Nietwa Susan

Bite and Hello, from Burundi!
It's hard to believe that we are more than halfway through our trip now and this is my first blog. We have been busy teaching English courses, preparing for the VBS next week, and doing research on internet cafes and other long term projects that we could be involved in here long term. Our seemingly brilliant idea of setting up an internet cafe that would fund the church here is falling through and it is looking like it's not the Lord's will right now. As we teach English classes and talk to the people here, we are learning that education must be an integral part of any lasting change and enrichment of people's lives here. As Burundi becomes a part of the East African Community, learning English and Swahili is becoming more and more important for Burundians in order to find good jobs. Many of the people we work with in the church, are on the verge of illiteracy even in their native tongue of Kurundi. It appears that to make lasting and far reaching improvement of the lives of the people here, learning languages and basic problem solving skills is crucial. We have been discussing the possiblitity of founding a school here or possibly just raising funds for scholarships to send Burundians to Nairobi or other places that would have better schools to attend. The other day a man from the neighbor hood walked into the church where we were and confessed to us that he had a drug and alcohol problem. I was interesting because he did not ask us for money and I believe he genuinely wanted help from his addictions. There are no 5 step programs here and drug abuse and alcoholism is rampant. It would be really cool if the church could provide a program like AA here.
Another feasible option, is to buy land here while land is inexpensive because a good number of wealthy Expats have yet to return to the country after the war officially ended last year. They will probably return following the election next year and when they do, property prices will likely triple. If we buy land for approximately 5,000, we could rent it to farmers and eventually build a house that we could rent out to European and American tourists. The profits will go to support Pastor Felicien and Glory Outreach Church here in Bujumbura. The more that we pray and talk to people about this option the more it seems like God is opening the door. Please pray for us to hear the voice of God clearly regarding this matter and other projects and if you would like to donate to this project please let us know.
I am working tirelessly preparing for the VBS next week as I am in charge of that opperation. We will have lots of games, crafts, music, and bible stories and the second day we will feed them lunch. Please pray for strength for me and that preparations will come together and the VBS will go smoothly. Pray that we have many church volunteers and that the neighborhood children are touched by the love of God.
Thank you for all your prayers!