Lots of questions are coming at us that I hope to clarify a little. Yes, we are leaving Burundi. Yes, we will be landing in Indiana. Yes, the embassy’s orders did spark this decision, though it is not the only factor for us. No, we do not feel unsafe, nor do we feel threatened or scared. We are making this decision for many reasons and yes, the potential danger for our boys is absolutely a reason.

It is time to go back to the States and work. Part of our roles at World Renewal will be advocates for Burundi. We will be helping Burundians serve their country and their people. We have met many amazing Burundians in our 15 years of service to Burundi and now we will be continuing to work alongside some of those amazing people. What will this look like?

There are a few things we have been working on. First, the orphanage Nezerwa Centre. By God’s grace and His hand there is now running water at the centre, which was life-changing for them! Now we are looking into helping with daily needs such as a bed/mattress for each child. They’re currently sleeping 3 to a bed for the younger children. Also, the director does not know where their next meal will be coming from every day. We would like to help raise funds so that they have better food security. We will continue to serve these precious children of His even across the ocean.

The other initiatives include partnering with a dear friend I met in 2009. He is a Sister Connection orphan who has grown up into a strong, Godly man. He is currently serving in Kenya as a doctor, but his calling is to serve Burundians in Burundi. God has gifted this man so much and we plan on coming alongside him in his medical service to Burundi. Most of the details are still being worked out, but we hope in the next 6 months to have a better plan on some medical missions ideas with him in Burundi!

We may be physically departing this country but ministry to Burundians is only beginning. As we depart we pray and continue speaking the love of Jesus and that they would know Him personally. We pray they also know we love them in such a way that we are servants of the Most High God and He will continue to care for them, love them and provide for them. We will not stop being a conduit of those graces to these people in Burundi.

Our hearts are being ripped out in many ways this week. As we shed tears together with our brothers and sisters and cry on each other’s shoulders at the impending departure, we must look ahead also. The best is yet to come!