We are currently “next door” in Bujumbura, Burundi. We needed to deal with visa issues and five of us (Lisa, Bella, Sophia, Aimee, and myself) needed to renew our passports at the US Embassy in Bujumbura. We hope to start making our way back to Minembwe in the next week or two. In the meantime, we will continue to joyfully consume milk, butter, cheese, beef, chicken, fish, Nutella, bread, and fruit. We also are enjoying the ease of flipping a switch to get hot water for washing our dishes and taking a shower, happily washing our clothes in a washing machine, and marveling at having the clothes dry so quickly in the heat. We are also spending much needed time in fellowship with other missionaries/expats and Burundian friends that we have gotten to know over the years.
Here’s what was going on in Minembwe before we left:
Summer English Program for the Orphans
We provided the older orphans with four-weeks of English teaching/training in July and August using…
… role playing (in this instance they were shopping)…
… teaching simple sewing repair skills…
…using a Bible-based ESL program using the Book of Mark…
…and through teaching songs of worship.
<Click image for video> Beautiful sounds coming from our payot.
The Jesus Film
We went on a rotating basis to three different churches this summer using the “Jesus Film for Children” to teach their youth and children.
We were able to show and teach about a third of this version of Jesus Film with each visit.
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Being able to use The Jesus Film for Kids is a unique opportunity for kids to see and hear the gospel, and then they get someone to explain it and answer their questions. By the time we are done with each meeting, you walk away with the feeling that these kids have had an incredible chance to see and hear something they might have never seen and heard before.
It sure is nice to have the motorcycle to help us schlep all the equipment.
Water Filter Distribution
It doesn’t take anything to motivate us to distribute the gift of clean water…
… but these smiles are a nice perk.
The Three-Wheeled Thingy
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If we weren’t viewed as an anomaly before, we sure are now.
<Click image for video> Using the three-wheeled thingy (“MotoGari”), we can now easily/quickly/cheaply gather needed supplies and get things done.
It also made sense to get a welder generator if we were getting a three-wheeled thingy…
… so we could take on tasks like this.
<Click image for video> The three-wheeled thingy gives us the opportunity to take on tasks like this and to meet LOTS of needs throughout the community.
Vocational Training Program
Miles taught another “Small Solar Systems” certification course as part of the local university’s accredited Vocational Training Program.
The students who took this course.
Bible Studies
Just before we left Minembwe, I was asked to lead a two-day seven-hour verse-by-verse study of Colossians for these six pastors attending a Bible School. Within days of our return to Minembwe, I will have the opportunity to lead a weekly verse-by-verse study through the book of Matthew for another group organized by the leader of a local congregation.
Pump Buddies
During the dry season, it is necessary to pump water up to the community holding-tank a minimum of twice a day. While engaged in the pumping process, I’m frequently entertaining early morning guests.
<Click image for video> Boys will be boys.
<Click image for video> Having a wheelie good time.
<Click image for video> The girls are singing “The Good Shepherd Leads Us.”
<Click image for video> Early morning guests.
Gettin’ it Done
Ruthie is always looking to help. If you zoom in, you’ll see that she’s speckled with cement.
Mama Aimee is happy to have a work buddy. Ruthie chats it up with the mamas as well.
<Click image for video> Just before this video, Mama Chance and I were, much to Ruthie’s delight, banking the clothespins off Ruthie’s chest and belly and into the basket.
