Wise as serpents...

Living in Burundi. We are challenged to be wise as serpents, yet harmless as doves... Yesterday we were in the city finishing our paperwork for registration and a thief came and stole our spare tire which was secured by a metal bar. At that point, we got the police and he took us to park at the police station outside the market. As we did this and went a short distance in sight of the car, another man tried to break in to take our bags. I then went to the police station as they brought in many young boys who were standing around our car when the thief stole our tire and I almost wish I hadn't of been there. They took the boys in the back room and began to beat them to try to get some information out of them. I heard crying and hollering and finally they stated that a man cam on a motto and took it leaving quickly... although no one knows him. I insisted that they shouldn't put the young boys in prison as they were only observers, but the head man told me "maybe they will have more to say once they see how serious we are". Not a nice day... although its a reminder once again of where we are. Burundi - a third world country; and just got boosted to the #1 spot as most corrupt country in the East African community bumping Kenya to #2. How we are reminded of this statistic daily. I guess it motivates us to be here and pour into those around us and the children we will be caring for; as God is pouring into us his love and truth. Truly they are the future for Burundi and they can change this country; the future lies in the hands of the children we are working so hard to help be restored and healed from the past circumstances. There is a purpose for us being here, along with all the other people serving in Burundi. In the end... let us be found wise as serpents and harmless as doves. All our love...

P.S. Pictured above is our dear friends who brought us out to an Indian resturant for Isai's Birthday; and Malaki of course. He just got his vaccinations today.. just a bit fussy; it will pass!