Rachel in Burundi

Silence

2012-02-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been so silent lately. It is the transition phase of my journey and internet is far. So I have not been good at communicating with you.
Things are much better now. Those first few weeks were tough with illness, worms, lack of sleep and new job. But thanks be to God who carried me through and brought good friends around me during this time.
Monday I will be traveling to Kenya with the Mother and Sammy to see the children who are in boarding school. While there I hope to visit some special education schools in Nairobi to add to my research.
I hope to write again before I travel but if not please pray for me as we will travel via bus (a two day trip on a grey hound type bus) up and down bumpy and winding roads. Pray for safety and sound minds as this will be the Mother and Sammy's first time on the bus.
Miss you guys
Rachel

Day 1 of First Grade?

2012-01-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm in first grade again. Today we added numbers to make 10 and spelled bed and pot.
I am helping out in a class with Sammy. It is a much better fit for him, he's a social boy.
I really enjoy the teacher too. She is having me teach a math lesson tomorrow. Human Number Line, it should be good!

Thanks for your prayers. Keep them up!!!

And enjoy the snow for me if you are near it

The Opportunity to Go to School

2012-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

I have not seen a boy so excited in his life. Sammy’s joy is overwhelming. I asked him yesterday if he was happy about starting school with me. A grin filled his face and an emphatic nod moved his head up and down. Anyone could tell he was excited.
Every day for the last few months Sammy has seen his brothers and sisters go off to school. And every day Sammy is reminded that he is different. Sammy doesn’t get to go to school. It breaks my heart to think that this boy desires so much to learn, yet in Burundi there is no opportunity for him to attend school. Sammy is one of the many students who have fallen through the cracks. If Sammy’s disability was greater he would at least be able to attend the only center in the entire country that serves people with severe disabilities. But Sammy is too smart for that. His needs would not be served. If Sammy was higher functioning he could attend one of the schools run by internationals such as the British or Belgium schools which focus on individual performance and education. But Sammy is stuck in the middle. He is lacking access to education yet with my coming to Burundi Sammy now has a teacher. Sammy also has an opportunity, just like his siblings, to attend school.
Starting tomorrow I will teach my first day of school and Sammy will attend his first class.
Thank you to those who have given finances, prayed for, and supported me in coming to Burundi so that Sammy, and soon others like him will be able to attend school.

Just 5 Minutes

2012-01-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

4pm and I’m exhausted! I the kids are going on a walk and I am to join them in just a few minutes. I have to lie down and rest for just 5 minutes I tell myself. I crawled into bed. I closed my eyes, it felt so nice. My pillow was hard but it was supporting my very heavy head. “Get your shoes on, we are going”. I hear from the other room. The children were moving around. I still had time. I didn’t want to waste this precious time before the walk.
I woke up. The house was quiet, then an explosion of noise, as only five children all under ten years of age could create. They are back from their walk was all I could think as sleep once again claimed my consciousness.
Once again I was awaken by an explosion of noise, this time it was tears. The mother inside of me was concerned and so I listened. Apparently their mother was going to a friend’s house and they wanted to join. These tears and cried were not enough to move me from the bed until my arm started to hurt. I felt the area, oh how it itched. So I scratched it. Defiantly a mosquito. The sun had gone down and it was now dark. At 4pm when I laid down for my 5 min rest I didn’t need a mosquito net. But now that it was 6:30pm I was going to be eaten alive if I didn’t get up. By now the children were calmed by their father and my eyes were still tired. But the threat of more mosquito bites brought me out of my 2 ½ hour “5 minute” nap.

Buja Here We Come

2012-01-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be heading back to Burundi, yet not so excited to be waiting in yet another airport. But by Wed at 2pm we will be (hopefully) to the Bujumbura airport!
Thank you for your prayers

Q & A Update

2012-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

Where are you going? Burundi, Africa
Who asked you to go? Ken & Melli Johnson (career missionaries in Burundi)
Where will you stay? Johnson’s home guest apartment in Bujumbura, Burundi (south side of town this time)
When are you going? January 9, 2012
How long are you staying? 1 year commitment
What will you do there? I’ve been asked to homeschool/tutor a Burundian boy with moderate mental retardation in the mornings and help to set up a special education tutoring center and school for children with learning disabilities who need extra help to stay in school.
How can I support you?
Prayer, emails, comments on my blog all help to remind me that people are helping me through on those tough days.
Finances are also needed. I will be staying at the Johnson’s for free but will not be paid for my work so I am relying on sponsors to assist in finances. $20,000 is what is needed for the year. I’m at $4,000 as of Christmas.
Giving sent to:
Living Hope Church
PO Box 1726
Westport, WA 98595
check memo line: Rachel in Burundi

Clam Digging, Wedding, Lightsaber Battle

2011-12-23T06:48:00.001-08:00

On Our Way for Christmas

2011-12-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

Travel Buddies :)

In the US (stories to come)

2011-12-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry lack of internet left you without stories about Graduation, plans, photos, and travels.

Currently in Washington DC waiting for the next flight to NC then off to SeaTac :)

Nice to have electricity, internet and running water. We are truly blessed here!!!

Time Well Spent

2011-12-15T01:34:00.000-08:00

Lambert (one of my previous students studying special education) was 2nd place winners of an English speech contest organized for all university students in Burundi
"he gave such a touching speech about how he has always wanted to be a teacher" was said of someone who watched the ceremony.

I'm happy to hear that my students are pushing themselves to continue to do great things. Last night Lambert and I had an hour long conversation about his speech. He spent much time praising me for the courage I gave him in his studies.

I'm glad that God has a special plan for each of my students and that he isn't done working yet!

My New Student

2011-12-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

Packing Up Today

2011-12-14T00:12:00.001-08:00

Today I am moving my things to the Johnson's house to keep until I return to Burundi. It's sad having to pack up my things but I know that my next home will become just as this one was, a true home. (It's just across town that I'm going to but it seems much farther)

Starting in January I will be living with Ken and Melli Johnson. In the morning I will be homeschooling their son who has disabilities (photo above). In the afternoon I will work with her on beginning a special education school and tutoring center. (Very exciting to still be working on the same task, just with a different organization).

If you haven't heard I will be home for Christmas and New Years. (Christmas cookies might help my sappy sad attitude that I have today)

Saturday

2011-12-12T00:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a rundown on my Saturday. It was just so typical that I have to share.
I had two meetings planned for the day one at 10 and the other at 11.
I woke up to a text message reading "Morning rachel how was the night for us it was wonderful i'm down here i think we can meet be blessed"
Just having woken up I put the phone down, put my head back on my pillow and gave out a sigh. Welcome to Buja Rachel I told myself. I sent a reply and informed him I would be ready in 45min, which was still hours before his planned meeting time of 11.
Getting out of the shower I heard footsteps. The bathroom and shower I am using is across the hall from my room (think dorm room style living). I quickly dried off and wrapped my wrap around me as modest as possible and put my towel around my shoulders. I was completely covered neck to mid calf!
My 10am meeting was the one now hovering around my door. (mind you it's not even 9am yet) "I'm not ready yet Papa", I said, "I will meet with you at ten" holding up my hands to help demonstrate my point. "Oh!" he said.
The new first meeting time arrived and I met with the student. He is a sweet man from Rwanda. He wanted to see how I was and how I am progressing with the special education school. He also wanted to tell me about the work his uncle is doing in Congo to support woman's rights. He is looking for sponsors to help put on seminars on how to change how women are treated in Congo. (If you are interested please let me know, this is a good cause)
Ten o clock came and I was waiting for the pastor. He bugged me all year last time I was here about teaching him English. I wasn't brave enough to attempt at that time but since he was so persistent in a pleasant way I agreed. I made him tell me in English
about King David. It was so great!!!
Now the official business of the day was finished...so I thought.
I was requested to join a meeting of 4 students over lunch. These 4 students are passionate about starting a forum where people can share ideas and discuss important matters in a safe environment while improving their english public speaking skills. It was nice to be invited and participate in such a meeting.
Then I tried to take a nap. But got up after a short time and had some hot chocolate.
Oh the life...never a dull moment. Always important things to do.

Loosing her cool

2011-12-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

It has long been a goal of mine to blend into the city here. I stand out enough with my white skin, blue eyes, and long brown hair. I take every advantage to dress and act like those around me. Often I find people complaining to the bus drivers and money collectors on the bus for this reason or that; most of the time I don’t know what the problem seems to be or don’t want to make a scene so my concern goes unmentioned.
Walking up to the bus I should have known there was something wrong. My regular bus stop the busses come almost full (full being 30+ passengers) yet this one had only 7 passengers. I was in a hurry to get to town so boarded. It wasn’t 30second before I noticed the problem. The bus almost tossed me out of my seat tipping right and left. I looked at the girl sitting next to me and she gave me an understanding smile. I felt as if I was in a cartoon car with wheels that were about to fall off. I began to pray that the wheel wouldn’t fall off but then decided because the likely hood of it falling off was so great that I prayed that the driver would keep his speed slow enough so that when the wheel did come off we wouldn’t crash too badly. We passed by other busses and passengers on our way to town. It got to a point that I almost paid to get off and board another bus but I didn’t. Once we got going the wheels seemed to straighten out and the ride was smoother the driver and money collector began to argue. I believe that the driver was trying to tell the money collector how to gather passengers and the money collector was complaining to the driver about his driving. This went on for about 15min as we slowly made our way to town.
I was so fed up with the lack of concern for the passengers within their care that as I exited I summoned my best Kirundi and finger wag and said, “motocar nziza, OYA!” (translation: the bus is good, NO!) and walked away.

That Crazy White Girl

2011-12-10T08:46:00.002-08:00

I’m impressed at the amount of Kirundi I had stored in my brain. A month ago if you asked me to speak Kirundi I would have clamed up and not said a word. Yet now being around it all the time I’m back having conversations with people as I pass by or informing people where to meet me, or listening in to conversations about me on the bus :) that crazy white girl.

Internet !!!

2011-12-10T08:46:00.001-08:00

Please forgive me for a lack of communication this week. This is rainy season and as some of you know when the rain falls the text messages, phone calls, power and internet seem to have much trouble working.
This week has been a whirlwind of remembering language, culture and getting things accomplished.
This morning I was woken up by a text message from a student who had an 11am meeting with me. His text read that he was now ready to meet. I, still being in bed, was not ready. I gave myself 45min to prepare for his meeting. As I was drying off in the shower I heard footsteps outside my door. On my way across the hall to my room the student who I had scheduled for a 10am meeting was standing there. I said, “Papa, I’m not ready yet, 10 is your meet time”. This was all before 9am!

Tutoring Center Proposal Submitted

2011-12-07T06:13:00.001-08:00

Last time I was in Burundi it took the whole year to submit a proposal for a special education school. I haven’t been in country for a week and I’ve already submitted a proposal for a tutoring center for children with learning disabilities!
I wonder what God is up to in all of this.

New Room Again

2011-12-07T06:10:00.001-08:00

So the first night, Sunday, I spent at Theogene’s. Night 2 & 3 was in a room without a way to cook. Now for today’s sleep, night 4 I am in a room with a kitchen :) So nice to now be able to go to the market and get food to cook.

Hundreds of Handshakes

2011-12-07T06:09:00.002-08:00

I’m amazed at how many people I know here. Students, faculty and staff have been so welcoming to me. My good friends that I didn’t inform I was coming are all doing a double take. On friend said, “Can I pinch you to make sure you are real? It’s like I’m Thomas and need to feel the scars on Jesus to prove it’s him.”
The students of mine who I’ve been able to greet have been so happy! Joy surged through Jackson’s body when I told him, who is in his mid 50s, that I was here to watch him graduate. That right there was worth the 36hour flight!

Day 1 and so much to do

2011-12-07T06:09:00.001-08:00

First day in Buja and I’m already to work. Exchanged money, wondered in town, updated blog and emailed parents, then called a friend. Melli Johnson is a resident of Burundi with her husband and children. Soon I was in her living room talking about the future and enjoying lasagna for lunch! After a cup of tea we decided that tomorrow would be another lunch date and planning. God is up to something fun!!!
Dinner was enjoyed with students in the cafeteria. Nothing like rice, beans, and lingalinga (think cooked spinach) to remind me why I love Buja! (no sarcasms there, I really love the cafeteria food here and for 80 cents a plate how can you not!)

Back home with no where to rest my head

2011-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

I don’t feel like I left. Driving back from the airport seemed so normal.
On arrival to campus everyone hopped out of the cars and then we realized no one knew where I was staying. We called a few school administrators but no one seemed to know I was there or in need of assistance. Luckily one of my very good friends invited me to stay at his place with his wife and 2 children. His wife and I have done cooking together and thy have invited me for dinner so many times. They are such a blessing!!!

Airport After Airport

2011-12-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how 36hours, 6 airports, 4 planes and a total of 5 hours of broken sleep will affect your body!
But nothing compares to the joy that comes when you see face after face of friends waiting for you on the other side of the glass while waiting for customs.
There were 3 car loads of people and 1 bouquet of roses waiting for me at the airport.
It’s so good to be back!

Work Going Away Party

2011-12-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Staff meetings at work can easily double as a going away party if Jean brings an Africa shaped rice krispy treat!!!

Like I never left

2011-12-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how I feel being in Burundi. It's like I never left.
I was greeted at the airport by 15 friends!!! And a bouquet of roses :)
My housing wasn't settled when I arrived (apparently communication about my arrival didn't happen so there was no place prepared for me with the one responsible for my housing off on a trip). So I stayed at a friend's house. It's good to have friends :)

Battery is low and forgot the adapter for the power in my suitcase so I must leave you now. But wanted to let everyone know I'm doing well and loving life in Buja :)

Stories later :)

Yes I'm all smiles :)

Leaving

2011-12-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

So I'm just about to walk out the door (after I pack this computer up) to head to the airport.
I will update the blog as soon as I get to some internet.
Blessings
Rachel

Travel Plans

2011-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm flying away in less than 18 hours!!!
For all of you that would like to know where in the world I am at certain times...this is for you.

I'll Be Home For Christmas!

2011-11-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's official I'm coming home for Christmas, if God wishes (as they say in Burundi).
I fly to Burundi Friday at 1:30pm (like in 2 days)
I will then fly back to the states for Christmas arriving on Dec 19th.
(for those of you who have been waiting to meet Isaac, he will be joining me for Christmas, this is why I am returning after such a short time in Burundi)
The plan is then to return to Burundi Jan 7 but the ticket hasn't been purchased yet. I need to make sure finances, specific job, and housing is all lined up (this I hope to secure while in Burundi before graduation of my students)

I know that many of you wish that you knew what my plans were, what I was doing and where I will do it. But the truth is, I don't know myself. This is like moving to Texas and finding a job, it just happens to be moving to a city in Burundi and not in the US. The Lord has given me a passion for people with disabilities and the need is so great in Burundi that I can't sit here hoping someone will email me and request my assistance. I'm going there and will job hunt. I've prayerfully considered this step and I believe it is from the Lord (my parents do too). We (my parents and I) are stepping out on faith that the Lord is going to do big things, and we want to be ready for the work he has prepared for me to do.

Leaving soon!!!

2011-11-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

It has been a whirlwind of emotions, lack of sleep because of excitement, nervous wreck, and big decision making.
I'm sure things will not settle down until I'm in that plane on Friday and can't do anything about anything for 36 hours as I fly over land and sea and wait in airport after airport. My flight leave Friday afternoon but doesn't arrive until Sunday afternoon in Burundi. But I don't care, it will get me there :)

New Prayer Card

2011-11-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

Mail

2011-11-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Up to my elbows in letters, envelops, and addresses.

Fundraising Begins

2011-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in helping financially with this adventure you can send funding to:

Living Hope Church
PO Box 1726
Westport, WA 98595

check memo line: Rachel in Burundi

The goal is $20,000.
This is $5,000 less than last year. Now I know some tricks to saving money while living in East Africa.
Funding will help pay for: $90/month visa fee, travel expenses, ministry expenses, living expenses.

Strike While the Iron's Hot

2011-11-15T13:28:00.001-08:00

Things are moving so fast over here!
So I got an email yesterday from the travel agent saying that she wasn't able to purchase the ticket on Friday because of the holiday. She looked at the price on Monday and the tickets had jumped $500!!! She asked if we could hold off in hopes that the price would go down. I agreed.
Today she emailed me with good new! Not only did she get the ticket but the price went down and it was back to the original price!!!
Then as I was preparing other things for this trip I called the Burundi Embassy in Washington DC to find out if they got my paperwork for a visa and see about any problems that there might be. The woman informed me that she was currently putting my passport, complete with visa to Burundi in the mail!
How does this happen?

In the process of the weekend I also was able to get a church who could manage my account while I am in Burundi!

I guess the phrase, "strike while the iron's hot" applies here :)

God is good!!!

The Ball is Rolling!!!

2011-11-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

I JUST BOUGHT A PLANE TICKET TO BURUNDI!!!!

That's right. Things have been moving so fast the last two days I haven't had time to update you on things. sorry

Here are the highlights:

Dad gave the ok to start fundraising

Received an invitation letter for a trip to Burundi in December from the president of HAU to go for graduation (Dec 16 is graduation of the students I taught)

Received positive conversation about a new church who is willing to manage my finances and take care of sponsors while I'm gone

Purchased a plane ticket for Dec 2-Dec 19 (return date pending on circumstances)

Plan to sure up plans for a Jan return to Burundi

Timing

2011-10-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

I told you I would inform you either way. Well this last opportunity has closed. The explanation for the denial was timing.
Through the tears I choose to say that God is great and worthy of following. So I choose, even though it is hard to continue after so many closed door, I choose to praise him for his perfect timing.
To God be the glory!

The Wind is Blowing

2011-10-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

When the wind begins to blow you can see the leaves in the trees and tall grass start to sway.
I am starting to see the effects of the wind blowing in my life.
Nothing is official yet, but things are starting to move.
Please pray for the doors that seem cracked open to swing wide!
Possibilities are presenting themselves and things are moving quickly. Yet I am moving forward with caution since the last 8 months have been filled with possibilities that have been dashed to the rocks and I was left in a state of sorrow. Caution is how I am proceeding towards this opportunity.
I'm not content with a good opportunity, I want the Lord's will! I want to be sure he is orchestrating all of this.
For now please keep plan me and making in your prayers.

I will give more details when things seem more official in the positive or negative (I'll let you know either way)

Friends Far Away

2011-09-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

A friend from Burundi wrote me an email today.

"what is keeping you from coming? We will invade your country and pick you! Ha..ha!"

My response to him. "Oh Herve, If I saw you running at me looking as if you were going to kidnap me I would be so happy!!!"

Peace

2011-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how someone can speak into another person's life only sharing their own experiences. I was given a DVD of a talk Phil Vischer did back in 2007. He spoke of how God gave him this dream of Veggie Tales and then ripped it from him. I find myself in a similar situation. I had all this time and effort put into starting something with special education in Burundi and then wham I'm not allowed to return.In talking with my dad I realized that I needed to allow myself to be content with the work I had done. I thought that all my time and efforts were wasted. My dad quickly pointed out that the ten students I taught for a year would strongly disagree and he would too. Perhaps teaching at Hope was only intended for a season that has now closed. The proposal I wrote for an education facility for those with disabilities still sits in the office of president of the university, my students did learn something (I tested them to make sure) and those around me while living there made a difference on me. My time was not wasted. I committed to serve a year and I did just that.
With this new vantage point my heart is at peace and I can move on. On to what, I don't know. I'm convinced that God is more concerned in who I am then what I do. So I am taking time to focus on just that, being who he created me to be. The bible says that God created good works for me to do before I was even born. So instead of searching for something to now I am now going to wait for those good works to come up and step into them with joy.

This doesn't take away from the ache in my heart when I receive an email from students and friends at Hope Africa University. Jean Pierre writes, "Think you my professor, I am at the end to finish my study, who are you now we wait you" Translation: Thank you my professor, I am about to finish my studies. Where are you now? We are waiting for you."

Excuses

2011-09-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

Why is it that everyone I talk to seems to have an excuse of why I can't serve?

You don't have your master's degree.
You're single.
You're young.
You don't have enough experience.
You're a girl.

and my least favorite
This is what happened to me when I was your age, you'll make it through.

When did this become about me and my abilities? I thought that serving the Lord was about Him.

And to address the last excuse just because people treated you badly and you happened to learn and grow in spite of it doesn't mean that people should treat other people the same way. What happened to learning from history and not making the same mistakes?

I don't want excuses. If you don't want me to serve just tell me no and take responsibility for your denial of me. Don't just make excuses.

What's going on?

2011-08-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have no idea!
I'm currently learning to wait and chase down rabbit holes to come up empty handed.
For the last 6 months I have applied to countless schools and organizations internationally desiring to get back to East Africa. All with no return. I have attempted to apply for graduate school at various locations all with dead ends. My job at the aquarium is coming to a close with the summer season ending and I'm looking for an open door or even an open window to climb through.
Thank you so much for continuing to pray for me as God takes me through a process of waiting. I've been telling people that going back to Africa is the goal but there aren't currently any plans. Just waiting.
Thank you for caring about me and continuing to support me through this transition and waiting time.

No Master's Degree for Now

2011-07-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

So I received an email from the university I applied for and they said that they will no longer be accepting applications. And my application is not complete yet.
The test (GRE, like the SAT but for grad school) I took, was scored and results were sent to the university a month ago. Then I waited for the school to tell me that they had received the scores. I contacted them this Monday and they informed me that the scores did not arrive. The testing company was very kind and resent the scores to the university for no charge. They said that they should arrive by Friday. I received the denial email on Wednesday.
All this to say I tried to apply for a master's degree program and I didn't get it.
Now I'm continuing to apply for jobs and other positions in and around East Africa.
I continue to strive towards this because I, along with my parents and others in my life, believe that that is where I belong.
My heart still aches for those who have been put off by their families because of their disability, the little boy who was beat with a rope in the public market by his caregiver, and the countless others who are capable to attend school but need better trained teachers to help them learn.
I will not give up this easily. I will continue to fight to support those with disabilities in East Africa.

Want to Hear in Person?

2011-07-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

You're Invited!!!

2 opportunities:

Sunday, July 31, 2011 At 2pm
Faith Church
25636 140th St SE
Kent, WA 98042

&

Thursday August 11, 2011 At 5pm
In Lacey, WA
call me or comment for directions

Your invited to come and hear stories and ask questions about my time in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, DRC (Congo) and about getting kicked out of Egypt.

GRE Complete

2011-06-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've done my part, now it's up to the university to decide.
My scores aren't as high as the school's average but I'm a whole person not just a number from a score.
Please pray that God would direct the university administration to the right decision for my life, whether that is attending there or finding something else.
God is good and there is no denying that :)

Dreams, Grad School?

2011-06-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

So this story has changed so many times and I'm convinced will continue to change. It all started back when I was 6 years old. I wanted to be a ballet teacher. So mom signed me up for dance. I took ballet for 30min and tap for 30min. After four years I had to pick. Was it to be tap or ballet for a whole hour? With ballet my arms got tired of being held up in funny shapes, and my toes were tired of pointing. The choice was clear; tap it was. I said goodbye to a very real dream of being a ballet teacher.
When I was 15 years old I decided I wanted to be a special education teacher. (are we sensing a theme here, teaching) I spent all Jr High and High School deciding which grade level I would teach. I worked in all the age groups. High school was my favorite without a doubt. There is so much to learn about life as a high school-er. I had a vision of starting a general ed leadership through service class. The students from general ed would learn about what it is to be a leader and then practically use their knowledge by serving their peers in the special education department. That all changed when I was given yet another choice. This one had a greater effect on my life then ballet vs tap. Would I be willing to move for a year to Burundi, Africa.
After a month of living in Burundi I realized that my heart was there. I wanted to see life for those who had no voice, were forced to beg on the streets, hid in their homes, and who society did not have resources or knowledge to deal with. I wanted to see nationals empowered to make a difference in their own country. I wanted to be the catalyst that pushed them on to great things; knowing that I, as an outsider, could never make an impact that was culturally relevant as well as they could for their neighbors.
But just like before my dreams were halted and options were presented. Now I'm faced with a choice. Do I write off my dream or do I allow it to be changed to something greater?
Currently I'm faced with the fact that the main platform to share concepts of special education in East Africa is in a university setting. This would require a master's level degree. I could work for another special education organization, which there are very few world wide. But I've contacted lots of them and they currently are not in need of me.
The other option I have is to give up on Africa and focus again on the dream I had 3 short years ago, but I don't think that's a wise choice. Every time in my life I'm faced with a choice and I take an opportunity I learn more about who I am and what I do best; what I was made for. I get closer and closer to a dream that I didn't know I could dream about.
So I'm going to chase this one. I've applied to the Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania. They have a program that looks tailor made for my dream. It's called the International Educational Development Program. It takes only a year if I go full time. And bonus, summer semester is spent abroad. Which means I could be back in Africa (no guarantee on location) as soon as next June.
The next step is Tuesday 6/21/11 taking the GRE (it's like the SAT test for Master's programs). Please pray for me as I'm starting it at 3pm and it goes until 9:30pm. I'm not a night person but that was the only time available.
Once the school knows my scores they will let me know if I'm invited to attend there.
I believe this is a step in the right direction towards my dream.

Heart Change

2011-06-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how different things look when you look at them from a different angle. Perhaps the extra time I'm here is just more time to prepare for my return. Hmmm
I'm starting a to do list and beginning to use my time more wisely.

Anyone know where I can learn the basics on blind education or physical therapy? I also want to learn how to ride a motorcycle.

Just some things that could come in handy in the future :)

My population

2011-05-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

So I've been frustrated working at the aquarium because I'm not really doing anything that is challenging or really in my interest area.
But today I had a meeting with a mom. Her son is coming to camp this summer at the aquarium and he has disabilities. I've been assigned to be his buddy during camp and make sure that camp runs smoothly for him and for the rest of the camp. So my boss thought it would be good for me to meet with the mom before so I can find out how best to get ready for camp. Well I didn't think this was necessary but went with it. It was awesome. The mom was almost in tears when I walked in. She has lived in many different places around the world and in America but had never had people so welcoming and accommodating of her son because of his special needs.
It was so great to hear her talk about her son and his strengths and challenges. He sounds like a great kid. I was so excited to hear about this kid that I get to spend a week with this summer.
As I was saying good bye to the mom my eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar person. It was my class; the students I taught before I left for Africa. The whole class was there, teachers, aids, and all. I was shocked. It was so great to see them.

Now I know why I'm frustrated with work, it's not the place or the job; it's me. I wasn't made to work with fish or children or programs. I was made to work with people with disabilities. I find no greater joy then spending time with, teaching, and getting to know people with disabilities. It's where I belong.

I want to be part of people's lives who have disabilities. It doesn't matter where I am or who I work for, as long as I've got people with disabilities in my focus I'll be a happy girl.

Maybe the story really isn’t finished yet

2011-03-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

March 2 I received some devastating news. I would not be allowed to return to Burundi to serve for two more years as decided 3 months earlier. I was shocked. I didn’t understand what was happening and I felt betrayed. I didn’t write it on my blog or tell many people because my wish was that it would reverse itself and things would got back to the way they were. After much counsel I realize that things will not go back. I thought the story of my service in Burundi was done but after a conversation with my friend Isaac things cleared up. Isaac is deep in the middle of Burundi serving at a hospital. He has a cell phone that sometimes works and internet service is in the nearest large city about an hour drive away. Sitting at my dinning room table I was able to call him through skype on his cell phone. Now the connection wasn’t the greatest and it did cut out half way through but after I had a thought, maybe my service in Burundi really isn’t done. If technology can allow me to reach into the heart of Burundi from my dinning room in Kent maybe my service can too.

Perhaps God has changed my plan of serving Burundi while living there to serving Burundi while living here. Just because I’m far doesn’t mean I can’t help a country and people I’ve come to love.

I am once again excited to see what God is going to do for the children and adults in Burundi with disabilities through my willingness to serve, no matter how uncomfortable.

Not Returning to Burundi

2011-03-15T09:20:00.001-07:00

I'm sad to report that I will not be able to return to Burundi in September.
Everything was on schedule for my return in September but I was notified last week that the lack of a master's degree will prevent me from continuing my teaching at the university.

I would like to thank you, who are in the States for supporting me as I prepared to go, while I was there and in my return. I would like to thank the people who are in Burundi and around Africa who supported me while there and for the new friendships I have with you.
There are two reasons why I am sad that I will not return to Burundi. 1. I don't get to help my students in the Special Education department understand the importance of teaching, caring for and loving a person with a disability. 2. I made such great friends at HAU and around Burundi and will miss them very much
Thank you again all of you who kept me in your prayers during this stretching yet rewarding year.

I will keep this blog going for anyone that wants to follow, but specifically for my friends in Burundi so they can keep up with my life for free instead of expensive phone calls :)

Vacation North West Coast

2011-03-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm currently on a road trip with my parents. We left Kent Washington stopping along the way down the Pacific ocean coast. I have never been to most of the places we are traveling. It's so much fun to see new places and experience them with my parents.

Stopped at the Oregon Aquarium.

Yes those are piranhas.

It was a little windy there when earthquake from Japan caused a tsunami on the coast of Oregon.

The sun came out...we must be in California now :)

Exit Report

2011-03-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been spending time talking to people and reflecting on my time in Africa. I was thinking that I should put some of these thoughts on for you guys to read :)
Here is a report I wrote to one of my sending organizations.

Hope Africa University

Teaching Assignment: Rachel Jacobs
Special Education Department rej85@spu.edu

One thing I love about being back in the states is being able to share the story. I have had great talks with family and friends about my time at Hope Africa University. When asked, "What's your favorite part about your year?" I tell people, "grading papers". They laugh but it's true. That was a time when I got to read my students' thoughts. Once I figured out that their definition of plagiarism wasn’t mine. (I took care of that with some extra teaching on what it is to steal other’s work. Also I put a very specific policy and “how to avoid it” section in my syllabus). Reading through their papers I found out what my students were thinking and processing through. I got to see the change in my students from the first semester with me to the last. I taught the same students all year long so I got to see what a difference my presence and teaching had on them. During my first day of class I asked them to define a disability. They couldn't do it. They had no idea. It wasn't a cultural thing of them not wanting to talk in class, they just didn't know. But with class discussions, lectures and many homework assignments they learned; they really learned. At the end they were coming up with their own ideas that would work specifically for East Africa.
It wasn't easy teaching classes. I had to learn how to teach them. In the old Belgium style of teaching, the professor knows best and students will never know as much as teacher and shouldn't even try. I informed the class early on that I did not know everything but knew how and where to find the information. We also made a deal that I would teach them about the special education field if they would teach me about special education and people who have disabilities in East Africa. I had to enter with the truth that I’m only trained in my subject matter in an American setting. I needed to learn what my subject meant in an African setting so that I could make the learning relevant to them. It was a great exchange. We learned from each other. Research shows that someone who teaches actually learns more from the topic. I took the topics they needed to learn and made them not only learn how they were done but how to translate that to an East African context. I continued to ask, “What would that look like in East Africa?” or, “How can that be done successfully here?” The students were making the topics practical and relevant to their lives right away.
It was also difficult to have students in my class who didn't know English enough to follow my lectures. Again my students and I worked out a system that best fit both of our needs, mine to be understood and their need to understand the material. It worked out that I would lecture for about 10 min on a topic and then break them into groups and give discussion questions along the topic just lectured on. This is good teaching according to brain research because adults can only productively focus on a subject for about 10 min anyways. I then allowed each group to discuss in whatever language they desired. Some groups were discussing in English, others French and a few in Kirundi and Kiswahili. This way the students that were lost by my English only were lost for 10 min and then they were brought up to speed and we could go deeper in the next 10 min of class time. Once the students got used to the system of group discussion the discussion time could take 1min to 20min depending on how discussion was going and how much learning was happening, most of the time the discussion lead right into the next topic.
Another thing that was helpful about discussion time was that students felt more comfortable asking questions. Culturally I learned that a student that asked questions is seen as someone who is interrupting the teacher and the learning process. However when the students were in small discussion groups they would ask questions freely. It was funny to me because I would start to answer a question of one group and the whole class would quiet down because that was their question too. These small group discussion times allowed the students to ask a much needed question in a culturally appropriate way.
Most of these students only had teachers lecture and write on the black board to teach them. This is how they learned and so most likely this is how they will end up teaching. Every opportunity to model special education best practice in my classroom was used. Schedules are very important for students with disabilities so that they can anticipate what is happening next. Lecture time began with a schedule of the day’s topics and activities written on the board. During my lecture time I included games, drawing, writing, team building activities, critical thinking activities, and drama to name a few. Students were not only expected to sit, listen and take notes but to participate in their education. I not only taught the students about the importance of engaging the five senses when teaching but I showed them how. We made up songs to remember concepts and did some dancing too. The students got to see how effective learning can be when it’s put into a fun activity.
People also ask me why I want to go back to Hope Africa University. I love my job there. I love taking students from where they are to where they can contribute to their country through their new, found knowledge of special education. I like the challenge that teaching in a different culture offers. I want to make sure that not only my subject matter is taught in a way that is culturally relevant but also that the way in which I teach is culturally appropriate. As I live and interact with the people there I’m learning how to be a better Hope Africa University lecturer. And I love it.

Stressful Week

2011-03-05T17:43:00.001-08:00

So my week started different and continued to be different.

Had to take mom to the emergency room. She's fine now.

Got some life changing news on Wednesday. I took my feelings out on the tree. Poor tree didn't see me coming.

Glad to be visiting my brother on the other side of the state as a vacation. Saw lots of snow on the way!

Long waited Snowball

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

My uncle saved a snowball from November for me. I went over to his house and he brought it out. What a good time :)

Snow Ball

2011-02-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

This snowball's for you Isaac.
Enjoy

Snow in Seattle!!!

2011-02-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

It's my first snow since being back!

Outing with Sarah

2011-02-22T16:11:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I took a trip around Washington.

These sun glasses were hiding in her car...deep down.

Sharing the Story

2011-02-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

I thought that living and working in Burundi was my favorite part of life but I think that telling the story is just as fun! We talked about Burundi culture and people. We talked about Africa and animals. We talked about HAU and my work. But the best part of sharing with people about my trip is about how Jesus set the example of how we should treat each other. Even if people look different than us or have a disability or are just shy; we still need to show love like Jesus did.

Airplanes

2011-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

I forgot what it was like to have planes fly over my house every half an hour. My parents live near a very small airport so small planes are flying over head all day long. Most of them are just people going on a joy ride. No purpose in their flight, just fun. It's just something small that reminds me that I'm in a different world.

Superbowl Party

2011-02-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

Superbowl spent with the cousin!!! So great to spend time with people that love me so much. Go Packers!

1st visit to Church

2011-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

It was so great to see church family that have been supporting and praying for me for the whole trip.
So many friends to see :) Here are a few.

Leslie

Sarah

Linda

Pastor Aaron and Richard.

Burundian and Congolese families at church were very happy to chat with me in Kirundi and KiSwahili. They loved my traditional dress.

1st Day in USA

2011-02-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

So what does a girl who lived in Africa for a year do on her first day back?
Woke up at 4AM.
Cried because of missing my Burundi friends.
Fully unpacked.
Did laundry.
Went shopping with dad for food.
Saw mom on her lunch break.
Rested.

Took care of the raspberry bushes.
Visited Uncle Don.
Then to bed!

I'm Home

2011-02-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

Family met me at the airport in SeaTac today.
Went to Don and Jen's for ice cream.
Stopped by the church to visit Pastor Aaron, so good!!!
Now drinking hot chocolate in the living room listening to Christmas music, yes mom set up the Christmas tree and we are having a good Christmasy time on this Feb 1st.
I'm glad to be back. It's weird that nothing really has changed. There are so many things that I want to do and need to do and people I want to visit. It's too much to take in and I'm going into overload. Good thing sleep is coming soon.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Please continue to pray for me as I transition back to this very different culture.

Flight to SeaTac

2011-01-31T14:40:00.001-08:00

Good bye Rome, hello Seattle. I'm flying in Feb 1 at 11:40...
The Lord is good to me!!!
Got a ticket so fast and will be home exactly 365days after I left.

Out of Africa

2011-01-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

Now I'm out of Africa, Egypt included. I'm currently at a hotel in Rome waiting for the travel agent to get back to me about a flight home. Currently I have none.
Please pray that I would get a flight so that I can relax and know that I will get home sometime.
I just want to go home!

Women's Retreat

2011-01-27T04:15:00.000-08:00

Went on a church retreat last weekend. It was nice to be able to wonder around the rounds alone and spend some quality time chatting with my Father. :)

Walking

2011-01-27T04:07:00.000-08:00

I went on a walk today and nothing looked any different than normal. I was joking that it's probably safer now wondering around because all the crazy trouble makers are in one area that is easy to avoid.

I'm Safe

2011-01-26T04:43:00.001-08:00

In case you are hearing about Egypt in the news lately I just want to let you know that I'm safe. The neighborhood in which I'm staying is not near the political demonstrations that are occurring in the downtown area. The issue is between the locals and has nothing to do with foreigners.
Currently I'm staying inside and reading a book.
Thank you for your prayers

Past photos I forgot to post

2011-01-23T07:05:00.001-08:00

I was just reviewing my blog and realized I didn't post any pictures from Graduation or of my students. So here they are.

Special Education class of 2011. I taught them all year long! We had a fun time and learn lots from each other.

Entire Special Education department at HAU. Happened to all take my first course in Sign Language.

Graduation with friends and students.

Working Working

2011-01-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

So today I was not only a special education teacher but I was a speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, librarian, and kindergarten teacher. It was great! I love being able to work with children and do something I love.
Good day!!!

Nile Ride

2011-01-21T09:27:00.001-08:00

Went on a faluca (a fat sailboat) ride today on the Nile with a new friend then wondered around the city.

Nile in the background

Egypt?

2011-01-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

So Dad asked me if my blog was dead...well it's not.

Enjoying meeting new people in Egypt.

My responsibility here is working at an elementary school for international students. I'm helping out the principle and supporting teachers there who have disabilities.
It's fun to work again in a classroom and with children.

Back in Burundi

2011-01-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

I'm back!!! It's good to be back in Burundi where I know where things are and how to do things. I've spent the last two days rushing around the city getting things done. Wow it's good to be back. I fly out on Monday for Egypt.
I journaled my whole Congo trip and will post date it with the exact date on the blog. I hope to do that within the week so please check back for the updates for Christmas and New Years.
Thanks for all your love and support guys!
Please pray for me as I say good by to my home I love so much and my dear, dear friends.

1/3

2011-01-03T10:24:00.001-08:00

It’s amazing how illness slows productivity. Alice and I have different things but bed was where you could find us most of the day. Randy went to a funeral of a friend. I finished my book. The second one I’ve read since I came here. I started another one and now I’m half way done with the third. And for those who know me know that that is huge. It’s amazing how enjoyable reading is here and how much time I spend doing it. But when the power is off and the sun disappears at 6 what else can you do? Randy informed me at dinner that my Congolese lover came to call on me. Sunday morning “the man”, as I have nicknamed him, came walking up the drive. ( I informed Randy the first day we arrived that he was going to be trouble for me.) I was washing dishes with Randy and I informed him who would be at the door. He went. I overheard the conversation, “Is Rachel there?” Randy came in and I told him that I would only go if he would be my body guard. Randy chuckled and agreed. “The man” had a book for me. He had drawn household items and written the Swahili word next to it. After explaining the book he explained the importance of knowing Swahili while working and living in Africa. The awkwardness was over and he left. I was grateful that the Congolese don’t hold the Burundian custom of shaking hands before and after conversation. He left without caressing my hand, I was grateful.
In the evening I worked some more on the master plan/map for the proposed special education school. It’s looking good. Sleep. Hopefully tomorrow I will get some meds for this pain.

1/2/11

2011-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

What a lovely day. I woke up with no pain. Washed dishes after breakfast with Randy while we waited for Alice to finish getting ready for church. We went to a brand new church, Jerome’s. The floor was still dirt and no windows or doors but very well constructed. The breeze blew thru so nicely.

I stole a baby right off the bat. After about a half an hour she started grabbing me and I could tell what she wanted. I diverted her attention for a good 5-10 min but the inevitable happened; she began to fuss. I knew she wouldn’t be calmed so I returned the stolen girl to her mother.

It wasn’t 10 min later that I had group of 6 little ones on my right. My chair was placed a foot and a half from the wall. The children made a nice line along the wall. It was so cute. During the talking I shushed them, but during the singing I encouraged them. One song was in Kirundi. I didn’t know it but I recognized some words and picked it up quickly. It was on of those songs, I had to dance. I couldn’t be confined to my row; but I didn’t want to join the dance in the front of the church and leave the children. So I went to the back. I called them over and we had a great dance session, well I danced and they just jumped. They are still too young to know the art of the Congolese dancing. Although one boy had a wicked air guitar on a later song.
Just before the sermon started the mean usher with the stick came by and told the children to get  With no translation of the sermon what was I to do with no children to keep me company. I was also concerted because if the children are forced to leave they wont’ pick up on Biblical truths from listening, even if they are little. At the end of the service another song started. I turned around and saw some of my “friends” I motioned for them to stand. They did. Then at the closing prayer I turned, folded my hands and squeezed my eyes shut. I opened them a crack to peek at my friends. Every eye was closed and hands were clasped 
After church and after lunch my stomach started to hurt. We went to the beach anyways. Lying on the bed or on the beach didn’t matter to me. I didn’t take into account the 20min drive over very bumpy roads. I was in pain and wanted to vomit! By the time my stomach settled down we were back in the car on our way over the same bumpy terrain. I washed off the lake water and crawled into bed.
My hosts were concerned that I had eaten so little today, but I couldn’t eat even if it was my favorite food.

1/1/11

2011-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Cried today. I got a call from a friend. So nice. Pain in my stomach, fever, lack of sleep, wanting familiar place, missing friends and family. The phone call came at the right time. So good.
I was feeling terrible today yet went to the airstrip to see the damage the river did 15 years ago. Sandals was not the way to go, but all I had. My feet were bit and scratched. My head and body were hot and sweaty. I kept thinking, “I should be in bed.” When we got back that, after my shower, was exactly where I went.
Lunch was a New Years/Randy’s Birthday celebration with the workers. It was too tired. I went over towards the end. Goat and Capitan were served but rice and beans was all that was left when I arrived.
I stayed for a short time, then back to bed with me. Read many chapters of the book. Now in bed again ready for a good night sleep.

12/31

2010-12-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wow I feel like death! Nauseous and pain in my stomach are a bad combination. Alice said that I’m warm, I’m freezing though.
Today was good though with limited pain. I took a nap! Not long enough though. Spent most of the day working on a cleaning project or laying on my bed reading. I’m not well.

12/30 Day 10 Thursday

2010-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

I need out.
Market day.
Worked on school plan, sewed up more screens, thought about cleaning more windows, cleaned up living room, worked on organizing kitchen cabinets
Went to the market today. It was so weird driving there. I wasn’t hot or sweaty at all! We got out, I wanted to wonder but had to follow. I found fabric I really liked. So I bought it. It was 11 bucks! In Buja the same stuff is 13-16! Go me!
When back I worked on the school plan again. Cows, about 30 of them, came wondering up the road, across the grass and to the front of the house. So fun. I had to stop to watch them. Silly looking creatures.
Warm shower from the shower bag was really nice!
Pain in my stomach was less today. I hope it goes away completely soon.

More Rain! 12/28 Tuesday

2010-12-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well we asked for it. Yesterday it rained in the AM and cleared up by afternoon, though we continued to work at our inside projects. Today there was no choice it poured in the morning and then rained all day. I’ve been so cold!!! Yesterday even when the sun came out I still work a striped black and white long sleeve button up over my long brown dress with blue flowers and blue sweater. That was fine while in the house but when the superintendent took a picture of me watching the orphans sing I looked down at my attire, it was functional yes but not fashionable at all!
Today I scrounged for an outfit. Yesterday was laundry day but all my shirts were left in the basket! Grrr. Plus because of the weather nothing was dry. I kept out 1 skirt for that reason. Alice had to help me with one of her tops, which I covered with the black and white top that has become my makeshift coat. I’m going to freeze when I get back to Washington.

Today the cleaning went to windows and organizing books and spices. I had lots of fun organizing the books. I picked out a few to read.
My stomach hurts, perhaps bugs…we will see.

Receiving Rain 12/27

2010-12-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Sunday, a day of rest. We went to church. In the afternoon walked to one of the Matthewson’s friend’s house. He was very sick and they wanted to visit him sooner than later. We were almost there when the children gathered around. They waited and walked back with us. One had a ball so I taught some English words: toss, ball, bounce. Then one of them started to sing. All 40+ children joined in. It was great. When it was time to part getting them to stop and go back was difficult but with some locals help it happened.
Alice has been reading a book out loud. Last night was the last chapter. I fell asleep partway though then awoke to her sneeze. Good ending and then I crawled into bed.
This morning I woke, the first time, to a loud church bell (an old oxygen tank beaten on by a hammer) at 5:30. The second time was to the sound of the rain beating on the tin roof, trees and ground. It dumped for 30min after I woke up. All the buckets are now full. Just in time for laundry day.

Wishing for Rain 12/25

2010-12-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning started as it always does, Mom gets up and makes a sugar plum tree. I lay in bed for 30min deciding whether I was willing to put for the effort to be “mom” today. I’m happy with my decision. Alice and Randy were too. I quietly snuck down the hall and unlocked the door; quickly returning it to its place to block out the noise I would make in the kitchen. I had to search all over for the ingredients, being that we haven’t fully unpacked or put things away yet.
Finally the dough was ready. I put it on the stove outside where some coals from last night still gave off warmth. I had just cleaned up when Alice came in and said, “I’ve caught you. What are you up to?” “Nothin’” was my innocent reply. She looked around and saw nothing but wasn’t convinced. I then reminded her that it was Christmas.
When the dough was ready I made a huge sugar plum tree. The extras were made into doughnuts but because of the lack of oil they were baked. I figured chocolate frosting was a must on doughnuts. Forging ahead with no guide I added too much water to the pan and was forced to baby sit it at the stove. Jerome, the cook, showed me how to cook the sugar plum tree “Dutch oven” African style. It was so easy!

Read the Christmas story and opened presents, a kitchen towel and ruler, protractor, campus set. Oh and chocolate! Alice and Randy are good to me. Church and feast down, now it was time to focus on the real issue, we were running out of water!
With the lack of rain our water barrel was depleting quickly. Earlier in the day there was hope rain but now with the lack of clouds the hope had died. Now there was a problem. The night zamu (watchman) suggested he take some debbys (jerry can/water jugs) to the pump, a 20-30min walk down the road. Randy offered to drive; Alice and I joined the fun. I’d never been to a pump before. Bishop Bucconyori would be proud, I’m “facing African realities” (the university’s motto). After cleaning the debbys out I was on pump duty. I filled two and Randy offered to pump. I told him I was ok. He didn’t offer again though after the fourth debby I wish he would have. The pump was smooth, up down, up down. But the small debbys took 62 pumps and the large ones 78. The next day my hands hurt. I had earned the water for my, now, much needed shower.
The phone didn’t work to call home that evening. I tried to convince myself that it was ok, but the tears still streamed down my face reminding me of the sad truth; I missed my family.

Day 5 12/24

2010-12-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Today my patience was tested. Breakfast was late and my stomach and body were complaining. We went to church for the Christmas Eve service. I expected a longer service but it was only 1 1/2hours.
Once home, 12:30, we were told that lunch was “almost done”. It was 2:30 before lunch was served. I couldn’t understand why it took so long. I would be fine to inform my stomach that it had to wait but when my whole body gives way and I must lie down on my bed or faint that’s another story. I don’t like waiting for food. We sat and talked for a long time after the meal. Then it was time for tea. I had just eaten and now tea! More sitting and talking, it was nice.
More cleaning and book reading filled the day along with the stream of visitors that hasn’t stopped or lessened since we arrived. It’s fun to meet new people, especially when they hear I’m from Burundi and begin to speak Kirundi to me 
Dinner was cheese, spam and crackers, then stories of the Seymour family. Lunch the Sargents were discussed so it was the Seymour’s turn. I got very homesick. After dinner I spent much time holding back tears. After another bucket shower I lay on my bed and cried silent tears. It’s hard being in a new place. I craved family, HAU friends and my Buja home. I wanted something familiar. I wanted to feel at home. But I’m learning that this holiday isn’t about me, tradition or family, it’s about Jesus.

Day 4 /Night 3 12/23

2010-12-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

Well it might have been time for bed but it wasn’t time for sleep. I was asleep for only about an hour when all of a sudden I was sitting upright in my bed with my flashlight shinning on a creature making a loud squeaking noise. I told myself to be calm; it’s only a small rodent but then came another, bigger one. This was the momma coming to the rescue of its frightened baby. It crawled up to the noisy thing and bit down on the scruff of its neck. Then it crawled down to the floor. I couldn’t be brave any longer. “Alice? ALICE are you awake?” “Yes”, was the reply.
After about 30min we had the things cornered in the bathroom, flashlights in hand, randy with a stick of rebar and Alice shouting “Randy, don’t you hurt my new bathtub.” We locked it in the bathroom and removed all hiding places in my room. Then we were all back in bed. I fell asleep, again. Then I awoke to the pounding rain, rolling thunder, and flashing lightning. I could hear the wind whipping through the trees. Then the noisy creature was again calling for its mother. But I knew it was locked behind the bathroom door (we blocked the gap under the door so there was no escaping). Sleep came once again.
In the morning I awoke surprisingly refreshed. The day was spent cleaning. I again was back to the sweeping and mopping. My room and the living room are now droppings free. The 3ft wide puddle formed overnight on the floor in the master bedroom is also gone.
A break during the day to walk to the mission station was gladly welcomed. When the men went down the road to the market in search for charcoal, us girls happily went along.
The evening was spent around a kerosene lantern playing Phase 10. Life with the Matthewsons is hard but good.

Congo Trip Day 3 Dec 22

2010-12-22T07:41:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a lot of sitting around and hoping. Now that we have arrived at Nundu I know why we waited the extra day. The road was long, slow, bumpy, and very muddy. I’m so glad God protected us from getting caught in the rainstorm while on the road. We crossed 7 rivers with water (they seemed like creeks once we came to the RIVERS we had to cross). We crossed 3 RIVERS! By crossing I mean actually going down one bank, though the sometimes, cover your wheels, get the body of the car wet, water and climb up the bank of the other side. There were stretches of road that were just filled with a few pot holes. There was other parts that were all mud and no road, some places 1-2 ft deep. I, along with the Congolese women, were amazed at Alice’s driving. I kept telling her how great she was doing. She would just reply, “I’ve had some practice.” It was 6 hours before we pulled into the mission station but Alice filled the trip with stories of her and Randy’s life and about their time in Nundu. They were great stories, I loved hearing them. They were interrupted though by continual greeting of many onlookers and fellow travelers. “Jambo” we would echo back and forth. As we neared the station the “Jambo” was replaced by “Matthewson!” I was so surprised by the fame of my travel buddies.

Once we arrived the crowd of men grew and grew. A pastor prayed for us after singing at least 3 stanzas of an unfamiliar hymn sung in Kiswahili.
Cleaning and unpacking took us all evening stopping only for dinner, then back to work. Bucket “shower” and now time for bed. This is a beautiful place and I’m excited to see the station tomorrow.

Congo Update

2010-12-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting at a friend of the Matthewsons' internet cafe. We are in Uvera. It is just south of the DRC Burundi boarder. This is our second day in Uvera. The plan was to drive quickly through Uvera on the way to Nundu but God had other plans. Car trouble made our stay longer than expected.
We are fine just eager to get back on the road and to our destination.
Please pray for our trip. We plan on leaving tomorrow morning early.
I have an internet device with me and will try to get on and leave messages updating you on the trip. But as things go here...I can't promise anything.

Dec 20 Day 1 Congo Trip

2010-12-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

Finally I have a “missionary” experience. Woke up and left for Congo early this morning. We left an hour late. Boarder crossing was easy. Then we were off. Alice thought she had started the car… she had but it didn’t work. She started it again and we left the boarder. Driving along the head of the lake I kept thinking it would be great to stop and get a picture of it from this view. Well I sure got that opportunity. Driving along and the car just slowed to a stop, unresponsive. Alice tried the key a few times, the battery was fine. Randy pulled up, us girls og out to wait in the shade. It was a quiet spot along the road; wide gravel/dirt road running east to west, beach to the south and a few homes to the north. Alice and I took time to thank the Lord for protecting us from whatever he was protecting us from. After about 15min Randy had 15 onlookers, 6 men and nine children. I began to play paticake with the children; something new. One girl had trouble crossing her centerline, strange that I’m on vacation and still am thinking special education things. Later we did the “Paul Seymour quarter on the elbow caught in the hand trick”, but because of the lack of quarters in Congo we used rocks, there were plenty.
A wave of 13-16year olds came by. One got out her English lesson book and practiced with me. She started by singing “My bonny lies over the ocean”. Some of the words had been changed but the tune was the same. The crowd of children and adults was growing. I went to my backpack and got out some of my Seattle Aquarium stickers that they donated to the trip (Thanks Cherie). The children were so happy. I only gave them to the polite children. The pushy, loud ones weren’t happy when I ran out of stickers. The stickers have an octopus on them with roller skates on. A boy came up to me with a very puzzled face and said in French, “what is it” I understood his French and tried to explain in my best English and gestures. I think he was more confused from my description.
Problem unfixed we got in and were towed to guest house with a garage. Randy has come here many times and knows they are trustworthy.
After much needed lunch (1:30pm before we made it to the guest house) Terry, a good friend of the Matthewsons brought us cold soda. Mine had ice crystals in it. It was wonderful, like an orange slurpy…I was back at 7-11. Conversation started and I almost fell asleep. I needed it. Randy and I went to get our luggage and it began to rain. Randy got a tarp and I got the rope. The wind, thunder, lightning and pounding rain made it difficult to cover and tie down the tarp over the luggage on top of the jeep. Randy and I were soaked; literally not a spot on our clothing was dry. We were also very cold. It poured for 30min! Standing under the garage, we waited for it to lessen up, but we were soaked. Randy looked at me and said that if we had been driving in this rain on the dirt roads we could have been washed away by the rivers or something. Praise God for stopping us with car trouble in Uvera, a major city.

New clothes and many layers helped the cold but it persisted all evening. Alice kept reassuring us that she was sweating hot!
All evening we waited for Terry to return to escort us to dinner. Finally after being reassured he would be “right back” he came at 7pm. The fish and fries were good, Mukeke (8-10in fish fried and served on a plate whole, then eaten with the hands) I’m getting better at eating it. The first time I was scared but now I just dove in. Each time I eat Mukeke I eat a little bit more of the head, still not brave enough for the gills or eyeballs.
Back to the guest house and ready to prepare for another day of adventure.

Christmas and New Years

2010-12-18T21:18:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!!!
I'm traveling to DRC (congo) for Christmas and new years. Please pray for my travels and stay there. I'm going with friends, a missionary couple from Stanwood, WA. They tell me that their house has no roads, water, or electricity. A friend here joked with me, "now you will be a real missionary."
I'm excited to see their life in Congo since I've been hearing about it since I was 3 years old.
I will return back to Burundi on Jan 7 (please pray for our travels)
Then I fly to Egypt on Jan 10.
Thanks for your prayers and support. Sorry about the slow internet and lack of pictures.

Graduation and...

2010-12-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Internet is so fast right now...let's see if I can post pictures.
Well it didn't work. A written message will have to do for now. :)
Graduation happened and now students are leaving campus. It's so quiet around here but there isn't a lack of things to do. In the last week I've gone on two day vacations to beautiful spots around Burundi, moved twice, dropped off material and drawings to get made into an assortment of clothing items, given two final exams, turned in grades and said good bye to a number of very good friends.
I figure that because I'm saying good bye now it will make my departure Jan 10 much easier. Most of the students won't return to HAU until Feb for classes so this week has been a good bye for at least 10 months. :(

Categorized Update :)

2010-12-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

I keep trying to upload pics from Nov but the internet is too slow and after 15min of waiting for it to load it tells me that it won't work! Frustrating.
So I think I will bag it for now and just share with you in words. :)
After such a long time since posting it's hard to know what to say. But let me try.

Classes:Finals on Monday and then classes will be finished. It's weird not having next semester to prepare for. This is my last semester of teaching at HAU for this trip. The semester has gone very well. I'm finally getting used to the teaching style and grading system of Burundi which makes my job easier. I'm sad to leave my students, especially the ones that I've had in class all year. It's weird to think that I've taught them 5 courses in the years time.

Friends:I'm past the acquaintance stage and have made some quality friends here. Not to say that there aren't many people still in the acquaintance category. It's nice to have a core group of people to go to when I'm having a great day, or I'm bored, or the day is terrible. It makes life easier when it happens in community.

Special Education:I've never been good at networking but living here I've had to improve that skill. The other day I was invited over to a person's house who has a child with a disability. It was a great to encourage the mother and answer her questions. I hope to help more in the coming weeks.

My Apartment:It seems lonely here. I put up the pictures I've been saving for Christmas. I brought last years Christmas card photos to put up this year. It was a great idea. The visitors to my apartment love them. They ask me all sorts of questions about who the people are and where they are standing. I'm now playing Christmas music all the time. I've switched from tea to hot chocolate as the hot drink of the day :) The weather might be wrong but my heart is in the right place...it's Christmas time!!!

Church:I've not been to "my" church in over 2 months. People keep inviting me to their church. I have had a great time experiencing different types of worship and church cultures. The last Sunday there was a visiting pastor from USA who I went to listen to. She reminded me (while speaking to the whole church) that Jesus has been through all the loneliness that I have and he wants to help. What a great reminder for this season.

Future:In just one week I will have nothing official to do. I'm very excited about the possibilities of ministry and networking with the special education community here in Burundi. Please pray that I will be disciplined to get up and out of the apartment.

Well I think that's a pretty good update for now.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!!!

October Friends

2010-11-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

Random pics of friends during random times in October...just thought I'd share some :)

Old Man!!!

2010-11-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

I taught class and the students asked some good questions. Then in the afternoon I went for a walk and met an old man. We had a whole 10 min conversation in Kirundi! I was so proud of myself. Now the conversation was just small talk and I had to have him repeat many sentences but I understood what he was saying. We passed a group of men hanging out on the street corner and they were shocked. They must have known that the man didn't know English. They asked him if I knew Kirundi. The old man told them yes. He didn't have any doubt in his tone. They were shocked and had a good laugh. It was great. I had dinner with friends then went to Campus Fellowship. Friends came over in the evening for a cookie and to discuss a child care event that he is putting on for his church. I was able to help him with his planning and brainstorming. It was a great day.

Birthday Party

2010-11-07T23:42:00.001-08:00

Some students from Bible Group threw me a surprise birthday party, cake and presents included. It was so nice!!!

3rd Floor View

2010-11-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

There are many cool things about living on the third floor of a building. First off the breeze that blows though is very welcome!!! Another fun thing is that I can see most of campus from any of my 3 north facing rooms. The library in across the way and so a down side sometimes is that students who should be in class find themselves gazing into my home. I guess it's fair play since I do the same thing.
The other day when I surveyed the library windows I saw the President of the University giving a tour. He went into a room and when he came out he, like so many others surveyed the land. His gaze met mine. I smiled and waved. He was puzzled for a brief moment then a giant smile filled his face and his right hand went up to wave at me. I was filled with joy! It started me off for a great day.

Preparing for midterms

2010-11-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

My ASL students hard at work.

Bible Group Overnighter

2010-10-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

Student lead overnighter. Worship, speakers, dramas, dancing, and just a lot of fun.

Still Living

2010-10-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

Please Forgive me!!!
I am still alive. I realize it has been a long time since I've posted. Almost a month.
Well classes started, had a meeting with the rector about my future, made some new friends, had an excellent birthday, doing some fun ministry with firends and most importantly took some great pictures. I've been very busy. This last week I was very excited about the time I had set aside to upload all the photos and write lots of stories but...the internet is down at school. I understand that there is something with the provider and the government...I don't know really. I try to stay out of it all. Either way I don't have internet in my apartment currently so images and long stories will have to wait. Just wanted to inform you all that I still would love your prayers. Also it looks like March you will get to see me again. :)
Thanks for your faithful reading and prayer.
Miss you guys.
More later
Oh I saw Stephen in the market again! It was fun. We know each other now. It's cute.

Spider's Reflection

2010-09-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here working on a proposal for the Bishop I can't help but be distracted by the spider on my fan. I have told you before about these funny spiders that don't build webs. They are attack spiders. They hunt their prey. Well the little guy walked up on my table. He marched up to the top of the fan base and stopped. He looked as if he had spotted his next meal. I was puzzled, there was no fly or bug for him to eat, what was he doing?
Well he had spotted the buttons. Now the buttons have been painted with metallic silver paint so that you can see your reflection in them. This spider was hunting his mirror image. It is so funny!!! He has been at it for 30 minutes so far. He has pounced and tapped, tried to bite and get a good angle, all to no avail.
Poor guy...but he get's an A+ for persistence.

Preschool or the Street

2010-09-23T03:17:00.000-07:00

Today as I walked through the market a small hand was placed into mine. These little fingers gently grabbed onto my skin. I looked down, this hand was so small and dirty. It looked so different from my large, white, clean hand. I looked back at the face attatched to the hand. He couldn't have been more than 3 1/2 years old, dirty and torn clothing, no shoes.
This is a common occurrence at the market. Children are sent by their parents to beg for money. It's not because I'm white, just that I'm a person that they put their hand in mine.
I recognized the face. I stopped and knelt down. A little girl, with the same appearance came up. I said hello then asked them their names. The little girl giggled. It could be that I was speaking in Kirundi or it could be that I was looking at her and talking directly to her. The boy said, Steven. Her name was Bella.
Mom and Steven had a conversation about 2 weeks ago when they were here. I told him I remembered him. Bella again giggled. I tickled her belly a little and she continued to laugh.
Part of me wishes I will never see them again. That will mean that they will be in school or be cared for by their parents, not having to work on the streets. Another part of me wishes that I will get see them again. They were so cute, still full of joy. Next time I think I will give them a hug.
It's hard to cope with Burundi realities but I have to find the joy and humanness in it all or I would fall to pieces every time I go to the market and see such hopeless situations.
Lord please protect and guard Steven and Bella. May they one day change the future of Burundi for your glory. Amen

Baptism

2010-09-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

July 27
Have you ever been to a baptism of 500 souls? It was quite an experience. Watching 10 rows of 50 people each slowly move into the lake seemed to take forever. After they were baptized they stayed in the lake and had a party while waiting for the rest of the group. What an experience, may God be praised!

Kirundi!!!

2010-09-13T09:10:00.002-07:00

Mid July

Coming up the stairs I greeted one of the staff members here at Hope. The entire conversation we had was in Kirundi! I was so impressed with myself. It’s coming along.

Barbershop Music Anyone

2010-09-13T09:10:00.001-07:00

It’s amazing how God provides. I’m blown away at his faithfulness each and every day. Brandon left for America and it was so hard to see him go. He had been a good friend from the beginning of this trip. When Javier, Stephanie and I would do something we always planned on 4 because we knew that Brandon would join the fun. When Javier and Stephanie left for the summer it was just Brandon and I. Things didn’t change. If there was something fun to do, it was done together. Because he worked close to Hope he regularly came over after work or for lunch break. Seeing him go was very hard. One of the great things about Brandon was that we attended the same university and both call Seattle home. Being able to chat about things from back home was wonderful.
It was amazing how the day after he left that my prayers were answered. God knew I needed a visit from someone. A group of singers came to visit. There were about 12 of them. All from Seattle! Some of them actually attended First Free, which is on SPU’s campus. I only got to see them one day but listening to them sing barbershop and bigband was a treat. After, I thanked them for bringing me Folklife Festival. They smiled and told me I was welcome.
God is a great provider, even when my needs are so small.

Driving

2010-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Late July
Driving in Buja is great. It stresses me out sometimes but it’s not that bad. When traveling to town I get all sorts of people wanting to tag along. It’s funny that I can pull out of the parking space on campus and before I even exit I can have 3 extra passengers. The van holds 8. As I drive towards town I see friends, professors and staff either walking to the bus or waiting for it. I happily stop and let on more people. I’m thinking about quitting the professor gig and taking up a taxi service…what do you think?

Swimming

2010-09-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

late July
Karen and Laurie wanted to go swimming and I begrudgingly went along. I really don’t like swimming; even in the Buja heat it doesn’t tempt me. I think it was too many times of Adam holding me under the water as a child.
We drove to 3 different pools before we found one that was open. The pool was huge and packed with little children. We were told that in 15 min the adult swim would begin. So I went on a walk. I found a soccer field filled with children. I sat in the grandstands to watch. I think that it was a PE class or something. There were so many children on the field!!! I counted 27. It was great to watch, nothing like PE soccer in Kent. These kids could play! I was so impressed by their skill with the ball and how they passed to each other. It was great to just be alone for a while and think, even though there were people all around. My thinking spot was found out by the driver. He came to inform me that the pool was ready. Super, I was thrilled.
Karen was the first in the pool. She said the water was cold. I was even more excited about this swimming endeavor. Laurie was scared to get in. I knew I couldn’t climb in but had to jump in, just like going into Lake Meridian. All at once, no hesitation, get it over with. It wasn’t cold at all. I was pleasantly surprised. 5 min later Laurie finally joined us. Karen swam her laps. I hugged the wall and Laurie did a little of both. My foot did manage to find a rusty pipe; after we put a bandage on it. Good thing I got a tetanus shot before I came ;) In the end I’m glad I went, perhaps Laurie and I will go again. That time I’ll hug a wall without a rusty pipe.