2009 was my first trip to Burundi, and I was able to be there for 5 weeks. During those 5 weeks, I became close with 4 others, one American, Stephanie, and 3 Burundian translators. We were all in our 20’s, and we had a blast together. We could only be found together for those 5 weeks. They were really sweet times, with significant memories and friendships forming that are still going today.

On one of our last days together, 4 out of the 5 of us were at Hope Africa University and soaking up every moment we could before our sad goodbye. We went into an empty classroom and sat together at empty desks. We had many conversations during our 5 weeks together, but this one has stayed in my memory forever.

We were talking about dreams. Can you believe it? I was a privileged American who had a college degree, and I can honestly say I didn’t really have dreams. Hopes, yes, a few, but dreams and ambitions, no. Boaz sat next to me at the desk and told us of the time during the war that his family had to flee. He was running with his father, and he heard a voice tell him to take the other path. It didn’t make sense to take the other path, and of course, he would never have left his father, but he obeyed the voice and went the other way. That night, Boaz’s father was killed. He knew it was the voice of God and that God saved him for a purpose, and there was no way he was going to waste the life he had been given.

Sitting there in the warm, empty classroom, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart and mind began to open to the idea of what life I had been given. I couldn’t waste what I’ve been given, how dare I! I had been blessed in order to be a blessing and serve others. Boaz was finishing his bachelor’s degree at the time. He had so many years left of school, medical school, training, and his dream was to be a doctor in Burundi. To serve his own country. He had such a passion and determination that it was palpable that sweaty day in Buja. I had never in my life heard someone speak with such conviction as to what God had called them to, and quite honestly, 20 years later, I don’t know if there has ever been anyone since.

This June, our family has the joy of going back to Burundi on a short trip. The other evening, Josh and I were enjoying our anniversary dinner together, and he asked what I was most excited about going back to Burundi. I told him the story of Boaz sharing his dream in 2009 and how I realized I have the privilege and the honor of being in the country the same week he and his precious family are moving from Kenya to Burundi. It has been more years than he expected; he has worked hard, listened, and obeyed. He has never let his calling to go back to Burundi and be a doctor dissipate despite the setbacks. He has served well in Kenya and learned a ton. Most people who have the opportunities Boaz has had do not choose to return to Burundi, but in obedience, he is going to serve his people and the country he loves. I can not believe I get to be there at the beginning of this new journey for his family to serve in Burundi. I am humbled at the opportunity I had to hear Boaz’s heart in 2009, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to see part of it come to fruition in 2026, God willing.