Updates from Nairobi | March & April Travels

Glad to say, “I am home!”  Arrived a bit exhausted last evening after a lengthy travel involving six airports, five flights, five countries, three continents, and seemingly endless security checkpoints and lines with only one delayed bag.  I really wouldn’t recommend including that type of flight plan in your future travel plans though.  But enough of that and on to the details of the rest of the two months of travel.

Friday, April 25 

Travelled to Matana with the Anglican Bishop over the 14-parish diocese in that area.  Jeff and I toured the construction projects going on there, including the beginnings of a cathedral.  Jeff was able to give him some advice on some immediate concerns regarding the state of the construction efforts.  We were able to spend some time reconnecting and providing encouragement as well.  We will continue to evaluate how we can help him formulate a plan for addressing several of the issues in his diocese.

We traveled on to Kiremba from Matana and visited the orphanage for babies who lost their mother during childbirth.  It was encouraging to see the progress the orphanage was making in caring for the 81 babies in their care (their limit is 84).  We were able to see the progress they had made toward self-sufficiency and discuss their plans for further development of their ability to respond to both the urgent issues surrounding the maternal mortality events that create the need for them and the long-term issues of reuniting the children with their families once they turn three.  Much to be encouraged by and much more yet to be done.

Due to the generosity of Jeff’s friends, we were able to leave a donation to fund the extension of their dairy cow “barn” to house new dairy cows soon to be born.  These additional cows will provide for their daily milk needs, cover the expenses of their farm labor, and possibly generate some additional funds for other expenses.

Saturday, April 26 

Travelled from Kiremba to Gakwende where we visited the center for disabled children.  We were able to visit the source of the Nile on our way there (you literally drive through the parking lot for the “park” on the way).  I suspect that most are surprised that the source of the NIle is a spring now flowing through a 2″ pipe in the side of a hill!  It is the furthest south tributary of the Nile river and is located at the continental divide.  The road into Gakwende makes most Jeep trails in the US look tame but you do get a free African massage along the way (that’s what they call it when you are bounced around on the rough roads).

Similar to Kiremba, it was very encouraging to see the progress this center is making toward self-sustainability as they care for these very needy children.  They have made great strides in developing agricultural projects to feed their children and to generate revenue for other expenses.  Past donations from a generous donor allowed them to purchase chickens, pigs, seed and fertilizer, and food during a very lean time.  They have now increased their crops under cultivation and again due to generous donations from Jeff’s friends, will be upgrading their cattle herd to be potentially three dairy cows.  The heart that the leader of this center has for these children is a blessing to see.

Sunday, April 27 

This was a travel day back to Bujumbura.  We were, however, able to visit Karere Falls along the way.  This is a much more impressive tributary to the Nile.  Lots more bad roads, African massages, odd traffic situations, one substantial political rally being staged, and beautiful scenery.

Monday, April 28 

Met with the head of the United Methodist Church development arm in Burundi.  This was an encouraging time of sharing and finding mutual viewpoints and perspectives.  Am curious to see what might transpire from this contact.

Also had multiple meetings with others to wrap up previous discussions.  This included the director of the Kiremba orphanage, the Bishop of Matana, and leaders of University Lumiere de Bujumbura.

Tuesday, April 29 

The morning was a time of saying goodbye to friends, both new and old, and to prepare for our journey back home.  We left for the airport a bit before 1:00 and started our treks back.  And, just about the same time I was leaving Burundi those mills we obtained in Nairobi were being released from customs!