Embracing the Interruptions
I am not a patient person by nature and it is a skill I have had to work on all my life. It is ironic that God sent me to a country that moves “buke, buke” ( pronounced boo-kay) meaning slowly, slowly. I often refer to African Time and American Time when working with my Burundian cohorts. African time is definitely buke, buke. American Time is fast-paced with little time for “wiggle room”. I listened to a sermon several Sundays ago ( when I started this post it was the day after I heard the sermon) that focused on the interruptions of life. Interruptions can be ministry opportunities. Rather than seeing the interruption as an inconvenience, let God use these little decisions in life to carry out His big plan. Everybody is busy but stepping away from the “busy-ness” to share a kind word or action is just as important to God’s plan as your well-thought-out schedule. I am trying to be intentional to see the interruptions as opportunities and continue to learn the skill of patience. I began this update almost a month ago! Interruptions came my way! All good things, but delaying this update! I am learning to view interruptions as God’s timing and His timing is best.
God Bless!
Susan May
Co-founder , Burundi Hope Project
Even among the interruptions the Field Trips have continued for the schools complete with trips to the zoo, power plant, commercial sewing center, and visits to the flooded area of Bujumbura. Thankful for the opportunities the students have had to supplement their education.
Assisting the victims of the flooding is ongoing though the rainy season is near its end. Victims of the landslides as well as the rising flood waters have impacted families in multiple communities.
The completion of one of two sewing classrooms will help the new Sewing Center begin operating this summer. The new sewing center will be a microbusiness of the school. Sewing students will begin a new curriculum in September which will incorporate an internship and business math.
Issues with sagging electrical wires were creating a dangerous situation on the compound that houses Kanura School for the Blind and Gihanga Emmanuel Church. It is part of the reason for power outages in that area. Wooden sticks were replaced with metal and concrete poles. Thankful it has now been repaired.
Burundi Hope’s funding efforts this past quarter have focused on Women’s Ministry. These efforts have made it possible to assist a young single mom and her infant baby girl to move to a safe and healthy environment. A room in the family compound is being renovated for them to live in. Chanceline is deaf and will be living with the family of a deaf woman. She will also be able to continue her education which will help her to get a teaching job at the deaf school.
We want to thank all of you who have contributed to the funding efforts for the Women’s Ministry. Over $6000 has been contributed to sharing the Gospel with women, teens, and girls; providing additional education or vocational training for those completing secondary school at Kanura or Ephphatha; and supporting new Sewing Houses in churches. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement!
