Gettin’ It Done!
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 the DRC in the next week or two. In the meanwhile, 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 our village in the DRC before we left:
Summer English Program for the Orphans
We used the local school to provide the older orphans with four-weeks of English teaching/training in July and August
We used role playing to teach English—in this instance they were shopping.
Everyone learned English sewing terms and were taught simple sewing repair skills.
We taught English via a Bible based ESL program featuring the Book of Mark.
We taught through teaching them songs of worship.
I heard beautiful sounds coming from our payot.
The Jesus Film
We rotated through 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.
It sure is nice to have the motorcycle to help us shlep 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
If we weren’t viewed as an anomaly before, we sure are now.
A difference maker.
Using the three-wheel thingy (a “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-wheel thingy…
… so we could take on tasks like this. The three-wheeled thingy gives us the opportunity 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
Bible School
Just before we left, 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, I will have the opportunity to lead a weekly verse-by-verse study through the book of Matthew for another group organized by a 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 many visitors.
Boys will be boys.
Having a wheelie good time.
The girls are singing “The Good Shepherd Leads Us”
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 can chat it up with the mamas as well.
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.
Running Water
This is what I show people if they ask if we have running water.
Somehow!
Michael