There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood—
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time . . .
There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name.
Excerpts from Vagabond Song by Bliss Carman
I’m not always restless in the autumn, but it sure feels wonderful to see the gorgeous colors flashing past the window and to step out of the car and take deep breaths of crisp autumn air. We are heading to a country of different beauties- a thunderstorm rising off the lake as rainy season begins; a banana tree loaded with fruit, but I want to soak in this change of seasons and store it in my memory for days when home seems far away. Nature is not the only place we have seen God’s hand at work on this trip. We are enjoying the beauty of seeing him at work in the lives of Christians around the midwest as we stop at various churches to share our plans to go to Burundi.
Last Sunday we were at Forest Hills Bible Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is obvious that their leadership has, with God’s guidance, done a phenomenal job—Forest Hills is a thriving assembly where young people love to come and older folks feel comfortable and welcome. Everyone has a chance to be involved. We were interviewed in both main services and were able to show our video of Burundi in a Sunday School class as well as at a young adult Bible Study Sunday evening. Those in attendance listened well and asked thoughtful questions, which was a big encouragement to us. We’re looking forward to remaining in contact with them throughout our years in Burundi. They may even send a short term missions team to Burundi. Hooray!
