Moments to remember...

Last week, we welcomed some dear friends to Burundi for just under 2 days and yet filled with so many moments to remember. Mike and Dollea (bottom picture) were so encouraging to have with us, the words they spoke impacted our hearts and brought us smiles and joy. Dollea, 51 years ago - this month left Burundi with her family who had been serving as missionaries up country in mountaineous Gitega for 4 years. She had always dreamed to come back, and somehow - by the grace of God we were able to find the missionary school deep into the mountain where she lived and studied. We sat with anticipation as we listened to her stories of what Burundi, not to far from our house was like (50 years ago). Hay huts, one way dirt roads (often washed out, having to wait months to travel to the city for supplies), simple people with a simply beautiful love. I stood in awe as she still maintained quite a bit of Kirundi... the kids and staff loved it (of course wondering how she could know such a vocabulary). It was a wirlwind of a time, trying to cram everything into just under 2 days; yet, unforgetable.

.

This month, is a tough month - no question. Our good friends Tom and Jana (2nd to bottom picture) are leaving Burundi and transitioning into their next steps of life; really, they have such profound and loving hearts - it has surely ministered to ours. Our family, away from family (Sam, Sabine, Noamie and Lia) are heading back to Germany for a year at the end of the week. Honestly, we can't imagine life without them here. They have been here right by our side, day in day out from the start... and to have that in a foriegn country can be somewhat rare at times. Isai and I are both at a loss for words... but the Lord knows...

.

In April, we are welcoming a couple who is coming for 3 months + to help us in building "The Village of Jeremiah". Handy work and practical hands on help, just what we have been praying for! We are excited to get to know them better and to see all that God has in store. Malaki is talking up a storm... speaking so much kirundi, I tell you one day he might be able to translate fluently from Kirundi to English! There have been moments, after moments that have been molding, transforming, enjoyable and challenging all together; we are so blessed to experience it together, as a family. Burundi life, and the moments we hope to never forget. All our love...