Thurs 3.18

hello, folks! another lovely day in Bujumbura here in beautiful Burundi. exciting times today – Abigail arrived safe & sound from the UK today. she flew in on Kenya airlines, an airlines i hear is often running late – by an hour or more. so, it was a great surprise to find our new friend coming outside with her baggage literally, at the same time as our welcome group was walking inside. awesome.

has been a nice day, of welcoming Abigail here. very excited for a friend who will be with me at Gitega teaching in the school! it has been so encouraging to hear her story of how she has come to Burundi, actually. she heard Simon Guillebaud (http://www.greatlakesoutreach.org/) speak in the UK at a huge conference about Burundi, when she was 12 or 13. she told her mom after that, that she would one day live and work in Burundi. so, what an incredible time for her to be arriving for the first time! God, we are thankful for the vision you have given this friend for the country of Burundi! one of the most amazing things for me since coming, has been to hear the stories and testimonies of others who have come to Burundi – & of how God has worked in their lives to bring them here. this is but one of them…

also, quickly – attended the Young Leaders meeting held on Thursday nights. it’s the gathering of university students who lead small groups, to come together for community and worship and teaching. amazing group of people really. great lesson taught on mentorship tonight – as modeled by Elijah (sp) in Kings, and Paul in Timothy. it is a topic i have had play on “repeat” for me over the past few months – like, everywhere I go it seems – it comes up in conversation or other. really a topic growing closer and closer to my heart every day. can you name the top 5 people who have been mentors to you? how about, how your life would have been different without them – these people who have loved you, known you, and spoken truth and encouragement into you life?

… a teacher’s saying to students: “I teach you with this in mind – I want you to be better than me one day.”

only in Burundi…

okay, I have just learned more about the crocodile in Lake Tanganyika – I thought people were only kidding about it before! if interested, check out the movie, “Prime Evil,” all about the croc who is said to have eaten some 400 people in the lake… well, that’s probably an exaggeration (maybe?). but still, apparently this croc is legend around here, and no one knows exactly where he is in the lake now…

Kirundi:

mraktse – thank you!

prayers for…

YFC young leaders – may they have mentors, and hear God speak to them on who they may mentor to also.

continued peace in Burundi as presidential elections near.