the various loads being carried. I didn't manage to beat my personal favourite of 2 men and a cow on a motorbike from yesterday!

Finally it was back to KCC Hotel and a lovely meal before an early night.. I TRIED to take Dan clubbing but he just wasn't up for it. The Youth of today eh?

Josh vs Lorna

Josh challenged Lorna to a duel. Lorna can recite the alphabet really quickly. And backwards. Josh thought he would challenge her to a race. He would say the alphabet forwards, Lorna backwards. Follow the link to see the result...

https://vine.co/v/hmzWxmxJb2L

For Mike L. Annette says "Is it OK if I only bring 6 ?"

Surprising morning

I should have learned by now to expect the unexpected when in Africa.
Helen mentioned our visit to the hospital yesterday when I was invited to return today at 8am to do some teaching on two of the leading causes of maternal death in Africa. On our last visit I had also done a similar session with about 8 staff attending, so I expected a similar experience today.
When I arrived the place seemed to explode into activity and staff appeared from nowhere. Benches appeared, a sheet was attached to the wall as a projection screen and I found myself talking to at least 40 people - some nurse/midwives, others were students and a few doctors too including the senior doctor, a  delightful  lady who is also a nun.
The session lasted more than 2 hours with lots of questions being asked. I was able to explain why I went to Africa in the first place and the reasons for coming back again - about using skills and serving Christ. At the end it was suggested I should pray which I was delighted to do, asking Gods blessing on them as they served their patients here in Gitega and elsewhere.

Monday Funday!!!

It is my turn to blog, so please excuse the ramblings!!!

Today started as a tough one for me. It was the first day I really didn't want to get out of bed and 'do the stuff' but I didn't get swayed by the negative thoughts flying around my head, instead I shared them with my family before breakfast who listened and understood my feelings of inadequacy. I had this overwhelming heaviness around me and felt like I was an outsider looking in at everything going on around me but not fully engaging with it. I also had the thoughts 'how is me being here in Gitega, Burundi, making any difference whatsoever...' At the start of this journey together during one of our quiet times someone had talked about us being 'shaken about' and I certainly felt like that this morning! There was a lot of prayer and encouragement from the team and Matt reminded me of what Bosco had said when we first met the girls and boys in their houses. He said that just our coming to be with them had made a difference to their lives and given them self worth. Helen also gave me these words - 'do not despise the day of small things'. No matter how small or insignificant you think your part is, God is on the move and is a God of transformation, all we have to be is obedient.

Most of the group have at some time on this trip had similar feelings, they are natural - human nature! After a lot of prayer and further encouragement our morning started!!!!

Post breakfast warm-ups were led by Lorna and we learnt some new moves! Some Irish dancing kicks and flicks and some karate. William our host from 'Jambo Hotel' picked up the moves very quickly. Mat and Jon hilariously combined both the two - what a sight; Irish Karate Flicks!!!!

Melody, Annette, Obi and Helen went to the clinic whilst the rest of us ventured over to the playing field (?!) where all the boys and girls joined together for some wide games. Kickball went down especially well - a mixture of football and baseball! 

The car journey back was I think the record so far of how many bodies we could squash into the car. we really were packed in like baked beans! 4 in the very back (kind of boot although there are two seats!!!), 4 in the back seat and 3 in the front! This was a 7 seater car - oops!

This afternoon the boys did a variety of activities including art and music while the girls did some T-shirt designing. It was lovely to see them get stuck in with a paintbrush and paint, more than likely something the majority of them had never done before. The children certainly shook me out of my earlier gloom. What an honour to see the laughter and joy on their faces throughout the day.

We have been reading and praying about holding lightly to our possessions. Melody was a real servant example today as she gave out her own clothes to the girls. She knew they needed them more and she would be fine with the little she had remaining. What a Godly girl she is and a delight to the Lord.

Love and blessings to all you readers.

Fee P

Hills, Sunsets and Burundi Drums

Before I begin please let me reassure all of you out there who are concerned for our First Lady, Annette. She did spend the day in bed on Friday with an upset stomach but was restored to us on Saturday and we were once again a full team. Bosco prayed a wonderful prayer over Annette on Friday evening and thanked God for her. He spoke about how God fully intended  her to be in Burundi and part of our wonderful team and that she will leave here changed because of the experiences she has had and the people she has met. It was a lovely prayer and we are praying that those changes will be in all of us when we return home.

I must just tell of how Saturday started for the younger ones amongst us! We rose around 5:30am in order for Bosco to collect us at 6am for the weekly Sat am sports gathering on a field with the youth group from his church. He arrived at 6:45 (some of us by that time had thought about returning to bed but Lorna did her usual daily 'warm up' programme for us) and for almost an hour and a half we ran around either playing ultimate frisbee or football. Several other youngsters persumably from the neighbourhood came to join in and in usual Bosco style he gathered us all up at the end and encouraged us to join hands whilst he had a little "God Slot". We returned tired, orange and for some of us who had forgotton that maybe were not so young anymore, with aching muscles. When I complained that I could hardly walk later in the day Peter J said " Helen you should remember your age" ! Cheek. 

At 10:30 we were ready for our visit to some Waterfalls and an area of outstanding beauty where the Germans following the 2nd World War, tried to hide and eventually escaped to Tanzania. 

After leaving at 11:30 and travelling for the majority of the way on an extremely rugged and dusty road we arrived around 3pm. The first waterfall was in a rather shady wooded area and of course if it had been earlier in the day and in bright sunlight I might have been tempted to go in! However some had the admirable attitude of "Well you might never have this opportunity again" and Melody was first under the "shower" followed by Matt and Dan! We ate well that evening and had an early night, shattered form our long day.

On Sunday morning we headed to Bosco's church at 9:30 and enjoyed wonderful worship with the band, Amazing Grace being my favourite, but several songs we recognised. Our loyal translators were by our sides and other members of the congregation helped out too. Fortunately for them a lovely man who had been sitting beside me translated the main sermon. But boy what a job he had. The pastor preaching liked to move around a lot and spoke very fast and loud at times when passionately trying to get his point across - poor Suprice (?spelling) graciously followed him around and did an incredible job at translating. The pastor said it was very important for us all to listen to what he had to say and every few minutes asked us to raise our hands in the air and "Praise God" in order to make sure we were not sleeping! A new technique for St Mary's preachers maybe?!!  We were also asked to prod our neighbour from time to time and say "Wake up". Josh happened to be sitting next to the Minister of Defence! Despite leaving with a headache and sore ears it was a very good sermon. We left at 1pm!

Around 4pm we set off for the hills and arrived at a place where the Burundi Drummers were going to perform for us. The leader, a 79 year old man greeted us and told us of his country's history and that this was the place where the king lived and died. We saw the  enormous straw hut where his throne was and where his many wives attended him. He was well looked after! After we were shown to our seats and the procession of drummers began to pour into the arena dressed in colourful African dress with their drums on their heads. The rhythmic deep beats echoed all around the lush,green hills that  surrounded us and they entertained us with music and dance until the sun set, right in front of us. It was quite surreal and an experience not to be forgotten.

This morning Peter J, Melody, Annette and I went to Gitega to visit a goverment run hospital in the town. The outside of the building was deceptive as once we entered I was shocked to see the lack of facilities and dilapidated state of the wards etc. There were a few women in labour and many, many sick children, the majority suffering from malaria. However, despite the conditions,  there were nurses and doctors around in brilliant white coats, teaching sessions in progress and drugs available. One of the nurses explained that it is very hard to nurse these children without the necessary equipment such as stethoscopes, blood pressure machines and oxygen. A very challenging visit. More teaching from Peter J this afternoon in the health clinic. I feel very privileged to have sat in on these and whilst I have no desires to be a midwife have certainly picked up on Peter's passion that he has for educating in the developing world. So many conditions and situations are  preventable thus many deaths of mother's and their babies could be avoided.

Witnessing change first hand

As Lorna described in her post the other day, we had the opportunity to visit the homes of a few of the street children. The children will be going back to these homes in August. 

The first home Dan and I went to was of a boy called Egide. The house was in Gitega but in a very rural part. As Dan and I walked with Bosco and Egide up the hill to the house, we passed many brick huts with thatched roofs. Often we would be greeted with children shouting "Mzungu, Mzungu" and we'd see mothers and grandmothers sat outside their homes. 

At the house we were greeted by some young women carrying a baby each. I was confused. One of them surely wasn't Egide's mother?! Neither of them was. Egide's mother appeared soon, rushing to greet us. She was overwhelmed that we were there. She couldn't believe her eyes - Mzungus were viditing her house! When we were inside she even broke into song. 

The doorframes in Burundi aren't designed for large people and normally the houses don't have windows. To enter the house we had to stoop down (Dan especially!) and move into the darkness. Once inside, our eyes soon adjusted to the light and we sat on a mat on the dusty floor. The two women who we'd just met outside were Egide's sisters. In the house, we were also joined by a couple of female neighbours. 

Egide wasn't himself during the initial encounter, even after he prayed. The explanation for his mood (he was obviously upset) and the mother's behaviour were explained by the same fact - Egide's mother was drunk. 

Alcohol is a big problem in this area, we were later told by Bosco. People use drink to help forget what their lives are like. 

We chatted with Egide's mother and her friends. We were watched the whole time by a group of local children who peered in through the open door.

 Egide's mother seemed incredibly happy to see Egide and expressed pride in seeing where he had come from. She appeared pleased to know that he had a faith, but was reluctant to talk about her own. 

Bosco turned to Dan and I at this point and said "I just need a few minutes to evangelise to her". A few minutes was more than ten, but at the end of it 4 people had come to Christ! Bosco invited them to join him at Eglise Vivante. 

As we walked back down to the car, I think both Dan and I were amazed at what we'd seen and experienced. It was a richly raw experience. 

Today we went to Eglise Vivante. Helen will fill you in on more details, but at the end of the service, I saw this woman coming over to me, smiling. It was Egide's mother. She had followed through on her promise and come to church. As we hugged, I could still smell the alcohol on her breath, but this was the first step towards her being set free! This was a woman moving forward by the grace of God. Amen!

Meet some people...

I thought you might like to meet some of the people we encounter each day...

When we travel to the Clinic and the boys house, we turn off the metalled road onto an earth road and go through a small village. It's usually busy, and we still get looked as as we drive past, but they are getting used to these two vehicles of white people each day!

There's all sorts of activity going on - groups of people talking, some buying and selling, occasional arguments, and one lady...

She sits there in the street at her treadle operated Singer Sewing Machine. She is 'traditionally built' and wears a bright coloured outfit and glasses. You don't see many village people in glasses, so she clearly has a 'specialist occupation'!

Two things cause her to stand out...

She sits under an extremely brightly coloured golfing umbrella, and whenever we go past, she breaks into an enormous smile and waves at us wildly with both hands!

When we arrive at the clinic we get out and are greeted by all sorts of people. Many of them have come to be known to us as 'The Orange Children'.

This is not because of any fruit they might give us, but because of their colour.

These children are from the local area around the clinic, and they have become stained by the soil they live in. They, and their ragged clothes have become stained orange. There are very many of them, but whilst they do look at us and smile occasionally, they are generally quite reserved around us.

They have joined in some of our activities with the boys from the house, but often they just stand and watch.

However, like all children they come alive when you involve them in play or dance. On these occasions their orange faces crack, to reveal smiles!


William runs our Hotel. Known affectionately as Will-I-Am or Willy, he is a very willing helper, waiter and advisor!

Nothing is too much trouble for William, but since multi-tasking is a challenge, it can all take a little time!

He is about 20, and comes from Bujumbura. he runs the hotel with his mother. When he's not working hard to keep us happy, he's usually online looking at other parts of the world on Google Earth.

William would love to be somewhere else, but at present he accepts that looking after his mum, and 'keeping the customers satisfied' is his lot in life.

Bosco's story has already been told in an earlier blog. It is remarkable, and he truly is an absolute champion for God.

 'Mrs Bosco' too, is a remarkable Christian woman. Her smile and personality radiate  contentment and complete trust in God. She is a mother of three boys (Elijah, John-Wesley and Steward), a full time worker in a clinic for abused young girls, she has just started overseeing the Restaurant they have opened, as well as keeping up with her husband!

Throughout our stay in Gitega, we've been helped by Dr Aline's two children - Esther and Elisé. Both of them have recently left school, and will soon be travelling to Oklahoma in the USA to study at University. They interpret for us, and join in with all our activities.

The third helper has been Grace. If ever a name fitted, it's hers. She is truly a gift to us. She is also 18, and has just left the King's School in Bujumbura. She grew up in the CRIB orphanage and tells us she has over twenty brothers and sisters who also live there. She has no other family, we'll tell you the story when we get home, but not publish it on this blog.

All three of these young Christians have been amazing. Pray that Burundi produces plenty more like them to lead their country into the future...

Finally, travel down any road or track at any time of day or night, and you will see people moving about (actually, at night you might not see them, as they don't use bicycle lights or torches!). At times it seems the whole of Burundi just walks about all day, and then sits by the road to watch!!

They are an amazing mixture of people ranging from the poor and raggedy to the beautifully dressed off to church or a wedding. Some have over-loaded bikes, some carry things on their heads, but they all keep moving.

They are one of the most memorable sights of Burundi...

Coming as we do from Reigate, we are used to a culture that tries to convince us that our worth is judged by the success we achieve, and the wealth and possessions we accumulate. In many aspects of life, we are encouraged to compete with others to be better than them - to have more, to earn more...

The Lady with the Sowing Machine, the Orange Children, William, Bosco and Mrs Bosco, Grace, Esther and Elise and The People along the Roads are all loved by God; so am I, so are you.

But none of us is loved any more than anyone else, and no one is loved any less.

God couldn't love us more if he tried! (not that He doesn't!)

Pete C

Batwa village

8.30 - Breakfast in the Jambo Hotel involved the usual colourful display of exotic tropical fruits, and steaming rich Burundian coffee. And once again, Dan and Josh did one for the team and helped finished any leftovers. However, this particular morning did not feel complete because Annette had to stay in bed and rest. The team was told she had a little stomach ache so they prayed together for her especially, and for another eye-opening day. Matt shared a moving passage from Isiah 40:31 'He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'


9.30 - After gathering some gifts, the team went on a journey cross-country; passing villages and rolling hills, seeing goats, cows, women farming, children carrying furniture and raw materials. The roads are made of red dusty earth, and clouds of dust sometimes formed obscuring the view. Most people smiled or waved at the team in the 4x4s as the vehicles bobbed up and down over the massive crevices of the ground.

10.00 - We arrived at the Batwa village, and were greeted to them singing and dancing a welcome song. A woman couldn't wait to show us her home, and although to us it looked like a shack, she did a victory dance in her bedroom because to her it meant everything to have her own place with a functional roof (the place she lived in before was a box with a straw roof which doesn't keep the rain out) - something she can be proud of and therefore be respected for. Then we were shown more clay pots, which cost only 20p each but takes them a whole day to make.

Bosco explained that despite it being an impressive skill, it was not commercially sustainable. Which is why Bosco has been working with them, teaching them new skills like agriculture, whilst telling them the Gospel. (The Batwa did not believe in a God before ARM started their project with them)

Then we went to another village and saw more developed houses (compared to mud/straw huts) and the 'Leader' invited us to his home. There, we saw some guinea pigs in one of the rooms!! Until you remember that guinea pig is one of the meat supplements for Burundians... The 'Leader' was telling us that they wanted to develop and have the means to better themselves. So, we prayed for him, his wife and three children. I could really sense God's presence and knew that he will bless them and what they do.

12.30- Handing out the gifts... We went back to the first village and were once again greeted by all the members dancing and singing for us in their 'Church'. They thanked us enthusiastically for building them all these new houses, all the progress and positive changes to the Batwa community; for example, now all their children go to school. After the prayers and thanksgiving, we distributed the gifts. Bosco explained to them clearly and firmly that not everyone would be able to receive an item. First come first served. The atmosphere changed dramatically, and suddenly it became a fight to be the first. People started shouting to be heard, people were shoving their way forward to be noticed. Friends argued, and children were crying. It was an upsetting and ugly scene. I found it really hard, because I wanted to be able to give something for everyone. It wasn't fair... that's how I felt. And then I thought perhaps, it may have been better not to have given anything at all in the first place. However, after coming back with the team, Josh opened the feedback discussion really well. He reminded us that the early church had disputes and arguments about who should receive anything first. Then Pete also said that although not everyone got something, it doesn't mean we should stop giving. Matt added that we have to see it through their eyes; they all had good motives, all they wanted to do is keep their families alive and well.

6.00 - Going to Bosco's church: Fiona and Lorna lead worship and Matt preached the sermon...

The service that evening was the shortest so far!!! Only 2.5 hours long!!! Fiona and Lorna sang with the youth choir and band and that was great because we could actually sing along to it! Some of congregation, and all the children danced during the worship at the front. The passion and joy involved was really infectious, even we were swaying where we stood!! Then, Matt talked about us all being the same 'Body of Christ' ... 'God is for everyone, Batwa or English'... and how if one part of the body is glad, the rest of the body rejoices. And if one part of the body suffers, then the whole body suffers. Examples given were us working well as a team, and feeling the pain when hearing some testimonies, and feeling hope when seeing the progress happening in the Burundi community. It was very inspiring, thought-provoking, challenging.

8.00 - Bosco's restaurant... seeing the Mini Boscos for the first time!!!

Since we had pre-ordered, we only had to wait for a measly half an hour!!! Record!!! Diana (Mrs Bosco) did a great job, and we had fun enjoying each other's company. We met Elijah (eldest) and John-Wesley(middle) ... Stuart (youngest stayed at home) The highlight of that evening was Elijah sitting on Bosco's lap whilst Bosco was driving!! Wesley was the most chilled toddler I have ever met... he just happily sat in the back with us grinning away.


Finally, I would like to end with thanks that God is a Living God. That his hold on us never weakens. That with him as our partner, all things are made possible. Any challenges that we face, He has already overcome then. The Spirit is a non-anxious presence, therefore we should keep trusting because everything is in His hands.


Thank you for reading my essay!!!

Yesa Shimwe, Melody


p.s Thank you Jigsaw ladies for the cards!