So much has happened that it feels like we've been here much longer
than a week. We really hit the ground running even though the Bible
School isn't in session right now and we haven't started the youth
group yet. I've re-learned all my Kirundi greetings, as we've had
visitors upon visitors--many old friends and new friends who have come
to welcome us or to ask for our help. There were a few days with
about twenty visitors-- today we had 11-- that seems to be about the
norm. Each comes in for at least an hour long chat (thankfully some
of them come together :) and usually a cup of tea. This is going to
be a huge part of our ministry. Sunday morning a lady came by who had
not eaten in four days. We were able to feed her and give her some
money as well. Another visitor told us that his aunt's entire family
(5 people) were killed in the hills about an hour from here only two
days ago. We were sad to hear that even though the war is officially
over, the one rebel group that has not signed the treaty is still
choosing to kill innocent people as way of making its presence known.
Many others have come for happier reasons-- just to welcome us, meet
Zach, and see Luke's wedding pictures.
We had a formal welcome lunch with the elders here and will meet with
some of them individually next week to discuss their vision of what
the youth group will look like in practicality. Jesse was asked on
Saturday to give the main message in church Sunday morning, so he
stayed up until three am preparing. Praise the Lord it went well
despite the late notice-- God brought a topic to mind right away, a
Burundian friend was able to stay late into the evening to help him
with the Kirundi (regular speech is one thing- a sermon is a little
harder), and we were able to remember a great story for him to start
with. He spoke on relying on God alone (Isaiah 30). Unfortunately I
missed most of the actual delivery of the sermon since Zach was fussy
and I was outside with him-- the heat in the church building as it
approaches noon is just too much for him.
Speaking of Zach, he is sleeping a bit better now- when he does wake
up he doesn't want to play, just to be comforted. He is fussy in the
middle of the day when it is hot but seems to enjoy the evenings and
mornings. It is rainy season, so the heat often is worst just before
the daily storm breaks. During that time of high heat and humidity
Zach likes it best when we can find a minute to take a mat outside in
the back and let him play on it in just his diaper. As the rain gets
closer the wind picks up and he loves the breeze. When the rain
starts we pull the mat onto the porch when the rain starts and he's
fascinated by the downpour. His appetite is still less than what it
was in the US, but I expect that will take awhile-- the heat plays a
part and of course the types of foods are different. I froze some
bananas last week and he has enjoyed the small pieces I break off for
him. He is crawling everywhere now and still smiling at everyone.
He's a big hit.
Most of the rest of our time has been spent trying to make the duplex
apartment we are in livable (it has been uninhabited for four years
and that means tons of dust, bugs, rat droppings, etc...) My first
new Kirundi word was "chafu"- DIRTY! I was supposed to have my first
official Kirundi lesson today, but my tutor got sick, so Jesse helped
me do a little lesson on our own. It's such a hard language-- I am
really overwhelmed.
We will have to start work later this week on getting permanent visas.
The Burundian embassy in the US only gives 1 month tourist visas, so
we will need to first buy a second tourist visa and then apply for a
permanent two-three year visa. The application entails turning in a
resumee, all of our diplomas, a letter from the church saying we're
needed, etc... There's a funny paradox at work-- since everything in
Africa goes pole pole (slowly slowly) it seems we have to work twice
as fast ourselves if we are going to accomplish anything in a timely
fashion.
We can't thank you enough for your prayers. We really need wisdom in
how to spend each day and comfort and peace as we adjust. Love you
all, Joy
