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?