Monday: Gitega at last

This has been quite a day.

This morning Euloge (Aline's husband) who is also a doctor showed us round 2 clinics run by ARM in Bujumbura. At Rohero Surgical Clinic a variety of operations are carried particularly orthopaedic. As we went round the wards we were invited and encouraged to pray with the patients - quite a contrast to the environment in our healthcare system at home !

We then went on to the Jabbe clinic which is in a poorer part of Bujumbura. This offers a wide range of services treating both in and out patients. We were impressed with the commitment and faith of those working in the clinics and their prayerful trust in God to provide the means for this ministry to keep going. Doctors,surgeons and dentists would be very welcome on a short or long term basis. Services are held twice a week in both clinics and it not unusual for several people to come to faith every week. Our last visit was to he HIV/AIDS centre where we heard about the very comprehensive care being offered to those who are HIV positive and their families showing the love of Jesus to all affected. As we prayed for Rose who heads the programme she fell to her knees while we encircled her. It was a moving an memorable moment. When reflecting on those visits during "Team Time" this evening we were asked for single words to describe how we felt."Inspired", "challenged ", "overwhelmed", "humbled" were among those suggested. We also observed that much of the basic equipment was in a very poor state and that at home things in far better condition were discarded. More accommodation for patients is needed at the Rohero clinic and could be provided at relatively little cost compared with building in UK.

After these visits it was time to head for Gitega.All the luggage was loaded into a pickup truck and minibus and somehow the team plus Aline and 3 student helpers were squeezed in too. 

Then we were treated to a 2 1/2 hr drive through stunning scenery as we wound our way up into the hills. Along the way we had ample opportunity to observe some of the things which make travelling in Africa so entertaining and at times jaw-dropping - boys on bikes hanging on to the back of a lorry as it churned its way uphill belching out choking diesel fumes; all manner of items being carried on bicycles ; overtaking on blind bends and the evidence in the form of mangled vehicles at the side of the road that sometimes it someone didn't quite make it.

We finally arrived at the Jambo hotel which will suit us well for our stay here although not in such splendid style as KCC. After quickly settling in to our rooms we set about unpacking all the stuff we had collected either for use during the visit of for giving away. We were just amazed at the mountain of things that emerged and once again reminded of the generosity of those back home had given it to us.

Well its very late now and definitely time for bed!