2 Weeks in Burundi written by Rich/Papa/Dad

First off, I’m not a blogger or writer, so don’t expect a great blog like Michelle writes and some of you have told me you can hardly wait to open when it arrives. But I did spend two weeks in Burundi with them. It’s probably easier for me to answer questions, so I’ll ask myself questions that I think you might ask if you were talking to me.

Q. Why would you want to travel to one of the world’s poorest countries?

A. My daughter, son-in-law, and three grandsons were there. Ellen and I had met them in Kenya for 10 days in later November and early December. We had a fantastic time, but it did become very evident to me that there were some significant struggles for them. I committed to go visit Burundi in February in order to give the boys something to look forward to and be able to take items to them to provide provisions until they returned to the US in early June.

Q. What did you hope to accomplish while there?

A. Most of all, I just wanted to be a support and encouragement to them. The boys said to me when we were leaving, “You’re the only one who came. When we get home and we’re talking about our experiences, you will be the only one who really knows what we’re talking about.” Of course, I also wanted to minister alongside them, and I wanted to experience life as they were living it. Finally, I wanted to see firsthand in order to help vision what future ministry in Burundi might look like when they returned to the US.

Q. Did you accomplish your goals?

A. Yes, a thousand times over. Since Josh and Michelle felt God leading them to return to the States with me, I was able to spend time with the boys to allow Josh and Michelle time to pray, plan, and pack. We visited the orphanage, Centre Nezerwa. This was the one that God used some of you to provide a well, some of you provided financial assistance which allowed them to buy food, and we delivered the suitcase full of kids supplies that World Renewal so graciously provided on short notice before I left. I was able to join Michelle and Sam, because he loved to join us, in teaching English. I made some lifelong friends! Finally, we were able to visit with 18 unsponsored widows, deliver blankets that you provided, provide a small amount of funding, and pray with and for each family. It was a humbling experience to see their grace and poise. Some of them have been waiting years to get sponsored. Will you consider reaching out to Michelle to facilitate you sponsoring a widow? $40 per month is all it takes!

Q. What was my biggest surprise?

A. I had been to Burundi with Michelle in 2010 and I have been to Brazil and seen unimaginable poverty. Probably the most surprising thing for me was seeing how hard life actually was for my family. I knew it was hard for the Burundians and trust me when I say that my family had it better than the average Burundian, but it still surprised me at how difficult it was. The road between Bujumbura and their home near Gitega is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. They traveled it once or twice a week, sometimes more. Two hours each way if you didn’t hit a delay. Josh did an amazing job of driving a car with the driver sitting on the opposite side of the car, we’re used to. The last four days, we didn’t have water, due to a lack of rain and building activity that used the water before it got to us. No grocery stores, only small markets near them with limited ingredients, everything had to basically be made from scratch. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Josh, Michelle, Josiah, Sam, and Neil. Despite the difficulties, I heard no complaining, even from the boys! However, the house they lived in that Sister Connection built for short-term mission trips participants was amazing.  

Q. What are some personal highlights besides ministry?

A. Playing ball with the boys. We played real games like baseball, football and shot baskets on a basketball goal that Josiah envisioned and built out of what used to be a round wooden chair. We made up games like “sensational catches” and “be ready for anything.” They taught me to play Exploding Kittens. I watched them climb trees and storage containers. I drove a Burundian’s motorcycle down the road until I saw a police roadblock ahead at which time I made a quick U-turn. I’m pretty sure Ellen would be unhappy with me in a Burundian jail for driving without a license. We were able to eat at a couple of the family’s favorite restaurants. We usually watched a movie on their computer before bedtime each evening. Finally, watching Josh drive, amazing!

Q. Would you encourage me to go to Burundi?

A. If you are able to travel, I would encourage you to ask God to lay a ministry and country on your heart. Learn about it, pray for it, and then trust God to provide the resources to go. Burundi is a beautiful country filled with wonderful people. I would certainly encourage you to consider going with Josh and Michelle sometime. Michelle has been in love with the country and people for about 15 years and Josh knew he needed to catch the vision, or he wasn’t going to catch Michelle. He did both! I know they will be returning from time to time, you should join them!