BACK
I have arrived back in Burundi!!!
Six months ago in Bujumbura, I was wheeled across the tarmac to the airplane. I was unstable. I could barely stand on my own. I was asking many questions at that time and one of them was, “will I be back here again?” My response, “I don’t know.” As I boarded the plane, in that moment, I could not say with 100% certainty that I would get back to Burundi. I did not know what would unfold over the next few months.
But God did a mighty thing. He brought me back! In the physical, I left in a wheelchair and returned on renewed strength. Hallelujah! In the emotional, I experienced His design and His embrace throughout my journey to Kansas and back. Let me explain…
For my departure, I could not navigate air travel on my own power. My shepherds were sent by the Good Shepherd (John 10:14).
My first flight out of Bujumbura, my good friend, Craig, aided me physically and mentally to board the plane.
The flight from Kenya to US, my colleague and friend, Douglas, ushered me along in rarefied air.
The flight from the east coast to Kansas, my dear brother, Bruce (Butoyi), shepherded me across the States to home in Kansas.
For my return, once again He sent more shepherds.
My first flight leaving Kansas, my humble friend, Nasser, was aboard. A calm, inspirational, Jesus-presence after experiencing another round of emotional ‘good-byes’ on the ground.
The final flight back into Bujumbura, my courageous friend, Tom and his wife Michelle, were on-board and accompanied me off the plane onto Burundi soil. Tom was my caregiver at the onset of my illness.
Early, early morning departure 
Courageous Tom 
Notice the wheelchair in the background. Not this time!
From a sliver of doubt as I was wheeled across the tarmac to the anchor of assurance on the final leg; I celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. The symmetry of leaving and returning with faithful friends, riding on the clouds together, has been of great peace to me. It shows me His favor and gives me His peace.
Numbers 6:24 – 26 NLT
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.”
