January 28, 2010
LEAVING BURUNDI ONCE AGAIN
We are wrapping up our courses today (Wayne has two final exams), packing our suitcases, and saying “Au revoir” to our many friends here. We leave the University campus (where we have been living in a guest apartment the past month) for the Bujumbura airport on Saturday at 7 am.
Our feelings on leaving this time are quite mixed. We have felt very comfortable, in fact quite “at home” here this past month. (It actually seems like we have been here at least six months!) We could easily “stay on” indefinitely. But our air tickets tell us it is time to be on the move once again!
We do plan to return next year, the Lord willing (we definitely have to add those last words, for multiple reasons). But we have not yet decided when or for how long. I am urging Darlene to return for the fall semester: she is seriously needed and has much to contribute in developing the Nursing program, the University hospital, and the new out-patient clinic presently under construction. But Darlene does not want to travel, live and work here without me…and I do not know that I can “get away” from some of my other responsibilities in the fall and for an extended period of time. So, this is a matter for continued conversation and prayer.
We leave somewhat reluctantly, not really quite yet “eager to get home.” Of course, before we actually get home, we are spending a week in London—and we are looking forward to that.
Since I am leaving this laptop with one of the full-time faculty here that I am supporting in the pursuit of his Ph.D. degree, I may not be able to post further blogs or “do” email until I get home (since I will be without a computer while in London).
God bless, and thank you for your (continued) prayers.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
January 27, 2010
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
Our African friends really know how to celebrate! Wednesday evening (January 26), Darlene and I were invited to a party house to celebrate the graduation of one of Darlene’s Nursing students. We were the only white folk in the room, and were given seats of honor. (The young lady, Mirielle and her family told us it was an honor that “her teacher” was present at the celebration.”
It was a very relaxed affair, and lasted for several hours (we actually left before it was completely ended). More than 100 family and friends sat in white plastic chairs (which are typically used for the seats of honor) facing toward a central area where Mirielle, her parents, big brother and an aunt were seated in couch-like chairs. Drinks were served (seated on the front row, we had a small “coffee table” in front of us): some of the guests had beer, but most chose water and or orange or lemon Fanta (we had the lemon Fanta which they call Citroen).
The program, following several songs and prayers by a group of young people, consisted of numerous speeches about and directed to Mirielle. In between speeches, drinks were refilled while background music played. And then, the music would stop and another speaker would be introduced. All of the speeches were in Kirundi: all contained some moments of humor, as well as serious comments. (The Barundi become quite good at such speech-making, which is a regular part of their culture. Following every meal at which we are guests, speeches are given expressing thanks for our presence.) While we do not understand Kirundi, one Mirielle’s aunts translated for us, giving us the general sense of what was being said.
Thursday afternoon, we participated as faculty in the graduation ceremonies for 25 Medical and Nursing students and 2 Computer Science graduates. It was a 3-hour outdoor service. The temperature was ca. 90 and we were robed in academic gowns! Many dignitaries were present; two choirs presented special music, and a drum and dance group performed several spectacular numbers.
Darlene, as director of the University School of Nursing presented the Nursing students to the Rector (President). I handed them some small gifts Darlene had prepared for each graduate. These six students (four young men, and two women) were the first graduates of the Nursing program at Hope Africa University, and the first Nurses in the history of the nation of Burundi to graduate with a B.A. degree in Nursing. So it was quite an historic occasion.
Afterwards, the University hosted a reception, which was followed by a number of family and friends’ receptions for the individual students. It was a big deal for us to be included as invitees and attendees. So the entire afternoon, beginning at 12 noon, was filled with celebrations! As I say, our African friends really know how to commemorate special occasions. (A wedding, we are told, involves an entire day of ceremony and celebration!)
I got quite a surprise during the graduation ceremonies. I was seated next to Darlene in a place of honor next to a Burundian bishop (wearing the purple cleric of a bishop). After a few minutes, before the program got started, he turned to me and—in perfect English—asked, “There was a Wayne McCown at Western Evangelical Seminary: Could that have been you?” “Of course,” I answered, and then he told me his name was “Pie” (pronounced pee). Then I recognized him, a as one of our students at the seminary in Portland, Oregon (now George Fox Evangelical Seminary) where I served as a professor and dean for 12 years! He then asked me, “Do you remember Paul?” “Yes,” I replied, “he came from Burundi with you, didn’t he?” It turns out that Pie is the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Burundi, and Paul is the Chancellor of Light University (the Anglican University here in Bujumbura.) During the ceremonies, Pie called Paul on his cell phone, and told him, “I bet you can’t guess who I sitting besides!” Pie reported to me that Paul was shocked to learn that I was at Hope Africa University, and wanted to see me again. So tomorrow, we three are planning a “rendevous”!
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
Our African friends really know how to celebrate! Wednesday evening (January 26), Darlene and I were invited to a party house to celebrate the graduation of one of Darlene’s Nursing students. We were the only white folk in the room, and were given seats of honor. (The young lady, Mirielle and her family told us it was an honor that “her teacher” was present at the celebration.”
It was a very relaxed affair, and lasted for several hours (we actually left before it was completely ended). More than 100 family and friends sat in white plastic chairs (which are typically used for the seats of honor) facing toward a central area where Mirielle, her parents, big brother and an aunt were seated in couch-like chairs. Drinks were served (seated on the front row, we had a small “coffee table” in front of us): some of the guests had beer, but most chose water and or orange or lemon Fanta (we had the lemon Fanta which they call Citroen).
The program, following several songs and prayers by a group of young people, consisted of numerous speeches about and directed to Mirielle. In between speeches, drinks were refilled while background music played. And then, the music would stop and another speaker would be introduced. All of the speeches were in Kirundi: all contained some moments of humor, as well as serious comments. (The Barundi become quite good at such speech-making, which is a regular part of their culture. Following every meal at which we are guests, speeches are given expressing thanks for our presence.) While we do not understand Kirundi, one Mirielle’s aunts translated for us, giving us the general sense of what was being said.
Thursday afternoon, we participated as faculty in the graduation ceremonies for 25 Medical and Nursing students and 2 Computer Science graduates. It was a 3-hour outdoor service. The temperature was ca. 90 and we were robed in academic gowns! Many dignitaries were present; two choirs presented special music, and a drum and dance group performed several spectacular numbers.
Darlene, as director of the University School of Nursing presented the Nursing students to the Rector (President). I handed them some small gifts Darlene had prepared for each graduate. These six students (four young men, and two women) were the first graduates of the Nursing program at Hope Africa University, and the first Nurses in the history of the nation of Burundi to graduate with a B.A. degree in Nursing. So it was quite an historic occasion.
Afterwards, the University hosted a reception, which was followed by a number of family and friends’ receptions for the individual students. It was a big deal for us to be included as invitees and attendees. So the entire afternoon, beginning at 12 noon, was filled with celebrations! As I say, our African friends really know how to commemorate special occasions. (A wedding, we are told, involves an entire day of ceremony and celebration!)
I got quite a surprise during the graduation ceremonies. I was seated next to Darlene in a place of honor next to a Burundian bishop (wearing the purple cleric of a bishop). After a few minutes, before the program got started, he turned to me and—in perfect English—asked, “There was a Wayne McCown at Western Evangelical Seminary: Could that have been you?” “Of course,” I answered, and then he told me his name was “Pie” (pronounced pee). Then I recognized him, a as one of our students at the seminary in Portland, Oregon (now George Fox Evangelical Seminary) where I served as a professor and dean for 12 years! He then asked me, “Do you remember Paul?” “Yes,” I replied, “he came from Burundi with you, didn’t he?” It turns out that Pie is the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Burundi, and Paul is the Chancellor of Light University (the Anglican University here in Bujumbura.) During the ceremonies, Pie called Paul on his cell phone, and told him, “I bet you can’t guess who I sitting besides!” Pie reported to me that Paul was shocked to learn that I was at Hope Africa University, and wanted to see me again. So tomorrow, we three are planning a “rendevous”!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
MEET FLORENCE
MEET FLORENCE
One of my (Wayne’s) students is a Nurse. Florence works at the local brewery, where she is the head nurse. The brewery, which bottles soft drinks as well as beer, is one of the most successful businesses in town (it is owned and managed by a Dutch firm). Last week, Florence took Darlene to her clinic. She oversees the health care of more than 2000 patients, including 91 HIV-positive employees. The company provides free health care to its employees and also their families.
Florence recently (in December) graduated from HAU with a BA in Theology; now she is enrolled in the MA in Theological Studies program. Today (Sunday) she served as the preacher in the English-French service at the Free Methodist Church adjacent to the University campus. She preached a good sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. We especially appreciated the fact that her diction was so clear that we were able to understand much of it in French.
Florence is a widow. Raised as a devout Roman Catholic, after her husband’s death she entered into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ through the FM Church. Florence has two daughters, aged 24 and 25, who are pursing graduate studies outside the country, one in France and the other in Morocco. One is in Medicine, and the other in Business Administration.
One of my (Wayne’s) students is a Nurse. Florence works at the local brewery, where she is the head nurse. The brewery, which bottles soft drinks as well as beer, is one of the most successful businesses in town (it is owned and managed by a Dutch firm). Last week, Florence took Darlene to her clinic. She oversees the health care of more than 2000 patients, including 91 HIV-positive employees. The company provides free health care to its employees and also their families.
Florence recently (in December) graduated from HAU with a BA in Theology; now she is enrolled in the MA in Theological Studies program. Today (Sunday) she served as the preacher in the English-French service at the Free Methodist Church adjacent to the University campus. She preached a good sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. We especially appreciated the fact that her diction was so clear that we were able to understand much of it in French.
Florence is a widow. Raised as a devout Roman Catholic, after her husband’s death she entered into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ through the FM Church. Florence has two daughters, aged 24 and 25, who are pursing graduate studies outside the country, one in France and the other in Morocco. One is in Medicine, and the other in Business Administration.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
Posting blogs has been complicated by (1) limited access to the Internet; and (2) very busy work schedules.
In addition to the other activities of last weekend (see blog for January 15), we had dinner in the home of one the medical doctors here. It was a very interesting evening. He phoned Saturday afternoon to tell us he would pick us up between 5 and 6 pm. He arrived (per the typical African clock) at 6:30 pm. Upon arriving at his home at 7 pm, we were served drinks (Coca and Fanta). The meal was served at 10:30 pm! By then, we were very hungry, but it was the wait. We had Mukeke fish from Lake Tanganika, as well as home-made “French fried” style potatoes, rice, peas, gravy and salads.
On Sunday, after church we were invited home by the Vibberts for dinner (we had pizza and green salad: more American-style). They then took us to the home of one HAU’s professors for an afternoon visit, where we were served a full (and the typical) Burundian dinner of “French fried” style potatoes, rice, gravy, peas, and salad, with chicken.
In addition to our busy teaching schedules, both Darlene and I have had a number of other meetings and conferences this week with various administrators and faculty on campus. Tonight Darlene is visiting a (large) clinic in the local brewery (which bottles pop as well beer), where one of my students is the head nurse.
Today was the mid-point in our 3-week courses of study. It seems like we have already been here at least 3 months! But we are conscious that out time in Africa is now winding down.
We are well, and enjoying our time here. Thanks for your prayers.
Posting blogs has been complicated by (1) limited access to the Internet; and (2) very busy work schedules.
In addition to the other activities of last weekend (see blog for January 15), we had dinner in the home of one the medical doctors here. It was a very interesting evening. He phoned Saturday afternoon to tell us he would pick us up between 5 and 6 pm. He arrived (per the typical African clock) at 6:30 pm. Upon arriving at his home at 7 pm, we were served drinks (Coca and Fanta). The meal was served at 10:30 pm! By then, we were very hungry, but it was the wait. We had Mukeke fish from Lake Tanganika, as well as home-made “French fried” style potatoes, rice, peas, gravy and salads.
On Sunday, after church we were invited home by the Vibberts for dinner (we had pizza and green salad: more American-style). They then took us to the home of one HAU’s professors for an afternoon visit, where we were served a full (and the typical) Burundian dinner of “French fried” style potatoes, rice, gravy, peas, and salad, with chicken.
In addition to our busy teaching schedules, both Darlene and I have had a number of other meetings and conferences this week with various administrators and faculty on campus. Tonight Darlene is visiting a (large) clinic in the local brewery (which bottles pop as well beer), where one of my students is the head nurse.
Today was the mid-point in our 3-week courses of study. It seems like we have already been here at least 3 months! But we are conscious that out time in Africa is now winding down.
We are well, and enjoying our time here. Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
WORKING TOO HARD
WORKING TOO HARD
We have been working much too hard. In fact, having come to end of the first week of classes, I am not feeling very well. It may be due to a “bug” or something I ate, but it may be due to the fact that I extended myself too far yesterday. Darlene and I are both teaching morning and afternoon classes, totaling 6 or more hours per day. I end up standing on my feet (the floor is concrete), writing on the blackboard the entire time. Darlene is on her feet (on a concrete floor) as well, lecturing and then supervising students in the Medical Skills Lab. Since most of the students are Francophone, a lot of extra energy is put into communicating with them (thus the extensive use of the blackboard).
But our courses are going well, and we are enjoying the students. Both of us deliver a lot of content in our courses, and the students are very appreciative.
The weekend ahead will give us a chance to get some rest. Tonight (Friday nights), the VISA missionaries all go out to a restaurant for dinner together. (I may not be able to go: it depends on how I am feeling at 7 pm.) Tomorrow, one of the resident couples (Wayne and Barb Vibbert) are taking those who wish “to market.” On Sunday morning, I am preaching at the early (8-9:30 am) English-French service. (I have begged out of preaching at the Kirundi-Swahili, 9:30-12:30 or 1:00!)
So we are looking forward to an interesting weekend!
We have been working much too hard. In fact, having come to end of the first week of classes, I am not feeling very well. It may be due to a “bug” or something I ate, but it may be due to the fact that I extended myself too far yesterday. Darlene and I are both teaching morning and afternoon classes, totaling 6 or more hours per day. I end up standing on my feet (the floor is concrete), writing on the blackboard the entire time. Darlene is on her feet (on a concrete floor) as well, lecturing and then supervising students in the Medical Skills Lab. Since most of the students are Francophone, a lot of extra energy is put into communicating with them (thus the extensive use of the blackboard).
But our courses are going well, and we are enjoying the students. Both of us deliver a lot of content in our courses, and the students are very appreciative.
The weekend ahead will give us a chance to get some rest. Tonight (Friday nights), the VISA missionaries all go out to a restaurant for dinner together. (I may not be able to go: it depends on how I am feeling at 7 pm.) Tomorrow, one of the resident couples (Wayne and Barb Vibbert) are taking those who wish “to market.” On Sunday morning, I am preaching at the early (8-9:30 am) English-French service. (I have begged out of preaching at the Kirundi-Swahili, 9:30-12:30 or 1:00!)
So we are looking forward to an interesting weekend!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
WHOSE WHO?
January 13, 2010
WHOSE WHO?
Darlene has 32 students in her Nursing course. That is too many students for the hands-on practice she supervises in the Medical Skills Lab. So she has recruited the assistance of one of her former students, who completed the course last year with a very high “mark” (grade).
On Tuesday, this young man proved very helpful…translating and offering explanations in French where needed, and helping the students in the lab. Darlene thought the teaching assistant she had recruited was Benaste. (Benaste is a Nursing student in whom she has a strong interest and whose tuition she has paid.)
On Wednesday, after calling her assistant “Benaste” several times, he turned to her and said, “My name is Eric.” (Eric is another of Darlene’s former students, who graduated in December at the top of the Nursing class.)
At this point, Darlene does not know, Whose who? She does not which of these fine young men is Benaste and which is Eric!
WHOSE WHO?
Darlene has 32 students in her Nursing course. That is too many students for the hands-on practice she supervises in the Medical Skills Lab. So she has recruited the assistance of one of her former students, who completed the course last year with a very high “mark” (grade).
On Tuesday, this young man proved very helpful…translating and offering explanations in French where needed, and helping the students in the lab. Darlene thought the teaching assistant she had recruited was Benaste. (Benaste is a Nursing student in whom she has a strong interest and whose tuition she has paid.)
On Wednesday, after calling her assistant “Benaste” several times, he turned to her and said, “My name is Eric.” (Eric is another of Darlene’s former students, who graduated in December at the top of the Nursing class.)
At this point, Darlene does not know, Whose who? She does not which of these fine young men is Benaste and which is Eric!
Monday, January 11, 2010
GETTING OUR COURSES UNDERWAY
GETTING OUR COURSES UNDERWAY
Today, we successfully got our courses underway. Darlene had 28 students. I had 7 students in my morning course, NT Theology. Both of us may have a few more tomorrow.
I met with the Rector, and got approval to offer for my second course, one needed by the advanced students in the MA program who have already completed the four courses I previously taught here. So this afternoon I wrote a syllabus (and other materials) for a course in Pastoral Theology. That course will begin tomorrow afternoon.
I do not have time to write much this evening, as I still must prepare my lectures for both courses tomorrow.
Thanks for your prayers.
Today, we successfully got our courses underway. Darlene had 28 students. I had 7 students in my morning course, NT Theology. Both of us may have a few more tomorrow.
I met with the Rector, and got approval to offer for my second course, one needed by the advanced students in the MA program who have already completed the four courses I previously taught here. So this afternoon I wrote a syllabus (and other materials) for a course in Pastoral Theology. That course will begin tomorrow afternoon.
I do not have time to write much this evening, as I still must prepare my lectures for both courses tomorrow.
Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, January 8, 2010
MAKING COURSE ARRANGEMENTS
MAKING COURSE ARRANGEMENTS
The three of us expended a great deal of time and energy today making course arrangements.
Working through the Registrar, Barb made arrangements to teach 55 students in her morning lecture sessions, and break them into two sections for afternoon lab sessions in the “projection room.” However, the Registrar laid out a strange (to us) scheduling plan for Barb’s course: the class would meet 4 hours each morning during the first two weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (but not Wednesdays); in the third week, it would meet 2 hours on Monday and return for a 3-hour exam on Friday. Fortunately, Barb has freedom to rearrange this schedule (which she plans to do!), as long as she meets for 45 hours. Problem resolved!
Darlene’s situation was more difficult to resolve. When I met with the Registrar this morning, I represented all three of us. But when I reported to Darlene, she was quite distraught. For two of the three weeks in the January interterm, the Nursing students were scheduled to take another course (Biophysics) in the mornings. Darlene was being granted for her course only 2 hours 40 minutes in the afternoons (and full days the third week). In her (expert) judgment, it was not possible to do the course justice in that format. So she went and met with the Registrar personally and presented her case. She argued that the students could not do two courses simultaneously. Following a phone call to the Interim Director of the School of Health Sciences, HAU agreed to cancel the Biophysics course. So Darlene got a clear slate, to schedule her lectures to the full group of 35 students in the early morning, to be followed by two lab sections in the later morning and early afternoon. One more problem resolved!
My situation was both less and more complicated. I had agreed, and came prepared to teach, two courses: NT Theology, and Wesleyan Theology. However, during this past week, I had occasion to meet and greet a half dozen of my former students. They had already taken these two courses from me, and asked what I had to offer them. On another front, when I met with the Registrar this morning, I confirmed my suspicion that the same students would be enrolled in both of the courses I was assigned to teach, thereby taking two courses in three weeks, which would represent a violation of academic standards and compromise both courses. I proposed and offered instead—even though it would be more work for me—that I teach one of these two courses to the “new” cohort in the MA in Theological Studies program, and that I teach as my second course, one of the two needed by the “old” students in the program. The Registrar (rightly) referred me to the Provost for approval of this proposal. However, it required three trips to his office during the course of the day, before I got in to see him. He welcomed my offer, but referred me to the Rector! So I am meeting with Bishop Elie tomorrow (Saturday): I expect he will agree with my proposal…which means that I will be hard at work again, as last year, preparing a course I have never taught in my life previously, and for which I came totally unprepared! Problem still pending!
These situations require a lot of grace. Fortunately, at the end of the day, we are all in a pretty good mood. Tonight (Friday), per custom, we are going out to eat with all of the missionaries at HAU. Tim & Pat Kirkpatrick and Fred & Valerie Trexler arrived late Wednesday, and so there are 12 of us here now. (Fred and Valerie are both teaching courses, and Tim and Fred are working on the Voice of Hope Radio station.)
The three of us expended a great deal of time and energy today making course arrangements.
Working through the Registrar, Barb made arrangements to teach 55 students in her morning lecture sessions, and break them into two sections for afternoon lab sessions in the “projection room.” However, the Registrar laid out a strange (to us) scheduling plan for Barb’s course: the class would meet 4 hours each morning during the first two weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (but not Wednesdays); in the third week, it would meet 2 hours on Monday and return for a 3-hour exam on Friday. Fortunately, Barb has freedom to rearrange this schedule (which she plans to do!), as long as she meets for 45 hours. Problem resolved!
Darlene’s situation was more difficult to resolve. When I met with the Registrar this morning, I represented all three of us. But when I reported to Darlene, she was quite distraught. For two of the three weeks in the January interterm, the Nursing students were scheduled to take another course (Biophysics) in the mornings. Darlene was being granted for her course only 2 hours 40 minutes in the afternoons (and full days the third week). In her (expert) judgment, it was not possible to do the course justice in that format. So she went and met with the Registrar personally and presented her case. She argued that the students could not do two courses simultaneously. Following a phone call to the Interim Director of the School of Health Sciences, HAU agreed to cancel the Biophysics course. So Darlene got a clear slate, to schedule her lectures to the full group of 35 students in the early morning, to be followed by two lab sections in the later morning and early afternoon. One more problem resolved!
My situation was both less and more complicated. I had agreed, and came prepared to teach, two courses: NT Theology, and Wesleyan Theology. However, during this past week, I had occasion to meet and greet a half dozen of my former students. They had already taken these two courses from me, and asked what I had to offer them. On another front, when I met with the Registrar this morning, I confirmed my suspicion that the same students would be enrolled in both of the courses I was assigned to teach, thereby taking two courses in three weeks, which would represent a violation of academic standards and compromise both courses. I proposed and offered instead—even though it would be more work for me—that I teach one of these two courses to the “new” cohort in the MA in Theological Studies program, and that I teach as my second course, one of the two needed by the “old” students in the program. The Registrar (rightly) referred me to the Provost for approval of this proposal. However, it required three trips to his office during the course of the day, before I got in to see him. He welcomed my offer, but referred me to the Rector! So I am meeting with Bishop Elie tomorrow (Saturday): I expect he will agree with my proposal…which means that I will be hard at work again, as last year, preparing a course I have never taught in my life previously, and for which I came totally unprepared! Problem still pending!
These situations require a lot of grace. Fortunately, at the end of the day, we are all in a pretty good mood. Tonight (Friday), per custom, we are going out to eat with all of the missionaries at HAU. Tim & Pat Kirkpatrick and Fred & Valerie Trexler arrived late Wednesday, and so there are 12 of us here now. (Fred and Valerie are both teaching courses, and Tim and Fred are working on the Voice of Hope Radio station.)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
NOISES AND SMELLS, NIGHT AND DAY
NOISES AND SMELLS, NIGHT AND DAY
The generator has just come on again: it is 4 pm; it will run until 9 pm. The noise is overwhelming: at first we could hardly tolerate it; now that we are more used to it, it is only deafening. It is run in the morning as well, 6-9 am. We can escape the noise to a significant degree by retreating to the back of our apartment. We brought in two plastic outdoor chairs and put them in the study, so we have a place to sit and read. We then close the hallway door to the front of the apartment, hiding behind it as a sound barrier.
At night, because it is quite hot (high 70s to mid 80s), we sleep with the windows open. The dominant sound is that of croaking frogs. Darlene swears that they must be HUGE: there voices certainly are. And then, there is the rain! Three of the five nights that we have been here thus far, there has been a torrential downpour in the middle of the night. (When I say torrential, I mean TORRENTIAL!) The rain makes a nice sound, really, but it is very loud.
On the softer side, typically we are wakened at daylight by the sound of singing sparrows. The sit in the open concrete blocks along the top of the walls in our apartment, and lift their voices in praise to God each morning at dawn. Theirs is a pleasant sound.
Darlene just commented, “They must have started the garbage fire.” There also are smells here that we do not normally experience at home. The burn pile for kitchen refuse, papers, etc. is located at the rear of our apartment. They set it on fire at least once, sometimes twice, per day. We then have to close certain windows, to shut down on the amount of smoke rolling into our apartment. The smell is not bad, usually, but the smoke is irritating.
C’est la vie!
The generator has just come on again: it is 4 pm; it will run until 9 pm. The noise is overwhelming: at first we could hardly tolerate it; now that we are more used to it, it is only deafening. It is run in the morning as well, 6-9 am. We can escape the noise to a significant degree by retreating to the back of our apartment. We brought in two plastic outdoor chairs and put them in the study, so we have a place to sit and read. We then close the hallway door to the front of the apartment, hiding behind it as a sound barrier.
At night, because it is quite hot (high 70s to mid 80s), we sleep with the windows open. The dominant sound is that of croaking frogs. Darlene swears that they must be HUGE: there voices certainly are. And then, there is the rain! Three of the five nights that we have been here thus far, there has been a torrential downpour in the middle of the night. (When I say torrential, I mean TORRENTIAL!) The rain makes a nice sound, really, but it is very loud.
On the softer side, typically we are wakened at daylight by the sound of singing sparrows. The sit in the open concrete blocks along the top of the walls in our apartment, and lift their voices in praise to God each morning at dawn. Theirs is a pleasant sound.
Darlene just commented, “They must have started the garbage fire.” There also are smells here that we do not normally experience at home. The burn pile for kitchen refuse, papers, etc. is located at the rear of our apartment. They set it on fire at least once, sometimes twice, per day. We then have to close certain windows, to shut down on the amount of smoke rolling into our apartment. The smell is not bad, usually, but the smoke is irritating.
C’est la vie!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A VISIT TO HAU HOSPITAL
A VISIT TO HAU HOSPITAL
We have just returned from our visit to Kibuye. We were impressed with the upgrades which have been accomplished there since our visit last year. Two new doctors have been hired, and the hospital and clinics were overflowing with patients.
On Darlene’s suggestion, HAU has built a dormitory for Medical and Nursing students doing there field practice at Kibuye as “the “University Hospital.” Last year, I took a photo of Darlene standing on the foundations. Today, I took a photo of her in front of the finished building. It is beautifully constructed.
The trip from the main campus in Bujumbura is 125 km, and takes ca. 3 hours. Kibuye is located “upcountry” in the mountains at ca. 6000’ elevation. The countryside is beautiful: the mountainsides are covered with plantings of coffee, tea, eucalyptus, corn, palms, and bananas.
So it was a pleasant day, and an especially important one for Darlene. She was given a tour of all the hospital wards and clinics, and spoke at length with the doctors (all three came to meet with her). Bishop Elie is very eager to have her return next fall and for a more extended time to help develop curriculum and train faculty for the Nursing program, set up the out-patient clinic (currently under construction adjacent to the main campus), and coordinate the education and training of the Medical and Nursing students.
So we will see!
We have just returned from our visit to Kibuye. We were impressed with the upgrades which have been accomplished there since our visit last year. Two new doctors have been hired, and the hospital and clinics were overflowing with patients.
On Darlene’s suggestion, HAU has built a dormitory for Medical and Nursing students doing there field practice at Kibuye as “the “University Hospital.” Last year, I took a photo of Darlene standing on the foundations. Today, I took a photo of her in front of the finished building. It is beautifully constructed.
The trip from the main campus in Bujumbura is 125 km, and takes ca. 3 hours. Kibuye is located “upcountry” in the mountains at ca. 6000’ elevation. The countryside is beautiful: the mountainsides are covered with plantings of coffee, tea, eucalyptus, corn, palms, and bananas.
So it was a pleasant day, and an especially important one for Darlene. She was given a tour of all the hospital wards and clinics, and spoke at length with the doctors (all three came to meet with her). Bishop Elie is very eager to have her return next fall and for a more extended time to help develop curriculum and train faculty for the Nursing program, set up the out-patient clinic (currently under construction adjacent to the main campus), and coordinate the education and training of the Medical and Nursing students.
So we will see!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A NEW YEAR, A NEW PLACE
Our travel to Burundi went smoothly: we had no hassles getting checked through; the planes were on time; all of our luggage arrived intact. But it was a long ordeal: we were 42 hours in transit. So, since our arrival on Saturday afternoon, among other things we have been catching up on sleep and trying to get adjusted to the new zone.
Sunday morning we worshipped at the Free Methodist Church located next to the campus. Bishop Elie Buconyori preached (in Kirundi) a powerful sermon on the text: “You must be born again.” Thirteen persons responded to the altar invitation, and I (Wayne) was privileged to join with the other ministers in prayer for them. Sunday afternoon, after a long nap, we had a delightful visit with our long-time friends, Randy and Alice Mathewson, who are serving as VISA missionaries to the Congo.
Monday, we met for an hour with Bishop Elie, who serves as the Rector (President) of Hope Africa University. Mid-afternoon, we went shopping and bought a basic supply of groceries: cooking oil, flour, rice, pasta, dried milk, etc. (Today, our assigned staff help is out shopping in the local market for fruits and vegetables: she just returned with three plastic bags of mangos, papayas, tomatoes, a pineapple, a large cucumber, potatoes, and green beans!) Monday evening we enjoyed an extended dinner with three other “missionary couples”: Randy and Alice Mathewson (who are visiting form the Congo), Bob and Laurie Hughes, Wayne and Barb Vibbert (two VISA missionary couples in residence at HAU).
During the past three days we also have been engaged in getting “set up” in other ways. Barb Rose brought a printer, but it required a little repair. She also bought a broadband card for connection to the Internet, but that did not work quite properly. While Darlene and I have a room for study in our guest apartment, the light is not working properly. One by one, we are getting these problems solved, and getting ourselves “set up” in this new place.
This morning (Tuesday), Barb has been tracking down a projector and trying to get a room assignment where she can set up and use modern technological tools in her class. She wants to use her laptop, connect to the Internet, and project on to a screen. While this would be easy (and has become somewhat commonplace) in the US, here every piece of the puzzle requires considerable time, effort, patience (and sometimes expertise) to get in place. Darlene has been reviewing and assessing the status of her Skills Lab, and then she met with about half her students (who are eager to get started with their studies, although classes do not begin until next Monday morning.) She is challenged by the fact that 35 students want to take her course, but she has space and equipment for only 20 in the Skills Lab. Both of them will be doing further work on those agendas this afternoon.
Me--I am the one who, presently, has it comparatively easy. (Beginning Monday that will change, as I will be teaching two courses: 8-12 am, and 1-5 pm!) This morning I read a student dissertation (required for the BA degree at HAU). This afternoon, I have to catch up on my email.
Tomorrow (Wednesday), we are being taken by Bishop Elie “upcountry” to the Kibuye Hospital, which is being upgraded to serve as the “University Hospital” for the Medical and Nursing students at HAU. This is an important visit for Darlene; Barb and I are simply tagging along on “safari.”
We wish you all a Happy New Year. Thanks for your prayers.
Our travel to Burundi went smoothly: we had no hassles getting checked through; the planes were on time; all of our luggage arrived intact. But it was a long ordeal: we were 42 hours in transit. So, since our arrival on Saturday afternoon, among other things we have been catching up on sleep and trying to get adjusted to the new zone.
Sunday morning we worshipped at the Free Methodist Church located next to the campus. Bishop Elie Buconyori preached (in Kirundi) a powerful sermon on the text: “You must be born again.” Thirteen persons responded to the altar invitation, and I (Wayne) was privileged to join with the other ministers in prayer for them. Sunday afternoon, after a long nap, we had a delightful visit with our long-time friends, Randy and Alice Mathewson, who are serving as VISA missionaries to the Congo.
Monday, we met for an hour with Bishop Elie, who serves as the Rector (President) of Hope Africa University. Mid-afternoon, we went shopping and bought a basic supply of groceries: cooking oil, flour, rice, pasta, dried milk, etc. (Today, our assigned staff help is out shopping in the local market for fruits and vegetables: she just returned with three plastic bags of mangos, papayas, tomatoes, a pineapple, a large cucumber, potatoes, and green beans!) Monday evening we enjoyed an extended dinner with three other “missionary couples”: Randy and Alice Mathewson (who are visiting form the Congo), Bob and Laurie Hughes, Wayne and Barb Vibbert (two VISA missionary couples in residence at HAU).
During the past three days we also have been engaged in getting “set up” in other ways. Barb Rose brought a printer, but it required a little repair. She also bought a broadband card for connection to the Internet, but that did not work quite properly. While Darlene and I have a room for study in our guest apartment, the light is not working properly. One by one, we are getting these problems solved, and getting ourselves “set up” in this new place.
This morning (Tuesday), Barb has been tracking down a projector and trying to get a room assignment where she can set up and use modern technological tools in her class. She wants to use her laptop, connect to the Internet, and project on to a screen. While this would be easy (and has become somewhat commonplace) in the US, here every piece of the puzzle requires considerable time, effort, patience (and sometimes expertise) to get in place. Darlene has been reviewing and assessing the status of her Skills Lab, and then she met with about half her students (who are eager to get started with their studies, although classes do not begin until next Monday morning.) She is challenged by the fact that 35 students want to take her course, but she has space and equipment for only 20 in the Skills Lab. Both of them will be doing further work on those agendas this afternoon.
Me--I am the one who, presently, has it comparatively easy. (Beginning Monday that will change, as I will be teaching two courses: 8-12 am, and 1-5 pm!) This morning I read a student dissertation (required for the BA degree at HAU). This afternoon, I have to catch up on my email.
Tomorrow (Wednesday), we are being taken by Bishop Elie “upcountry” to the Kibuye Hospital, which is being upgraded to serve as the “University Hospital” for the Medical and Nursing students at HAU. This is an important visit for Darlene; Barb and I are simply tagging along on “safari.”
We wish you all a Happy New Year. Thanks for your prayers.
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