My Plans vs God’s plans
Trip preparation always includes a preliminary plan for programming and coordinating with the schools and other programs. The focus was intended to be field trips, teaching and following up with all the sewing programs. Excessive rain and fuel shortages have shifted our plans. In less than 12 hours there was a need to assist with a families evacuation from the flood zone having already moved 3 times; provide several truck loads of gravel to reinforce walk ways at the deaf school; and reschedule field trip locations closer to the schools due to fuel cost and availability. Even with the changes in plans the first few days of this trip have brought joy and laughter. God’s plans have also included an amazing team to work alongside me whether I am here or in the US! I have had a lesson on how to operate generator; the proper way to not only move mattresses but how to return them; discuss the wisdom of me moving furniture on a boat in the flood zone and waking up at 5 am to send someone for fuel for the car. “Shifting the program” as one of the Burundians describes it, is a way of life here. It requires wearing our shoes of patience and being reminded I should not go barefoot! Thank you for ongoing prayers!
Susan May
Burundi Hope Project Missionary
The photos above show the progression of what the situation is currently and what the end result should look like. The first three show the water in the surrounding community of Gatumba. The house on dry land is 45 minutes away. The walkways and road ( 2nd group of photos) inside of the school compound are flooded and even the gravel truck was stuck. Prayerfully the rains will hold off for a few days.
A perfect day for a field trip! Class 8 from Kanura took 2 buses of history students to visit the historical monuments in Bujumbura. Excellent preparation by the teachers as he shared detailed explanations of the sites we visited. Students were well behaved and appreciated the opportunity. A blessing for sure!
Mattresses for Hope House, a generator complete with a cage ( we don’t want it to escape);my extended family taking care of meals for all; and beautiful flowers in the yard.
The Lord continues to bring light in the darkness! We will see how well my plans align with God’s the next few days! Thank you for prayers!
