15 DAYS

Getting Settled

I’ve been in Burundi now for 15 days.  I praise our Everlasting Father for the two families on the ground in Bujumbura for providing me guidance and assistance to get settled. They were hard at work before I landed to secure an “apartment” where I could stay.  I’m blessed to have a space where I can retreat and be comfortable.  The apartment came fully furnished along with pots and pans, silverware, dishes, knives, and some kitchen appliances.  For me to already have some of these major items is very helpful; I don’t have to worry about setting up an entire kitchen and I can add items as I need.

Up to this point I spend most of my time with my teammates (Hiebert and Schulz families).  They have been my guides at the onset.  We’ve shared meals, visited friends, visited the school and clinic in Muramvya, attended a cultural celebration event at one of the churches, run errands in the city (the traffic “rules” are startling), opened a bank account, and set-up my cell phone.  With their help I’ve looked at several options to continue language learning.  I recently met with a French conversation partner and we will look to form a regular schedule.  He is from Burundi and I am hopeful to learn culture and history from him as well as language.

Health

I’ve still got a lingering wispy cough from my flu bug in Europe.  Otherwise, I feel great!!  I’m sleeping peacefully and have energy for the day.  The climate has been temperate with rain showers every other day.  My apartment is breezy which keeps me cool on clear, sunny, warm days.

Spiritual Posture

Two themes have been my focus since I landed; a positive attitude and childlike wonder.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) says, “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” As I try to understand my new surroundings with many, many foreign things I want to be positive in how I respond. I want to avoid negative thoughts and words about how things are done (or not done) here in Burundi.  Things may move slower or less efficient (in my eyes) and I simply want to embrace this way of life.  It doesn’t matter if we do it differently in North America; that’s not where I’m at.  I am mindful of my words and actions and want to look for how God is involved in EVERYthing.

The Gospels overlap several stories of Jesus’ teachings regarding children.  His lessons of humility speak to me here as I daily surrender my independence, knowledge, and pride.  I continuously remind myself, “I’m learning how to walk.  I’m starting over.”  I am truly like a child; I don’t speak well, I don’t know how things work, and I don’t know where things are located.  It is frustrating when I feel like I should be ‘doing something’ but I can’t connect the dots for how to ‘do something.’  I then step back and let God teach me.  I listen for how He might be inviting me to get involved.