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!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Work Going Away Party
Staff meetings at work can easily double as a going away party if Jean brings an Africa shaped rice krispy treat!!!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Like I never left
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 :)
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 :)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Leaving
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
I will update the blog as soon as I get to some internet.
Blessings
Rachel
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Travel Plans
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.
For all of you that would like to know where in the world I am at certain times...this is for you.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I'll Be Home For Christmas!
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.
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.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Leaving soon!!!
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 :)
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 :)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Fundraising Begins
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.
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
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Ball is Rolling!!!
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
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
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Timing
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!
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!
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Wind is Blowing
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)
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)
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